About Our Eparchy
Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster
Our Mission
"To proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Byzantine-Ukrainian tradition, serving the spiritual needs of the faithful while preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Western Canada."
The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster is the westernmost eparchy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Canada. Founded on June 27, 1974, we serve the faithful across British Columbia, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut—a territory spanning nearly five million square kilometres of Canada's most diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
As an Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with Rome, we celebrate the Divine Liturgy according to the Byzantine Rite, maintaining the ancient traditions of Ukrainian Christianity while serving communities from Vancouver's urban parishes to mission stations in Canada's northern territories. We are called to be a living bridge between the ancient faith of Kyiv and the contemporary spiritual needs of our faithful in Western Canada.
Our Territory
The Westernmost Eparchy in North America
The Eparchy of New Westminster encompasses one of the largest and most geographically diverse ecclesiastical territories in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church—from the Pacific coastline and temperate rainforests of British Columbia to the Arctic tundra of the northern territories.
Our Eparchy at a Glance
Source: Annuario Pontificio 2024 (Official Vatican Directory)
Our Place in the Universal Church
The Eparchy of New Westminster is part of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), one of the largest Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See. Our Church maintains the Byzantine liturgical tradition while recognizing the Pope as the supreme head of the Catholic Church.
Our Dual Mission
Spiritual Mission
As an Eastern Catholic Church, we are entrusted with the sacred responsibility of bringing souls to Christ through the Byzantine liturgical tradition—the same tradition that brought Christianity to the Ukrainian people over a thousand years ago.
- Celebration of the Divine Liturgy and Holy Mysteries
- Catechesis and faith formation for all ages
- Pastoral care and spiritual accompaniment
- Training and formation of future clergy
- Ecumenical dialogue and interfaith cooperation
Cultural Mission
In the diaspora, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church plays a unique role in preserving Ukrainian language, culture, and identity. Our parishes serve as vital community anchors—especially significant during times of crisis in Ukraine.
- Preservation of Ukrainian language and heritage
- Support for newcomers and refugees from Ukraine
- Cultural education through schools and programs
- Community gatherings and traditional celebrations
- Humanitarian aid coordination for Ukraine
Understanding Our Tradition
Eastern & Western Catholicism: One Church, Two Lungs
As Saint John Paul II observed, "The Church must breathe with her two lungs—Eastern and Western."
Both traditions are fully Catholic and in communion with the Pope. We share the same faith while expressing it through our distinct liturgical heritage.