WINNIPEG – On August 22, 2025, a Funeral Divine Liturgy for Bishop Peter Stasiuk, C.Ss.R., Bishop Emeritus of the Melbourne Eparchy of the UGCC, was held at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Winnipeg. The Liturgy was presided over by Most Rev. Lawrence Huculak, OSBM, Metropolitan-Archbishop of Winnipeg.

Concelebrating with him were Archbishop-Emeritus Stefan Soroka; Most Rev. David Motiuk, Bishop of Edmonton; Most Rev. Andriy Rabiy, Auxiliary Bishop of Winnipeg; and Bishop-Emeritus John Pazak, C.Ss.R., of the Ruthenian Catholic Church.

Watch the full Divine Liturgy here.

Metropolitan Lawrence: “Do You Love Me? – Feed My Sheep”

In his homily, Metropolitan Lawrence reflected on how Bishop Peter’s entire life was a profound response to Christ’s call to the Apostle Peter: “Do you love me?… Feed my sheep.”

“As a good shepherd, Bishop Peter took to heart the responsibility for the flock entrusted to him,” said the Metropolitan. “He accepted the challenges that ministry brought—as a parish priest, rector of St. Volodymyr’s College, or bishop for Ukrainians in Australia and Oceania—and always found strength in prayer and the calling he received from the Lord. He heard in his heart the words of the Savior: ‘Feed My lambs, feed My sheep.’”

Metropolitan Lawrence also recalled Bishop Peter’s humility and obedience when he accepted the unexpected call to serve far from his native land. “When the message came from Rome about the assignment to Australia, Bishop Peter at first hesitated, even refused. But later he answered ‘yes,’ because he knew that this was obedience and that this was his calling,” he emphasized.

A Message of Condolence from the Eparchy of Melbourne

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, a letter was read from His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok, C.Ss.R., the current Eparch of Melbourne. He conveyed sincere condolences to Bishop Peter’s family, the Redemptorist congregation, and all the faithful. He noted that while Bishop Peter always proudly called himself a Canadian, he gratefully accepted the call to become “an Australian in God’s plan.”

“God in His Providence led him along the paths of Canada and Australia. For almost three decades, he served the faithful here with great devotion. His life was a testimony of joy, gratitude, and love for the Church,” the letter stated.

Cardinal Bychok thanked all who cared for Bishop Peter in his final years, including his family, clergy, medical staff, and religious sisters. “Your mercy allowed him to spend his last days in dignity and peace, surrounded by love and prayer,” he wrote.

He concluded by noting that the faithful in Australia will soon have the opportunity to pay their respects when Bishop Peter’s body arrives in Melbourne for burial in the crypt of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.

Tributes of Gratitude and Brotherhood

Following the letter, tributes were offered by organizations close to the late bishop.

On behalf of the Knights of Columbus, Mr. Michael Ryczak recalled Bishop Peter’s ministry across Canada, particularly his focus on youth in Toronto and Roblin. “His simplicity, humor, and sincerity opened hearts. He was a friend to young people, priests, seminarians, sisters, parishioners, and to me personally. He inspired me to become a Knight of Columbus, and this decision influenced my life,” said Mr. Ryczak, before leading a special prayer for the repose of the bishop’s soul.

Speaking for the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists), Father Larry Kondra, C.Ss.R., expressed deep gratitude for the powerful display of unity. “We thank everyone who shared this time of prayer and farewell with us yesterday and today. May the Lord receive the soul of our brother into His arms,” he said.

The Final Farewell

After the Divine Liturgy, a final Panakhyda was celebrated. The clergy, relatives, and faithful then approached the open casket for the “last kiss,” a final moment of personal tribute. After a concluding prayer, the coffin was closed and carried out of St. Joseph’s Church.

Bishop Stasiuk’s body will now be transported to his hometown of Roblin, Manitoba, where a final Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on the afternoon of Saturday, August 23. Following this service, he will begin his final journey to Australia, where he will be laid to rest in the crypt of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Melbourne.

Department of Communications
Archeparchy of Winnipeg