Issue 52, September 2016 UKRAINIAN REDEMPTORISTS OF THE YORKTON PROVINCE FULLY ALIVE A Velychkovsky ’s Publication

1941 in Kami- 4th Pilgrimage to Ukraine anetz Podilsk. In Shuparka, the This past July we conducted our 4 th Bishop Vel- church of his ychkovsky Pilgrimage to Ukraine. As with the past childhood, we pilgrimages, we visited celebrated the and prayed at the plac- Acathist hymn in es where Blessed his honour with Vasyl lived, worked the local Orthodox At Bl. Vasyl’s father’s gravesite and suffered. There priest. We made in Yabluniv were thirteen of us who our annual pilgrim- made this spiritual jour- age to the Marian Shrine in ney. Zarvanytsia where we cele- 2016 Bishop Velychkovsky Pilgrimage group in airport brated the Divine Liturgy with Patriarch Sviatoslav together with all the Ukrainian Our pilgrimage and some 200,000 faithful. began with the celebra- We visited the Carpathian tion of the Divine Liturgy Mountains, the towns of in Blessed Vasyl’s Drohobych, Novoyavorisk, apartment, where he and an orphanage in Po- lived in his later years telych. We were invited to cel- during the time of the ebrate the baptism of An- - Celebrating the Divine Liturgy An orphan from the catacomb church (1955 drijko’s son, an orphan that 1969). During these in Bl. Vasyl’s apartment in Lviv we have been supporting for orphanage in Potelych years, this apartment was the nerve center of the Ukrainian . years, in the mountain Priests and sisters would come there for guidance in village of Lavochne. their pastoral ministry in those trying times. After This was a truly unfor- Blessed Vasyl was secretly consecrated a bishop in gettable village expe- 1963, one can say that this was his cathedral and his rience. We concluded chancery. The apartment our pilgrimage toured has been restored to its in the capital city of original form with many . These are just a artifacts (altar, cup- With Patriarch Sviatoslav at the few of the places we boards, table, bed cover- Sobor of visited. Resurrection in Kyiv ings, altar vessels, icons, and books) that belonged In This Issue: to him. We visited his There were seminary in Lviv and saw three new experi- 4th Pilgrimage - 1 Praying at Bl. Vasyl’s moth- er’s gravesite in the jail where he spent ences during this Reaching the Philippines - 3 time before his trial in pilgrimage which - 1969. We toured the city of Ternopil - the place of his need to be highlight- Shrine Visitors 4 arrest in 1945 and the gravesite of his mother Anna ed. The first was in Thanks to Contributors - 4 (Sr. Emilia). We prayed at his father’s gravesite in the city of Kovel in In Memoriam - 6 Yabluniv, in his grandfather’s church in Probiznia, in the Volyn region. Prayer & Info - 6 the church of Blessed Vasyl’s pastoral ministry in Blessed Vasyl

served in Volyn from 1928 to 1935 where he had financial support for this new upcoming church much success in forming many new parishes. The oblast (province) of Volynia, which is in the north The second western part of Ukraine new experience was and has its own unique visiting the prison history different from where Blessed Western Ukraine (Lviv, Vasyl was impris- Ternopil & Ivano Frank- oned in August 1945 ivsk). When Poland was in the city of Chor- divided in 1795, Volynia tkiv. Tanya and Oleh fell under Russian rule. Cheharivsky, our The Ukrainian Catholic fellow -workers in Fr. Evhen Zadorozhny being church was then perse- Ukraine, earlier this Newly formed Chapel in Bl. Vasyl’s blessed by Fr. John in Kovel prison cell in Chortkiv cuted and it was ab- year discovered the sorbed by the Russian prison in which Orthodox Church. For a short time between the two Blessed Vasyl was placed after his arrest in Ternopil. World Wars, this area was under Polish rule. It was at This prison, located during and in the few years after this time that the the Second World Ukrainian Catholic War, was in the Church was re - basement of a Car- established under melite monastery. It the direction of was a prison for Blessed Bishop many UPA Nicholas Char- (Ukrainian Partisan netsky, Blessed Army) members and Vasyl and others. also for some priests After 1945, the and religious. The Ukrainian Catholic building was returned Praying the Way of the Cross in Church was again Archbishop Josaphat blessing the to the church in the underground prison cells I suppressed under cornerstone of the new church n Chortkiv dedicated to Bl. Vasyl early 2000’s and be- the communist came the residence for the new bishop, Bishop De- rule. When this ar- metrius Hryhorak of Buchach -Chortkiv. In fact, the ea became part of independent Ukraine in 1991, the bishop’s present chancery office was the former KGB Redemptorists again returned under the enthusiastic office and the KGB sentencing room. We learnt the pastorship of Fr. Evhen Zadorozhny. He founded a history of these basement rooms and of the tortures parish in Kovel under the patronage of Blessed Nich- that occurred there olas Charnetsky. In recent years, he has established from Maria Stepa other smaller parishes outside of Kovel. After much whom we met and work, Fr. Evhen received permission from the city who herself was a government to build a second Ukrainian Catholic prisoner there. After Church in Kovel. This church will be under the patron- the bishop discov- age of Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky. He coordinated ered that Blessed our pilgrimage so that when we would be present and Vasyl spent some participate in a solemn blessing of the land, the cross time in this prison, and the cornerstone of this new church by Archbish- he began preparing Maria Stepa, who once was a prison- op Josaphat Hovera of Lutz and the local neighbour- er in the same prison as Bl. Vasyl this basement/prison ing clergy. We in Chortkiv for people to come were priviledged and experience it. to be at this new As a pilgrim group, we came into this “holy” and terri- beginning of the ble place where so many were tortured and killed and Ukrainian Greek where Blessed Vasyl spent a few weeks before being Catholic taken to a Kyiv prison. Here we prayed the 7 th Sta- Church’s minis- tion from the Way of the Cross written in Blessed try in Kovel. Vasyl’s honour. In our encounter with Maria Stepa, They marked who herself spent time in this prison and where her Parishioners, pilgrims and clergy present at this occasion by parents and family were killed, we received a this solemn blessing in Kovel permanently firsthand account of Blessed Vasyl’s tortures and mentioning our abuse at the hands of the guards. presence engraved in the cornerstone. They will need

2 Our third new and executed there. discovery on this trip While in Kyiv, we also was the prison in Ky- visited the very mov- iv where Blessed ing Holodomor muse- Vasyl was on death um dedicated to the 7 row. We had several million plus people partial clues where killed by starvation this prison was in during the Stalinist Kyiv, but it was al- regime. We also visit- ways assumed that ed Babyn Yar, where Lukianskaya prison in Kyiv, where he was only in the over 33,000 Jews Bl. Vasyl was on death row prison on 33 Vo- were massacred by Babyn Yar in Kyiv wher Jews were lodymyrska St., where the Nazis on Septem- macsacred presently the Security Police (SBU) have their main ber 29 -30, 1941. Both headquarters. We know that in that building many of these sacred places made us more aware of the hor- the priests and bishops were kept. However, as we rific things human beings can do to others and of our studied the KGB documents, we discovered another responsibility to give each person their due dignity. address and name

Holodomor museum in Kyiv of of a prison, the Lukianskaya Street hounoring the “Heavenly Hundred” who lost their Prison. It is hidden from the lives in the Euro Maidan in February 2014 main streets in central Kyiv. In fact, we had a hard time finding it, even though we Blessed Vasyl’s journey of life inspires us to were only a few yards from it. But we did find it. It is follow Christ more whole -heartedly and to be willing still an active prison and we were being filmed for to pay the price in remaining faithful to the Gospel. standing in front of it. We said a prayer for all the pris- oners and for all those who were unjustly condemned Submitted by Fr. John Sianchuk, C.Ss.R. REACHING THE PHILIPPINES

On August 27, we were pleased to welcome over 100 members of the Legion of Mary who came to the Shrine for a day of renewal. Most of the members were from the Filipino community. We began with the Divine Litur- gy to which the whole community responded enthusiastically. For many this was their first experience of the Byzantine Liturgy. After the Liturgy, the ro- Legion of Mary group making a pilgrimage sary was recited. Then a 15 mi- to the Shrine nute video presentation on the life of Blessed Vasyl was shown. This was followed by a tour of the museum and shrine and a brief introduction to the spirituality of the Byzantine Church. The morning of prayer and re- newal was very warmly received. For many of them this was their first visit to the Shrine. Since this experience, many of them have come for a return visit to pray at the Shrine and pray before the holy relics of Bl. Vasyl. One of the consequences was that a group of 12 Filipino priests, “Peter’s Chord”, were invited for a morning tour at our Shrine. They were “Peter’s Chord” a group of singing making a tour across Canada giving a thanksgiving concert to various Filipi- Filipino priests no communities in various cities. They came from the Archdiocese of Palo in the Philippines that experienced a devastating typhoon several years ago. This was also their first exposure to the Byz- antine Church. They enthusiastically received their newly acquired knowledge and devotion to Blessed Vasyl. They took much material with themselves back to the Philippines. 3 VISITORS TO THE SHRINE

Ukrainian Catholic Bishops of North America Students and teachers from Ukrainian School of Ss. Vladimir & Olga Cathedral, Winnipeg

Nataliya Markevych and family donating a rushnyk for the Bl. Vasyl icon, Calgary AB

Ladies from Edmonton attend- ing National UCConference SSMI Sisters and delagates from the National UCConvention

S.E.V.R.E. 2016

Visitors from the Philippines Bro. Eumir, C.Ss.R. giving a tour in Tagalo to a Filipino family Murdock family from Calgary, AB THANK YOU!!! Your generous donations make it possible to conduct the ministry of the Shrine and promote the knowledge of Blessed Vasyl throughout the world. Thank you. We are grateful to those who have named the Shrine as a beneficiary in memory of their loved ones. May Blessed Vasyl bless each one of you. Contributions listed below are from May 16th until August 31, 2016.

+10,000 Knights of Columbus - Holy >100 Estate of William & Kay Zambrick Eucharist Council #11330 Maria Barcelon Geraldine Koban Dolores Blanchard +500 Legion of Mary, Winnipeg Nicholas & Hazel Borodey National Association of Vocation Ivan Roman & Nataliya Markevych Jim Bugslag Directors Jimmy Sawchuk Paul & Waltraud Chrunyk UCWLC St. Joseph’s Branch Anne Shymko Yvonne Day St. Joseph’s Seniors, Winnipeg Maureen Delorme +100 Telus Corporation James Dozorec Sylvia Bock U.C.W.L.C. of Sacred Heart Parish, Joseph E. Ewanchyna Orest & Evelyn Eveneshen Ituna SK Diane Gingera Holy Eucharist U.C.W.L.C., Wpg Norbert Wasylenko Wirlana Holowka Sofia Hull William J. Karlicki

4 Knights of Columbus Fr. Filipow Stan & Luba Sirdar Ukraine Council #89444, Wpg Lillian Skazyk Donna Krawchuk Mary Kokolski Boris & Olga Skehar Olga Kondra Iris Smellie For the Health of… Dorothy Labay Olga Szutiak Brent & Kelly Violet Matwichyna Dennis & Steffie Wawrykow Pat Lucko Regina Muench Mary Winchar Kevin Anne Pawelek Glenn & Valerie Wowryk Lise Anglin Anne Penonzek Evelyn Zaboroski Olga Richard & Marietta Persian Kay Zawortny Wlodzimierz Sawka Sally Scaletta Bella Kalenchuk Anastasia Bakan Iris Smellie Dan Kalenchuk Matthew & Anastasia Bakan U.C.B.C. Holy Eucharist Branch, Marvin Krawec Remy Buchan Wpg Jean Schur Ron & Angeline Gretchen Ukrainian School Parents of Ss. Nick Krawec Orest & Margaret Fedorchuk Vladimir’s & Olga, Wpg Jean Schur Orest and Margaret Fedorchuk Cindy Welyczkowsky Bishop Michael Kuchmiak Flynn grandchildren Peter Wozney W. Allan Bailey Murray & Anne Flynn Stephania Kwasnitza Joe Gretchen Peter & Glikeria Iwanuck Ron & Angeline Gretchen In Memory Of... Gladys & John Laskowsky Brian Hlus Fr. Gary Dilky, Fr. Richard Gordon & Joan Lasko Olga Hlus Whefston Dr. Angela Lindberg Vera Matwichyna Fr. David Misbrener Rick Korchinski Violet Matwichyna Genevieve Berezny Bernadette Matovu Orest Pidwerbeski William Berezny Elizabeth Luzige Orest Pidwerbeski Deacon Walter Bialobzyski Sam, Katie, Ivan & Helen Sirdar children & grand -children Mary Bialobzyski Mykytyshyn Stan & Luba Sirdar Agnes Bilowus Nestor Mykytyshyn Juliana Robert & Leanna Obirek Judy Odger Boris & Olga Skehar Andrea Bodie Fred Odger Martha Terlecky Stan & Luba Sirdar Grace Prokop Slofko & Martha Terlecky Adam Boyko Steve Prokop Trafananko family Stan & Luba Sirdar Henry Schur Nadia Trafananko Clarence Derow Jean Schur Anastasia Tymchuk Alice Derow Glen Smith Oxana Tymchuk William Domitruk Florence Blanchard Norbert Wasylenko Sonia Domitruk Peter & Joan Washchyshyn Norbert Wasylenko Dubowits Fathers Kay Zawortny Nicholas Zimrose Leslie & Caroline Dubowits Walter Turchyn Alex & Mary Zimrose Katherin Eschuk Helen Dziedzic Family & friends Walter & Olga Eschuk Walter Wowczuk Alexander & Olga Boychuk Anthony Halayda Mary Glicaria Bilinsky Stan & Luba Sirdar Florence Blanchard Myron Hrankowski Rick & Cynthia Bryant In Thanksgiving... Mary Glicaria Bilinsky Olga Homeniuk Tom Bailey & Terri Scott Rick & Cynthia Bryant John & Mary Hykawy Glenn Marr & Yuet Ying Ron & Evelyn Cinch Peter & Glikeria Iwanuck Duane & Darlene Dahl Allen & Mary Marcinkow Dolores Daniels Stan & Luba Sirdar Leslie & Caroline Dubowits Lillian Skazyk Bob & Shirley Halayda Patricia Zborowsky & Olga Orysia Hull Zborowsky Donations to the Shrine John & Mary Hykawy Julia Koval In Honor Of... can be made ONLINE Millie Lefko Teo Huynh visit

Walter & Isabel Lukie Imelda Pang www.bvmartyrshrine.com Allan & Joanne Malenko Fr. Boris Kyba Sophie Manulak W. Allan Bailey Allen & Mary Marcinkow John & Adeline Pacholka Steve Prokop W. Allan Bailey Phyllis Shindak Mr. & Mrs. Ernie Shewchuk Lesia Sianchuk Stan & Luba Sirdar Phyllis Sianchuk Glen & Lena Tymiak Darlene Sidak W. Allan Bailey

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IN MEMORIAM

On July 7, 2016, our dear friend and long -time volunteer, Myron Hrankowski, passed away at Holy Family Nursing Home in Winnipeg. Myron was a very special person who spent time daily at the Shrine greeting visitors. He and his brother Paul (deceased 2006) were our first volunteers when the Shrine opened in 2002. They both dedicated many hours a week in the Shrine. Myron had been challenged all his life. First, he was born as a “blue” baby. Due to heart problems, he was not able to receive enough oxygen and thus was unable to walk far. After numerous operations, this all improved only to suffer a stroke when he was 17. This left him impaired in his movements and his speech. De- spite these challenges, Myron’s heart was filled with love and compassion. He was a man of faith and of deep prayer. He was very grateful for all he received always saying “Thank you.” One of the highlights in his later years was when he made a Bishop Velychkovsky Pilgrimage to Ukraine in 2008. He will be sadly missed.

Вічна йому пам’ять! Eternal Memory!

Call in Prayer Requests For a special intention or prayer request you may phone, email us or request through our website. Checkout our website Your prayer request will be placed in the Shrine at www.bvmartyrshrine.com and remembered in prayer every Wednesday evening after the service in honour of Blessed Vasyl.

SHRINE SCHEDULE Prayer to Blessed Martyr

Monday: Shrine is closed Bishop Vasyl

Tuesday to Friday: 10 am to 5 pm Saturday: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Sunday: opened until 1:00 pm O Lord God, You are praised by the whole world for the marvelous works in your saints. I thank you for the grace you gave to Blessed Martyr Vasyl Shrine is open to the faithful during the times Velychkovsky to be a faithful witness to You unto of Liturgical Services. The Museum is opened on weekends the point of death. Through his intercession I ask for after each Divine Liturgy. the following favour for your Name is glorified forever. Amen. Group tours are available. For pilgrimage group tours call for reservations 204 -338 -7321 or e -mail: [email protected] Please inform the Shrine of any favors received: Bishop Velychkovsky Martyr’s Shrine EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENING - 7:00 pm 250 Jefferson Avenue

Liturgical Service to Blessed Vasyl Winnipeg, MB R2V 0M6 (Acafist or Moleben) followed by an anointing with Holy Oil blessed by his relics. Canada

Blessed Velychkovsky Martyr's Shrine 250 Jefferson Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R2V 0M6 Tel: 204 -338 -7321 Fax: 204 -338 -7321 Email: [email protected] Website:www.bvmartyrshrine.com

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