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7, No. 32 November Tuesday, June 12, 2012 Vol. 7, No.Vol. 2, Tuesday, 8, 2011
MICHELLE PINON PHOTO
His Beatitude Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk, Head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, (front row, fourth from left,) stands with other members of the heirarchy, parishioners and special guests following the Liturgy at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish near Star on June 8.
Ukrainian Patriarch makes historic visit to local parish Michelle Pinon Editor
From the youngest member, Gabriel Greening (just over a week old); to John Rohatynski, (just shy of his 90th birthday); and everyone in between; they celebrated the Liturgy, and the first pastoral visit to Canada by His Beatitude Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk, Head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish near Star on June 8. "All I could think of is my great grandfather and how proud he would be," stated David Holosney, whose grandfather, Nicola Tychkowsky donated a parcel of land to build the Star Peno Ukrainian Catholic Church. Holosney, who escorted his aunt Jane Churchill (nee Tichkowsky) to the celebration, joked that his great grandfather probably got tired of holding mass in his home, and that's why he decided to donate a parcel of his land to build the church on. Master of Ceremonies Alan Borys said they not only have to thank Tichkowsky, but the all of the early Ukrainian settlers for their faith and perserverance, and making their faith the cornerstone of their
existence. Parishioner and St. Michael area resident Chris Greening said there were no words to explain how he felt about the once in a lifetime occasion, except that you do realize your ancestors’ accomplishments. The historic event was also very special for parishioner Steven Malowany, who grew up on a farm near Star. "It was very special that he took the time to come to our small parish and celebrate the liturgy with us." Parishioner Mike Prokopiw, who gave a speech on the history of the church, compared Sviatoslav Shevchuk's visit to the one Pope John Paul II made to Alberta in 1978. Shevchuk, who addressed parishioners during the homily, said that during the opening procession from the hall to the church, "It was like I found myself at home." He said it reminded him of a normal village in the Ukraine, and was very happy to bring "special witness" and to "touch the roots of our church." Shevchuk went on to say: "Our roots are very profound and alive and bring alive the whole church in Canada...Let us give thanks for a year of blessings and graces and all we have received in this beautiful and important church of Christ." In the best and worst of times, Shevchuk said the
faithful survived by access to the bread of life. "Our ancestors were able to produce bread in the soil while looking for the bread of life." Being present in the first Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Canada, Shevchuk commented on the first pioneers, and the profound necessity to build a place of workship. "It was not only a place to meet each other, but a place to receive the Holy Eucharist." He added that the church, gave the settlers the strength to put down roots in Canadian soil and produce crops. "Bless you and your families." Shevchuk prayed they would continue their Christian life, and maintain their roots in Star Peno. He was so happy that the church was not a museum or a dead church, but a community alive in spirit and faith, and wished members continued blessings. Parish priest Mykola Mysokowsky told parishioners and guests how honoured he was to meet his beatitude again, celebrate the Liturgy, and break bread together on his first visit as Head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church to Alberta. Mysokowsky said the visit has opened another golden page in the church's history, and recited a poem in Ukrainian that he wrote in honour of His Beatitude and his historic visit.