In the context of the annual Bishop’s Fundraising Gala at Holy Eucharist Cathedral, which was also the farewell event for Bishop Michael who will be enthroned next month as Metropolitan Archbishop in Winnipeg, a longtime priest of the Eparchy was acknowledged and awarded a very special honour.
Father Andriy Werbowy, who celebrates thirty (30) years of priestly ministry this year on 22 December, is presently the parish priest for the three central parishes of Penticton, Grindrod and Vernon. Besides that, Fr. Werbowy is a captain in Canada’s armed forces where he serves as a military chaplain.
With the war raging in Ukraine, military chaplains are an important part of the war effort. The military chaplaincy was established in Ukraine a few years back and since then several priests volunteered to undergo the specialized training and serve the soldiers as their priests at the front. To acknowledge their dedication the Ukrainian Catholic Church established the Military Chaplains Cross that has only been presented to just over two hundred chaplains to date. As Fr. Werbowy has been serving the Lord and His people as a Ukrainian Catholic Priest in various capacities as a parish priest and in eparchial administration for three decades as well as military chaplain for three years in Canada’s reserve armed forces, the Eparchy wanted to honour him and express their gratitude in unique way.
Bishop Michael learned about the special Chaplain’s Cross and appealed to the head chaplain Bishop Bohdan Manyshyn at the Department for Chaplaincy in Ukraine that Fr. Andriy might be considered for such an honour as he is a faithful Ukrainian Catholic priest who is serving as a miliary chaplain and seeing to the spiritual and pastoral needs of soldiers. The appeal went to the head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. His Beatitude Sviatoslav not only approved, but issued the decree that was presented to Fr. Werbowy on 14 October 2026. The decree was read in Ukrainian and English by the two deans Fr. Andryi Chornenkyi and Fr. Yuriy Vyshnevskyy.
Before bestowing the cross on Fr. Werbowy, Bishop Michael explained that expressing gratitude to one of our priests in such a way was especially meaningful as a good portion of the clergy conference that brought all the clergy to New Westminster was dedicated to discussing and deciding how the eparchy would celebrate the upcoming year dedicated by the Synod of Bishops to priestly ministry and consecrated life. As the cross was placed over the shoulders of Fr. Andriy, the church erupted into a joyful singing of “Axios” – he is worthy!
Today, Sunday, October 18, 2026, St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Nanaimo celebrated a truly special and blessed occasion filled with prayer, gratitude, and joy.
We were honoured to welcome Archbishop and Metropolitan-elect Michael Kwiatkowski, who presided over the Divine Liturgy and blessed the newly completed iconography of our beloved church. This beautiful milestone marks the culmination of months of prayer, dedication, hard work, and generous support from our parish community and friends.
Our new iconography has transformed the interior of the church into an even more beautiful space for worship, inviting everyone to encounter the sacred beauty of our faith through the rich traditions of iconography.
Another joyful highlight of the day was the ordination of Connor Rafferty to the Subdiaconate, marking an important step in his journey of service to the Church.
Following the Divine Liturgy and the ceremonies, parishioners and guests gathered in the parish hall for a festive potluck celebration. The day was also enriched by a special video sharing the history of our parish and the story behind the creation of our new iconography.
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU
We extend our sincere gratitude to Archbishop and Metropolitan-elect Michael Kwiatkowski for joining us on this momentous occasion and for blessing our church.
We are deeply thankful to our iconographers Sergiy Kolodka and @Pavlo Tsyhanok, everyone who contributed their time and talents, all our volunteers, and every individual and family who supported this sacred project through prayers and donations.
Most importantly, we thank God for guiding our parish community throughout this journey and allowing us to celebrate this beautiful milestone together.
May our newly blessed iconography inspire generations to come, drawing hearts closer to Christ and strengthening the faith of our community.
May St. Michael the Archangel continue to protect and guide our parish!
October 13–16, 2026, the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster held its annual Clergy Days, bringing together clergy from across the Eparchy for prayer, fraternal fellowship, reflection, and pastoral planning. Together with Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, the priests discussed the challenges facing the Church today and explored ways to strengthen parish life and prepare for the future.
This year’s gathering focused particularly on vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and monastic life, as well as the broader call to encourage the faithful to participate more actively in the life and mission of the Church.
The program began with prayer and an opportunity for clergy to gather in fellowship. The main theme of the first full day was “Follow Me!” - Christ’s invitation that continues to guide the Church in every generation. Through prayerful reflection on the Gospel account of the calling of the first disciples, the priests considered how to help young people discern God’s call in their lives and how to encourage vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.
An important part of the discussions was the pastoral letter of the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, entitled “Follow Me!”, as well as the resolutions of the General Assembly of the Pastoral Council of the UGCC, held in Lourdes, France, in September 2026. The discussions focused on putting these decisions into practice within the Eparchy, supporting seminarians, encouraging priestly and diaconal vocations, and developing appropriate formation programs for future deacons.
The clergy also discussed the preparation of a pastoral strategy for the Eparchy for 2027. Particular attention was given to accompanying young people, supporting families, strengthening parish communities, and creating more opportunities for the laity to participate in the Church’s mission. A vocation is not limited to the priesthood or monastic life; every baptized person is called to respond to God through faith, love, and service to others.
The following day was dedicated to reviewing the work of the Eparchy in 2026. The clergy examined the outcomes of canonical visitations, administrative and financial matters, and recommendations for the ongoing development of parish life. They also discussed the outcomes of the First All-Canadian Meeting of Catechists, matters concerning priestly ministry, and the experience of the Year of Christian Families. These conversations provided an opportunity to share experiences, recognize challenges, and identify new possibilities for pastoral ministry throughout the Eparchy.
On Wednesday evening, the clergy joined the wider community for a gala dinner celebrating several significant occasions in the life of Bishop Michael: his upcoming installation as Archbishop and Metropolitan, his birthday, and the anniversary of his priestly ordination. Together with clergy, religious, and faithful from the community, those present expressed their gratitude and shared in the joyful celebration of these important milestones.
The final day focused on practical pastoral planning for the coming year. The priests presented plans for their respective parishes, reviewed important dates and upcoming Eparchial events, and discussed ways to coordinate pastoral initiatives across the Eparchy. These conversations helped establish shared priorities and encouraged continued cooperation among the clergy.
A particularly meaningful moment throughout the Clergy Days was Bishop Michael’s address to the priests. He expressed his gratitude for their faithful service, daily dedication, and contributions to the growth and development of their parishes and the Eparchy. He offered words of encouragement, thanked them for their commitment to the Church, and imparted his blessing as they prepared to return to their communities.
These Clergy Days took place shortly before a new chapter in Bishop Michael’s ministry. On November 8, 2026, he is scheduled to be installed as Archbishop and Metropolitan. This transition marks an important moment in his episcopal ministry, and the clergy had an opportunity to express their appreciation for his leadership and to accompany him with their prayers as he prepares to assume his new responsibilities.
Following the conclusion of Clergy Days, the priests returned to their respective parishes, carrying with them renewed encouragement, shared priorities, and a deeper sense of their common mission. In the months ahead, they will continue to work with young people, support families, strengthen catechesis, and invite the faithful to become more actively involved in the life of the Church.
Clergy Days are more than an opportunity to discuss plans and administrative matters. They are a time of prayer, fraternity, reflection, and collective discernment of God’s will for the Church. The Church grows when each person discovers their place within the community of faith and responds generously to Christ’s invitation to serve.
Rev. Fr. Stepan Vytvytskyi Eparchial Communications Director
Ukrainian Catholic Parishes throughout Ukraine continue to serve as sources of our Lord’s Sacramental grace and places of spiritual consolation for the Faithful who continue to gather for prayer in churches and parish facilities. They have also become the go-to places for basic humanitarian aid, including food, water and even medical care. The Father and Head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, His Beatitude SVIATOSLAV, except when for when he travels abroad to seek aid for his people or to encourage them to stay united, chooses to stay in Ukraine among his People. He just issued an appeal for aid to keep the parishes functioning throughout the harshness of winter and the tragedy of the Russian invasion. This way the people will continue to have their churches to encounter the living Christ and to give them hope and consolation and they will have a place to which they can turn for humanitarian aid.
This Sunday or in the next couple of weeks, when your Parish Priest calls for a special collection or fundraising opportunity, please consider giving generously - as you have since the beginning of the war.
May the Lord bless you!
May the Lord bless and multiply our humble efforts!
May the Lord grant an end to the war!
+Michael
Bishop, Eparchy of New Westminster
_________________________________________
ОСОБЛИВЕ ПРОХАННЯ ВІД ГЛАВИ НАШОЇ ЦЕРКВИ
Дорогі вірні Єпархії Нью-Вестмінстера!
Слава Ісусу Христу!
Парафії Української Греко-Католицької Церкви по всій Україні продовжують бути джерелами благодаті Таїнств нашого Господа та місцями духовної втіхи для вірних, які збираються на молитву в храмах і в парафіяльних приміщеннях. Вони також стали осередками надання необхідної гуманітарної допомоги, зокрема продуктів харчування, води та навіть медичних послуг. Отець і Глава Української Греко-Католицької Церкви Блаженніший СВЯТОСЛАВ — за винятком випадків, коли він виїжджає за кордон, щоб шукати допомоги для свого народу або підтримати єдність людей, — залишається в Україні, серед своїх людей. Він щойно звернувся із проханням про допомогу для забезпечення діяльності парафій у складних умовах зими та в час трагедії російського вторгнення. Завдяки цьому люди й надалі матимуть свої храми для зустрічі з живим Христом, що дарує надію та втіху, а також матимуть місце, куди можна звернутися по гуманітарну допомогу.
Коли цієї неділі або протягом найближчих тижнів ваш парох оголосить про спеціальний збір коштів чи благодійну акцію, будь ласка, пожертвуйте щедро — так, як ви це робили від початку війни.
Нехай Господь благословить вас!
Нехай Господь благословить і примножить наші скромні зусилля!
On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council and Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle honour the Survivors of the Indian Residential School System, the children who never returned home, their families, and the generations who continue to live with its legacy. We remember also the courage of those who have shared their stories and encourage those who continue to listen, so that the truth of our histories remains the foundation upon which we build our collective futures. We cannot turn away from these truths when they are painful or uncomfortable. Our faith calls us instead to encounter them with humility, honesty, and charity as we walk together and learn to live rightly with one another.
We give thanks for signs of hope this year. The ‘Doctrine of Discovery’ knowledge-sharing symposium held in Edmonton this past spring created space for honest dialogue among diverse voices about the historical and contemporary realities that shaped colonization. Through the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, Catholic dioceses across Canada have committed $30 million toward healing and reconciliation projects developed with Indigenous communities. These are two examples of the many initiatives taking place across the country as the fruits of dialogue and relationality begin to shape a brighter tomorrow. At the same time, we cannot ignore that there has been a noticeable shift in the discourse concerning Truth and Reconciliation in recent months. There is a temptation to become distracted from the healing mission Pope Francis called us all to continue during his penitential pilgrimage to Canada in 2022. We must remain patient with one another and trust that the journey is guided by the Holy Spirit, who accompanies us at every step.
To aid in this journey, ongoing dialogue and mutual accompaniment remains paramount. Whether in parishes or at community events, occasions for learning can create opportunities for encounter, reciprocity, and relationality. We must see the faces and hear the voices of those with whom we are walking so that, in the words of the late Canadian Jesuit Michael Stogre, S.J., we might be drawn “… into the realm of discernment, decision, and action on behalf of justice and liberation.”
Finally, we wish to acknowledge that this work must be rooted in the movement of the Holy Spirit. We invite all to continue praying for this healing journey as we look ahead to December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. May Our Lady, who came to St. Juan Diego in his own language and with the face of his people, accompany us on the path of Truth and Reconciliation.
On September 25, 2026, the Very Rev. Archimandrite Richard Soo, S.J., arrived at his 70th birthday. Perhaps just a milestone in his life, but for the Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Eparchy of New Westminster, this milestone is an opportunity to give thanks to God for his many years of priestly ministry, his Jesuit vocation, his love for the Christian East, and his tireless service to the Church and to all those who seek Christ.
The life and vocation of Archimandrite Richard Soo are a unique testimony to the ways in which different traditions, cultures, and spiritual experiences can meet within the Catholic Church without losing their distinctive character. Rather than losing anything, they come together for a wonderful channel of God’s grace in a ministry that couldn’t happen any other way.
Born in here in our Eparchy (okay, before it became an eparchy in 1974) in Vancouver in 1956 into a third-generation Chinese-Canadian family, Richard Soo encountered two traditions during his studies at the University of British Columbia that would profoundly shape his vocation: the spirituality of the Society of Jesus and the theological and liturgical heritage of Byzantine Christianity.
This encounter became the beginning of a distinctive vocational journey. While a university student, Richard Soo entered into full communion with the Catholic Church. In 1979, he entered the Society of Jesus, and ten years later, in 1989, he was ordained to the priesthood.
Over the years, his ministry has encompassed parish pastoral work, eparchial administrative positions, spiritual direction, refugee ministry, social justice initiatives, Jesuit formation, and the preaching of retreats.
Father Richard has described his journey as a kind of “triple conversion”: discovering the richness of Byzantine Christianity, embracing the Catholic faith, and learning how to remain faithful both to his Jesuit vocation and to the Eastern Catholic tradition.
A Vocation Where East Meets West
Throughout his years of ministry, Father Richard has become a living example that the unity of the Church does not require uniformity. The Eastern Catholic tradition is not merely a cultural inheritance or a historical expression of Christianity. It is a living way of encountering the Gospel, prayer, and the life of the Church.
This vision has been especially evident in his ministry in Richmond, where for many years he has served and helped develop an Eastern Catholic community within the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster. At the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God, Divine Liturgies are celebrated in both Ukrainian and English with infusions of Mandarin, Cantonese and Arabic as needed, bringing together faithful from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Through this ministry, Father Richard has consistently embodied the rightful conviction that the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has its roots in Kyiv just as the Roman Catholic Church has its roots in Rome but neither is restricted to serve people of Ukrainian or Roman, Italian heritage respectively, but also to serve the missionary mandate of Christ, to reach out to people of every nation and culture.
His ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly significant. When parish life was severely disrupted, Father Richard continued to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and accompany the faithful, using modern means of communication to maintain a connection with the community. As parish life gradually resumed, new people also began to discover the community, including converts to Catholicism, former Evangelicals, Roman Catholics, and people from many different cultural and religious backgrounds.
“The Lord Is Within You”
Jesuit spirituality and the Eastern Christian liturgical tradition complement one another in Father Richard’s ministry. For many years, he has been engaged in spiritual direction and in sharing the famous, often lifechanging, Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
During the 2025 Clergy Study Days of the Eparchy of New Westminster, Father Richard led a Lectio Divina reflection entitled “The Real Me Meets the Real God.” Speaking about prayer and the personal search for God, he emphasized:
“The Lord is within you. Simply knowing God is not enough. We need to establish a relationship with Him through prayer, Sacred Scripture, and personal experience.”
These words reflect the heart of his ministry: not simply to speak about God, but to help people discover His presence in their own lives.
A Ministry Beyond the Parish
Father Richard’s pastoral ministry has never been limited to the walls of a church. His years of service have included accompanying refugees, ministering to people on the margins of society, providing spiritual direction, and promoting human dignity.
He has also devoted considerable attention to questions of social justice and human rights. In 2014, during Hong Kong’s Umbrella Movement, Father Richard organized an ecumenical prayer gathering in support of the people of Hong Kong who were advocating for universal suffrage. He also offered prayer retreats for people affected by those events.
Within the Eparchy of New Westminster, Father Richard continues to carry significant responsibilities. He serves as Syncellus (Vicar) for Marriage Matters and is a member of the College of Consultors, the Presbyteral Council, and the Eparchial Finance Council.
“Axios!”
A particularly significant moment in Father Richard’s life came on May 27, 2026, when, by decree of His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, he was elevated to the dignity of Archimandrite at Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster. The ceremony was presided over by Most Rev. Michael Kwiatkowski, Bishop of New Westminster.
During the rite of elevation, the newly appointed Archimandrite received the traditional insignia of his dignity, including the epigonation, pectoral cross, mitre, mantle, and staff (crozier). At the proclamation of “Axios!” — “He is worthy!” — clergy and faithful expressed their joy and gratitude for his many years of dedicated ministry.
This dignity is not merely a distinction of honour, but also a recognition by the Church of Father Richard’s longstanding service within the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church over several decades, most recently to the Eastern Catholic community in Richmond, and his example of monastic/religious life.
70 Years — and the Journey Continues
As we celebrate the 70th birthday of Archimandrite Richard Soo, S.J., we remember not simply a list of dates, positions, or accomplishments. We give thanks for the life of a priest whose vocation has been a journey of seeking God, serving others, and continually discovering the breadth and richness of the Catholic Church and sharing that with those around him.
His vocation brings together his Chinese-Canadian heritage, Jesuit spirituality, the Byzantine tradition, Ukrainian Catholic tradition, and the mission of the Church in contemporary Canada. This unique combination has become a particular gift to the Eparchy of New Westminster.
On this joyful occasion, we give thanks to God for the gift of Archimandrite Richard’s life, vocation, and ministry. We are grateful for his fidelity to prayer, his openness to people, his love for the Christian East, and his witness that the Church can truly become a home for every person who seeks Christ.
May the Lord continue to strengthen Archimandrite Richard in his ministry and grant him good health, wisdom, spiritual joy, and renewed strength for many years of service ahead.
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU
Glory to God for all things!
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