On Saturday, November 8, the Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster will host a special Bishop’s Gala Dinner — an evening of faith, beauty, and unity honouring Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski’s birthday and the second anniversary of his Enthronement.
Under the theme “Rooted in Faith, Growing in Hope,” this radiant event gathers clergy, faithful, and friends from across the Eparchy to celebrate God’s grace and to sow seeds of hope for the next generation of Ukrainian children and youth through Camp St. Volodymyr 2026.
The Gala promises an atmosphere of inspiration, featuring sacred art, uplifting music, and heartfelt testimonies. The highlight of the evening will be a live sacred art performance — “The Wheat of Resurrection” — by artist Serhii Kolodka, symbolizing how hope springs forth from faith, and how together we nurture new life in Christ.
Performances by talented young Ukrainian musicians will enrich the evening:
Lev Panchenko (piano) – a gifted musician from Kharkiv, Ukraine, whose artistry speaks of beauty and peace.
Liubomyr Prysyazhnyi (saxophone) – the youngest street performer in White Rock and Grand Prix winner of the 2025 Richmond Music Festival.
Yasa Bobanova (panpipe) – a rising young artist whose gentle melodies embody perseverance and hope.
Through this charitable event, participants will support the spiritual and cultural formation of Ukrainian youth in Canada — helping them encounter Christ, grow in faith, and cherish their Ukrainian Catholic heritage.
The Bishop’s Gala Dinner is more than a celebration — it is a witness of faith and hope, inspiring us to carry the light of the Jubilee of Hope into our parishes, families, and communities.
Event details: 📅 Saturday, November 8 | ⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM PST 📍 Holy Eucharist Cathedral – 501 4th Avenue, New Westminster, BC 🎟️ Refunds available up to 15 days before the event
The Dormition of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kelowna warmly invites everyone to the Bishop’s Fundraising Dinner 2025, which will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the parish hall (1091 Coronation Ave, Kelowna, BC).
This special evening will be hosted by Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, Eparch of New Westminster. It will bring together clergy, parishioners, and friends from across British Columbia to support the growing needs of our Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy — especially as it continues to welcome and serve Ukrainian families arriving in Canada.
The Need
As more Ukrainian families continue to flee the war and seek refuge, our Eparchy is responding with compassion and practical support — creating new mission communities, expanding youth and faith education programs, and nurturing the dream of establishing a Ukrainian Catholic school.
Funds raised from this dinner will help strengthen our shared mission and build a more vibrant Ukrainian Catholic presence across British Columbia.
Event Program
5:30 PM – Reception
6:30 PM – Dinner & Program (Dress Code: Business Casual)
Keynote Presentation by Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski
Join us for an inspiring evening of faith, culture, and community — and help us continue building the future of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in British Columbia.
From October 6–9, 2025, the clergy of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster gathered at the Bishop Jerome Eparchial Centre for their annual Clergy Study Days — a time of prayer, reflection, and renewal in fraternal unity.
The meeting opened with a Moleben to the Pratulin Martyrs led by Protosyncellus Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych, followed by a welcoming evening at the Bishop’s residence.
Each day began with the Divine Liturgy at Holy Eucharist Cathedral. Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski greeted the clergy, encouraging them to open their hearts to the grace of the Holy Spirit and to “do the good we can in our parishes … striving for holiness always bears fruit.”
On Tuesday, Chancellor Fr. Yuriy Vyshnevskyi preached on the dignity of being God’s children, reminding everyone that true ministry flows from love for Christ. Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk then led a ‘Lectio Divina’ spiritual reflection on the Gospel of the vineyard: the Lord has already prepared His vineyard — He now awaits our fruits.
The clergy also shared parish updates and pastoral plans of their respective parishes. Fr. Yuriy Vyshnevskyi, Dean of the Costal Deanery and the Eparchial Representative to the Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils, spoke about the implementation of new liturgical books and best pastoral practices.
On Wednesday, during the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Andriy Chornensky, Dean of the Interior, reflected in his homily that “man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from God.”
The day continued with a workshop led by Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk on the Synodal Pastoral Letter “Patient in Hope, Strong in Love”, and on the purpose and process of canonical visitations, together with Eparchial Accountant Ms. Alla Eismont.
They also presented the Parish Pastoral Council Guidelines and offered a financial update, followed by discussions on preparations for the 2026 Eparchial Sobor (aka Eparchial Assembly, see canons below…*)
On the final day, Bishop Michael encouraged everyone to return home and share the Good News — the news of love, healing, and service.
“Pray for your priests,” he reminded those gathered, “for they are called to nourish you with spiritual food.”
The concluding morning included summary discussions, planning of canonical visitations, and a Prayer of Thanksgiving before departure.
The clergy also reflected on how to strengthen and renew the Eparchy — both spiritually and materially. In this latter vein, everyone was encouraged to enthusiastically promote and participate on the two major eparchial fundraising events coming up in November. Both are being billed as the Annual Bishop’s Fundraising Gala. However, this year, one will take place in the Okanagan Valley at Holy Dormition Parish in Kelowna on November 15th. The “Lower Mainland” event will take place at Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster on November 8th.
Before parting ways, as has been the custom, all prayed together the Sixth Hour, after which Bishop Michael gave his blessing for the journey, sending everyone forth in peace and renewed zeal for their ministry. Before setting off on their journeys, a common lunch was shared in the Bishop’s refectory.
These days of prayer, dialogue, and shared vision deepened the bond of brotherhood among the clergy and renewed their commitment to serve God’s people with patience, faith, and love.
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* Some Church canons (CCEO) that provide the basis for an Eparchial Assembly….
Art. I. The Eparchial Assembly
Canon 235 - The eparchial assembly assists the eparchial bishop in providing for the needs of the Eparchy.
Canon 237 - §1. The eparchial bishop convenes the eparchial assembly and chairs it
Canon 238 - §1. Provides that some individuals MUST be invited by law, such as…. Protosyncellus (Vicar General), syncelli (Vicars), eparchial finance officer; the eparchial consultors; the Deans, a priest from each district, Deacons, Monastic community representatives. But One third of the participants should be the laity.
§2. Other Catholic delegates who are not members of the Eparchy can also be invited, §3. Observers from non-Catholic Churches can also be invited
Canon 240 - §1. Although the Bishop determines the topics to be discussed, all members of the Eparchy may propose topics and themes in advance.
§2. commissions are appointed to prepare the discussion materials
§4. Once the themes and topics are determined, they must be open to a free discussion by all the Assembly participants
Canon 241 – The deliberations and decisions of the Assembly form the basis of any laws or decrees that the Bishop promulgates either immediately or subsequent to the Assembly
Canon 242 – Any laws, declarations and decrees emanating from the eparchial assembly are shared with the Metropolitan and the Head of the UGCC.
З 26 по 28 вересня 2025 року у Ватикані відбувся Ювілей катехитів, який об’єднав понад 350 катехитів УГКЦ з різних країн світу. Це паломництво стало знаковою подією у житті Церкви, адже було приурочене до Святого року і мало на меті поглибити усвідомлення місії катехита як свідка Христової істини.
Дорога молитви
Подорож катехитів до Риму мала виразний духовний характер. Дорогою ми зупинилися у Падуї, щоб помолитися біля гробу святого Антонія, та в Ассізі — біля святого Франциска і святої Клари. У Римі відвідали усі ювілейні базиліки — Святого Петра, Святого Павла за мурами, Святого Йоана на Латерані та Санта Марія Маджоре.
Йосафата Гордашевська: покровителька катехитів
Важливим моментом паломництва стало богослужіння у соборі Святої Софії в Римі, яке очолив владика Михайло Квятковський, голова Патріаршої катехитичної комісії УГКЦ. Під час Божественної Літургії було урочисто проголошено блаженну Йосафату Гордашевську покровителькою катехитів УГКЦ. «Ми — одна сім’я у Христі, яку єднає свята віра. Наше служіння народжується зі слів Спасителя: “Ідіть і навчайте всі народи…”», — наголосив владика Михайло.
Відповідальність катехита
У зверненні до учасників ювілею владики УГКЦ підкреслили особливу відповідальність катехитичного служіння. «Від катехита, в певному сенсі, залежить спасіння людей», — прозвучало у зверненні. Єпископи наголосили, що катехит — це не просто вчитель релігії, а свідок і провідник до живої зустрічі з Христом: «Служіння катехита — це не лише передавання знань, а передусім супровід людини у її духовному житті, щоб допомогти їй відкрити Бога».
Зустріч із Папою
Особливою частиною ювілею стала зустріч українських катехитів із Папою на площі Святого Петра. У своєму зверненні Святіший Отець закликав катехитів залишатися простими та відкритими до Божого слова. Він підкреслив: «Ви — учні Ісуса, які стають Його свідками. Ваше завдання — допомогти іншим будувати стосунок із Христом і передавати досвід радості Євангелія».
Місія для майбутнього
Ювілей у Римі став для катехитів не лише святом, а й нагадуванням про місію, яку вони несуть у своїх спільнотах і парафіях. «Це паломництво — не для вражень, а для місії, — наголосив заступник голови комісії Назар Дуда. — Отримана благодать молитви біля гробів апостолів, зустріч із Папою та слово єпископів покликані стати новим поштовхом для катехитичного служіння — у школах, сім’ях і парафіях».
On Saturday, September 27, during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. Sophia Cathedral in Rome, presided over by Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, Eparch of New Westminster and Chairman of the Patriarchal Catechetical Commission, Blessed Josaphata Hordashevska was solemnly proclaimed Patroness of Catechists in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
The decision was made by the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, which convened in Rome from June 30 to July 10, 2025, considering the request of the Patriarchal Catechetical Commission.
During the Liturgy, Bishop Michael read the respective Decree of His Beatitude Sviatoslav. The document states that a catechist is a person who “by example of spiritual life and acquired knowledge shares faith in God and transmits it to those he catechizes.” That is why Blessed Josaphata, who “intended for the light of Christ’s teaching to spread wherever there is a human heart,” became a model of catechetical ministry.
“We call on all catechists of our Church to imitate the Blessed Josaphata in their lives and ministry. May she intercede for you, that you may receive the graces you need so that, strengthened in your faith, you may fulfill the commandment of Jesus Christ: ‘Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…’ (Mt 28:19),” the decree states.
More than 300 catechists of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church from different countries took part in the celebration, which marked the Jubilee Year of Catechists.
Greeting the catechists, Bishop Hryhoriy Komar, Apostolic Administrator of the Apostolic Exarchate in Italy, recalled that human salvation depends to a large extent on catechists, as Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky said. “Now, perhaps more than ever, your example can be healing for our people,” he said, thanking the catechists for their generosity in service.
Sister Sofia Lebedovych, Superior General of the Congregation of the Sisters Servants, co-founded by Blessed Josaphata, noted that the newly proclaimed patroness is an example for catechists of prayer, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and education of the heart. “She was always close to her people, attuned to their needs… and sent sisters on missions wherever people needed care, help, education, and prayer,” she added.
The UGCC Department for Information Source: Vatican News
His Holiness, Pope Leo, asked that all people of goodwill pray the Rosary daily throughout the Month of October. Among Catholics, the month of October has long been regarded as the Month of the Holy Rosary. Each day, let us find the 20 minutes it takes to pray a Rosary (i.e. one of the 4 sets of 5 ‘mysteries’). Let us do so as we walk, as we make our way to school or work. Let us pray alone, or, even better, let us pray together with our family, our group of friends, our spouse, with fellow parishioners at church, etc. The prayers are easy to learn (see the links below). Sometimes, people have suggests additional readings and scripture readings and even hymns. That is great, from time to time. However, if we keep it simple at first and uncomplicated, more people will find it easier to follow along. Let us pray for peace in Ukraine, in the Middle East and in so troubled areas of the world. (Let us also pray for peace in our families, in our own communities and in our own hearts…)
Його Святість Папа Лев попросив усіх людей доброї волі щодня молитися Вервицею протягом жовтня. Серед католиків жовтень здавна вважається місяцем Святої Вервиці. Щодня знаходьмо 20 хвилин, щоб помолитися Вервицею (тобто однією з 4 груп із 5 «тайнств»). Робімо це під час прогулянок, коли йдемо до школи чи на роботу. Молимося на самоті, або, ще краще, разом з родиною, друзями, чоловіком/дружиною, з іншими парафіянами в церкві тощо. Молитви легко вивчити (див. посилання нижче). Іноді люди пропонують додаткові читання, уривки зі Святого Письма і навіть пісні. Це чудово, час від часу. Однак, якщо ми спочатку зробимо це простим і нескладним способом, більшій кількості людей буде легше стежити за нами. Молімося за мир в Україні, на Близькому Сході та в таких неспокійних регіонах світу. (Давайте також помолимося за мир у наших сім'ях, у наших громадах та у наших серцях…)
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