On Wednesday, June 26th, on the eve of the Martyr’s Feastday, pilgrims gathered at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church – Bishop Velychkovsky National Martyr’s Shrine in anticipation of the Feastday, which was the next day.
The evening began with Great Vespers and Litya. The guest homilist, Father Peter Babej from Edmonton, Alberta, was introduced and shared a sermon based on the theme “Called to be holy – Called to be a Martyr.” Pilgrims then participated in a Rosary spiritual procession to where Blessed Vasyl stayed in Winnipeg during his last year of life. The evening concluded with anointing and veneration of the Holy Relics of Bishop Vasyl Velychkovsky and Blessed Nicholas Charnetsky.
On the Feastday, Thursday, June 27th, pilgrims gathered throughout the day and evening in prayer and reflection on the life of Blessed Bishop and Martyr Vasyl Velychkovsky. The morning began with a Divine Liturgy and Father Peter sharing the homily based on the theme “Going into the Heat of Daily Battle” (Ephesians 6:10-17). His inspirational words challenged those present not to be complacent to the battles raging around us but to be ready to fight for the truth that is Christ-centered.
After the Liturgy, meditative prayer time was spent praying for Ukraine through the intercession of Blessed Vasyl. The morning concluded with a Moleben in honour of Blessed Vasyl and then sharing by a special guest. We were blessed to have George Welleck, a relative of Blessed Vasyl, share his family history and stories about Blessed Vasyl. George’s great-grandfather was Blessed Vasyl’s grandfather.
After lunch, Father John Sianchuk presented a video marking the tenth anniversary since Blessed Vasyl was proclaimed Patron of Prison Ministry by Patriarch Sviatoslav.
In the afternoon, pilgrims gathered in church for Acathist, a prayer reflection in honour of Blessed Vasyl’s life. During the service, Father Peter shared the homily based on the theme “Live not by Lies.”
The day concluded with a Divine Liturgy led by a combined choir featuring members from Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, St. Anne’s and St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. Father Peter concluded his mini-mission with a homily based on “By your endurance, you will gain your lives.” The evening ended with an atmosphere of prayerful wholeness, with all pilgrims participating in a living rosary
Thank you to all those who participated in the Feast Day in person or through live streaming platforms. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped. Thank you to the Redemptorists’ Fathers and Brothers who helped lead the services. Thank you to Father Peter Babej and George Welleck for their precious contributions.
