On May 27, Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster was the site of a very rare and special event for the Church. By decree of the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, and with due consent of his monastic superiors, Father Richard Soo, SJ was elevate to the status of “Archimandrite” in the presence of clergy, religious and many faithful who all came out to exclaim their heartfelt “Aksios!”.
Father Richard, a priest of the Society of Jesus, has dedicatedly served the Ukrainian Catholic Church in various eparchies – including: a pastor, chancellor, vicar general, syncellus and retreat master, etc. - for many years. His service is always marked with excellence, kindness and a great sense of humour. Aside from his ecclesial work, he is well known for his successful Evangelical outreach to the Chinese community and beyond. Wherever he has served, his love for the Eastern Catholic churches and prayer is extended to everyone. His present ministry in Richmond is a typical example – his services are attended by grateful Ukrainian newcomers, enthusiastic members of the Chinese community, and members of Iranian, Egyptian and other backgrounds. All are welcome. Fr. Richard has also been outspoken regarding human rights abuses in China - notably his standing with the people in relation to the Umbrella Movement of Hong Kong, and his continuous prayer and public manifestations for an end to the war in Ukraine.
Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, of the Eparchy of New Westminster, led the ceremony with the assistance many others. The ancient Akathist prayer service in praise of the Theotokos, was led by Vicar General, Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych and was concelebrated by several other priests, deacons and subdeacons. A mixed group of singers from the Cathedral parish and Fr. Richard’s ‘Eastern Catholic’ parish of the Dormition of the Theotokos led the responses. When the time for the elevation ceremony came, the Rt. Reverend Archpriest Fr. Joe Ostopowich functioned as the Archdeacon who presented Fr. Richard. The Vice-Chancellor from the Eparchy of Toronto, V. Rev. Roman Lobay read His Beatitude’s Decree as well as a greeting from the Bishop of Toronto, Bishop Bryan Bayda, C.Ss.R. Deacon Christopher Chiu, who was recently ordained to the Diaconate in Fr. Richard’s parish, assisted by the subdeacons Adrian and Ryan and seminarian Juan, presented the insignia of Archimandrite Richard’s new status.
As the congregation responded with an enthusiastic “Aksios!” (i.e. “he is worthy of this honour and responsibility!”), Bishop Michael presented to Archimandrite Richard… the epigonation(“strap on your sword… mighty in your splendour and goodness…. your right hand will lead you to victory…”)… the pectoral cross (“protect me Lord, Jesus Christ by the sign of Your holy Cross…)… and the mitre (“… helmet of salvation…”). Later, Fr. Richard received the mantia (cape) of an Archimandrite and a staff (crozier), at which the Bishop said, “Accept the crozier so that, supported by it, you may tend your flock, for you will have to give an account for it to our God on the day of judgement”.
It was a joyful occasion for the Eparchy and for the whole Church as not only a worthy priest was acknowledged for his years of service and continued ministry, but the faithful also gained a unique leader in the fulfilment of the mission of Christ’s Church upon the Earth.
A wonderful reception was held just down the street at the Bishop Jerome Eparchial Centre.
(photos: Mary Jean Kwiatkowski, Volodymyr Mykhalyshyn)
Today, 4 June 2026, as the funeral services are held in Winnipeg, the faithful of the Eparchy of New Westminster also bid a prayerful farewell to Sister Ambrose Stachiw, SSMI who served the Ukrainian Catholic parishes on Canada’s west coast for many years.
In the large chapel of the principal residence of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate in Winnipeg, known as “Bethany Home”, Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak, OSBM, presided at the Divine Liturgy and funeral rites for this 92-year-old servant of God who was born in Ukraine, but served the Lord and His Church in Canada for many decades.
Several priests and many Sisters joined Metropolitan Lawrence, Metropolitan emeritus Stefan Soroka and auxiliary Bishop Andriy Rabiy for a funeral service that was described as more joyful than sad as the Church in Canada bid farewell to Sister Ambrose. Some of Sister’s family members were present as well as many faithful, who poured out into the corridors around the chapel.
After returning to university in 1994, Sister Ambrose accepted the appointment to the Eparchy of New Westminster to work in the Catechetical department together with Sister Ruth Aney, SSMI this ministry continued for eighteen years. Over the years, many Sisters have served the Eparchy in many ways. We are presently blessed to have Sister Angelica Hodowansky, SSMI and Sister Janice Soluk, SSMI who serve in New Westminster and travel throughout the territory visiting our parishes.
The Eparchy of New Westminster – our bishops, clergy and lay-faithful over the years - are indebted to Sister Ambrose for her almost two decades of overseeing religious education among us. May our loving Lord welcome her into His Heavenly Kingdom and grant her eternal memory among the saints and angels.
Vichna yiy pamyat’! Вічна їй пам'ять!
VIDEO: You may watch the funeral service at the Bethany Home Chapel via YouTube. To learn more about Sr. Ambrose’s life, you may focus on Metropolitan Lawrence’s homily, which begins at 39:40, an on the eulogy delivered by the SSMI Provincial Superior from Toronto, Sister Christina Syrotynsky, which begins at 1:32:25.
For over forty years, Holy Resurrection Ukrainian Catholic Mission Parish in Penticton has remained a steadfast witness to the Byzantine tradition in the South Okanagan. The parish’s history began on April 6, 1985, when Fr. Joseph Ostopowich celebrated its very first Divine Liturgy.
Recently, the community experienced the maternal care of the Mother of God through a generous gift from the Traynor family. They donated a beautiful pair of eight-foot icons from Ukraine depicting Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Most Holy Theotokos. These sacred images now form a movable iconostasis, transforming their worship space within St. John Vianney Roman Catholic Parish into a visibly Byzantine sanctuary.
Additionally, the parish was blessed with a new set of white and gold altar linens, which were blessed on the Sunday of All Saints to enhance the dignity of the Holy Mysteries.
May these sacred gifts help foster a deeper love for the Divine Liturgy, a greater appreciation for the spiritual inheritance of our Ukrainian Catholic Church, and a renewed desire for holiness among all who worship at Holy Resurrection Parish. Thank you Traynor family.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, Save Us!
У катедральному соборі Пресвятої Євхаристії Нью-Вестмінстерської Єпархії відбулася урочиста та духовно піднесена подія, уведення преподобного ієромонаха Ричарда Су, ТІ, до гідності архімандрита. Цей почесний чин був наданий декретом Отця і Глави Української Греко-Католицької Церкви, Блаженнішого Святослава, на знак визнання та вдячності за ревне служіння, вірність Церкві Христовій та багатолітню душпастирську працю.
Святкове богослужіння мало форму стародавнього Богородичного Акафіста VI століття, під час якого і відбулося урочисте возведення отця Ричарда Су до архімандричого достоїнства.
Святкове богослужіння очолив Преосвященний Владика Михайло Квятковський у співслужінні духовенства Нью-Вестмінстерської Єпархії. Провадив моління та урочистості ректор катедри, отець Михайло Озорович.
На початку богослужіння, у світлі благодатного періоду після празника П’ятидесятниці, усі присутні були запрошені до спільної молитви до Святого Духа словами древнього церковного гімну «Царю Небесний». Особливого духовного змісту урочистості набув Акафіст, у контексті якого й відбулося возведення отця Ричарда Су до архімандричого достоїнства.
На святковому богослужінні були присутні численні священники з долини Оканаган, з островів Британської Колумбії, диякони, піддиякони, духовенство Нью-Вестмінстерської Єпархії, а також численні віряни й парафіяни отця Ричарда, які прибули, аби розділити цю історичну мить зі своїм духовним наставником.
Особливою честю стала присутність представника Владики Браяна Байди, отця Романа Лобая, віцеканцлера Торонтонської Єпархії, який передав вітання та духовну підтримку від Владики Браяна. Цей жест братньої єдності між єпархіями став свідченням пошани та вдячності новому архімандритові.
Молитовний спів супроводжувався величним служінням хору катедрального собору Пресвятої Євхаристії та хору парафії Успіння Пресвятої Богородиці з Річмонда. Спільний спів надав богослужінню особливої урочистості та духовної глибини.
У своїй промові нововозведений архімандрит особливо наголосив, що від самого початку свого служіння відчув щиру єдність і підтримку української громади, яка стала для нього справжньою духовною родиною. Він поділився, що не має жодних кордонів чи перешкод для служіння Христові та Його Церкві, громаді, незалежно від походження. За словами отця Ричарда Су, справжня єдність Церкви народжується через любов, покликання та живу віру у Христа. Він також підкреслив, що Українська Греко-Католицька Церква відкрита для всіх народів, а кожна людина є бажаною у Божому домі, де всі приймаються як брати і сестри у Христі.
Отець Ричард Су зі смиренням прийняв архімандричий чин, об’єднавши навколо цього великого духовного свята братів і сестер у Христі різного походження, культури та життєвого шляху. Атмосфера величі Божого Духа, миру та церковної єдності переповнила серця всіх присутніх.
Кульмінацією урочистостей стало співання «Аксіос!» та многоліття на честь нового архімандрита. Архімандрича мантія та жезл стали зовнішнім знаком великої відповідальності та духовного служіння, яке Церква довірила отцю Су.
Після завершення богослужіння духовенство, гості та віряни були запрошені на святкову вечерю до Єпархіального центру імені Владики Єроніма, першого єпископа Нью-Вестмінстерської Єпархії. У братній атмосфері продовжилося спілкування, сповнене вдячності Богові за дар служіння, єдності та живої присутності Святого Духа у житті Христової Церкви.
On the occasion of Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical Letter: Magnifica Humanitas, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has shared this information-filled press release.
25 May 2026, Ottawa – Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Letter, Magnifica Humanitas, was released today. It focuses on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence. The letter is dated 15 May, to commemorate the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s Encyclical Letter, Rerum Novarum.
The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development offers the following synopsis of the Encyclical Letter: “Magnifica Humanitas offers insights into the protection of the human person in the age of artificial intelligence, recognizing a profound epochal shift. It places the dignity of the human person at the centre as the criteria for guiding technical progress. The Church’s social teaching accompanies these transformations, pointing to the common good, solidarity and subsidiarity as the fundamental benchmarks for understanding and interpreting the transformation currently underway. It proposes, as an alternative to the culture of power and war, a civilization of love founded on justice, dialogue and shared responsibility.”
To accompany the Encyclical Letter, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has prepared a collection of resources on the topic of artificial intelligence.
In connection with the 2026 Vyshyvanka Day, celebrating Ukrainian Embroidery and all it means for Ukrainian identity, especially in today’s global circumstances, the celebration was extended in New Westminster to the following Saturday.
The “Royal City” (As New Westminster is nicknamed for historic reasons) holds an annual parade and festival aptly called the Hyack Multicultiral Parade and Festival in the Park. One of the fun highlights is the parade that makes its way along the main Up Town 6th Street and is cheered by the thousands who line the sidewalks on lawn chairs and blankets. It is great fun for the whole family and the creativity of the “floats” and the good spirit is felt throughout the event.
This year, as for some time now, the Ukrainian community participates in the parade with youth, dancers. music and flags! Our Bishop Michael and the Sisters were seen along the street (it is only half a block from Chancery, btw), as well as many familiar faces from Holy Eucharist Catedral, also located nearby in New Westminster.
The Parade is only the beginning! See the schedule! There is a unique Ukrainian exhibit and presentation at the city’s Anvil Centre (777 Columbia Street) which includes Crimean Tatar costumes (that autonomous republic in southern Ukraine which was occupied by Russian forces since 2014).
In the later afternoon as Holy Eucharist Cathedral, (501-4th Avenue) hosts a Ukrainian Market with fresh Ukrainian food available! In the evening the young adults, also at the Cathedral, (as a fundraiser for summer camps St. Volodymyr) are hosting a fun “Varenyky Party” from 7:00 PM.
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