On Saturday 23 March 2024, we wished farewell to Father Yuriy, who has served as parish administrator for the past six years, and welcomed Father Stepan to his new ministry in Nanaimo and the Comox Valley. At the conclusion of our Palm Sunday service, following the traditional blessing of pussy willows that mark this day in the Ukrainian church, Father Yuriy read aloud the letter of appointment from Bishop Michael, officially handing over the care of the parish to Father Stepan.
Father Yuriy has served St Michael’s parish as a faithful shepherd through some challenging times, including the COVID pandemic and the first two years of the war on Ukraine. We are grateful for the time he spent with us, and will keep him and his family in our prayers.
It is an exciting time in our parish, welcoming a new priest and his family to our community.