Цими днями ми згадуємо 12-ту річницю військового втручання росії в Україну та 4-ту річницю повномасштабного вторгнення.
Це роки великого болю і втрат, але також роки мужності, жертовності й незламної віри. Наш народ проходить тяжке випробування, несучи свій хрест із надією на Боже милосердя і справедливість.
Запрошую всіх до спільної молитви:
за упокій душ полеглих воїнів і всіх невинно убієнних;
за зцілення поранених;
за визволення полонених;
за потіху для родин, що втратили своїх близьких;
за припинення цієї жорстокої війни!
і за встановлення справедливого миру в Україні.
Нехай Господь укріпить наш народ у вірі, збереже його в єдності та провадить дорогою правди і життя.
Господи, спаси народ Твій і благослови насліддя Твоє.
Слава Ісусу Христу!
Усіх наших священиків, усе наше монашество та всі наші вірні закликають проводити спеціальні молитовні заходи або включати молитви та прохання до своїх регулярних Богослужінь у неділю, 22 лютого, та у вівторок, 24 лютого.
Members of the Eparchy of New Westminster participated in truly timely and important webinar on “Canadian Churches and the War in Ukraine: Ministry in the Canadian Context Since the Full-scale Invasion”. The online meeting, conducted via Zoom, gathered a vast number of people from across Canada to discuss their experiences in welcoming newcomers from Europe over the last four years since Russia began its brutal invasion of Ukraine. Canada was one of the countries to immediately offer a place to stay to Ukrainian families who wanted desperately to escape the death and destruction of war. In fact, Canada was very generous in offering documentation, material assistance to the temporarily displaced Ukrainians so they could find a place to live, work and receive the care they needed. This displacement has dragged on. In a few days, this war may enter its fifth year!
However, besides great governmental programs, the people from Ukraine also needed hands-on help by volunteers who would guide them in finding work, an apartment where to stay, furniture, how to find medical help and enrol their children in school, etc. Ukrainian organizations like the Ukrainian Canadian Congress really stepped up in all provinces. Faith communities – leading among them the Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox Churches – also immediately mobilized themselves to offer charitable help and accompaniment in these early months and even to the present day.
The main speakers at the webinar were four panelists – four priests who in various ways were in the thick of the effort to help the “refugees” when they began arriving by the hundreds and then thousands. The panelists included: Fr. Cornell Zubritsky (Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Edmonton); Fr. Andre Lalach (of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon); Fr. Volodymyr Bashutskyy (Archeparchy of Winnipeg) and the Eparchy of New Westminster’s Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych. Each of the speakers shared about the experiences that they personally had in receiving newcomers. [BTW, the term and status appropriate to the newcomers from Ukraine was clarified early on in the discussion. They are not acknowledged as “refugees” actually, but rather “evacuees” or “temporarily displaced” persons.] They shared about the challenges, but also the joys and blessings. The challenges, as one would expect, included finding resources, initial language barriers, helping people adapt to a new cultural and social reality. The blessings, on the other hand, were often connected with those challenges as members of parishes stepped up to help, mentor and accept changes to their communities to accommodate the new people who needed, above all. understanding and help.
The seminar was hosted by Newman Theological College in Edmonton as part of their ongoing launch of the new programming in Eastern Christian Theology. Deacon Cyril Kennedy, an assistant professor at the College, moderated the online gathering and kept it moving along to allow the speakers to share their thoughts, engage each other for clarification and then give ample opportunity to the all the participants to ask questions and comment.
More similar webinars were promised for the near future. The public will certainly look forward to the announcements.
Within the framework of the activities of Ukraine’s foreign diplomatic institutions, a mobile consular service was organized in British Columbia. The consular services were provided by the Consul of Ukraine in Edmonton, Ms. Viktoriia Bozhko, in accordance with her official duties and authorities.
The services were intended for Ukrainian citizens currently residing on Canada’s West Coast who require the issuance or renewal of passports and immigration-related documents. Many Ukrainian families arrived in Canada as a result of the ongoing war, seeking safety for their loved ones while maintaining hope for a just peace and the restoration of Ukraine. Given the prolonged nature of the hostilities, the need for timely document renewal and clarification of legal status has become increasingly important.
The mobile consular services were conducted at the Bishop Jerome Eparchial Centre of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster. The spacious meeting hall and library of the Centre was designated as the reception area for citizens and was appropriately prepared for the processing of documents.
Over the course of four days, the consular team worked in an intensive and well-coordinated manner, ensuring a high standard of public service. Organizational support was provided by volunteers of the eparchy. Particular dedication and professionalism were demonstrated by Ms. Alla Eismont from the Eparchial Chancery, and Ms. Elvira Mruchkovska, who coordinated the reception of applicants, assisted with organizational matters, and provided informational support.
On Sunday morning, the final day of the consular mission, His Excellency, Most Rev. Michael Kwiatkowski, Bishop of the New Westminster Eparchy, came in to express his gratitude on behalf of the clergy and the Ukrainian community of the region. He presented Ms. Viktoriia Bozhko with a certificate of appreciation as a sign of recognition for her amazing service, attentiveness to the needs of citizens, and dedication to diplomatic duty. The Bishop expressed his amazement about the entire operation that he noted ran from morning to late night every day. He saw this as an sign of the obvious love and dedication of the Consul and the team of volunteers toward their fellow “zemliaky” in their time of need.
It was made clear that Ms. Viktoriia Bozhko and the consular team are always welcome guests at the Eparchial Centre. The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster remains open to continued cooperation in support of the Ukrainian community and the proper safeguarding of its rights and needs.
[VolodymyrMykhalyshyn]
КОНСУЛ З ЕДМОНТОНА НАДАЄ ПОСЛУГИ В НЬЮ-ВЕСТМІНСТЕРІ, БРИТАНСЬКА КОЛУМБІЯ
У межах діяльності закордонних дипломатичних установ України було організовано виїзне консульське обслуговування громадян у Британській Колумбії. Консульські дії здійснювала консул України в Едмонтоні пані Вікторія Божко відповідно до своїх службових повноважень.
Йдеться про співвітчизників, які нині проживають на Західному узбережжі Канади та потребують оформлення або оновлення паспортних і візових документів. Багато українських родин прибули до Канади у зв’язку з війною, прагнучи забезпечити безпеку своїх близьких та зберігаючи надію на настання справедливого миру й відновлення України. З огляду на тривалість воєнних подій, виникла необхідність у своєчасному продовженні документів і врегулюванні правового статусу.
Виїзне консульське обслуговування було проведено на базі Єпархіального центру імені владики Ієроніма Української католицької єпархії Нью-Вестмінстера. Просторе приміщення конференц-холу єпархії було визначене як місце прийому громадян та належним чином підготовлене для роботи з документами.
Протягом чотирьох днів консульська команда працювала в інтенсивному режимі, забезпечуючи належний рівень державного сервісу. До організаційної підтримки долучилися волонтери єпархії. Особливу відповідальність і сумлінність виявили пані Алла Ейсмонт, представниця єпархіальної канцелярії, а також пані Ельвіра Мручковська, які координували прийом громадян, сприяли впорядкованості процесу та надавали інформаційну підтримку.
У неділю вранці, в останній день праці консульської місії, Преосвященний владика Михайло Квятковський, єпископ Нью-Вестмінстерської єпархії, прибув, щоб висловити подяку від імені духовенства та української громади регіону. Він вручив пані Вікторії Божко грамоту подяки як знак вдячності за відповідальне виконання службових обов’язків, уважне ставлення до потреб громадян і відданість дипломатичному служінню. Владика відзначив високий рівень організованості роботи та посвяту команди, яка протягом кількох днів опрацювала значну кількість звернень.
Пані Вікторія Божко та консульська команда завжди є бажаними гостями в єпархіальному центрі. Українська католицька єпархія Нью-Вестмінстера і надалі відкрита до співпраці задля підтримки української громади та належного забезпечення її прав і потреб.
On Meat-fare Sunday (8 February), Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski visited the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Surrey, British Columbia. Grateful to the pastor and parishioners of Precious Blood Roman Catholic Parish, the small Ukrainian parish has been holding services and parish events at Precious Blood for a few years now.
Upon his arrival in the Eparchy a year ago, Fr. Mykhailo Postolyuk has been serving as Parish Priest of Holy Cross as well as the new Saint Joseph the Spouse mission parish at the Adoration Chapel of Saint Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Maple Ridge, BC.
The Divine Liturgy began at 2:00 PM as it does every Sunday and Bishop Michael asked the parishioners to stay behind for a small discussion.
The Bishop thanked them for coming to the service and said that he was truly impressed with their singing of the Ukrainian/English Eucharistic Liturgy. He expressed his admiration for them that although the parish still struggled after losing its original church some years ago, they remained determined to make the best of the situation. They continue to have weekly Sunday services at the temporary location and Fr. Mykhailo offers some online services, Bible study and catechism lessons during the weekdays. One of the important recent developments was that Fr. Mykhailo, with his family, was now moving into a parish apartment nearer to the Precious Blood location. (He had been living at the rectory of another Eparchial Parish – Holy Dormition Byzantine - in Richmond.)
The meeting after the Divine Liturgy offered the Bishop and parishioners, with their parish priest, to have a good discussion about where the parish “is at” and what might be some of the best changes or moves to make in the near future. This was also put into context the overall resources and needs of the Eparchy of New Westminster as a whole. Everything from Liturgy times to relocating to growing the community was talked about. In conclusion everyone raised a prayer to the Lord, through the intercession of Mary the Mother of God, to guide them all in making the best possible decision for the good of their community.
On January 23, the Eparchy of New Westminster gathered in prayer to honor the memory of the Blessed Pratulin Martyrs, heroic witnesses of faithfulness to Christ.
This prayerful observance held special meaning as it marked the 150th anniversary of the martyrdom of Blessed Vincent Lewoniuk and his twelve companions (1874-2024). By God’s grace, our Eparchy was blessed to receive the holy relics of the Pratulin Martyrs, made possible through the efforts of Dr. Anna Bodnar and the generosity of Bishop Kazimierz Gurda, Bishop of Siedice (Poland).
In accordance with the decree of Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, the holy relics were solemnly placed for public veneration in the following churches: • Holy Eucharist Cathedral, New Westminster, BC Rector: Very Rev. Mykhailo Ozorovych [Registry Number of Relics: 240] • St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church, Prince George, BC Pastor: Very Rev. Andrii Chornenkyi [Registry Number of Relics: 241] • St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church, Nanaimo, BC Pastor: Rev. Stepan Vytvytskyi [Registry Number of Relics: 242] • Dormition of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church, Kelowna, BC Pastor: Rev. Pavlo Myts [Registry Number of Relics: 243]
In each of these parishes, the relics were received with due reverence and placed in appropriate reliquaries in accordance with the liturgical norms and traditions of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.
According to pastoral directives, on the 23rd of each month a Moleben to the Blessed Pratulin Martyrs is celebrated in the parishes where the relics are present, with special prayers for steadfastness in faith, unity of the Church, and spiritual strength for our people. The faithful are encouraged to participate both in communal and private veneration of these holy witnesses, as well as to deepen their knowledge of their history and spiritual legacy.
The Pratulin Martyrs remain for us a shining example of courage, fidelity, and love for Christ and His Church. Their sacrifice reminds us that even amid persecution and trials - both in the past and in our own time - living faith and faithfulness bear fruit and strengthen the Church.
May the Blessed Martyrs of Pratulin intercede for our clergy and faithful, obtaining for us the grace to live our faith with joy, courage, and unshakable hope.
Most Reverend Stephen Hero was installed in St. Joseph Basilica in Alberta’s Capital City Edmonton as the 8th Archbishop of that Roman Catholic episcopal see. This occurred on Friday evening of the 23rd of January 2026. Winter temperatures were reaching -31 degrees C. that day, but faithful and guests made their way all the same to fill the grand cathedral to capacity and bask in the warmth of historic occasion.
Some twenty cardinals, archbishops and bishops were in attendance as well as a vast number of priests and deacons. The nave and the wings of the massive Church were filled to capacity with representatives from most parishes around the Archdiocese as well as guests and delegates. The clergy gathered at the entrance of the Church to process in before the beginning of the installation ceremonies and the Mass that was the first celebrated by the new Archbishop.
At the entrance, according to custom, the Archbishop-elect knocked three times on the closed Basilica doors. They were opened to him and he entered the church. He was immediately met by a group of representatives of local First Nations who had already performed a smudging ceremony and now proceeded, with drumming and speeches, to greet Archbishop Stephen and welcome him on their behalf to Treaty territory.
The long procession of concelebrating clergy made its way to the altar area and took their places in the choir area. The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, was at the throne. He asked that the decree of Pope Leo XIV be read in which Bishop Stephen, until then Bishop of Prince Albert in Saskatchewan, was appointed to serve as Archbishop of Edmonton for Roman Catholics. Then Stephen was led forward and seated in the Archbishops Throne behind the Altar and the Nuncio handed him his shepherd’s crosier. His Grace, Stephen spoke a few words of gratitude and the Eucharistic Mass began. The Nuncio and the former Archbishop of Edmonton, Most Rev. Richard Smith (now Archbishop of Vancouver) were the two main concelebrants at the Altar with Archbishop Hero.
The new Archbishop saved words of gratitude and acknowledgement for the and the service. After the Gospel reading (Luke 4:14-30), he chose to preach an actual homily that began with a message that he took from a homemade plaque that he had received as a parting gift from his previous dioceses. On that plaque were the words from the Prophet Jeremiah (29:11), “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord”. In his homily, he spoke about the close and familiar friendship that the Lord has with us and the constant care and guidance that he provides. He also mentioned the challenges that usually come with following Christ and that such hardships should not dissuade us as we maintain our trust and hope in the Lord.
The Mass, including the music and every aspect of organization, were exquisitely executed and that provided for a truly inspirational experience. Three hierarchs of the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolia in Canada represented the Ukrainian Catholic Church – Bishops David Motiuk of Edmonton,Michael Kwiatkowski of New Westminster and Michael Smolinski of Saskatoon. Several other Eastern Catholic clergy also participated.
Born in Quebec, Archbishop Hero moved to Edmonton at the age of 10. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Edmonton 29 June in the Jubilee Year 2000. He served as the Vocations Director of the Archdiocese while serving in various local parishes. He was appointed the Rector of the Saint Joseph Seminary in Edmonton until Pope Francis called him in March of 2021 to serve as the Bishop of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. On November 21st, 2025, the Vatican announced that Pope Leo had appointed Bishop Stephen to serve as the Archbishop in Edmonton.
The love of Christ that He continues to show to His Church through the ages was strongly sensed at this evening installation in this cold wintery day off of Jasper Avenue in the Western Canadian city of Edmonton. The spirit that filled the church and the beauty of the Liturgy and the excellence of the choirs that sang. The very presence of Christ in that church among His People renewed the confidence and joy and hope of all those gathered. The message that was delivered by the Apostolic Nuncio at the end, seemed to tie it all together. The representative of Pope Leo in Canada expressed the Holy Father’s gratitude that the Archbishop accepted the appointment and assured him of his prayer and ongoing support. He also thanked the former Archbishop, Richard Smith, who was present for his 18 years of dedicated service in that office. Brother bishops from around Canada were there to bless and offer their prayer for their brother as he began this shepherding ministry with is new flock. It all incorporated concepts that harkened back to Acts of the Apostles or an account of the Earliest years of the Church. The Church of Christ was and will always continue to be alive and striving to fulfil that mandate of the Son of God Himself, to “go into the world and preach the Good News to all creation…. and they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the miracles that accompanied it. (Mark 16:15 ff)
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