Canada has a national body of Catholic Bishops known as the CCCB - Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. However, the country was also divided into four regions so that the Church could better deal with local pastoral issues and needs in a certain area of our vast country. The AWCB - the Assembly of Western Catholic Bishops was established in 1974 to serve as a gathering for all Catholic bishops – eastern and western – from across Canada’s western provinces and the Yukon and Northwest Territories. By actual territory designation, it includes 22 eparchies and dioceses. Although there are other Eastern Catholic Bishops who have parishes in Western Canada (e.g. Chaldean, Melkite, Syro-Malabar, etc.), for the most part, it has been the Ukrainian Catholic hierarchy that participates regularly in the gatherings and activity of the AWCB. Ukrainian Catholic Bishop David Motiuk of Edmonton, has even served as the President of the Assembly. The present Ukrainian Catholic Bishops serving as active members of the AWCB are Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak (Winnipeg), Bishop David Motiuk (Edmonton), Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski (New Westminster), Bishop Michael Smolinski (Saskatoon) and Bishop Andriy Rabiy (Winnipeg).
The AWCB’s 2025 annual gathering took place in the Saanich municipality of the Greater Victoria area on Vancouver Island from 25-27 February. A unique aspect of this year’s gathering was that, although the bishops spent the nights nearby, all the prayer services and the sessions and most of the meals occurred at Our Lady of Fatima Parish. In fact, the parishioners were invited to attend the daily Eucharistic Liturgies, which added a great spirit to the services. The Ukrainian Catholic bishops were asked to lead some of the services. Bishop Andriy Rabiy from Winnipeg lead the First Hour on the second day, Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski lead the Divine Liturgy on the third day. Of course, the other bishops concelebrated.
The Ukrainian Catholic Byzantine Divine Liturgy was truly a highlight of the gathering. Besides the four Ukrainian Bishops, two of our Island priests helped arrange everything and even brought some of their faithful to join and help with the responses. Father Yuriy Vyshnevskyy (St. Nicholas, Victoria) and Father Stepan Vytvytskyi (St. Michael, Nanaimo) and their parishioners really brought the Liturgy alive for a church full of people - many who did not have that much experience with the Byzantine Liturgy. The choir from Victoria really raised the souls of all present. During the homily, Bishop Michael touched upon the Jubilee Year, the work of the bishops during the assembly and a request for prayer for the bishops, for an end to the war in Ukraine and for our own personal conversion and renewal.
The AWCB three-day conference dealt with a variety of topics that included everything from catechism, clergy formation, insurance, Evangelization, MAiD, and reconciliation and collaboration with our indigenous peoples to Catholic education, vocations, religious movements, ecumenical outreach and social communications and media (as well as several other topics).
Please pray for your Bishops. As Bishop Michael said in his homily, “if you could be present for the sessions of the assembly of bishops, I know you would be inspired by the way the bishops truly love the Lord, love the Church and are focused on the spiritual and pastoral wellbeing of the God’s People and seek the best ways to serve their people in spite of challenges and even very complicated situations!”
The Eparchy of New Westminster prays daily for Ukraine. We pray daily for an end to the brutal war brought across the borders by Russia some eleven years ago and intensified horrifically three years ago with the full-scale invasion. On Sunday the 23rd of February, parishes and communities throughout the Eparchy focused the prayer for peace. Aside from prayers during the Eucharistic Liturgies, many offered additional petitions, a panakhyda (requiem service) or even a program of focused prayer.
In several cities a public manifestation was held in the town square in which our parishioners and clergy prominently participated. In some cases, it was representatives of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress that spearheaded the organization of the rallies, but they invited all Ukrainian entities to join, including Ukrainian church communities. In Vancouver, Bishop Michael opened the event at the Art Gallery with a message and prayer. Other clergy and faithful were in attendance.
Later in the day, some parishes hosted vigils to which the wider community was invited. At Holy Eucharist Cathedral Bishop Michael led a well-attended vigil that began at 17:40 as that would correspond directly with the time in Ukraine (3:40 AM) when the first reports were being made about missile strikes and fighting between invading Russian troops and Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The evening began with Bishop Michael accenting that the gathering was not a rally, or a challenge directed toward the aggressor. It was a prayer vigil in which we gather in the presence of our Lord and humbly ask His mercy in ended the war and restoring peace so the people of Ukraine could continue to live their lives in peace to work out their salvation in fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).
The evening began with a Moleben’ to the Mother of God served by the Bishop and other clergy. Responses were led by the Cathedral choir under the direction of Halyna Bybyk. Within moments of the last Amen, the warning sirens that people in Ukraine hear daily, pierced the tranquility and people were urged to move to the basement “bomb shelter”.
In the basement, Volodymyr Mykhalyshyn facilitated a program that included several moments of meditation. Bishop Bohdan Manyshyn, the head of the Department of Military Chaplaincy of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, spoke to the gathering, telling us about the situation of the war in Ukraine, but especially of how the Church brings hope and comfort to the soldiers on the front, and to the millions who are traumatized throughout the country. This was followed by a review of photos and images of the people in Ukraine accompanied by the violin music of Maryna Popova.
The people made their way back to the church and prayed a panakhyda for the countless victims of the war. Father Dr. Yuriy Sakvuk spoke at the conclusion. The night was not yet over. The youth offered to lead those who wanted to stay in a variety of songs - mainly from the Taizé community.
Let us continue to pray daily for an end to the war in Ukraine with a just and God-willed outcome!
в Українській Католицькій Єпархії Нью-Вестмінстера на ювілейний 2025 рік
На славу Пресвятої, Єдиносущної, Животворчої і Нероздільної Тройці, Отця, і Сина, і Святого Духа. Амінь.
Папа Франциск проголосив 2025 рік звичайним ювілейнимроком і запросив усіх вірних Церкви сповна використатицю віднову надії. Отже, наданим нам повноваженням, беручи до уваги норму Канону 191, §1-2 Кодексу КанонівСхідних Церков, і беручи до уваги буллу Папи Франциска Spes non confundit – «Надія ж не засоромить» (9 травня 2024 р.), ст. 6, 23 та Норми Апостольської Пенітенціарії щодо відпустів на Звичайний Ювілейний Рік 2025 (13 травня 2024 р.), я радий
ПРОГОЛОСИТИ:
• Катедральний Собор Пресвятої Євхаристії в Нью-Вестмінстері,
• Парафіяльний Храм Успіння Пресвятої Богородиці в Келоуні та
• Парафіяльний Храм Святого Архангела Михаїла в Нанаймо,
ВІДПУСТОВІ МІСЦЯ
як пункти паломництва, де вірні можуть отримати повний відпуст кожного дня цього Ювілейного рокуз 29 грудня 2024 р. до 28 грудня 2025 р.
Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster 📍 501 4th Avenue
⏳ Beginning at 5:40 PM on Sunday, 23 February 2025
🙏 A Vigil of Prayer for Ukraine 🇺🇦
At the very hour when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, let us gather in the house of God for a vigil of prayer. Together, we will pray for the restoration of peace, justice, and faith throughout the land, so that we may begin rebuilding from the ruins with hope and freedom.
📖 “In the world you have tribulation; but take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
-----------
Запрошуємо прийти до Єпархіального Собору Пресвятої Євхаристії в Нью-Вестмінстері
📍 501 4th Avenue
⏳ Початок о 17:40 у неділю, 23 лютого 2025 року
🙏 Молитовне чування за Україну 🇺🇦
...тієї самої години, коли Росія три роки тому почала своє повномасштабне вторгнення в Україну, зберімося в домі Божому на молитовне чування за відновлення справжнього миру, справедливості та віри на всій землі, щоб Божий Народ міг розпочати відбудову з руїн у надії та свободі.
📖 «У світі ви маєте горе; але будь відважним, Я переміг світ». (Івана 16:33)
From January 14 to 16, 2025, the Bishop Jerome Eparchial Centre in New Westminster was abuzz with the first Clergy Study Days of 2025 for the Eparchy of New Westminster. This event was a truly successful and meaningful time for prayer, sharing experiences, learning and discussing – all in the interest of enhancing our pastoral ministry.
The first day began with an inspiring address from Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, who reminded all attendees of their calling: “As spiritual shepherds, we must always remember: we are the ones leading people to encounter God. Our strength lies in our faith, which is manifested by our prayer-life and the love we bring into our communities.” This was spoken in the context of a profound and moving evening of prayer, gratitude and recommitment.
Before the Moleben’ – to the Patron of Parish Priests of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, the priest and martyr Blessed Omelian Kovch, the Bishop blessed all the clergy and presented each with a certificate of gratitude and a commemorative carved pectoral priest’s cross. The certificate (hramota) expressed gratitude on behalf of the Bishop and all the faithful to the priests for their service during the Eparchy’s 50th Anniversary year and, in most cases, for many years prior to that. The specially engraved wooden pectoral crosses commissioned through contacts at the church goods shop in Lviv, Ukraine ‘Tserkovna Kramnytsya na Sviatoyurskiy Hori’ were presented to each priest as a sign of gratitude and as a sign of their ongoing commitment to the Lord and His People. In fact, each of the priests, personally donned the cross himself as a sign of his freely and willingly accepting the cross of his priestly ministry as he did on the day of his ordination.
The second day began with the Divine Liturgy at Holy Eucharist Cathedral. Bishop Michael once again encouraged the clergy: “Each of us is called not only to prayer but also to action. Our parishes are places where people seek God. Let us be the light that helps them find their way.” Our Vice-Chancellor Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk preached a homily.
After breakfast, Fr. Richard Soo, SJ led an inspiring Lectio Divina session according to what he called “the Jesuit way” on the theme, “The Real Me Encounters the Real God.” He emphasized that seeking God is a profound experience that each person must discover in their heart: “The Lord is within you. Simply knowing God is not enough. You must create a connection with Him by building a relationship through prayer, Scripture, and personal experience.”
What followed was a very full day of presentations and discussions. The clergy shared their parish experiences, discussing challenges and successes in catechesis, pastoral work, and youth engagement. Among the presentations were the Eparchial Co-Director of Catechism. Alina Novytska who inspired everyone with her approach to catechesis: “Children do not always need ready-made answers; they want the opportunity to explore on their own. Give them space for creativity, and they will discover the teachings of the Gospel themselves to stay with them for life.”
Project Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, Iryna Dziobko, gave a report on the first Eparchial Fundraising Gala event that took place in December. In using that event as an example for all parishes she showed how such an event can quicky take shape and be a success for the good of the mission of the Church. Speaking on volunteerism, she highlighted that “Volunteering is a superpower of our Church. It’s not just about helping; it’s about changing lives through our shared efforts.”
The final session on the third day, included a very helpful lecture by Dr. Christina Hantel-Fraser on her finely develop system of conflict resolution. She emphasized the importance of empathy and dialogue in any situation, offering practical strategies for fostering peace and understanding.
At the conclusion of the event, Bishop Michael expressed his gratitude to all participants for their time, inspiring and helpful contributions, and for their dedication: “Your priesthood is a great gift to the Church, to our Eparchy and the people entrusted to your pastoral care. Return to your parishes with renewed strength and ideas to continue the vital mission that the Lord has entrusted to each of us.”
Main Theme: Pilgrims of Hope Throughout the study days, the clergy explored key topics related to the 2025 Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope,” children’s catechesis, volunteerism, and new pastoral initiatives. These days of prayer, spiritual enrichment, and fraternal unity reminded everyone that together, we are building the Church of the future. It was great to have several of the clergy staying at the Eparchial Centre, while those who lived nearby drove in each day. Another big plus was that all meals were prepared by renowned local caterer (and parishioner), Olha Hryshko.
Please pray for your priests! They are men who heard a call from the Lord in their hearts and souls and stepped forward to undergo studies and training and, after ordination, serve wherever the Church sees the greatest need.
Following discussions with clergy and faithful and Eparchial Consultors, and following the announcement to the clergy during the Clergy Conference held at our Bishop Jerome Eparchial Centre, 14-16 January 2025, Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski announces the following changes to clergy pastoral appointments that will take effect from 27 January 2025 (Feast of the Transfer of the Relics of our holy Father St. John Chrysostom). These appointments grant the clergy the full canonical authority to serve as the parish priest of, and in collaboration with, the faithful entrusted to their care. These designations are valid for the period established in the individual certificates of appointment. All appointments will be reassessed after one year.
God bless our Priests and all our Faithful as we travel further into this exciting and life-changing 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope!
1. Our Cathedral Parish of the Holy Eucharist, our communities in Abbottsford and Maple Ridge are all entrusted to the pastoral care of the Very Rev. Mykhailo Ozorovych who will be assisted by Rev. Father Yuriy Sakvuk.
2. The Parishes of Grindrod, Vernon and Penticton are entrusted to the pastoral care of Rev. Father Andriy Werbowy.
3. Our parish of the Holy Dormition in Kelowna is under the pastoral care of Rev. Father Pavlo Myts.
4. Our Parish of the Holy Cross in Surrey is under the pastoral care of Rev. Father Mykhailo Postoliuk.
Recent Comments