Head of the UGCC congratulates Bishop Stephen Khmilyar on the 20th anniversary of his episcopal ordination
On July 23, Bishop- Emeritus Stepan Khmilyar celebrates the 20th anniversary of his episcopal ordination. His Beatitude Sviatoslav congratulated Bishop Stepan personally and on behalf of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC.
The Head of the Church thanked the Lord for calling Bishop Stepan to the path of dedicated ministry to the Church and his people. Then he recalled how, 20 years ago, the Emeritus Bishop received his episcopal ordination from the hands of Patriarch Lubomyr of blessed memory.
“Precisely 20 years ago, from the hands of Patriarch Lubomyr of blessed memory, you received the episcopal ordination, which became a source of generous God’s grace for the faithful of our Church in Canada, who honor you as a spiritual father and a zealous preacher of the Gospel of Christ, as well as a defender of Ukrainian cultural heritage,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav in his greeting letter.
The Head of the UGCC expressed his deepest gratitude to Bishop Stepan for his service and expressed recognition and commendation on behalf of the Synod of Bishops.
“We wish you plentiful blessings of God, the help of the Holy Spirit in all your endeavors for the glory of God and the good of our Church and people — for many prosperous years. May this time, which the Lord will appoint for you, be peaceful and blessed,” the Primate wished.
The UGCC Department for Information
