Permanent Synod of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Convenes in Toronto, ON
February 25, 2025
On February 22, 2025, the Permanent Synod of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) began its sessions at St. Elias church in Brampton, ON Canada. The gathering began with an overview of the pastoral challenges in Canada.
The two working sessions of the Permanent Synod were marked by a meeting with Ukrainian Catholic Bishops in Canada, Bishop Bryan Bayda Toronto and Eastern Canada Eparchy, Bishop David Motiuk Edmonton Eparchy, Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski New Westminster Eparchy, Bishop Mykhaylo Smolinsky Saskatoon Eparchy, and Bishop Andriy Rabiy Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Winnipeg. Archbishop and Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak of Winnipeg Archeparchy joined the meeting via ZOOM.
Approximately 300,000 Ukrainians have arrived to Canada since February 24, 2022. At the same time, new communities are forming in areas with a significant Ukrainian presence but without nearby UGCC parishes. This often requires closer collaboration with Roman Catholic parishes in the areas. The Ukrainian Canadian bishops highlighted the urgent need for new, active priests with a missionary spirit.
The bishops also shared their experiences in implementing the UGCC's pastoral plan in their eparchies. In addition, members of the Permanent Synod talked about the monastic life, with the special attention to the ministry of the Basilian Fathers, the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and the mission of the Holy Spirit Seminary.
At the end of the meeting with the Permanent Synod members, the Canadian Bishops expressed their gratitude to His Beatitude Sviatoslav and the members of the Synod for their visit to Canada.
