A Blessed Summer at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Nanaimo, BC, Canada
The parish of St. Michael the Archangel in Nanaimo is anticipating a season of spiritual growth, renewal, and vibrant community life. On June 15, the parish hosted its annual Nanaimo Ukrainian Festival, which became the festival’s most successful event to date. Throughout the day, thousands of visitors gathered to celebrate Ukrainian culture through music, dance, traditional food, and fellowship. The event served as a powerful expression of cultural pride and community unity, bringing together both parishioners and members of the broader local population.
As of July 1, the parish welcomed several new users of its hall facilities, including cultural and educational groups, as well as kitchen-based initiatives. These partnerships have not only supported the parish’s outreach efforts but have also helped to strengthen its ties with the wider Nanaimo community.
In collaboration with hall renters and volunteers, the parish also developed a new family-friendly outdoor space located behind the church and hall. This area now features a children’s playground, a gazebo, and an open relaxation zone. It has already become a favourite gathering place for families of all ages.
This summer, the church was further adorned with new embroidered liturgical linens, lovingly crafted in Ukraine. These sacred items now grace the sanctuary, reflecting the parish’s deep spiritual and cultural connection to its heritage.
Thanks to God’s grace and the intercession of the Mother of God, the parish community remains strong and active. Participation in the liturgical life of the church continues to grow, both on weekdays and Sundays.
Current Summer Liturgy Schedule:
Sunday:
9:00 AM — Divine Liturgy (Ukrainian)
11:00 AM — Divine Liturgy (English)
Monday to Friday:
9:00 AM — Divine Liturgy (Ukrainian/English)
Saturday:
11:00 AM — Divine Liturgy (Ukrainian/English)
As parish administrator Fr. Stepan Vytvytskyi shared, when he first arrived in Nanaimo, he prayed for just one person to come and pray with him. Today, daily Liturgies draw between 7 and 14 participants, and Sunday attendance has nearly doubled over the past year — even during the quieter summer season. This steady growth has been a great encouragement to the parish.
Step by step, the parish continues its mission to beautify and renew the church property, not only for its own faithful but for all who seek a place of peace, prayer, and welcome.
None of this would be possible without the goodwill and dedication of the parishioners, which is always encouraged by the spiritual leadership of our Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, whose ongoing prayers and fatherly care are a true blessing to the community.
The faithful of St. Michael’s are always happy to welcome visitors — especially during this unique and amazing Jubilee Year of Hope. Our church is a designated Jubilee pilgrimage destination… come visit us!
— 4017 Victoria Avenue, Nanaimo, BC V9 T 2 A5
+1 (250) 327–1763
[email protected]
