The Pastoral Council of the Patriarchal Curia (PCPC) of the Ukrainian Catholic Church met in Rome 15-20 September 2024 for its annual assembly.
The PCPC was established more that a decade ago to provide assistance to local bishops and eparchies in implementing the decisions of the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Catholic Church – and to serve as a forum where the concerns and proposals from the eparchies could be raised to His Beatitude Sviatoslav as well as the patriarchal administration of our Church.
This year, the Pastoral Council dealt with a number of issues surrounding the Family. One of the initial documents for discussion was the 2025 post-synodal Pastoral Letter issued by the Bishops following their Synod in Rome. It can be read [HERE] in Ukrainian and [HERE] in English.
Two of the Highlights was a pilgrimage through the Jubilee Year Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica and their VIP participation in a Papal Audience with Pope Leo XIV. A brief video of the Papal Audience can be viewed [HERE]
Representing our New Westminster Eparchy was our Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk. He will present his report initially to the clergy of our Eparchy when they meet in the second week of October at the Eparchial Centre in New Westminster 6-9 October 2025.
Bishop Michael Blessed the Beginning of the New Academic Year at Ridne Slovo
The 2025–2026 academic year of the Ridne Slovo Ukrainian Eparchial School in New Westminster has officially begun! With the blessing of Bishop Michael, over 150 registered students, 17 dedicated teachers, and countless volunteers were commissioned as “Missionaries of Hope” for the new school year.
The first school bell called students and their mentors to embark on an educational journey where they will discover the history of Ukraine, deepen their knowledge of the Ukrainian language.
This year begins with a spirit of hope: hope for peace, hope for overcoming challenges, and hope for a bright future for Ukraine.
Владика Михаїл благословив початок нового навчального року у школі «Рідне Слово»
Урочистою подією розпочався академічний рік 2025–2026 Української Єпархіальної школи «Рідне Слово» у Нью-Вестмінстері. З архипастирським благословенням владики Михаїла понад 150 учнів, 17 педагогів та численні волонтери були посвячені у місію «Апостолів надії», щоб у новому навчальному році нести світло знань, любов до рідної мови та духовних цінностей.
Перший дзвоник покликав учнів і наставників до спільної освітньої подорожі. Попереду — відкриття багатої історії України, поглиблення знань української грамоти та зростання у любові до свого народу й культури.
Цей навчальний рік розпочинається у дусі надії: надії на мир для Батьківщини, на силу долати випробування та на благословенне майбутнє України.
The mission parish of the Nativity of the Mother of God in the Comox Valley in Vancouver Island invited Bishop Michael to participate in their annual parish praznyk which was moved to Sunday the 7th of September 2025. Thanks to kindness of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Victoria, Most Rev. Gary Gordon and, and the local pastor, Fr. David Smith and his parishioners, the Ukrainian Catholic mission parish has been holding services at the parish of Christ the King Parish church in Courtney, BC.
Joined by Sisters Angelica and Janice of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immculate, who have house near the Eparchial Centre of the Eparchy of New Westminster, Bishop Michael began the visit with a drive to Horseshoe Bay north of Vancouver to take the ferry across the Georgia Straight to City of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Its about a 5-hour trip including the drive, boarding process and the voyage across the Straight of Georgia. They arrived in time for Saturday evening Great Vespers at Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Church in Nanaimo. Following vespers and a brief tour of the newly renovated parish centre and gardens, the local Parish Priest Fr. Stepan Vytvytskyi and his wife Evelina invited everyone to a birthday party of their daughter Emily who turned 2 that week.
The following morning, the parish in Nanaimo maintained their regular Sunday morning schedule with the first Divine Liturgy in Ukrainian and the second Divine Liturgy in English. The parishioners were pleased that both Bishop Michael and the Sisters attended both services as well as the fellowship gathering afterward to meet the parishioners. During his homily at both services, Bishop Michael touched upon the events occurring in the liturgical calendar. It was the Sunday before the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and the eve of the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos. He suggested that there were two important messages that stood out in association with these two feasts. One was the Cross of Christ was a symbol and, in fact, the means by which the Lord God showed His immeasurable love for us His creatures by coming into the world to not only show us the way and set us on the right path again, but to pay the only possible price for our redemption by giving His life for us upon the cross. The Feast of the Nativity of Mary showed us that the Lord’s plan for the salvation of the Human race began long, long ago and slowly by subtle and yet extremely significant events such as the Nativity of Mary and the Annunciation His prefect plan of salvation is realized. The same it is in our personal lives. The Lord Who loves us so very much realizes His plan for our salvation and for the blessings by which He wishes to shower us throughout our life in subtle and often unnoticed ways. We may be aware of this, or we may not understand it until we look back and see the hand of God all the way through. [Like the popular little story of “footsteps in the sand”]
That afternoon, they drove up north to the Ukrainian Catholic ‘mission’ Parish of the Nativity of the Mother of God in Courtney (Comox Valley). Since the church is under renovation, the evening Liturgy and the reception were both held in one of the halls of the vast parish complex. For this Praznyk celebration, Bishop Michael and Fr. Stepan were also joined by Fr. Yuriy Vyshnevskyy, the Dean of the territory, who drove up from the Provincial Capital of Victoria. Where he is also the Pastor of St. Nicholas Parish. As the parish is made up mainly of newcomers, the operative language was Ukrainian. During the Divine Liturgy, two girls also received their “First [Solemn] Holy Communion” which added to the spirit of the event.
The reception dinner afterward was a typical Ukrainian event – great food and lots of it! The borsch, piryshky, pyrohy and deserts were mainly made by the parishioners and brought in to create an amazing buffet. It was a late night, especially for those who had to drive back to Nanaimo and Victoria, but everyone returned home with buoyed hearts.
The following morning, back in Nanaimo, St. Michael the Archangel parish held their festal liturgy for the Nativity of the Mother of God. Bishop Michael was pleased to celebrate this Liturgy and expressed his delight that so many parishioners and guests came out on a weekday to participate. Following the service and before catching the ferry back to the mainland, a good number of those that attended the service made their way to the Fairway Market for a breakfast to celebrate the feast and, in a special way, the wedding anniversary of Fr. Stepan and yimost’ Evelina.
This little report is being written on the ferry back to the mainland. It was a filled few days, but this “weekend” concludes with a great deal of satisfaction that the Eparchy is slowly growing and the Lord is truly watching over His people and providing them with pastoral care and sacramental grace of His Church. The goodwill and enthusiasm of the faithful, as well as their willingness to volunteer and help in any way possible is truly inspirational.
Several months ago, Bishop Michael asked the Eparchial Executive of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada (CWLC) – as well as any other League members that would like to participate – to meet at the Eparchial Centre at New Westminster, BC. What came across at that meeting and the subsequent meeting was that the UCWLC, which was once widespread across the parishes in British Columbia, was not at the highpoint in its history. The Covid years and the interim years between bishops had taken its toll and the League needed to get back on track with a new vision and a new enthusiasm.
The new enthusiasm and new vision are being zealously formulated by the new Eparchial executive, led by President Darlene Padlesky and Eparchial League Spiritual Advisor., Rt. Rev. Archpriest Joseph Ostopowich.
Among the first steps is a visiting of all the League branches throughout the Eparchy to learn where they are at in regard to membership and activity and to listen and discuss about the vision that the UCWLC will need in order to thrive going forward. Many of the branches have already been visited with the rest to be completed in the next few weeks.
Eparchial League President Darlene Padlesky met with Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski on Thursday 4 September to share an update as to what is happening with the League locally and to share hopes and plans for moving forward. She shared the challenges, but also reported how the parish branch executives of the UCWLC and the local parish priests were very welcoming and supportive. One of the more immediate plans is that a delegation from our Eparchy, including the President, the Spiritual Advisor and members from St. Mary’s Branch will be traveling together to participate in the 28th UCWLC National Congress to take place at Saskatoon 2-5 October 2025. This will be followed by initiating a newsletter so that members will be better connected and better informed about what is happening around the Eparchy.
The UCWLC within our Eparchy of New Westminster has great ideas and plans, together with a great deal of faith and enthusiasm. We wish them every success and will support them in whatever way possible, because throughout the history of our Church in Canada – the achievements of the Women’s League always contributed much to the life and growth of our parishes!
This year’s St. Volodymyr Eparchial Youth and Children’s Camp was an extraordinary blessing for the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster. As we celebrate the Jubilee Year and the 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, our Camp became a shining moment of spiritual renewal, community, and joy for the younger members of our Church.
Held for the second year in a row at the beautiful Tulahead Camp near Princeton, BC, this week-long adventure brought together over 60 children, youth, volunteers, and clergy under the inspiring theme of the Jubilee Year:
"Hope will not disappoint" (Rom. 5:5).
With hearts open and spirits lifted, we journeyed together as “Pilgrims of Hope,” diving deeply into the foundations of our Christian faith through the lens of the Nicene Creed.
Faith That Inspires: Catechism and the Mystery of the Trinity
One of the spiritual highlights of the Camp was the Catechism program, offered over three enriching days. Divided into age-appropriate groups, the children explored the mystery of the Holy Trinity and the individual roles of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Despite the theological depth of the topic, the young participants were fully engaged, many even calling Catechism their favorite part of the day! The seeds of faith were clearly planted in good soil.
Prayer, Play, and Purpose
Every day at Camp was joyfully structured, beginning with morning exercises, prayer, and the ceremonial raising of the Canadian and Ukrainian flags, accompanied by both national anthems.
The children then moved through a full day of activities including:
Arts and crafts
Swimming and canoeing
Team games and sports
Campfire singing and storytelling
Daily reflections and evening prayers
Each day was also marked by special devotions and Molebens, connecting the campers to the life of the Church in a deep and tangible way.
A Sacred Encounter: The Pratulyn Martyrs and Living Witnesses of Faith
A profound spiritual moment came on Wednesday with the Moleben to the Pratulyn Martyrs, led by Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk, the Spiritual Director of the Camp.
He movingly shared the story of the Pratulyn Martyrs—laymen of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church who were martyred in the 19th century for defending their parish against Russian imperial oppression.
The children were given the rare opportunity to venerate a sacred icon and first-class relics of these heroic witnesses to the faith. It was a powerful moment that touched the hearts of all present.
Sacraments and Saints: A Grace-Filled Conclusion
On the final day, the Camp culminated with an invitation to the Holy Sacrament of Confession. By the grace of God, nearly every participant—children and chancellors alike—received absolution and then gathered around the altar for the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych, Protosyncellus of the Eparchy in concelebration with Fr. Sakvuk and Fr. Pavlo Myts, pastor of our parish in Kelowna.
During his homily, Fr. Mykhailo spoke about the inspiring life of Carlo Acutis, a modern-day teenager soon to be canonized as a saint on September 7th, 2025. This powerful testimony reminded all present that holiness is possible for everyone—even the young.
Gratitude and Grace: Our Unchanging Team of Leaders
We extend our heartfelt thanks to those who made this Camp such a remarkable success:
Jennifer Sawka, Camp Director
Iryna Dzobko, Assistant Director
Dr. Vitaliy Kubatskyi, Camp Physician
Alina Novitska, Catechist
Christina Roth, Arts and Crafts Leader
And our amazing team of 18 teenage counselors, who served as outstanding role models of faith, leadership, and joy.
A Fire Ignited
Following the Camp, we received an outpouring of gratitude from parents who shared how their children returned home transformed, uplifted, and filled with the Holy Spirit. Many families said their homes were “ignited by grace,” as their children shared stories of prayer, friendship, and the joy of Christian community.
Every single camper expressed the same wish: “I can’t wait for next year’s Camp!”
Join Us Next Year!
This year’s Camp was not just a week of fun and friendship—it was a genuine Christian experience, touching both soul and body. It reminded us all—children, teens, and adults—that we are Pilgrims of Hope, journeying together in faith, love, and joy.
So mark your calendars and spread the word: Come and be part of next year’s St. Volodymyr Camp. You won’t want to miss the grace, the laughter, and the Spirit that fills this special place.
Hope does not disappoint. Come and see for yourself!
July 24th and 25th were designated for the election of the General Administration. The delegates of the General Chapter gathered in the conference hall to reflect and pray before making their choices for the next six years.
The Secretary of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, Archbishop Michel Jalakh, attended and addressed the Sisters on this sacred occasion. He reminded those present that today, according to the Church calendar, is the feastday of St. Charbel, a saint who spoke little but meditated on the Holy Scriptures, adored Christ, and lived by the grace he drew from the Word of God. Bishop Michel drew attention to the importance of choosing a new Administration, because this is not only an act for the Order, but also for the Church – it is a new beginning, a metanoia, a recognition.
Then, Sr. Emanujila Vishka, from the Province of St. Michael the Archangel in Croatia was elected Superior General of the Basilian Sisters. The Sisters then had an opportunity to congratulate Mother Emanujila Vishka.
After lunch, the election process continued, and four Councilors were elected: Sr. Terenia Shynal from Holy Trinity Province (Ukraine), Sr. Sevastiana Zinkevych from the Holy Trinity Province (Ukraine), Sr. Teodozja Mostepaniuk from the Province of St. Michael the Archangel (Croatia), Sr. Maria Helena Dutka from Christ the King Province (Argentina).
The day ended with Vespers and dinner.
On July 25, the elections continued and the Chapter elected a Vicar and two deputies. They are: Sr. Sevastiana Zinkevych as Vicar Sr. Natalia Hukovicz (Poland) as alternate. Sr. Maria-Dominika Zahorodnikova (Slovakia) as alternate.
The Basilian Sisters warmly welcomed the newly elected General Curia and wished them to be focused on Christ, who chose them and called them to this difficult path of building bridges of hope, unity, love, and understanding for the good of the Order and the entire Church.
Два останні дні Капітули – це дні виборів. Саме тому 24 липня учасниці нашої Генеральної Капітули зібралися разом у залі, щоб застановитися у молитві, а потім зробити свій вибір на наступні шість років. Цього дня капітульні Сестри мали гостя – Секретаря Дикастерії для Східних Церков – владику Мішеля Жалаха, який звернувся до Сестер зі своїм духовним словом. Зокрема, він пригадав присутнім, що сьогодні за церковним календарем є день св. Шарбеля – святого, який мало говорив, а роздумував над святим Письмом, адорував Христа і жив благодаттю, яку черпав у Слові Божому. Владика звернув увагу на важливість вибору нової управи, бо це не тільки акт для Чину, а й для Церкви – це новий початок, метаноя, визнання.
Тоді Сестри приступили до голосування. Внаслідок голосування Генеральною Настоятелькою Сестер Василіянок була вибрана с. Еммануїла Вішка з Провінції Архангела Михаїла в Хорватії. Сестри мали нагоду привітати Мати Еммануїлу. Після обіду процес виборів продовжився і в процесі голосування було вибрано чотири Дорадниці: с. Тереня Шиналь з Провінції Пресвятої Тройці (Україна), с. Севастіяна Зінкевич з Провінції Пресвятої Тройці (Україна), с. Теодозія Мостепанюк з Провінції св. арх. Михаїла в Хорватії і с. Марія Єлена Дутка з Провінції Христа Царя в Аргентині. День закінчився Вечірнею та вечерею.
25 липня вибори продовжилися і Капітула обрала Вікарію та двох заступниць, Ними стали: Сестри Василіянки щиросердечно вітають новообраних Сестер і бажають їм бути задивленими у Христа, який їх вибрав і покликав у незнану дорогу. Вона потребує будівництва мостів єдності, любові та розуміння для добра Чину та всієї Церкви.
called students and their mentors to embark on an educational journey where they will discover the history of Ukraine, deepen their knowledge of the Ukrainian language.
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