Cheese-fare Sunday is also known as “Forgiveness Sunday” is the last Sunday (and the last day for that matter) before the Great Fast (a.k.a. Lent) begins on Monday (but really on that Sunday evening with “forgiveness vespers”). Cheese-fare Sunday is so called as it traditionally would be the last day to polish off any, well, cheeses and other dairy products in the pantry before the 40-day fast begins the following day. The previous Sunday, known as “Meat-fare Sunday” would have been the last day to empty the house of any meat products in anticipation of the approaching Lent. [Perhaps to help with the meat consumption, the Church grants a dispensation from the meat-fasting rule on the second week prior to Meat-fare – i.e. the week between the Sundays of the Publican and the Pharisee and the Prodigal Son. A bit confused? Ask your parish priest.]
The Sunday is also known as “Forgiveness Sunday”, because it is an opportunity when communities can come together on the eve of the Great Fast and become reconciled by asking the Lord and by asking each other for forgiveness. This is practiced in monastic and other communities of consecrated life, but in recent years, most parishes hold some similar event together with “forgiveness vespers” on Sunday evening. This act of the entire community asking for forgiveness of each other and granting it is truly a powerful action by which to enter into the spirit of Lent.
Bishop Michael visited St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic parish in Vancouver on Cheese-fare Sunday morning for the Ukrainian-language Liturgy. Archpriest Fr. Joe Ostopowich and Deacon Howard Burton concelebrated, while pastor Fr. Joseph Pidskalny, OSBM preached the homily. A highlight of the service was when Bishop Michael welcomed a couple, Lawrence and Sarah, who had just recently officially joined the Ukrainian Catholic Church and were canonically enrolled into the Church and parish. This small, but special event, brought a lot of joy to the parish. “Like a wedding” as one said. [Please keep the couple in your prayer, as they are soon expecting twins…]
Following the Divine Liturgy, everyone was invited to the parish centre for a pancake breakfast hosted by the parish branch of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada. The breakfast actually went well beyond pancakes with a lavish spread of great food that included vast platters of fresh fruits. In the course of the breakfast, the Ladies held a “door prize”. Everyone received a ticket when purchasing their admission and they thus had a chance to win one of many donated prizes. Fr. Joseph also brought attention to parishioner Frank who on that very day was also celebrating his 95th birthday. He is one of those rare souls blessed with good health at that age and lives fully independently with his wife who was also present.
May our good Lord bless St. Mary’s Parish and all the parishes of our New Westminster Eparchy with a powerful and life-changing Great Fast!
Lent is a time in which the Church… invites us to PLACE THE MYSTERY OF GOD BACK IN THE CENTRE OF OUR LIVES! in order to find renewal in our faith and keep our hearts from being consumed by the anxieties and distractions of daily life. […]
This year, … The willingness to LISTEN is the first way we demonstrate our desire to enter into relationship with someone. […]
Our God is one who seeks to involve us. […] WE MUST ALLOW GOD TO TEACH US TO LISTEN AS HE DOES! we must allow God to teach us how to listen as he does. …
If Lent is a time for listening, fasting is a concrete way to prepare ourselves to receive the word of God. Abstaining from food is an ancient ascetic practice that is essential on the path of conversion. Precisely because it involves the body, fasting makes it easier to recognize what we “hunger” for and what we deem necessary for our sustenance. […]
I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of REFRAINING FROM WORDS THAT OFFEND AND HURT our neighbor. Let us begin by disarming our language, AVOIDING HARSH WORDS AND RASH JUDGEMENT, refraining from SLANDER and SPEAKING ILL of those who are NOT PRESENT and cannot DEFEND THEMSELVES. […]
Likewise, our parishes, families, […] undertake a shared journey during Lent, in which listening to the word of God, as well as to the cry of the poor and of the earth, becomes part of our community life, and fasting a foundation for sincere repentance. […]
I impart my heartfelt blessing upon all of you and your Lenten journey.
An English audio reading of the full message [HERE]
ПОСЛАННЯ ПАПИ ЛЕВА НА ВЕЛИКИЙ ПІСТ 2026 РОКУ
Великий Піст – це час […] повернути таємницю Бога в центр нашого життя, щоб наша віра наново віднайшла свій порив, а серце не розсіювалося серед щоденних тривог і відволікань. […]
Цього року […] готовність слухати є першою ознакою, яка виявляє бажання вступити у стосунки з іншим. […]
Увійти в цей внутрішній стан сприйнятливості означає ДОЗВОЛИТИ БОГУ НАВЧАТИ НАС СЬОГОДНІ СЛУХАТИ, ЯК ВІН СЛУХАЄ […]
Якщо Чотиридесятниця є часом слухання, то піст є конкретною практикою, яка налаштовує на прийняття Божого слова. Дійсно, утримання від їжі є дуже давньою і незамінною аскетичною вправою на дорозі навернення. Саме тому, що залучає тіло, він робить більш очевидним те, щодо чого ми «голодні» і що вважаємо суттєвим для нашого існування. […]
Тому я хотів би заохотити вас до дуже конкретної і часто недооціненої форми стриманості, а саме до утримання від слів, які ображають і ранять нашого ближнього. Почнімо роззброювати мову, відмовляючись від гострих слів, від поспішних суджень, від того, щоб говорити зле про тих, хто відсутній і не може захиститися, від наклепів. […]
Подібним чином, наші парафії, сім'ї, церковні …під час Чотиридесятниці ступати спільним шляхом, на якому слухання Божого слова, а також голосіння вбогих і землі, ставатиме формою спільного життя, а піст підтримуватиме справжнє покаяння. […]
Від серця благословляю вас усіх і ваш великопосний шлях.
Прочитайте повне послання Папи Лева на Великий піст 2026 року [ТУТ]
In these days we mark the 12th anniversary of Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine and the 4th anniversary of the full-scale invasion.
These have been years of profound suffering and loss, but also years of courage, sacrifice, and steadfast faith. Our people continue to carry a heavy cross, placing their trust in God’s mercy and justice.
I invite everyone to join in prayer:
for the eternal rest of fallen soldiers and all innocent victims;
for the healing of the wounded;
for the release of those held in captivity;
for comfort for grieving families;
for an end to this brutal war!
and for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
May the Lord strengthen our people in faith, preserve them in unity, and guide them on the path of truth and life.
O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance.
Glory be to Jesus Christ!
I call upon all of our priests, and all our monastic communities and all our faithful to conduct special prayer events or to include prayers and petitions in their regularly scheduled Liturgies on Sunday, February 22nd and Tuesday, February 24th.
Цими днями ми згадуємо 12-ту річницю військового втручання росії в Україну та 4-ту річницю повномасштабного вторгнення.
Це роки великого болю і втрат, але також роки мужності, жертовності й незламної віри. Наш народ проходить тяжке випробування, несучи свій хрест із надією на Боже милосердя і справедливість.
Запрошую всіх до спільної молитви:
за упокій душ полеглих воїнів і всіх невинно убієнних;
за зцілення поранених;
за визволення полонених;
за потіху для родин, що втратили своїх близьких;
за припинення цієї жорстокої війни!
і за встановлення справедливого миру в Україні.
Нехай Господь укріпить наш народ у вірі, збереже його в єдності та провадить дорогою правди і життя.
Господи, спаси народ Твій і благослови насліддя Твоє.
Слава Ісусу Христу!
Усіх наших священиків, усе наше монашество та всі наші вірні закликають проводити спеціальні молитовні заходи або включати молитви та прохання до своїх регулярних Богослужінь у неділю, 22 лютого, та у вівторок, 24 лютого.
Members of the Eparchy of New Westminster participated in truly timely and important webinar on “Canadian Churches and the War in Ukraine: Ministry in the Canadian Context Since the Full-scale Invasion”. The online meeting, conducted via Zoom, gathered a vast number of people from across Canada to discuss their experiences in welcoming newcomers from Europe over the last four years since Russia began its brutal invasion of Ukraine. Canada was one of the countries to immediately offer a place to stay to Ukrainian families who wanted desperately to escape the death and destruction of war. In fact, Canada was very generous in offering documentation, material assistance to the temporarily displaced Ukrainians so they could find a place to live, work and receive the care they needed. This displacement has dragged on. In a few days, this war may enter its fifth year!
However, besides great governmental programs, the people from Ukraine also needed hands-on help by volunteers who would guide them in finding work, an apartment where to stay, furniture, how to find medical help and enrol their children in school, etc. Ukrainian organizations like the Ukrainian Canadian Congress really stepped up in all provinces. Faith communities – leading among them the Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox Churches – also immediately mobilized themselves to offer charitable help and accompaniment in these early months and even to the present day.
The main speakers at the webinar were four panelists – four priests who in various ways were in the thick of the effort to help the “refugees” when they began arriving by the hundreds and then thousands. The panelists included: Fr. Cornell Zubritsky (Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Edmonton); Fr. Andre Lalach (of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon); Fr. Volodymyr Bashutskyy (Archeparchy of Winnipeg) and the Eparchy of New Westminster’s Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych. Each of the speakers shared about the experiences that they personally had in receiving newcomers. [BTW, the term and status appropriate to the newcomers from Ukraine was clarified early on in the discussion. They are not acknowledged as “refugees” actually, but rather “evacuees” or “temporarily displaced” persons.] They shared about the challenges, but also the joys and blessings. The challenges, as one would expect, included finding resources, initial language barriers, helping people adapt to a new cultural and social reality. The blessings, on the other hand, were often connected with those challenges as members of parishes stepped up to help, mentor and accept changes to their communities to accommodate the new people who needed, above all. understanding and help.
The seminar was hosted by Newman Theological College in Edmonton as part of their ongoing launch of the new programming in Eastern Christian Theology. Deacon Cyril Kennedy, an assistant professor at the College, moderated the online gathering and kept it moving along to allow the speakers to share their thoughts, engage each other for clarification and then give ample opportunity to the all the participants to ask questions and comment.
More similar webinars were promised for the near future. The public will certainly look forward to the announcements.
Within the framework of the activities of Ukraine’s foreign diplomatic institutions, a mobile consular service was organized in British Columbia. The consular services were provided by the Consul of Ukraine in Edmonton, Ms. Viktoriia Bozhko, in accordance with her official duties and authorities.
The services were intended for Ukrainian citizens currently residing on Canada’s West Coast who require the issuance or renewal of passports and immigration-related documents. Many Ukrainian families arrived in Canada as a result of the ongoing war, seeking safety for their loved ones while maintaining hope for a just peace and the restoration of Ukraine. Given the prolonged nature of the hostilities, the need for timely document renewal and clarification of legal status has become increasingly important.
The mobile consular services were conducted at the Bishop Jerome Eparchial Centre of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster. The spacious meeting hall and library of the Centre was designated as the reception area for citizens and was appropriately prepared for the processing of documents.
Over the course of four days, the consular team worked in an intensive and well-coordinated manner, ensuring a high standard of public service. Organizational support was provided by volunteers of the eparchy. Particular dedication and professionalism were demonstrated by Ms. Alla Eismont from the Eparchial Chancery, and Ms. Elvira Mruchkovska, who coordinated the reception of applicants, assisted with organizational matters, and provided informational support.
On Sunday morning, the final day of the consular mission, His Excellency, Most Rev. Michael Kwiatkowski, Bishop of the New Westminster Eparchy, came in to express his gratitude on behalf of the clergy and the Ukrainian community of the region. He presented Ms. Viktoriia Bozhko with a certificate of appreciation as a sign of recognition for her amazing service, attentiveness to the needs of citizens, and dedication to diplomatic duty. The Bishop expressed his amazement about the entire operation that he noted ran from morning to late night every day. He saw this as an sign of the obvious love and dedication of the Consul and the team of volunteers toward their fellow “zemliaky” in their time of need.
It was made clear that Ms. Viktoriia Bozhko and the consular team are always welcome guests at the Eparchial Centre. The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster remains open to continued cooperation in support of the Ukrainian community and the proper safeguarding of its rights and needs.
[VolodymyrMykhalyshyn]
КОНСУЛ З ЕДМОНТОНА НАДАЄ ПОСЛУГИ В НЬЮ-ВЕСТМІНСТЕРІ, БРИТАНСЬКА КОЛУМБІЯ
У межах діяльності закордонних дипломатичних установ України було організовано виїзне консульське обслуговування громадян у Британській Колумбії. Консульські дії здійснювала консул України в Едмонтоні пані Вікторія Божко відповідно до своїх службових повноважень.
Йдеться про співвітчизників, які нині проживають на Західному узбережжі Канади та потребують оформлення або оновлення паспортних і візових документів. Багато українських родин прибули до Канади у зв’язку з війною, прагнучи забезпечити безпеку своїх близьких та зберігаючи надію на настання справедливого миру й відновлення України. З огляду на тривалість воєнних подій, виникла необхідність у своєчасному продовженні документів і врегулюванні правового статусу.
Виїзне консульське обслуговування було проведено на базі Єпархіального центру імені владики Ієроніма Української католицької єпархії Нью-Вестмінстера. Просторе приміщення конференц-холу єпархії було визначене як місце прийому громадян та належним чином підготовлене для роботи з документами.
Протягом чотирьох днів консульська команда працювала в інтенсивному режимі, забезпечуючи належний рівень державного сервісу. До організаційної підтримки долучилися волонтери єпархії. Особливу відповідальність і сумлінність виявили пані Алла Ейсмонт, представниця єпархіальної канцелярії, а також пані Ельвіра Мручковська, які координували прийом громадян, сприяли впорядкованості процесу та надавали інформаційну підтримку.
У неділю вранці, в останній день праці консульської місії, Преосвященний владика Михайло Квятковський, єпископ Нью-Вестмінстерської єпархії, прибув, щоб висловити подяку від імені духовенства та української громади регіону. Він вручив пані Вікторії Божко грамоту подяки як знак вдячності за відповідальне виконання службових обов’язків, уважне ставлення до потреб громадян і відданість дипломатичному служінню. Владика відзначив високий рівень організованості роботи та посвяту команди, яка протягом кількох днів опрацювала значну кількість звернень.
Пані Вікторія Божко та консульська команда завжди є бажаними гостями в єпархіальному центрі. Українська католицька єпархія Нью-Вестмінстера і надалі відкрита до співпраці задля підтримки української громади та належного забезпечення її прав і потреб.
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