The Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Confers the Honorary Rank of Archimandrite on Father Richard Su
On May 27, at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Eucharist of the New Westminster Eparchy in Canada, during a solemn divine service featuring the ancient sixth-century Akathist to the Mother of God, Hieromonk Richard Su, SJ, was elevated to the rank of archimandrite. The decision was made by His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
The service was led by Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, Eparch of New Westminster, in concelebration with the clergy of the eparchy. The liturgical singing was led by the rector of the cathedral, Fr. Michael Ozorovych.
Joining in the prayer were priests from the Okanagan Valley and the islands of British Columbia, as well as parishioners of Fr. Richard, who had come to share this historic moment with their spiritual mentor.
The service was accompanied by the choir of the Cathedral of the Most Holy Eucharist and the Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Richmond.
The decree issued by the Primate of the UGCC states that this recognition serves as a token of gratitude for “zealous, long-standing service to the Church of Christ, particularly the conscientious fulfillment of entrusted duties and fidelity to the monastic vocation.” His Beatitude also noted that the decision was made after consultation with Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, Eparch of New Westminster.
“By the authority vested in us, we confer upon you the honorary rank of Archimandrite with all the rights, distinctions, and honors pertaining to this ecclesiastical dignity,” the decree states.
In his congratulatory message, the Patriarch wished the new archimandrite God’s grace and endurance in his future ministry: “May our Lord Jesus Christ, the good and eternal Shepherd, grant the worthy archimandrite the grace of endurance, wisdom, and zeal in his ministry, so that he may continue to be a faithful witness to the Gospel, a faithful servant of the Holy Church, and an example of monastic life. We pray for your growth in holiness and for God’s abundant blessings upon your ministry.”
The Vice-Chancellor of the Toronto Eparchy, Fr. Roman Lobay, also joined in the congratulations, conveying words of spiritual support to the newly elevated archimandrite on behalf of Bishop Bryan Bayda.
Addressing those present, the newly elevated Archimandrite emphasized that from the very beginning of his ministry, he had felt the sincere unity and support of the Ukrainian community, which had become a true spiritual family for him. He shared that there are no boundaries or obstacles to serving Christ, His Church, and the community, regardless of one’s origin.
“True unity in the Church is born through love, vocation, and living faith in Christ. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is open to all peoples, and every person is welcome in God’s home, where all are accepted as brothers and sisters in Christ,” said Fr. Richard Su.
The UGCC Department for Information
