Про Пасторальну Стратегію Української Католицької Єпархії Нью-Вестмінстера: Плекання Християнських Родин
Відповідно до Постанов Синоду Єпископів Української Греко-Католицької Церкви (Прот. ВА 25/157 ENG), що відбувся в Римі 30 червня - 10 липня 2025 року, та згідно з «Пропозиціями щодо впровадження Пасторального плану 2030 у сфері Християнських Родин», представленими Пасторальною Радою Патріаршої Курії в Римі 15-20 вересня 2025 року, я закликаю все наше духовенство, чернецтво та мирян Української Католицької Єпархії Нью- Вестмінстера прийняти до серця й щедро здійснювати наступне:
The Faithful of Hieromartyr Saint Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Vernon, BC celebrated their 2025 annual Parish feast on Sunday 16 November. The actual feast of the Bishop and Martyr St. Josaphat takes place in 12 November, but for the sake of convenience for all parishioners and guests, the feast was transferred to the following Sunday. Parish Priest, Fr. Andriy Werbowy, welcomed Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski who made it just in time after celebrating an earlier Liturgy in Kelowna. He was joined by the Parish Priest of Kelowna, Fr. Pavlo Myts. It was a wonderful crowd filling the beautiful Church, which was officially consecrated and opened in the Millennium year of Christianity in Ukraine 1988. People had also joined from other parishes in the surrounding area – Grindrod, Penticton, Kelowna and Coldstream - and as far away as New Westminster as two Sisters – Sr. Angelica, SSMI and Sr. Janice, SSMI made the trip to be there. The whole congregation joined in the singing and they prayed prayers for the Jubilee Year of Hope before the conclusion.
In his homily, Bishop Michael pointed out that the famous martyr for Christian unity, St. Josaphat, began his life like each one of us – simply striving to be a faithful follower of Christ and by living his life according to the Will of God. Over time, the Lord led him onto particular paths where his love of God and of his neighbour grew continuously. That love for God and neighbour compelled him to witness to truth. That witnessing to truth did not appeal to some, who in turned wanted his silenced to the point of putting him to death. Not many of us will be called to make that witness, but, all the same, we should seek to witness to Christ at every possible opportunity and spread the Lord’s Gospel message to a world thirsting for the truth of the Faith.
At the “Mnohaya Litas” at the end of the Liturgy, it was pointed out that the Metropolitan of Canada for Ukrainian Catholics, Most Rev. Lawrence Huculak, OSBM is in fact from the Vernon Parish where he was born and grew up.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the parishioners and the guests filled the parish hall on the lower level and enjoyed a great potluck dinner and the joy of fellowship. The ladies of the parish laid out the food and even held a ‘door prize draw’ where a number of the participants were thrilled to win goodie bags. As Bishop Michael pointed out – the fact that the church and hall could be filled, even if partially be neighbouring parishioners, and that no one was in a rush to leave, are a good sign that St Josaphat Parish has a future yet and the focus needs to be on living the faith and welcoming newcomers and supporting each other.
DECREE On the Pastoral Strategy of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster: Nurturing Christian Families In accordance with the Resolutions of the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (Prot. BA 25/157 ENG), held ni Rome from June 30 —July 1 0 , 2025, and in agreement with the "Proposals regarding the Implementation of the Pastoral Plan 2030 in the Field of Christian Families," presented by the Pastoral Council of the Patriarchal Curia in Rome, 15-20 September 2025, Icall upon all our clergy, religious and lay-faithful of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster, to take to heart and generously act upon the following...
The Eparchy of New Westminster commemorated Remembrance Day with a Divine Liturgy and Panakhyda at Holy Eucharist Cathedral and by participation at the ceremonies at City Hall.
Remembrance Day in Canada is a national holiday that takes place annually on November 11th to honour and remember the men and women who served in the Royal Canadian Armed Forces - especially those who died in battle during one the many conflicts and wars in which Canada was involved over the years.
A Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Cathedral church of the Holy Eucharist in the morning with the intention for the fallen heroes. Both Ukrainians who served in the Canadian armed forces were remembered as well as the many Ukrainian soldiers who have more recently given their lives on the battlefields of Ukraine defending against the Russian invasion. In his homily, Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, spoke about prayer for those who boldly stepped forward to put themselves in harms way to defend right and freedom and to defend their country and their families from injustice and destruction. The Lord declared that “greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13) and, the Bishop explained that soldiers certainly fit that category of people willing to give their lives for their countrymen…. and not a few are actually called to make that sacrifice. A panakhyda (requiem service) for the deceased was prayed following the Liturgy. The “Heroes of Their Day Pokrova Icon” depicting Ukrainian Canadian military service men and women, and which is permanently enshrined in the cathedral, was brought over and placed at the tetrapod for these Remembrance Day services.
Following the church services, those who could, made their way to the New Westminster City Hall for the civil ceremonies. One of the highlights of the ceremony was the laying of wreaths at the cenotaph memorial of the Canadian soldiers. There Bishop Michael laid a wreath on memory of the Ukrainian Canadians who died in military service. At an armoury near City Hall there is a memorial to two Canadian military heroes, one being Ukrainian-born Seargeant Filip Konowal who received the rarely awarded Victoria Cross “for gallantry in the face of the enemy”.
Following the ceremonies, the regular forces, militia, cadets groups and scouts marched back to the armoury in a colourful parade to the delight of those gathered in the streets. A video of the parade can be seen [HERE].
This famous Canadian poem was recited at the City Hall ceremonies…
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders Fields.
В полях фламандських квітне мак Поміж хрестів — скорботний знак По нас; а жайвір серед хмар Нам шле свій спів — останній дар, Ледь чутний тут крізь грім атак.
Бо ми, полеглі в цих полях, Ми, що кохали, нині — прах, Жили — і приняли удар В полях фламандських.
Ідіть у бій, забувши страх, Нам світоч випав з рук, відтак — Вам підіймати цей тягар! Якщо загасне віри жар — Наш сон розвієтся, як мак, В полях фламандських...
It was an amazing and inspiring parish feast (praznyk) at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Nanaimo, BC. on Sunday, 9 November 2025. It was a prayerful and uplifting time of prayer and reflection and fellowship – as all “praznyks” are – but the additional inspiration was the number of participants! The annual event brought together all the parishioners and many guests from their sister parishes on the island from Victoria and Courtney and others as well. Sisters Janice and Angelica of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate also came from New Westminster. There was literally ‘standing room only’ in the church and the two wings of the reception hall were filled! It was very uplifting experience as it was an obvious sign of the great revival and growth of the parish over the last couple of years.
Bishop Michael also travelled from New Westminster to attended the praznyk. His joy was visible as he heartily thanked everyone for making the effort to come celebrate the feast and show their support for the parish and commitment to the new pastoral and spiritual growth that is obviously happening on Vancouver Island. During his homily he spoke to some of the themes that the two Gospel readings of the day suggested (Sunday Lk. 16:19-31 / Feast Lk. 10:16-21). The first was that Angels are an important part of God’s divine “structure” of creation and of His plan for our salvation. He spoke of how the Lord used angels throughout history as defenders and messengers and how our own guardian angels serve as powerful protectors and guides for each of us. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus, he said, is a clear lesson to us to use the wonderful God-given gift of life to the best of our ability to help fulfil the mission of Christ’s Church upon earth and to show compassion and support to those we encounter – especially those in desperate need.
At the close of the Divine Liturgy a joyful welcoming occurred for a young family man who had recently joined the Church and the parish. Parish Priest Fr. Stepan Vytvytskyi presented two beautiful icons and with a certificate noting his reception of the Mysteries (Sacraments) of Penance and the Holy Eucharist.
Besides being one of only three pilgrimage destination churches throughout the Eparchy for the Jubilee Year of Hope. St. Michael’s is also becoming a well-known centre of veneration of holy relics. Relics are a significant aspect of religious piety in Christian tradition. The Catechism of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Christ – our Pascha, especially in the section on “The Veneration of Saint’s Relics (615-620)”, offers a good explanation about the reverence for relics of the saints and how they are incorporated in Church life. One of the newest relics presented in the parish were not that of a saint, but nuggets of rock from the renowned Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangelin Gargano, Italy where apparitions of the patron of the Parish, St. Michael the Archangel were reported from the 6th century. Bishop Michael blessed with the relics all who came forward seeking healing and peace in their hearts.
The reception was a ‘potluck’ dinner with so many foods prepared with love and representing a vast variety of ethnic foods, styles and versions. Borsch for everyone and then salads, meats, vegetarian dishes and mouthwatering desserts. There was something for everybody and enough for everyone. The large crowd didn’t leave “12 baskets full” of leftovers, but everyone went home very satisfied!
May the Archangel Michael continue to watch over and protect the parish and may our loving Lord continue to bless our Nanaimo Parish with growth and success year by year.
The warm lower hall of Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster was the setting for the Second Annual Bishop’s Fundraising Gala for the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster. Although some attention was given to Bishop Michael as it was his name day (Archangel Michael) and his anniversary of episcopal consecration (2023), the main goal this year was to raise funds for youth and children’s programs and projects. The main project being an extended, two-week (or more), Saint Volodymyr Summer Camp.
This year’s gala was a bit more streamlined than last year. However, it still included a refreshment reception, a gourmet dinner, musical performances, a “living sacred art” experience and, of course, Saturday evening vespers.
Holy Eucharist Cathedral’s Director of Development, Iryna Dzobko, spearheaded the organization of the event. The amazing hors d'oeuvres for the wine reception and the truly gourmet dinner were prepared by Tetyana Korobanova. The meal was served by the very elegantly dressed members of the Eparchial Youth who volunteered as a support for their eparchy!
Amazing music was provided by two very talented young musicians – pianist Lev Panchenko and Liubomyr Prysyazhnyi on the saxophone. The Master of Ceremonies was Chancellor Rev. Dr. Yuriy Sakvuk, assisted by his wife, Dobrodiyka Maria Sakvuk.
One of the unique highlights of the evening was what was promoted as a “living sacred art” experience. Artist Serhii Kolodka, made a painting of Christ as the Sower in the Parable (Luke 8:5-15). In the painting Christ is holding up a single seed and is about to plant it. Serhii explained that the seeds are us, and the Lord regards each and every seed as very special and worthy of His attention and loving care. Well, the painting was not finished. Besides some additions to the overall composition, there was a text that was not really visible to the eye. But it was there. The text was prepared to receive gold leaf so that, when the gold was applied, the text would be visible and shine for all to see. Guests were invited to come forward, if they liked, to help complete the painting. For a donation of their choosing they could come forward, and brush-on some gold leaf onto the pre-glued (?) lettering… a few letters at a time. Slowly the text became clear. This way, the donors contributed, in real time, toward the completion of this painting that would be placed in a church for generations to come.
Some special presentations were made by a few organizations – one by the President Olga Prodan of the Ukrainian Canadian Advocacy Group, by Olga Zarudina of the Vancouver Branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and by State Deputy Edgar Nacar of the Knights of Columbus of British Columbia and the Yukon. Elvira Mruchkovska, former UCC-Vancouver president also made a presentation on behalf of her family.
Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski thanked everyone for coming out to support the Eparchy of New Westminster. He explained that their generosity this year would go toward Children’s programs, such as catechesis and other educational efforts, but especially toward the summer program of the Eparchial Saint Volodymyr Children’s Camp which the Eparchy intends to revise and enhance to make it even more fun, safe and educational.
Everyone was invited to join Bishop Michael for the Saturday evening vespers upstairs in the Cathedral Church and/or stay as long as they pleased. Everyone enjoyed the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the evening that was also interspersed with some very inspirational videos about children’s events and Bishop Michael’s second anniversary as the Bishop of New Westminster.
This Gala is one of two Gala events planned this year! So that people in the interior of British Columbia can also participate, a second Gala is being held at the Dormition of the Mother of God Parish Centre in Kelowna on Saturday 15 November 2025. Bishop’s Fundraising Dinner. TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE! All are invited to attend!
Recent Comments