WINNIPEG — In a world that often encourages climbing the ladder of professional success, Ivas (John) Babick chose to climb a different kind of ladder—one of spiritual service and surrender to the Divine Will.
In a joyous week for the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg, Ivas, a native son of the city, was ordained to the Holy Orders of Subdeaconate and Deaconate. The ceremonies, held at St. Basil the Great Ukrainian Catholic Parish, marked the culmination of a profound journey that took Ivas from a career in dental hygiene to the Holy Altar of God.
A Journey of Discernment
Ivas’s path to the ordained ministry began in earnest in September 2019, when he left his career as a dental hygienist to enter the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Seminary in Edmonton, where Fr. Michael Winn, currently serving as pastor of Holy Eucharist parish in Winnipeg, was the rector. In his formation, he immersed himself in philosophy and theology at Newman Theological College for five years.
Upon completing his studies in 2024, Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak assigned Ivas to St. Basil’s for his pastoral year. Under the mentorship of Bishop Andriy Rabiy and Fr. Mykhaylo Khomitskyy, pastor, he gained unique, “boots-on-the-ground” experience. From the inner workings of the parish office to assisting Fr. Mykhaylo at services, teaching catechism to attending Knights of Columbus and UCWLC meetings, and engaging in pastoral work at All Saints of Ukraine parish in Morden, Ivas proved his dedication to the people of God.
The Eve of St. Nicholas: Steps to the Altar
The first major step occurred on Friday evening, December 5, 2025. As the faithful gathered on the Eve of the Feast of St. Nicholas at St. Basil parish, the atmosphere was uplifting and full of anticipation. In the presence of his parents, Dr. Terry and Petrusia Babick, his sister Dr. Andrea Babick, his grandmother, and the church filled with supportive parishioners, Bishop Andriy Rabiy presided over the ordination to the minor orders: Candle-bearer, Reader, and Subdeacon.
In a moving sermon, Bishop Andriy framed the evening not as a promotion, but as a deepening of mystery.
“Welcome! This evening is very special,” Bishop Andriy said. “Tomorrow, we will rejoice in the coming of the beloved Saint Nicholas… And you, Ivas, on this special eve, stand upon a new threshold of your life—the threshold of sacred service to Christ’s Church.”
The Bishop eloquently described the spiritual ladder Ivas was ascending:
The Candle-bearer: “You become a bearer of light for others,” the Bishop charged him. “This light, Ivas, is a symbol of Christ Himself, Who said: ‘I am the Light of the world’ (John 8:12). Your life must become a candle… dispelling the darkness of sin and ignorance not only in the temple but also in your heart.”
The Reader: Entrusted to proclaim the Epistle and prophecies, Ivas was reminded that he must first be a vessel of the Word. “Let your heart be the first soil where the seed of the Gospel falls before you sow it for others.”
The Subdeacon: Receiving the orarion, symbolizing the wings of an angel, Ivas was called to “service at the Holy Table.” Bishop Andriy reminded him, “Service at the Altar requires absolute inner purity… so that your heart may be a worthy temple for the Holy Spirit.”
With the blessing, “The Church waits for you. May God bless your path,” the ordination concluded, followed by Great Vespers presided over by Metropolitan Lawrence assisted by Bishop Andriy and Father Mykhaylo.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception: A New Deacon
The culmination of the week arrived on December 9, the Feast of the Conception of Mary by St. Anna (Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary). The Divine Liturgy was very solemn, celebrated by Metropolitan Lawrence, with Bishop Andriy, Fr. Julian Bilyj (Rector of Holy Spirit Seminary), eighteen priests from the Winnipeg Archeparchy and Edmonton Eparchy, Rev. Deacon Leon Twerdun and many faithful in attendance.
At the designated time of the Liturgy – after the Consecration, and before laying his hands on Ivas Babick to ordain him a Deacon of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, the Metropolitan gave a very moving homily. He expounded on the things that will be entrusted to Deacon Ivas: the orarion to lead the faithful in prayer; the Gospel Book to proclaim the Good News; and the censer. Referencing the Scriptures, the Metropolitan noted the censer’s role is to offer a “sacrifice of sweet aroma to the Lord,” echoing the Psalmist’s cry, “Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense” (Psalm 141:2).
The most poignant moment for the congregation—and surely for the new Deacon—came right after the ordination. For the first time in his life, Deacon Ivas stood before the Royal Doors to intone the Litany before the “Our Father” prayer. It was a visible sign of his transformation from observer to server, acting as the bridge between the Altar and the people.
A Call to Trust
At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Metropolitan Lawrence congratulated Deacon Ivas, assuring him of prayers for a “faithful and diligent service.” He also extended gratitude to the Babick family for fostering a home where a religious vocation could blossom.
Deacon Ivas Babick’s story—from the dental clinic to the sanctuary—stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of God’s love. It serves as a reminder that the call to holiness is irresistible to the heart that listens.
For those in the pews who may be doubting their own path or finding it difficult to commit to God’s will, Deacon Ivas’ journey poses a gentle but profound question: If God’s love can transform a life so completely, can it be your story as well?
