Taras Panat became a priest of the UGCC at the age of 69
On July 18, Bishop Volodymyr Hrutsa, auxiliary bishop of the Lviv Archeparchy, consecrated a late-vocation priest in the Lviv region. The ordination of 69-year-old Taras Panat occurred at the Holy Trinity Church in the village of Shchyrets, reports the press service of the Lviv Archeparchy of the UGCC.
During the sermon, Bishop Volodymyr Hrutsa said that Taras Panat has a long history of life and vocation. Although youth is no age but a state of mind, the years do make a difference. But despite this, the man did not shrink from his late vocation and followed the path the Lord gave him.
“He aspires to continue writing his story in the priesthood. It is not about a career because Taras has already achieved it, and the priesthood and career are incompatible. It is not about earthly glory because selfless ministry does not promise it. Ministry leads to heavenly glory. Let us give him our prayerful support,” the bishop called.
“Almost every day, I ask the Lord to give me the happiness to serve Him and people in the priesthood. I want to be the kind of priest who feels responsible for people, loves them, helps them, forgives their sins so that through this forgiveness and mercy they can see the love of God,” Fr. Taras said in an interview after his deacon ordination on January 8, 2023.
