UGCC Head Offers Condolences on the Passing of Bishop Stephen Chmilar: “We Pray That the Lord Will Open the Heavens for Him”
The Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, offered his condolences to Bishop Bryan Bayda, the ruling bishop of the Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada, on the passing of Bishop Stephen Chmilar, Bishop Emeritus of Toronto.
In his letter of condolence, His Beatitude Sviatoslav wrote that “Bishop Stephen’s ministry was distinguished by zeal for proclaiming the Good News and caring for God’s people.”
“He ordained many priests and deacons of the Toronto Eparchy, seeking to be a steadfast support for them in their ministry. He contributed much to the development and establishment of the eparchy, which he chaired for over 16 years. He remained spiritually united with his faithful after retirement. The late bishop was always an active participant in the UGCC Synod of Bishops,” added the Head of the UGCC.
He recalled that “while still being a priest, he selflessly ministered in various parishes of the eparchy, served as the eparchial chancellor, spiritual director of the novitiate of the Congregation of the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, as well as in marital tribunals and Catholic summer camps. The late Bishop was ordained to the episcopate on July 23, 2003. His main consecrator was the servant of God Lubomyr Husar of blessed memory.”
“We sincerely believe that Bishop Stephen is already in the embrace of the loving Savior, for whose glory he lived. He leaves us with a final testimony of deep hope in the eternal reward from the Lord God for those who are faithful to Him. ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my race, I have kept the faith’ (II Tim. 4:7)—we place these words of the Apostle Paul in the mouth of the newly deposed bishop,” the Patriarch expressed hope.
The Primate assured his prayers, expressing hope that “the Lord will open the heavens to him, grant him the joy of contemplating His glory, and bless your eparchy with another heavenly intercessor to plead for the necessary favors on your behalf.”
“We commend the soul of the newly departed Bishop Stephen to the hands of God’s infinite mercy and say with faith: ‘Grant unspeakable glory of Your likeness, O Christ, to him who has passed to You, where the dwelling place of those who rejoice is and the voice of pure joy.’ Eternal memory to him!” the letter reads.
The UGCC Department for Information
