It was an amazing and inspiring parish feast (praznyk) at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Nanaimo, B.C., on Sunday, November 9, 2025. It was a prayerful and uplifting time of prayer, reflection, and fellowship—as all praznyks are—but the number of participants provided additional inspiration! The annual event brought together all the parishioners as well as many guests from sister parishes on the island, including Victoria, Courtenay, and others.
Sister Janice and Sister Angelica of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate also traveled from New Westminster to attend. There was literally “standing room only” in the church, and both wings of the reception hall were filled! It was a very uplifting experience and a clear sign of the great revival and growth the parish has experienced over the last couple of years.
Bishop Michael also traveled from New Westminster to attend the praznyk. His joy was visible as he heartily thanked everyone for making the effort to celebrate the feast, show their support for the parish, and demonstrate their commitment to the spiritual growth happening on Vancouver Island.
During his homily, he spoke on themes suggested by the two Gospel readings of the day (Sunday: Lk 16:19–31 / Feast: Lk 10:16–21). First, he noted that angels are an important part of God’s divine “structure” of creation and His plan for our salvation. He spoke of how the Lord has used angels throughout history as defenders and messengers, and how our own guardian angels serve as powerful protectors and guides for each of us. He further noted that the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is a clear lesson to use the wonderful, God-given gift of life to the best of our ability—fulfilling the mission of Christ’s Church on earth and showing compassion to those we encounter, especially those in desperate need.
(Source: ugcc.ua, November 11, 2025)
At the close of the Divine Liturgy, a joyful welcome was extended to a young family man who had recently joined the Church and the parish. The Parish Priest, Fr. Stepan Vytvytsky, presented him with two beautiful icons and a certificate commemorating his reception of the Mysteries (Sacraments) of Penance and the Holy Eucharist.
In addition to being one of only three pilgrimage destination churches throughout the Eparchy for the Jubilee Year of Hope, St. Michael’s is also becoming a well-known center for the veneration of holy relics. Relics are a significant aspect of religious piety in the Christian tradition. The Catechism of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Christ—Our Pascha, specifically in the section “The Veneration of Saints’ Relics” (paragraphs 615–620), offers a thorough explanation regarding the reverence for the relics of saints and how they are incorporated into Church life.
One of the newest items presented to the parish was not the relic of a saint, but rather stone fragments from the renowned Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel in Gargano, Italy, where apparitions of the parish’s patron were reported as early as the 6th century. Using these relics, Bishop Michael blessed all who came forward seeking healing and peace in their hearts.
The reception was a “potluck” dinner with an abundance of food prepared with love, representing a vast variety of ethnic styles and flavors. There was borscht for everyone, followed by salads, meats, vegetarian dishes, and mouthwatering desserts. Truly, there was something for everyone and plenty to go around. While the large crowd did not quite leave “twelve baskets full” of leftovers, everyone certainly went home satisfied!
May the Archangel Michael continue to watch over and protect the parish, and may our loving Lord continue to bless our Nanaimo parish with growth and success year after year.
