To the Clergy, Women Religious, Lay Faithful and all Friends and supporters of the Eparchy of New Westminster, Canada
Христос Воскрес! Christ is Risen!
First Seeds Planted and Cultivated
Although some historic research suggests that Ukrainians may have made their way to British Columbia to take advantage of the gold rush of the 1870s, the Ukrainian Catholic presence in the territory of today’s Eparchy of New Westminster can definitely be documented back to when Basilian missionaries made contact with Ukrainian immigrants in 1904.
The Ukrainian Basilian Fathers who had only started establishing themselves in central Canada and Alberta, managed to send a missionary, Father Anton Strotsky, to British Columbia in 1904 to connect with members of the Ukrainian Community who were already working in the mines and operating their own orchards.
Besides Fr. Strotsky, our Eparchy is grateful to the Basilian Fathers who contributed so much to the growth of the Ukrainian Catholic presence in British Columbia for some 120 years now. They especially developed the parish of St. Mary’s in Vancouver, but they also engaged in mission activity throughout the lower mainland and other parts of the
territory. Of course, the first two bishops of the Eparchy – Bishop Jerome Chimy and Bishop Severian Yakymyshyn – were chosen from the Order of Saint Basil the Great. Aside from monastic missionaries many dedicated secular priests – Canadian-born and
from abroad – also devoted themselves to serving God’s People wherever they settled throughout the territory of the Eparchy – long before and ever sense it was established. Names of ‘Fathers’ like Bilyk, Galarnyk, Hanushevsky, Olsen, Sabara and the Studite Stek, are only a few of dozens and dozens of dedicate priests who are fondly remembered by people whose lives they touched.
We want to acknowledge the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate who were already visiting British Columbia from the 1920s, teaching Catechism and Religion classes around the province. They especially became involved with the new Eparchy right from the very beginning – working with youth and various organizations like UCWLC and the UCBC. They facilitated missions and enhancing the life of parishes. To this day, the Sisters participate in parish events, lead liturgical services, maintain reception at the Chancery Offices and serve as members of Eparchial councils.
The Eparchy was blessed by visits of several illustrious Church leaders over the years. Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, making his way across Canada in 1910 to learn of the pastoral needs of the Ukrainian settlements, visited Vancouver hoping to organize some Church activity. Bishop and Martyr Blessed Nytkyta Budka visited in 1925 when he consecrated the new church in Grindrod. The hero and confessor who survived 18 years in the Soviet Gulag, Patriarch Josepf Slipyj visited in 1968. We may mention the 1984 Visit of Pope Saint John Paul II. He did not visit the Ukrainian community in this part of Canada per se, but he acknowledged their generous participation, “I am likewise deeply grateful for all who have made great efforts to come from […] the Eparchy of New Westminster under the leadership of Bishop Chimy”. Soon after his assuming the leadership of the UGCC, the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Cardinal Myroslav Ivan Lubachivsky came in 1986. Following a meeting of the Permanent Synod in Edmonton in 2008, the then head of our Church, Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, visited the Eparchy of New Westminster. His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk visited in 2012 as Canada celebrated the 100th anniversary of the appointment of the abovementioned Blessed Nykyta as the first Ukrainian Catholic Bishop to Canada. At that time, he blessed the Bishop Jerome Eparchial Centre, which had been newly renovated by Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski. Speaking of Church leaders, our eparchy has also provided a few. Among them are Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak of Winnipeg and Bishop Paul Chomnycky of Stamford, who were born grew up within our Eparchy.
Of course, many of our parishes preceded the establishment of the Eparchy of New Westminster in 1974. They will be mentioned in other Jubilee material, but we certainly can mention those that were established as parishes early on in the early 1900s. Some soon even had their first churches built. St. Anne at Mount Cartier and Sts Peter and Paul in Grindrod were the first churches built in 1922 and 1924 respectively. St Mary’s in Vancouver served by the Fathers of the Basilian community has grown from its early missionary pastoral activity into an inspiring campus of facilities and residences as well as the large modern church rom 1982. St. Nicholas in Coldstream and St. Josaphat in Vernon are among the many parishes that were formed in the first half of the 20th Century and are still functioning today. Many other parishes soon blossomed immediately after the Second World War. Ukrainians in centres like Victoria, Kamloops and New Westminster, among others, soon organized themselves, requested priests to provide pastoral care and quickly grew into the active parishes that they are today.
A number of our parishes faded away into the costal mists over the years. Names like Revelstoke, Port Alberni and the Kootenays, among several more, were established mission points back in the day. On the other hand, however, with the influx of newcomers from Ukraine over the past couple of years, new, hopeful centres of pastoral activity are appearing on the map. The Comox Valley, Maple Ridge, Abbottsford, among others, are now places of pastoral outreach. The potential of cities like Chilliwack, where pastoral activity had to be abandoned at some point, are now being explored for revival once again.
The Establishment of Our Eparchy
After having been petitioned by the Ukrainian Catholic Church and after consulting the Catholic Church in Canada and seeing that the pastoral needs were obvious and that the time had truly come, Pope Saint Paul VI canonically established the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster on 27 June 1974. It was a vast territory that included the Province of British Columbia, the Yukon Territory and a western portion of the Northwest Territories. The Eparchy of Edmonton ceded the pastoral care of this region to the new Bishop of the new Eparchy – Bishop Jerome Chimy, OSBM, who was consecrated and enthroned on 5 September 1974 at the newly designated Cathedral of the Holy Eucharist in New Westminster.
I am the 4th Bishop of the Eparchy of New Westminster, yet actually the fifth bishop in as many decades to serve the good faithful of this area. We are also grateful to our interim Apostolic Administrator in the person of Bishop David Motiuk, who guided us for almost four years. In the relatively short while that I have been here since my being proposed by our Synod of Bishops and my formal appointment by Pope Francis in August of last year, I have come to know the dedicated clergy and religious that serve this Eparchy. The faithful laypersons that have made the Eparchy their home bring their hope and enthusiasm to the parishes and missions scattered around the cities and towns of the lush costal area and the majestic mountains. God willing, we will soon be able to offer pastoral services to those who have settled in the northernmost regions of the Eparchy in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. I am blessed with the honour of overseeing the celebration of our Golden Jubilee celebrations. This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us together – the faithful, the clergy and the friends of our Eparchy – to refresh ourselves in this Jubilee oasis by reflecting on our past and assessing where we now find ourselves. Then, let us take up the challenge of continuing the spiritual pilgrimage into the next 50 years of living and growing in our faith and, by the grace and love of God, sharing it with whomever we can.
Our Celebrations
This year, 2024, the Eparchy would like to have many local celebrations of our Jubilee on the parish level so that all of our parishioners and visitors may participate in the commemorations and spiritual benefits. We encourage each parish and mission to consider creating a Jubilee event that would include a Eucharistic Liturgy and some repast, but also an educational, spiritual program that would empower the community to look forward to the coming years of activity.
1. In fact, as our Eparchy was actually founded 50 years ago on June 27th, the Jubilee Committee wants to encourage all our Parishes to hold their local Jubilee celebration on the Sunday prior to that date (since we are all meeting at our Grindrod Parish the following weekend on the 29th). Therefore, unless parishes are planning something for later in the year, it is suggested that they hold their local parish Eparchial Jubilee Celebration on Sunday 23 June 2024.
2. Presently there are two major events planned on the all-eparchial level. This includes the first Annual Eparchial Pilgrimage which will take place this year at our Parish in Grindrod on the weekend of Saturday 29 June 2024 coinciding with their parish feast of Saints Peter and Paul as the parish also celebrates its centenary this year! Among the various activities on that weekend, the unveiling of the Marian Icon of our Eparchy will take place. The new icon of the Mother of God is presently being written and will be blessed at Grindrod.
3, The second major Jubilee event will be a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Saturday the 28 September 2024 at our beautiful Cathedral of the Holy Eucharist in New Westminster led by bishops from around Canada and to which all the faithful of our Eparchy are invited. The celebration will include a meal and various presentations. The days leading up to this key commemoration will include seminars, family festivities and celebrations in the Metro Vancouver area.
Please share your thoughts and ideas with your local parish and with the Jubilee Committee via jubilee@nweparchy.ca or write to Jubilee Committee, 502 Fifth Ave. New Westminster, BC, V3L 1S2 or through your parish priest.
May our Lord continue to richly bless our Eparchy as He has over the last half century. May the Lord inspire us during our Jubilee year to wisely and boldly plan for the journey forward with Him, His Blessed Mother and all the patron Saints of our Eparchy!
«Мир вам!» … подай сюди твій палець і глянь на мої руки. І руку твою простягни і вклади її у бік мій. Та й не будь невіруючий, – а віруючий!»(Іван 20:26-28)
Улюблені у Христі!
Серед радості Воскресіння євангеліст Іван представляє нам зустріч апостола Томи з Воскреслим Господом (Ів. 21:24-29). Тома не міг прийняти добру новину від інших учнів, які сказали йому, що бачили Господа. Тома був свідком трагічних подій останніх кількох днів в Єрусалимі, які закінчилася смертю Ісуса на хресті. Чи хтось міг чекати кращого завершення останніх днів Ісуса? Якщо Ісус не міг врятуватися сам, як його послідовники могли сподіватися, що він принесе їм спасіння?
Як ми розпочинаємо святкувати Воскресіння Христове, багатьом буде важко відчути радість у цей святковий день, ба навіть запитуючи – де спасіння для цього світу, в якому ми сьогодні живемо? Минулого лютого ми відзначали трагічну річницю війни в Україні. Скільки наших братів і сестер покинули свої домівки, відірвали свої життя з корінням і трагічно загинули через жорстокість неспровокованої війни? Після початкових обіцянок допомоги, схоже, Україні доведеться захищатися самій без рівних шансів. На тлі війни в Україні, Газі та в інших країнах світу буде важко співати з радістю: «Нехай воскресне Бог, і нехай розпорошаться вороги Його, і нехай ті, хто ненавидить Його, втікають від лиця Його» (див. Пасхальна Утреня).
Хоча Канада не перебуває у стані війни з будь-якою іншою державою чи політичною силою, ми бачимо, як у нашому парламенті, у наших лікарнях і будинках для людей похилого віку точаться битви за захист життя від зачаття до природної смерті. Схоже, що через аборти та євтаназію докладається більше зусиль, щоб покінчити з життям, а ніж підтримати та плекати його, особливо в найбільш уразливих станах. На зміну культурі життя ми стикаємося з культурою смерті. Як важко буде співати: «Христос воскрес із гробу, як і передрік, дарував нам життя вічне і милість безмірну». (див. Пасхальна Утреня)
Святкування Великодня традиційно відбувається в наших церквах, а потім продовжується в наших домівках. А як ми святкуємо вдома з нашими родинами, коли ми бачимо, що соціальна підтримка родини слабшає? Для багатьох буде мало святкової радості, якщо не буде роботи для забезпечення нормального проживання, і замалий дохід для оплати комунальних і медичних рахунків та придбати продукти. Крім того, зростає кількість людей, які не мають домівок і змушені жити на вулиці. Важко буде молитися під час освячення наших великодніх кошиків: «Ти бо наша правдива пожива і Податель усіх благ, який Сам благословляєш і освячуєш…». (див. Благословення пасхальної їжі )
Отже, як апостол Тома вирішив свою дилему віри? Що спонукало його сповідувати свою віру в Господа Ісуса? Томі дається можливість одночасно зустрітися з одним і тим самим Ісусом, – розіп’ятим, і Той, Хто воскрес із гробу. Іншими словами, воскреслий Ісус – це той самий Ісус, який постраждав на хресті. Дозволяючи Томі торкнутися його ран, Ісус показує йому, що страждання та воскресіння пов’язані між собою. Воскресіння не усуває всі страждання, а воно надає сенсу стражданням і робить їх терпимими навіть у найгірші часи. А отже, у нас є надія!
Улюблені у Христі!
Наша радість у воскреслому Христі – це не радість, яка позбавляє від бід і болю цього життя. Навпаки, Ісус постраждав, помер і воскрес із мертвих з любові до нас, даючи нам фундамент надії посеред наших випробувань. Даючи Томі можливість зміцнити свою віру, Ісус спочатку каже йому: «Мир тобі!» Це той самий божественний мир, який Воскреслий Господь пропонує всім нам, святкуючи Його Воскресіння, навіть посеред наших випробувань і страждань.
Хоча ми не матимемо такої нагоди, як Тома, торкнутися болісних ран Христа, Ісус, безперечно, думав про нас, коли сказав Томі: «Блаженні ті, хто не бачив, але увірував». Саме ця віра у Воскреслого Господа є основою нашого українського народу від часів його хрещення, понад тисячу років тому. Саме ця віра у воскреслого Господа підтримувала наших піонерів-українців з моменту їх прибуття в канадські степи понад сто років тому. І саме ця віра у воскреслого Господа дала можливість багатьом нашим людям знайти надію у своєму житті, обтяженому проблемами зі здоров’ям, родинними розбратами та економічними труднощами на цій землі рясних благословень.
Цього Великодня ми палко молимося, щоб усі знайшли надію і радість у Воскресінні Господа. Візьмімо до серця молитву Воскресної Утрені: «Прийдіть, усі вірні, і поклонімося святому Христовому Воскресінню, бо через хрест радість усьому світові. Завжди славлячи Господа, возвеличуймо Його Воскресіння, бо Він, перетерпівши розп’яття, Своєю смертю смерть знищив!» (див. Пасхальна Утреня)
Нехай благословення воскреслого Господа зійде на вас у цей Великодній час і принесе вам надію та радість, яких так потребує наш сьогоднішній світ.
Venerable Monastics, Seminarians, & Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
“Peace be with you! … put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” (John 20:26-28)
Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen!
Dearly Beloved in Christ!
In the midst of the joy of the Resurrection, the Evangelist John presents us with the encounter of Thomas and the Risen Lord. (Jn. 21:24-29) Thomas could not accept the good news from the other disciples, who told him they had seen the Lord. Thomas had witnessed the tragedy of the last several days in Jerusalem, which ended with the death of Jesus on the cross. How could anyone hold out for a better conclusion to the final days of Jesus? If Jesus could not save himself, how could his followers expect him to bring salvation to them?
As we enter into the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ, many will find it difficult to feel joy in this feast day, even questioning where is salvation for this world in which we live today? This past February we marked the tragic anniversary of the war in Ukraine. How many of our brothers and sisters have fled their homes, uprooted their lives, and tragically died due to the cruelty of an unprovoked war? After initial promises of help, it seems Ukraine will be left to defend itself against uneven odds. With this background of war in Ukraine, Gaza and elsewhere throughout the world, it will be difficult to sing with joy: “Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered, and let those who hate him flee from before his face.” (cf. Easter Matins)
Although Canada is not at war with any outside nation or political force, we see battles being fought in our parliament and in our hospitals and care homes, for the protection of life from conception through to natural death. More effort is seemingly being made through abortion and MAiD to end life, rather than to support and nourish it, especially in its most vulnerable states. In place of a culture of life, we face a culture of death. How hard it will be to sing: “Christ is risen from the grave, as He foretold, granting us everlasting life and mercy without measure.” (cf. Easter Matins)
The celebration of Easter occurs traditionally in our churches and then continues in our homes. How do we celebrate in our homes with our families, when we see social support for family life waning? For many there will be little festive joy if there are no jobs to provide income, and little revenue to pay the utility, medical and grocery bills. And then there is the increasing number of people who have no homes and must live on the streets. It will be difficult to pray at the blessing of our Easter baskets: “For You are our true food and the Giver of all good things which You yourself bless and sanctify …”. (cf. Blessing Easter Food)
So how did the Apostle Thomas resolve his dilemma of faith? What led him to profess his belief in the Lord Jesus? Thomas is given the opportunity to encounter at the same time the one and the same Jesus, who was both crucified and who had risen from the grave. In another words, the Resurrected Jesus is the same Jesus who suffered on the cross. By allowing Thomas to touch his wounds, Jesus shows him that suffering and Resurrection are intertwined. The Resurrection does not eliminate all suffering, rather it gives meaning to suffering and makes it bearable even in the worst of times. And thus, we have hope!
Dearly Beloved in Christ!
Our joy in the Risen Christ is not a joy that eliminates the troubles and pain in this life. Rather, Jesus suffered, died and rose from the dead out of love for us, giving us a foundation of hope in the midst of our trials. In providing Thomas an opportunity to reinforce his faith, Jesus first says to him: “Peace be with you!” This is the same divine peace that the Risen Lord offers to all of us in celebrating his Resurrection, even in the midst of our trials and tribulations.
Although we will not have the same opportunity as Thomas did to touch the painful wounds of Christ, Jesus certainly thought of us when He told Thomas: “Blessed are those who have not seen but believed.” It is this same belief in the Risen Lord, that has been the foundation of our Ukrainian nation since the time of its baptism, over a thousand years ago. It is this same belief in the Risen Lord, that has sustained our pioneer Ukrainian settlers since their arrival in the Canadian wilderness over one hundred years ago. And it is this same belief in the Risen Lord, that has enabled so many of our people to find hope in their lives, burdened with health issues, family strife, and economic hardships in this land of plentiful blessings.
This Easter season it is our fervent prayer that all will find hope and joy in the Resurrection of the Lord. Let us take to heart the prayer found in the Resurrection Matins: “Come, all you faithful, and let us bow to the holy Resurrection of Christ, since through the cross, joy has come to all the world. Ever praising the Lord, let us extol his Resurrection, since He, having endured the crucifixion, has destroyed death by his death!” (cf. Easter Matins)
May the blessing of the Risen Lord descend upon you this Easter season and bring you the hope and joy that is so much needed in our world today.
Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen!
+ Lawrence Huculak, OSBM
Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archeparchy of Winnipeg
+ David Motiuk
Bishop of the Eparchy of Edmonton
+ Bryan Bayda, CSsR
Bishop of the Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada
+ Michael Kwiatkowski
Bishop of the Eparchy of New Westminster
+ Michael Smolinski, CSsR
Bishop of the Eparchy of Saskatoon
+ Andriy Rabiy
Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Winnipeg
+ Michael Wiwchar, CSsR
Bishop Emeritus of the Eparchy of Saskatoon
+ Stephen Chmilar
Bishop Emeritus of the Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada
In the wake of ongoing tensions and conflict in Ukraine, the Canadian Council of Churches has released a Pastoral Letter. This document, a reflection of the collective wisdom and guidance from various religious leaders, provides a poignant and timely message amidst the turmoil gripping the nation.
The Ukraine Pastoral Letter 2024 begins by acknowledging the challenges and suffering experienced by the Ukrainian people due to geopolitical unrest and military aggression. It underscores the importance of solidarity and unity in facing these trials, urging individuals and communities to stand together in resilience and hope.
Central to the letter is a call for peace and reconciliation. The Council of Churches emphasizes the imperative of seeking peaceful solutions through dialogue and diplomacy, rather than resorting to violence or aggression. It advocates for the protection of human dignity and rights, condemning any form of injustice or oppression.
Furthermore, the letter highlights the crucial role of faith and spirituality in navigating times of crisis. It encourages believers to draw strength from their spiritual foundations, fostering resilience, compassion, and perseverance. The Council emphasizes the power of prayer as a means of seeking solace, guidance, and healing amidst adversity.
In addition to addressing immediate concerns, the Ukraine Pastoral Letter 2024 also offers a vision for the future. It calls for a renewed commitment to justice, reconciliation, and the common good. It envisions a Ukraine where all individuals, regardless of background or ethnicity, can live in peace and dignity, free from fear and insecurity.
Moreover, it calls upon the global community to offer support and assistance to alleviate suffering and promote stability in the region.
Clergy Zoom Meeting held in the New Westminster Eparchy of the UGCC
On Thursday, February 1, the first meeting of Clergy was held, led by Bishop Rev. Michael Kwiatkowski of New Westminster.
The meeting commenced with an opening prayer, followed by the approval of the agenda and subsequent discussions.
Bishop Michael mentioned the major upcoming event in our Eparchy – the 50th Anniversary celebration planned for this year. The specific date for the celebration and the outlined events will be announced at a later time, however, September is when the main events will be held.
Several vital issues related to the ministry of the clergy were deliberated upon during the meeting. Bishop Kwiatkowski expressed his hope, stating, “The aspiration is that we will continuously improve our ability to meet the pastoral needs of the faithful entrusted to our care.”
It is noteworthy that Bishop Michael visited all the parishes of the Eparchy of New Westminster, with the schedule as follows:
Prince George: November 25-26
Grindrod: December 2
Kamloops: December 3
Nanaimo: December 9
Comox: Not reached
Victoria: December 10
Richmond: December 17
Surrey: December 17
Vancouver: December 24
New Westminster: December 24-26
Kelowna: December 29-31
Penticton: December 30
Vernon: December 31
Cold Stream: December 31
In conclusion, Bishop Michael expressed his gratitude, stating, «I want to thanking you all for your extraordinary welcome when I was first installed back in November and I especially want to thank you for your agreeing to my initial visit to your parishes – which was actually completed by the end of the year. Plus, I will say that the hospitality of your parishes was always better than expected. God bless you for your Ministry! – I must say that I was impressed time and again by the pastoral dedication and approach that you exhibited. Prayerful liturgies, good preparation, serious dedication to fulfilling your duties. Together I see that we will do many things for the Lord and His People. (Acts 2:42-47)».
The Clergy Zoom Meeting concluded with a closing prayer and blessing.
В Ню-Вестмінстерській Єпархії УГКЦ відбулися збори протопресвітерів
У четвер, 1 лютого, відбулися перші збори протопресвітерів. Їх очолив Владика Ню-Вестмінстерський Михаїл Квятковський.
Збори розпочалися зі спільної молитви. Наступним етапом засідання стало затвердження порядку денного та обговорення.
Відтак Владика Михаїл, пригадав, що цього року у нашій Єпархії відбудеться ключова подія – 50-річчя Єпархії, яку планують відзначити у Вересні. Обговорили можливу дату святкування та заходи які відбудуться (дату святкування повідомимо згодом).
Також обговорили ряд важливих питань які стосуються служіння священнослужителів. Владика зазначив: «Надія полягає в тому, що ми зможемо щораз краще задовольняти душпастирські потреби довірених нашій опіці вірних».
Пригадаємо, що Владика Михаїл відвідав усі парафії Ню-Вестмінстерської Єпархії:
Prince George – 25-26 November
Grindrod – 2 December
Kamloops – 3 December
Nanaimo – 9 December
(Comox not reached)
Victoria – 10 December
Richmond – 17 December
Surrey – 17 December
Vancouver – 24 December
New Westminster – 24-26 December
Kelowna – 29-31
Penticton – 30 December
Vernon – 31 December
Cold Stream – 31 December
Владика Михаїл сказав: «Я хочу подякувати вам усім за ваш надзвичайний прийом, коли мене вперше було встановлено ще в листопаді, і я хочу особливо подякувати вам за вашу згоду на мій перший візит до ваших парафій – який фактично завершився до кінця року. Крім того, я скажу, що гостинність ваших парафій завжди була кращою, ніж очікувалося. Благослови вас Бог за ваше служіння! – Мушу сказати, що мене знову і знову вражала ваша душпастирська відданість і підхід. Молитовні богослужіння, гарна підготовка, серйозна відданість виконанню своїх обов’язків. Разом я бачу, що ми зробимо багато речей для Господа і Його народу. (Дії 2:42-47)»
Збори протопресвітерів завершились спільною молитвою та благословенням.
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