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.
What a magnificent and glorious Mass it was, and solemn and uplifting. Holy Rosary Cathedral in downtown Vancouver was filled to capacity, but with only a small fraction of the people that wanted to attend if space had allowed. Before the Eucharistic Liturgy began and after it had concluded participants could not help but be captivated by the seemingly endless stream of servers, seminarians, deacons, priests and bishops that flowed by in white vestments. The solemnity, the ritual and the obvious care and precision shown at every moment - emphasized the reality that the command of the Son of God at the Last Supper was being carried out in the very midst of those gathered. “Do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19-20)
The reason for this Farewell Mass was the main celebrant, the shepherd of the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Vancouver and the four suffragan dioceses, retiring Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB. It was an opportunity for Archbishop Miller to pray one last time with the people he loved and served. This was to be his last public Mass in what was his cathedral church. He also took the opportunity to celebrate his 50th Anniversary of Priestly ordination which will actually take place after he is gone – 29th June, on the Feast of the Holy Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul. He was ordained fifty years ago at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome by the laying-on-of-hands of Pope St. Paul VI.
In his homily, Archbishop Miller spoke about his personal life journey, but really spoke about vocations to priestly ministry and dedicating one’s life to serving the Church of Christ. He spoke of his love and admiration and gratitude that he felt for the people he served over the last eighteen years as coadjutor and then Archbishop of Vancouver. He asked everyone to add a prayer for him as he now moves on to continue his journey with the Lord. After the clergy exited the great doors of the majestic 125-year-old Cathedral, the Archbishop remained behind at the entrance - greeting and bidding farewell to everyone who approached him.
Our Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, was among the bishops and other clergy who attended. Although he is relatively new himself to the west coast, he wanted to be there to express his gratitude to the good Archbishop who has shown such magnanimity and kindness to the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster by opening his churches and rectories to the needs of the Ukrainian community - especially since the outbreak of Russia’s 2022 brutal invasion that brought thousands of refugees to British Columbia. His kindness and that of his brother bishops and faithful, is much appreciated by the Ukrainian community and will never be forgotten.
Farewell Archbishop Michael! May our loving Lord richly reward you and grant you yet many more joy-filled and successful years upon this earth and onto life everlasting!
Кожна парафія в єпархії Нью-Вестмінстера, Канада, так чи інакше святкувала День Матері. Це включало єктенії під час недільних Божественних Літургій, а також гучне «Многая літа» для «всіх матерів та тих, хто відіграє материнську роль у нашому житті».
Деякі парафії проводили концерти, обіди або пікніки. Отець Юрій Саквук, наприклад, провів Божественну Літургію для нашої громади в Абботсфорді біля озера, а потім пікнік.
Матерів щиро вшанували та подякували їм за безцінну та незмірну відданість своїм дітям, своїм сім'ям та подружжям. Подякували за мільйон інших речей які вони роблять у суспільстві та у своїх парафіях, з такою ж любов'ю та ретельністю!
У кафедральному соборі Пресвятої Євхаристії в центрі Нью-Вестмінстера, Британська Колумбія, після Архиєрейської Божественної Літургії, яку відслужив Владика Михайло, настоятель собору, Отець Михайло Озорович запросив усіх залишитися на концерт, який виконали діти єпархіальної школи «Рідне Слово». Хор під керівництвом Галини також виконав улюблені пісні, до яких приєдналися всі присутні. На цьому концерті діти також роздали відкритки та троянди кожній мамі. Після виступу всіх запросили до парафіяльної зали на чудовий обід, приготований чоловічою групою кафедрального собору.
Дві інші парафії, які надіслали кілька фотографій, – це парафія ВоздвиженняЧесного Хреста в місті Суррей, де настоятелем є отець Михайло Постолюк. Після недільної Божественної Літургії вони зібралися на шкільному подвір’ї парафії, щоб розважитися, співати та, як завжди, смачно поїсти.
У парафії Святого Великомученика Георгія в місті Прінс-Джордж, де настоятелем є декан отець Андрій Чорненький, вони провели повний обід та створили фотозону, де члени родини та друзі могли сфотографуватися зі своїми матерями та бабусями. Щоб переглянути більше фотографій, відвідайте сторінку парафії у Facebook за адресою sgparsh.ca.
У парафії Святого Миколая Чудотворця що в місті Вікторія після Літургії діти привітали матерів відкритками та квітами, а настоятель парафії отець-декан Юрій Вишневський уділив їм благословення.
У парафії Святого Арх. Михаїла, де настоятелем є отець Степан Витвицький, також привітали матерів із їхнім святом. Після Літургії подарували квіти та уділили особливе благословення реліквіями святого мученика Владики Василія Величковського. Завершили святкування теплим спілкуванням за кавою.
З Днем Матері всіх наших матерів та бабусь! Чи то тут, з нами, чи далеко, чи то покликані нашим Господом до вічного життя, ми просимо нашого люблячого Господа, Який так сильно любив Свою Пресвяту Матір, рясно благословити та винагородити кожну матір!
Once again, the priests of the Eparchy of New Westminster gathered at the Seton House of Prayer in Kelowna, British Columbia. The retreat participants travelled by land, water and air to make their way to this beautiful city on the shores of the famous Okanagan Lake. They came from Vancouver Island, Prince George in the north and from all across the lower mainland. The retreat director was Redemptorist missionary, Fr. John Sianchuk, CSsR from Winnipeg, Manitoba where he is the director of the Blessed Vasyl’ Velychkovsky National Martyr’s Shrine.
The annual clergy retreat of the Eparchy of New Westminster took place from May 5 to 8, 2025, at the Seton House of Prayer in Kelowna, BC. Most Reverend Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski opened the retreat with a blessing and invited the faithful to pray for their priests during this special time of spiritual renewal.
Not all the clergy were able to attend for various reasons, but those who made it were truly pleased that they came. Fr. John shared amazing stories and insights from the life of the holy hieromartyr Vasyl Velychkovsky, who was declared “Blessed” by Pope St. John Paul II in 2001, as well as his own life as a priest for over 50 years. He gave a series of over 10 talks and homily reflections over the four days that the clergy were together. His first talk, given in the context of a Marian Moleben’ and was livestreamed, garnering over 1300 views, was open to the public at the local Ukrainian Catholic Parish of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Kelowna, where Fr. Pavlo Myts is Pastor. Fr. John focused on the meaning of the Jubilee Year as a time of God’s mercy, hope, and love. He emphasized that true hope does not come from within ourselves but from the Risen Christ, who gives us the promise of eternal life. This faith allows Christians to face even death with courage. “Let us feel the grace and presence of Christ. Come to Him and trust Him — when we are with God, He can transform even what is evil into good,” Fr. John encouraged.
At the conclusion of the talk Fr. John Sianchuk blessed each person with the holy oil from the Shrine of Blessed Vasyl’ in Winnipeg, MB. The parish then hosted the priests and all the attendees to and amazing supper of fellowship in the parish centre.
These four days together provided for the priests of the Eparchy moments of inspiration, profound reflection, encouragement, spiritual renewal and fellowship. Father John based a lot of his talks and examples on the life and times of Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky. This confessor and martyr for his Faith – not only in his last years, but from a younger age as a student, seminarian and priest. This is why the gathered clergy could relate to his life as well as be inspired by his love and tenacity in difficult times. Father Sianchuk also shared personal experiences from his own life as a priest from his young days when discerning his vocation and through his years in serving God’s People in schools, parishes and within his religious Redemptorist community.
The second day focused on spiritual thirst — our thirst for Christ and His thirst for us. Priests were invited to be attentive to God’s call: to serve, to love, and to respond with open hearts. At the Cross, Christ said, “I thirst.” He was not merely thirsting for water, but for our love, our good deeds, our hearts. He longs for us to share His life — both here and in eternity. “Who needs you today? Look around and see the Cross in those who are in need”. Mercy is helping others find Christ. The Jubilee Year offers us the opportunity to drink from the waters of eternal life.
“When God transforms you, you move from information to realization.” “When God looks at me, who does He see? He sees His Beloved Son/Daughter. And this is our task — to become the image of God’s Son.”
Day Three: We delved into the Power of Prayer
The third day emphasized the central role of prayer in the life of a priest. Christ Himself often prayed — even when He was tired — because He knew the importance of communion with the Father. As true man, He knew God as His loving Father.
“Jesus teaches us how to open our hearts to God. My strength is being present in prayer. The power of the Cross is bringing others to prayer.”
The reflection also stressed that we cannot claim to love God while hating our neighbour. That is a lie. “Loving one another is not optional — it’s the sign that you are a Christian.”
On the morning of the last day, they prayed a Divine Liturgy together at the simple but prayerful St. Joseph the worker Chapel up on the hill above the retreat centre territory. At the close of the Liturgy, they prayed a Panakhyda for all the deceased clergy – bishops and priests – as well as religious sisters who had ever served the Eparchy. Bishop Michael read the name of each from a long list. Some of the clergy added a few names that had been forgotten.
At the clergy conference on the last morning, Bishop Michael shared plans for the future of the Eparchy, including parish visitations and increased engagement with parish councils and faithful. He concluded with a blessing and heartfelt message: “If someone comes to your church, it means the Lord has sent them to you. Take care of them. Invite them to prayer, into conversation, into community. Share your time and love. Open your doors to all people.”
A Pope is Chosen
In the course of the retreat, the brother priests experienced moments of forgiveness, of fellowship and tangible moments of God’s loving and emboldening grace. Throughout the retreat they prayed for the College of Cardinals who were meeting in Rome for prior consistory meetings and the very Conclave to choose a successor to the Apostle Peter and become the Pope to succeed Pope Francis. It was on the last day of the retreat, when they gathered for a more administrative-pastoral session that someone received a notice via their smartphone and exclaimed, “there is white smoke”. Everyone knew what that meant – that a new Pope had been chosen. The clergy continued their discussions for the good of the Eparchy, but keeping an eye on a laptop screen. It took a while, but when they saw that the procession Cross appeared on the high external balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica overlooking the famous Square, they stopped everything and focused on the livestream feed from the “eternal city”. Some threw out names of who they thought was the Cardinal who was chosen. Not really made the right guess. However, interestingly, one of the priests thought that the new Pope might chose the name “Leo”.
Everyone was elated at the announcement of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Pope of the Church of Christ. They were happy to have been together for this historic moment in the life of the Church that they love and serve. They will remember it through their lives of ministry together.
At the end of the retreat. They had a common meal together, then the retreat Director, Father John gave a brief last exhortation, led everyone in a Jubilee Year prayer and then gave a blessing to everyone. Within a short time, goodbyes were said and the priests left the way they came… making their way back to the parishes that they serve across the eparchy.
Please keep your priests in your prayer as they return to pastoral ministry among the Faithful of the Eparchy of New Westminster.
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