In their Synodal Message, the bishops of the UGCC emphasize that the suffering of Ukrainians reveals the earthly journey of Christ in a new way. The bishops encourage everyone to discover the presence of Christ in our pilgrimage to full freedom from enslavement by the Russian evil empire, as experienced by the two disciples from Emmaus after the Resurrection of Jesus. The surest way to do this is to read the Scriptures daily and live by God’s Word.
”…let us take the Holy Scriptures in our hands!”
“Dearly beloved in Christ, let us be strengthened by the Word of God, for in it is the Spirit and life (cf. John 6:63), the source and pledge of our hope! When we hear the sirens, when we are being hit by streams of disheartening news from everywhere, when despondency, fear, and hopelessness surround us, let us take the Holy Scriptures in our hands, pour out our sorrows and pains before God, and together seek light and the necessary strength,” the message says.
“God is acting today!”
The Synod affirms that the power of God, like the life-giving breath of the resurrected Savior, revives us every time the Church proclaims the Gospel of Christ to modern man. Moreover, this proclamation (kerygma) makes the Lord’s action vividly present in our everyday life. This living word of the Good News of the Resurrection of Christ, God’s love for us, forgiveness of sins, and communion with eternal life is the communication to every believer of the very source of our hope and strength of Christian perseverance.
“It [the proclamation] informs us not of the past works of God, but of what He accomplishes for each of us personally today by the power and work of the Holy Spirit. When the enemy sows death and wants to imprison us in the kingdom of hopelessness and despair, the Church of Christ brings life and resurrection, hope for salvation to everyone who believes, and leads them to the communion of the Holy Sacraments,” the bishops note.
“Transmitting the faith to all those who have not yet come to know Christ is the core mission of all His disciples—our contemporaries.”
That is why, — the message goes on to say, — spreading this Word of the Gospel into all dimensions of our personal and social life, so that its power might permeate contemporary culture, and its light transfigure the way of human thinking and acting (evangelization), and transmitting the faith to all who have not yet come to know Christ, is the core mission of all His disciples — our contemporaries.
“Let our families be the first place where the treasure of faith is passed on…”
“We call on all the faithful of our Church to read God’s Word daily and meditate on it in parish bible apostolate communities. Let our families be the first place where the treasure of faith is passed on to new generations of Christians, where praying together and the reading of the Holy Scriptures are practiced, and where different generations strengthen one another through a witness of faith and through patient and faithful love,” UGCC bishops urge.
“God’s Word always leads to the partaking of the Holy Mysteries…”
However, let us remember that God’s Word always leads to the partaking of the Holy Mysteries and is fulfilled in the Liturgy of Christ’s Church in the same way that the hearts of the disciples burned on the way to Emmaus, when Jesus spoke to them on the way, but they could only recognize Him in the breaking of bread—in partaking of His life and resurrection in the Mystery of the Eucharist (Lk 24:35).
OTTAWA, July 25, 2024 – On 9 July 2024, the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops released the Instrumentum laboris for the upcoming second session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to be held 2-27 October 2-27 2024 in Rome. This session will mark a significant moment in the Church’s ongoing synodal journey, initiated in 2021, by discerning how the Church can become more synodal and missionary.
The Instrumentum laboris is designed as a working tool for the Assembly members. Rather than providing definitive answers, it aims to foster prayer, dialogue, and discernment, in view of refining and building consensus on the ways to be a synodal missionary Church. This document reflects the insights and contributions from local churches worldwide, gathered through extensive consultations and during the first session of the Assembly.
Key Highlights of the Instrumentum laboris:
Foundations of Synodality: The document emphasizes the Church’s identity as the People of God and Sacrament of unity, rooted in the living tradition of the Church. It highlights the importance of synodality as a path of conversion and reform, calling for a renewed understanding of ecclesial communion and a commitment to live synodality in all its dimensions.
Three Perspectives:
Relations: This section delves into the essential relationships within the Church – with God, among the faithful, and between Churches. It underscores the vitality of these relationships, transcending mere structural considerations.
Paths: Focused on the practical pathways that nurture Christian relationships and support the Church’s mission, this section calls for formation plans that are contextually relevant and encourages transparent accountability in ecclesial responsibilities.
Places: This section examines the specific cultural and contextual realities where the Church’s synodal life is embodied. It promotes dynamic relationships and participation in the local Churches and broader ecclesial structures.
Ongoing Synodal Process: The document situates the current phase within the broader synodal journey, ensuring continuity with previous stages, including the consultations of local churches, continental assemblies, and the first session of the Assembly.
Looking Ahead
The second session of the Assembly will be a critical moment for the Church to reflect on and respond to the evolving needs of being a synodal and missionary Church. It will involve prayerful discernment and dialogue on how to implement the orientations and proposals outlined in the Instrumentum laboris.
The General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops invites all members of the People of God to engage in this journey through prayer and sharing of reflections, contributing to the task entrusted to the Assembly members.
Сьогодні на Літургії для українських греко-католицьких громад долини річки Фрейзер (Абботсфорд-Чілівак, Суррей, Мейпл Рідж) ми мали незвичну Літургію. Запрестольною іконою – було чудове озеро Johnes Lake, а ікони намалював сам Творець. Як добре бути з Господом і у колі друзів. Чудова природа, чудовий молитовний кемпінг, чудова молодь, діти і християнські родини… Що може бути краще?
Today at the Liturgy for the Ukrainian Catholic communities of the Fraser River Valley (Abbotsford-Chilliwack, Surrey, Maple Ridge) we had an unusual Liturgy. The most picturesque Johnes Lake served us an icon behind the Altar, and the rest of the icons were drawn by the Creator Himself. How good it is to be with the Lord and in the circle of friends. Wonderful nature, wonderful prayer camping, wonderful youth, children and Christian families… It does not get any better than this?
I would like to thank Fr. Joseph and the entire St. Joseph’s parish community for having us here today. Thank you for preparing such a reception for all of us. Thank you for welcoming Fr. Steven in your parish one last time.
Fr. Steven suffered from many illnesses and this was how I met Fr. Steven shortly after I was ordained a priest and arrived in Vancouver some 15 years ago. I think I met him on one, maybe two, occasions, but I could tell that he was suffering.
I didn’t see much of Fr. Steven as he was getting medical treatments. He spent some time in Saskatoon when he was under the care of the Sisters of St. Joseph who were looking after him until he was well enough to return home.
After Fr. Steven returned home, he settled in Duncan where I visited him along with Bishop Ken Nowakowski. But I wouldn’t necessarily say that we kept in touch much, as I lived in New Westminster at the time. And besides being brothers in priesthood, we didn’t really share any friendship.
Everything changed when I was transferred to St. Nicholas parish in Victoria (Fr. Steven was ordained at St. Nicholas on June 3, 1990) and shortly after that I was appointed to St. Michael parish in Nanaimo.
So, about 6 years ago I started taking weekly trips from Victoria to Nanaimo. And guess what’s halfway between Victoria and Nanaimo? Duncan. And guess who lived in Duncan? Fr. Steven.
Duncan became home to Fr. Steven. He settled in Duncan Manor. He found a community at St. Edward the Confessor parish and started to attend meetings of the Knights of Columbus and be their chaplain. I want to say thank you to all of you for welcoming him and for making him feel at home.
There was only one thing that Fr. Steven was missing and that was his Ukrainian heritage. Something that was in his blood, as he would often say. And what he was missing is an opportunity to celebrate Divine Liturgies and other services in a Ukrainian Catholic Church. And that opportunity became a reality 6 years ago when I was appointed at St. Michael’s parish in Nanaimo.
Shortly after that I reached out to Fr. Steven and we made arrangements for Saturday pickup. Communication was a bit of a challenge as Fr. Steven didn’t have a cell phone until a year ago. It took another month or so for him to figure out how to send text messages from his phone. He was a late bloomer 🙂
Having Fr. Steven with me was like having an assistant priest. Sometimes he was an assistant priest and sometimes I was. And when I was under stress, Fr. Steven was always there for me. Even when I wasn’t asking. But he knew. After all, Fr. Steven had so much more pastoral experience than I did.
Before going on a medical leave he served in a number of parishes across BC including Kamloops, Vernon, Grindrod. He substituted in many others. And over the years when I would meet his former parishioners they all had only good things to say about Fr. Steven.
St. Michael’s parish in Nanaimo became like home to Fr. Steven and the parishioners became this family. Thank you for caring for Fr. Steven all these years, for driving him on Saturdays to the parish, especially after I was transferred from Nanaimo.
Fr. Steven was a completely different person from the person I met 15 years ago. And to me this was real Fr. Steven, and not the one from the past. I remember one Saturday Fr. Steven became a part of my homily when I was talking about people we meet and changes they make in our lives, and I said something like “Fr. Steven was hitchhiking to Nanaimo … and I picked him up because he looked so harmless …” When I carefully turned around I saw him laughing, genuinely laughing. Later it became our go-to joke.
But besides missing being a part of the parish life there was one other thing that he was missing and that was time together with his brother priests. So, he was always looking forward to spending time with us at conferences and retreats, to be in our company and he was always excited. Dear Bishop Michael, dear fathers, all I can tell you is that Fr. Steven had a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for you.
Fr. Steven was a kind, gentle, loving and caring priest. Those who knew him, especially those who would receive an email from him can confirm that Fr. Steven would finish his emails, or Facebook posts, text messages with the phrase “God is love”. That’s the message that he was preaching with his life.
So, I think that it’s only appropriate to conclude this chapter of Fr. Steven’s life with words “God is love”, because now he’s beginning the next chapter of his life where the God of love will be his companion for eternity.
“Grant, O Christ, that your servant Steven who has gone from this life to You, may be received in your unspeakable glory where happiness reigns and the sound of pure joy is always heard.”
Parastas – Thursday, July 25 at 6:00 PM at St. Joseph’s Catholic parish (9731 Elm St, Chemainus BC)
Funeral Divine Liturgy – Friday, July 26 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic parish (9731 Elm St, Chemainus BC). Reception at the parish hall to follow.
Burial – following the reception the burial will take place at St. Michael and All Angels Cemetery (9489 Chemainus Road, Chemainus BC)
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the sudden passing of my brother, Fr. Steven J. Basarab at the age of 62.
Predeceased by parents Stefan and Erna, brother Bill and half-brother Nikolay; Fr. Steven is survived by his sister Mary Ann (Ken), as well as aunts, nieces, nephews and extended family.
When Steven was in his early twenties, he attended the Seminary in Ottawa, later becoming a deacon and then a priest of the Diocese of New Westminster. He looked after his flocks, first in Kamloops, then later in Vernon and Grindrod, BC, before moving to Nanaimo. He spent his last years living in Duncan, but still making regular trips to Nanaimo generously helping all those he could reach.
Many people may not know that before becoming a priest, he took a bartending course after graduating from high school. When he completed the course, the class was going to a bar to celebrate, however, he could not attend due to the fact that he was only 18 years old and technically underage! He also worked at Noos Pizza, which was a very popular place at the time in Chemainus, making pizzas. Steven also learned to play the drums and had his drums set up in the double garage of the family home. There was a time in his life that he was also considering joining the Armed Forces, however, the priesthood called him at the same time, so he made his life choice.
Sadly, in the last years of his life, Father Steven suffered from many health issues. It brings the family comfort knowing that he is in a better place with his family members who have gone before him and is no longer suffering.
He will be greatly missed by his sister and extended family. There was a great respect between Fr. Steven and his sister, even if they had different views.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Fr. Steven’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Here today, let us live together the experience of God’s love, especially in the Holy Sacraments of Christ’s Church. Let us receive the Body and Blood of our Savior in the Sacrament of the Eucharist and view the world with the bright eyes of God,” urged His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the Father and Head of the UGCC, during his sermon on Sunday, July 14, at the All-Ukrainian pilgrimage to Zarvanytsia.
The bishops of the UGCC from Ukraine and around the world concelebrated with the Head of the Church. This year’s Divine Liturgy in Zarvanytsia also marked the solemn conclusion of the UGCC Synod of Bishops.
“Together, we have witnessed here that our Church is like a mother’s womb that unites Ukrainians in Ukraine and in the diaspora, being a space of solidarity and exchange of gifts, mutual support, and assistance, without which Ukraine cannot stand,” said the Primate.
“Today, the Lord God Invites Us to Shine His Light of Hope on the World,” Says Head of the UGCC in Zarvanytsia
July 15, 2024, 13:1046
Here today, let us live together the experience of God’s love, especially in the Holy Sacraments of Christ’s Church. Let us receive the Body and Blood of our Savior in the Sacrament of the Eucharist and view the world with the bright eyes of God,” urged His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the Father and Head of the UGCC, during his sermon on Sunday, July 14, at the All-Ukrainian pilgrimage to Zarvanytsia.
The bishops of the UGCC from Ukraine and around the world concelebrated with the Head of the Church. This year’s Divine Liturgy in Zarvanytsia also marked the solemn conclusion of the UGCC Synod of Bishops.
“Together, we have witnessed here that our Church is like a mother’s womb that unites Ukrainians in Ukraine and in the diaspora, being a space of solidarity and exchange of gifts, mutual support, and assistance, without which Ukraine cannot stand,” said the Primate.
First, the Head of the Church greeted all the pilgrims who arrived for the pilgrimage to the Marian Spiritual Center “Zarvanytsia,” emphasizing that in this miraculous place, everyone experiences God’s presence. It is worth noting that this year, about 30,000 pilgrims attended the All-Ukrainian pilgrimage to Zarvanytsia.
While interpreting the Gospel passage, His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized that “the true Good News that speaks to our hearts today through the Word of God is the gospel of how God looks at us with his bright eye.”
The Primate explained that the bright eye is God’s eye that shines on us, giving us His love and infusing the Holy Spirit into our hearts. And God’s love is the essence and source of human hope.
He believes that every person is a vessel and a lamp of God’s word. Christians possess a unique opportunity to receive God’s light and shine it on other people.
“When we view the world, people, and ourselves with God’s gaze of love, then we have a bright eye,” explained the Patriarch and added: “When we look at another person and think about what we can give them, how to love them, then our eye is bright in relation to them.”
“Today, the Mother of God called us all here to experience God’s love towards us, to cast all our burdens here in confession, to give all our pains and tears into the hands of our Heavenly Mother. She herself is ready to take all this from us personally today, now, and transmit the light of God’s life to us,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized.
Quoting Taras Shevchenko, the renowned Ukrainian prophet, the preacher explained that the Russian invader “not only watches us with his black eye but wants to drag Ukraine into the coffin that is prepared for him.”
“Today, we desire that the power of God in all its fullness be manifested in the body of the exhausted, wounded people. For it is from this power of the resurrected Christ that hope shines upon us. It is the secret of our invincibility, immortality, and the resilience of our spirit. It is from there that the light shines for victory over the insatiable eye of the Russian invader,” the Primate emphasized.
“Mother of God, save Ukraine, save each of us!” concluded His Beatitude Sviatoslav with a prayer, “O Theotokos, with You and in You our people walk to the day of victory of good over evil.”
At the end of the Liturgy, the blessing of God was conferred together with the Head of the Church by the Redemptorist priests released from Russian captivity, Fr. Ivan Levytsky and Fr. Bohdan Geleta.
Afterward, the rector of the large Marian pilgrimage center in Lourdes (France), Fr. Michel Daubanes, expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and presented a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes: “I express the support of all of us who serve in Lourdes, in this holy place, from all the priests, workers, and the Ukrainian parish in Lourdes. I express the support of all those who believe in Christ at this time when you are undergoing great trials.”
As we informed earlier, the All-Ukrainian pilgrimage to Zarvanytsia began on Saturday, July 13, with a candlelight procession of pilgrims from the parish church of Zarvanytsia to the place of the apparition of the Virgin Mary. Then, on the square in front of the basilica, a Moleben to the Mother of God was held, led by His Beatitude Sviatoslav. Most Rev. Bohdan Dziurakh delivered the sermon.
Recent Comments