The Feast of the Ascension is only days away… which means that Mission Days 2025 is about to begin!
His Beatitude SVIATOSLAV is encouraging us to give Mission Days our best shot this year (not that we aren’t already pumped! about engaging in these 10 days of prayer and activity and actual Evangelization!). He reminds us that:
“… Easter is coming to an end and this Thursday, May 29, the Church will celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. From the feast of the Ascension to the feast of Pentecost, the UGCC traditionally holds “MISSION DAYS” i.e. 10 days of special prayer for missionary work and the preaching of the Gospel.
“I encourage all of you, especially priests, to properly organize and live this [10-day mission experience],”
The Head of the Church paid special attention to the Sunday after Ascension, June 1, when all parishes of the UGCC will conduct a fundraiser to support missionary activities. According to the Primate, these funds are intended to support those who preach the Word of God and create new communities and parishes of the UGCC.
His Beatitude concluded with, “There is so much darkness around us today, and people are so desperate for light—the light of God’s Gospel, the light of Christ, spoken of in today’s Gospel. And who else but us, Christians, can and must spread it in today’s world?!”
Please find attached some English and Ukrainian Mission Days Materials.
Also check out this link [TYT] for Ukrainian language resources,
And this link [HERE] for English language Reflections (but not the full text that includes more information and special daily Mission “tasks”. See below for a link to a more complete English text…
And, although His Beatitude suggests that the 2018 resources be used, you can crosscheck them by LATER resources on our own website… [HERE]
Let parish and mission communities do whatever they can. Surely a daily “get-together” of all those who can would be an amazing parish-building experience as well as a demonstration that we know the importance of the Lord’s Mandate to…
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”(Matthew 28:19-20)
May this video that touches upon the Ascension, Pentecost and Peter’s amazing healing of the beggar - serve as a source of inspiration! (Acts 1:1-10; 2:1-47; 3:1-10 and ff) Watch [HERE]
As part of the Maple Hope Foundation’s 2025 Odesa Week in Vancouver, a number of events have been organized throughout the greater Vancouver area to promote education and appeal for various kinds of support. One of the events, a two-day exhibit of art, videos, photographs and displays, took place at the University Canada West on the weekend of 24-25 of May 2025. Bishop Michael visited the exhibit and was deeply moved by the stark images and the extraordinary way in they were presented via VR headsets. But he was also inspired by the resilience and hope that the people of Ukraine demonstrate as well as the people at the Vancouver exhibit – among them familiar faces from the Eparchy!
The importance of this exhibit is surely in the way that it will raise awareness among those who don’t fully appreciate the scope and scale of the tragedy. Also to raise support for the Ukrainian People who live in fear daily and yet are determined to survive and to win. The Head and Father of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, always end his talks and reports with a sort of ‘sign off’, by saying, “Україна стоїть! Україна бореться! Україна молиться!”, i.e. “Ukraine stands! Ukraine fights! Ukraine prays!” Such exhibits as “War up Close” certainly go far in demonstrating that Ukraine is truly fighting for their lives and remains standing even after three years of brutal Russian invasion. Yet one also leaves the exhibit with a renewed conviction that together with all other efforts, prayer for an end to the war and a restoration of peace and justice is of paramount importance for a long-lasting peace is to be achieved. What is so obviously needed is not only military victory and a rebuilding a society from the ruins of merciless destruction, but a conversion of hearts and souls to a Gospel way of life so that such hatred and greed and untruth would never arise again.
War Up Close is a unique digital project that combines interactive platforms documenting the realities of war with a VR exhibition that has been traveling the world for almost three years and sharing the truth about Ukraine’s ongoing struggle. The exhibit emanates from the Virtual Reality Museum of War in Ukraine.
This project aims to preserve historical memory, support academic research, and engage the international community in understanding the scale of the tragedy and the heroism of the Ukrainian people.
Sustain Ukraine joined forces with Teachers of Kyiv to support and protect Ukrainian Forces through powerful student-led efforts, such as weaving camouflage netting, helmet covers, and other items, in addition to the eventual creation a 3D printing lab. Their work has grown to include repairing and donating vehicles, with local mechanics offering their time and students raising the funds for the parts. These kids aren’t just learning—they’re saving lives and giving hope, they know they’re making a difference, and they truly are.
Sunflower Dreams Project is inspired by a Lviv art lecturer at the Lviv Polytechnic University, Nataliia Pavliuk and her daughter, Yustyna. Their tireless and courageous programme to help traumatised children heal through the peace of creating art. The children paint with joy, hope, resilience, in the brightest colours. But once you know how to look, you see their trauma, loss and pain from the war.
«War Up Close» — це унікальний цифровий проект, який поєднує інтерактивну платформу, що документує реалії війни, з VR-виставкою. Вже майже три роки вона подорожує світом, розповідаючи правду про боротьбу України.
Мета проекту — зберегти історичну пам’ять, підтримати наукові дослідження та залучити міжнародну спільноту до усвідомлення масштабів трагедії та героїзму українського народу.
Sustain Ukraine - об’єднались із Teachers of Kyiv, щоб підтримувати та захищати Збройні Сили України завдяки потужним ініціативам студентів: плетенню маскувальних сіток, чохлів для шоломів та іншого спорядження, а згодом — створенню лабораторії з 3D-друку. З часом їхня робота розширилась до ремонту та передачі автомобілів на фронт: місцеві механіки безкоштовно працюють, а студенти збирають кошти на запчастини. Ці діти не просто вчаться — вони рятують життя та дарують надію. Вони знають, що роблять справжню зміну — і так воно й є.
Sunflower Dreams Project - це ініціатива викладачки мистецтв з Львівської політехніки Наталії Павлюк та її доньки Юстини. Їхня невтомна і мужня програма допомагає дітям, які пережили травму, загоювати рани через мистецтво. Діти малюють з радістю, надією та стійкістю, використовуючи яскраві кольори. Але якщо придивитися, у їхніх роботах можна побачити біль, втрати та травми війни.
Господи Ісусе, - заступництвом Твоєї благословенної Матері, Пресвятої Богородиці, Цариці цього травня - спаси і збережи Україну!
(photos and information gathered by Volodymyr Mykhalyshyn)
The parade, starting at 11:00 AM, made its way through uptown New Westminster along Sixth Street and down to Queens Avenue and then up to Queen’s Park. Many marching bands, singing groups filled the list. They were joined by educational institutions, businesses, religious groups and the military, the police, firefighters and cadets and scouts. There was dazzling array of costumes, vehicles, flags and clowns and fairytale figures. It was an opportunity for great fun for families, friends and neighbours.
It moved along a street one block away from the Cathedral and Chancery offices of the Eparchy of New Westminster, so a number of people from these institutions went down to the parade – both to volunteer and watch the fun.
Along with other cultural groups, the Ukrainian entry was generously applauded as it passed by with youth carrying a large Ukrainian flag and women dressed in full traditional Ukrainian costumes. Contemporary song bared from a lead vehicle. Whenever there was pause in the parade, the group would perform folk dances to the delight of the spectators.
The world knows about Ukraine’s fight for its life at this time as it endures a third year of the brutal Russian invasion. However, it is events like this when Ukrainians can celebrate the treasures of their rich culture and identity for the world to see and enjoy.
Watch some highlights of the Parade [HERE]. The Ukrainian participation comes up at approx. 4:21.
It was a delightful parade that both - brought back happy childhood memories and created such memories for the thousands that lined the streets. You can’t go out to see an event like this not find something that lifts your spirits. Everyone enjoys a parade!
Once again, as huge as Vancouver’s Cathedral is, it was filled, but only with a fraction of those who would have wanted to attend in person. Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Cathedral was the site for the Installation Mass of the newly appointed Archbishop Richard Smith. However, only those who were able to obtain an entrance pass, in advance, were able to enter the church. Even then, a great deal of bishops, priests, religious sisters and lay faithful were thrilled to be present at the historic and profoundly spiritual event.
Thanks to the Cathedral’s livestreaming, thousands more were able to at least participate online. See Installation ceremony and Mass [HERE].
Archbishop Smith is the 12th bishop to be appointed to the see of Vancouver. Since 1863, before Canadian Confederation, a bishop has been leading the work of the Church in the Vancouver area. Today the Archdiocese has grown and flourished into an amazing space where the ministry of the Church is served by so many parishes, health institutions, schools, religious orders and clergy – all dedicated to living the Gospel way of life.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, His Excellency Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, initiated the installation ceremony by bringing greetings and leading the various rituals, including the presenting of the bishop’s crosier. His Eminence Cardinal Gérald Lacroix, the Primate of Canada and the Archbishop of Quebec, was also present for this special event. After the installation, Archbishop Smith led the congregation in the Eucharistic Liturgy. During his homily and concluding remarks, Archbishop Smith inspired those gathered with his renewed commitment to the apostolic and evangelical mission of the Church and his clear invitation to all to join with him on the journey. Typical of his wit and jocularity was his comment after thanking Cardinal Lacroix for making the long journey to the west coast after having spent so much time at the conclave and electing Pope Leo XIV. He brought the house down, when he added, “Good job, by the way!”.
Another heartwarming and poignant moment occurred when Archbishop Smith thanked his predecessor, Archbishop J. Michael Miller, and the entire congregation went into a very long standing ovation that served as an outpouring of gratitude and esteem. He was truly a loved pastor and will be greatly missed.
Clergy and sisters and others from the Eparchy of New Westminster, particularly chancery staff, were also in attendance. Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski together with two other Bishops who came to Vancouver for the event – Bishop David Motiuk of Edmonton a longtime friend of the Archbishop, who collaborated with him for many years in Edmonton, and Bishop Bryan Bayda from Toronto, represented the Ukrainian Catholic hierarchy in Canada.
This was an event that brought great hope to the Church on Canada’s west coast. Since the selection of Mattias in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1:26), the Church has been replenishing episcopal positions and expanding the number of bishops to tend to the ever-growing flock of Christ throughout the world. On that Friday evening, those at the cathedral in downtown Vancouver were witnesses to this ongoing vibrant life of the Catholic Church. The former Archbishop together with the representative of successor of the Apostle Peter saw new Archbishop to his cathedra, handed him his shepherd’s staff. The flock recognized his voice (John 10:1-5), welcomed him and pledged their prayer and support. The mission of the Church continues (Mattew 28:19-20).
Спочатку було Слово… І це слово було рідне для кожного.
Ця вічна історія всім знайома, а школа «Рідне слово» втілює її в життя, оскільки повертає до витоків українців. І справді, школа для громади є ідейним підмурівком,
оскільки передає цінності й забезпечує гідне майбутнє .
Десять років тому разом з сміливими й натхненними постулатами Майдану зародилася школа «Рідне слово» як сімейний проект, що переріс в освітнє середовище, яке об’єднує нині більше ста українських родин, що плекають разом відповідальне батьківство.
Щосуботи малеча й підлітки поспішають зануритися в автентичну атмосферу, аби знайти відповіді на запитання: хто Я і в чому сенс Мого життя? В іншій країні зберігати ідентичність та збирати свою картину світу не просто, для цього необхідно коло однодумців, яке й збирає школа відповідно до вікових та емоційних особливостей.
«Рідне слово» - це територія постійного розвитку, простір, у якому можна знайти друзів, які зрозуміють тебе й без слів, бо коли говорять спільною мовою, то можна читати й думки одне одного. Школа втілює ідею Сковороди про те, що Бог подібний до фонтану, що наповнює кожного по його місткості, тож навчальний процес подібний до наповнення.
Спершу учні й учениці вчилися читати й писати, а тепер, коли з’явилися старші класи, відкривають для себе літературу й історію, аби бачити причини й наслідки, а також логіку, аби аналізувати їх. У школі звучить Слово Боже та осмислюються його сенси на заняттях з катехизації, які є наріжним центром навчальної програми, адже
визначають християнські чесноти. Таким чином школа нагадує водограй, що дарує
натхнення не лише учнівству, а й педагогам, які не лише навчають, але й вчяться у
своїх колег та учнів.
Навчання малечі в школі подібне до природної гри, яку описав В. Сухомлинський. Учні й учениці відкривають для себе казку й магічний світ українського фольклору, що навчає бачити красу в буденності й сміливо мріяти про дива. Заняття тяжіють до
прикладної цілісності: діти майструють з різноманітних матеріалів і через дрібну моторику всотують генетичні коди. У старших класах учні пробують здійснювати дослідження та реалізовувати проекти, що покликані формувати соціально активну
позицію. Старшокласники усвідомлюють свою значимість для майбутнього України й шукають спосіб здійснити свій внесок.
Щороку школа поповнюється новими гуртками з ініціативи творчих учителів, оскільки лише проактивні педагоги можуть передати цю рису своїм учням. Наразі діє «Творча Майстерня», «Театральна студія», «Хорова студія», «Хореографічна студія» та «Цікава математика». Діти мають вибір після основних занять долучитися до того, що відповідає сфері інтересу й дійсно насолодитися творчим процесом. Без свободи вибору не формується відповідальність.
Учителі переймаються не лише навчальними цілями, але й виховними, оскільки обрали амбітну місію: формувати майбутніх діячів української діаспори. Учні «Рідного слова» - це суб’єкти навчання, яких чують і розуміють, бо саме їхнім голосом звучатиме наше рідне слово в майбутньому. Це маленький оркестр, який вчиться звучати сміливо й упевнено в унісон з настановою Патріарха Йосифа Сліпого: «Великого Бажайте!»
У візії найближчого майбутнього школа планує отримати кредит для учнів на вивчення української мови як іноземної. У мріях мати свою будівлю та стати повноцінним навчальним закладом у кращих здобутках українських та світових традицій. В ідеалі школа переросте в освітній центр, куди батьки будуть записувати дитину ще на етапі її планування, аби отримати повний супровід у формуванні маленької людини та її великого дивосвіту. Ідея освітнього центру містить такі складові: школа для батьків, дитячий садочок, школа повного тижня, суботня школа для дітей, суботня школа для дорослих та книгозбірня.
Історія «Рідного слова» - це історія про те, як маленька мрія переросла у велику реальність. На 11 році життя школа усвідомлює, що справжня ідейна освіта охоплює
увесь цикл життя, починаючись ще за довго до народження й завершуючись спокоєм останнього подиху. Це все про вічну історію слова, яке було спочатку й буде з нами до кінця.
(матеріали та фото надали Оксана Коцур та Ірина Дзьобко) (додаються посилання)
In the interest of providing for more closer oversight of the spiritual life, pastoral activity and practical needs of all our parishes and mission communities throughout the Eparch if New Westminster. Two “protopresbyterates” – I.e. Deaneries - were created to encompass all the parishes of the eparchy. God willing, more deaneries will be created to suit the needs of new parishes and missions, especially in the more northern areas.
The two new pastoral territories have been named the “Coastal Deanery” to cover the parishes on Vancouver Island and the parishes of British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, with the exception of Abbottsford and Chilliwack. The other sub-territory has been designated as the “Deanery of the Interior” to form a network of the communities from Abbottsford and eastward through the Okanagan Valley and up to Prince George. A few years back, the Eparchy reached out to Whitehorse in the Yukon and just recently the new Dean, Fr. Andrii Chornenkyi, visited Prince Rupert. With an influx of newcomers from Ukraine settling wherever jobs and reasonable housing are available, there is considerable hope that mission efforts will soon develop in the more northern regions of our vast eparchial territory.
Our former Chancellor, Very Rev. Yuriy Vyshnevskyy and present pastor of St. Nicholas Parish in the Provincial Capital of Victoria, was appointed the first Dean of the Coastal Deanery. The Deanery of the Interior was entrusted to the care of Very Rev. Andrii Chornenkyi who serves St. George Parish in Prince George, BC. Some of their communication with the clergy serving within their deaneries may involve travel and visitations, but also with today’s technology, they will be able to accomplish a lot via online meetings and consultation.
A DEAN’S ROLE AND DUTIES
An extensive handbook for Deans has been issued by our Synod of Bishops. as to how deaneries function and the duties and authority of deans. Due to the smaller numbers of both clergy and faithful and the massive territory, the Eparchy of New Westminster wants to begin by simply encouraging communication between the Dean and the local pastors with the goal of enhancing cooperation and coordination among the parishes based on the basic directives offered in common canon law.
Gleaned from the “common” canon law the “Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches” and the “particular” canon law of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, these are some highlights concerning the appointment and the role of a Dean…
- A Dean in an Eastern Catholic Church is officially known as a “Protopresbyter” which comes from the Greek πρωτοπρεσβύτερος (proto “first” and presbyter “priest”) and, thus, basically means “The first or chief among a group of priests”. A Deanery would be referred to in ecclesial law as a “Protopresbyterate”. The terms Dean (декан) and Deanery (деканат) are popularly used in Ukraine.
- The dean is a priest who is placed over a district consisting of several parishes so that, in the name of the eparchial bishop and in the same district, he may fulfil the functions determined by law.
- It is up to the eparchial bishop […] to establish or change deaneries.
- The office of Dean is not connected with a certain parish or city. The Bishop, having consulted the priests of a particular area appoints a priest who is respected and is “outstanding for his doctrine and apostolic fervour”.
- it is the right and obligation of the Dean to:
- coordinate various forms of apostolic work in the ecclesiastical district that has been entrusted to him;
- see to it that clerics lead a life in harmony with their own state and that they diligently fulfil their obligations;
- to take care that clerics have ready access to spiritual helps, and be particularly concerned about those who are found in more difficult circumstances or are beset with problems.
- convoke meetings with clerics, in the district entrusted to him, at least once a month, unless the eparchial bishop determines otherwise;
- to take care that clerics have ready access to spiritual helps, and be particularly concerned about those who are found in more difficult circumstances or are beset with problems.
- preside over all conferences entrusted to him in his district;
- is bound by the obligation of visiting the parishes.
- see to it that the Divine Liturgy and the divine praises are celebrated according to the prescriptions of the liturgical books, that the good appearance and condition of the churches and sacred furnishings are carefully maintained especially in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and custody of the Divine Eucharist, that ecclesiastical goods are carefully administered and, finally, that the parish house is properly cared for.
- submit a report to the eparchial bishop on the status of his district and all decisions taken at all meetings with the clergy;
- install a presbyter appointed by the eparchial bishop as pastor or any other position, in the name of the eparchial bishop, keeping to the prescriptions of the liturgical books;
- ensure that all collections authorized by the eparchial bishop or higher authorities, are collected in an appropriate manner and submitted to the proper administration.
PRAY FOR YOUR DEANS
The goal of establishing deaneries is not to create another level of bureaucracy, but rather to bring parishes closer together and to facilitate even more cooperation and promote a better sharing of resources and hopes. Local parish priests and parishes can make this work by reaching out to their respective dean and supporting common pastoral and Evangelization efforts within their district.
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