From October 6–9, 2025, the clergy of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster gathered at the Bishop Jerome Eparchial Centre for their annual Clergy Study Days — a time of prayer, reflection, and renewal in fraternal unity.
Source: nweparchy.ca, October 10, 2025
The meeting opened with a Moleben to the Pratulin Martyrs led by Protosyncellus Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych, followed by a welcoming evening at the Bishop’s residence.
Each day began with the Divine Liturgy at Holy Eucharist Cathedral. Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski greeted the clergy, encouraging them to open their hearts to the grace of the Holy Spirit and to “do the good we can in our parishes … striving for holiness always bears fruit.”
On Tuesday, Chancellor Fr. Yuriy Vyshnevskyi preached on the dignity of being God’s children, reminding everyone that true ministry flows from love for Christ. Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk then led a ‘Lectio Divina’ spiritual reflection on the Gospel of the vineyard: the Lord has already prepared His vineyard — He now awaits our fruits.
The clergy also shared parish updates and pastoral plans of their respective parishes. Fr. Yuriy Vyshnevskyi, Dean of the Costal Deanery and the Eparchial Representative to the Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils, spoke about the implementation of new liturgical books and best pastoral practices.
On Wednesday, during the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Andriy Chornensky, Dean of the Interior, reflected in his homily that “man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from God.”
The day continued with a workshop led by Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk on the Synodal Pastoral Letter “Patient in Hope, Strong in Love”, and on the purpose and process of canonical visitations, together with Eparchial Accountant Ms. Alla Eismont.
They also presented the Parish Pastoral Council Guidelines and offered a financial update, followed by discussions on preparations for the 2026 Eparchial Sobor (aka Eparchial Assembly, see canons below…*)
On the final day, Bishop Michael encouraged everyone to return home and share the Good News — the news of love, healing, and service.
“Pray for your priests,” he reminded those gathered, “for they are called to nourish you with spiritual food.”
The concluding morning included summary discussions, planning of canonical visitations, and a Prayer of Thanksgiving before departure.
The clergy also reflected on how to strengthen and renew the Eparchy — both spiritually and materially. In this latter vein, everyone was encouraged to enthusiastically promote and participate on the two major eparchial fundraising events coming up in November. Both are being billed as the Annual Bishop’s Fundraising Gala. However, this year, one will take place in the Okanagan Valley at Holy Dormition Parish in Kelowna on November 15th. The “Lower Mainland” event will take place at Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster on November 8th.
Before parting ways, as has been the custom, all prayed together the Sixth Hour, after which Bishop Michael gave his blessing for the journey, sending everyone forth in peace and renewed zeal for their ministry. Before setting off on their journeys, a common lunch was shared in the Bishop’s refectory.
These days of prayer, dialogue, and shared vision deepened the bond of brotherhood among the clergy and renewed their commitment to serve God’s people with patience, faith, and love.
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* Some Church canons (CCEO) that provide the basis for an Eparchial Assembly….
Art. I. The Eparchial Assembly
Canon 235 – The eparchial assembly assists the eparchial bishop in providing for the needs of the Eparchy.
Canon 237 – §1. The eparchial bishop convenes the eparchial assembly and chairs it
Canon 238 – §1. Provides that some individuals MUST be invited by law, such as…. Protosyncellus (Vicar General), syncelli (Vicars), eparchial finance officer; the eparchial consultors; the Deans, a priest from each district, Deacons, Monastic community representatives. But One third of the participants should be the laity.
§2. Other Catholic delegates who are not members of the Eparchy can also be invited,
§3. Observers from non-Catholic Churches can also be invited
Canon 240 – §1. Although the Bishop determines the topics to be discussed, all members of the Eparchy may propose topics and themes in advance.
§2. commissions are appointed to prepare the discussion materials
§4. Once the themes and topics are determined, they must be open to a free discussion by all the Assembly participants
Canon 241 – The deliberations and decisions of the Assembly form the basis of any laws or decrees that the Bishop promulgates either immediately or subsequent to the Assembly
Canon 242 – Any laws, declarations and decrees emanating from the eparchial assembly are shared with the Metropolitan and the Head of the UGCC.
