42nd Eparchial Convention Brings Parish Leaders Together to Renew Hope in Christ

he 42nd Eparchial Convention brought together parish leaders, clergy, Eparchial organizations and volunteers for two days of prayer, reflection, discussion and fellowship on October 16–17, 2026.

This year’s theme was “Always Our Parishioners, Renewing Our Hope in Christ.” The theme reflected the purpose of the gathering: to strengthen parish life, support those who serve the Church, and renew the Eparchy’s shared commitment to caring for every parishioner.

Participants included representatives from the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada (UCWLC), the Knights of Columbus, the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada – Alberta Branch, the Pastoral Office, the Ukrainian Catholic Council of the Eparchy of Edmonton, and parishes from across Alberta.

The UCWLC opens the convention

The convention opened on Friday with the UCWLC portion of the gathering.

The day began with a procession of Eparchial and branch flags accompanied by the singing of О, спомагай нас. UCWLC Eparchial President Luba Kowalchyk, HLM, welcomed delegates and guests and officially opened the 42nd UCWLC Eparchial Convention.

Father Gabriel Haber, UCWLC Eparchial Spiritual Advisor, led an opening prayer after the Canadian and Ukrainian national anthems. Chair Lydia Migus then introduced the UCWLC branch presidents.

The convention offered a Panakhyda in memory of deceased UCWLC members.

Patty Zakordonski chaired the convention’s business matters, which included greetings from Luba Kowalchyk; Teresa Makowecki on behalf of Jane Kuchma, UCWLC National President; Lara Bechtel, CWL Diocesan President; and Lydia Migus, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council.

Delegates also heard executive reports from the UCWLC President, Treasurer and Audit Committee, as well as reports from the Nasha Doroha Press, the UCWLC Eparchial Museum Committee and the Resolutions Review Committee.

Virginia Sharek chaired the election of officers. The 2024–2026 executive was thanked for its service, and Luba Kowalchyk, HLM, was re-elected as president for a second term. She then delivered her acceptance speech.

Women bearing the light of Christ

Following the business portion of the convention, delegates and guests travelled to St. Josaphat Cathedral.

They toured the Ukrainian Museum of the UCWLC (Alberta) and viewed a special display prepared by the Museum Committee on the theme “Women Bearing the Light of Christ.”

Participants also took part in an activity titled “I Am a Bearer of the Light of Christ,” reflecting on the ways women serve their families, parishes and communities through faith, leadership and compassion.

The afternoon continued with a Moleben and the installation of UCWLC officers.

A dinner at St. Josaphat Parish Hall brought delegates and guests together for fellowship. The keynote speaker was Sister Iryna Khomyn, Director of the Bridge of Hope Program in Ukraine, who spoke about the needs of vulnerable children and families and the work carried out by the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate.

Joyce Chrunik-Rudiak, HLM, then spoke about the needs of the Ukrainian Museum. She also presented Nadia Cyncar, HLM, a longtime UCWLC member, Museum Committee member and curator, with the distinction of First Honorary Member of the Ukrainian Museum UCWLC (Alberta) Society.

Nadia Cyncar expressed her gratitude for the honour.

Organizations sharing their work and vision

The Saturday program created space for Eparchial organizations to gather, reflect on their work and discuss ways to strengthen their service.

The Knights of Columbus met to discuss their activities, achievements, challenges and opportunities for growth. In an open and supportive atmosphere, members shared their thoughts, experiences and feedback.

The broader gathering also brought together representatives from the UCWLC Alberta Branch, the Knights of Columbus, the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada – Alberta Branch, the Pastoral Office and the Ukrainian Catholic Council of the Eparchy of Edmonton.

These organizations play different roles in the life of the Church, but share a common purpose: supporting parish communities, strengthening fellowship and helping the Eparchy serve the faithful across Alberta.

Parish leadership and pastoral support

The Eparchial meeting at the Eparchial Pastoral Centre brought together Bishop David Motiuk, priests, parish council members and active parishioners representing parishes throughout Alberta.

The meeting began with prayer led by Bishop David.

One of the central topics was the Parish Pastoral Council Guidelines 2026. The guidelines are intended to support effective parish leadership and collaboration by outlining meeting procedures, committees and decision-making processes. They also clarify the structure, membership, roles and responsibilities of parish pastoral councils.

Bishop David also spoke about the Synod and synodality, emphasizing the meaning of synodality as “walking together on the way.” The discussion encouraged parish leaders to listen, collaborate and share responsibility for the life and mission of their communities.

Several Eparchial ministries then presented updates and resources for parishes.

Supporting parish finances

The Financial Ministry presented updates related to insurance and new policies affecting parishes.

Iryna Laschuk, Director of Finance, also introduced new parish grant opportunities based on different community needs. She explained the application process and helped parish representatives understand how they could seek financial support for their churches and ministries.

Financial support remains an important part of strengthening parish life and ensuring that communities can continue serving the faithful.

Sharing the Gospel online

The Communications Ministry focused on online evangelization and the importance of meeting people where they are.

Iryna Pryimak, Head of Communications, used the image of Christ’s call to be fishers of people to explain why the Church must be present where people are searching, learning and connecting—including online.

Through examples, Scripture passages and discussion, participants reflected on how digital tools can help parishes share the Gospel, invite people into the life of the Church and communicate more clearly with their communities.

Iryna also presented the new Eparchial website, which launched earlier this year. The website offers a modern, accessible and user-friendly structure with information about the Eparchy’s faith, ministries, charitable work, activities and resources for parishes.

Participants also received updates about the iPraises app, an Eparchial resource that allows the faithful and clergy to pray using their phones. The app is free, has no advertisements, works offline and includes bilingual options.

The presentation also addressed the importance of improving communication between priests, parishes and the Eparchy, while helping more people discover where they can pray, participate and find support.

Family, life and youth ministry

The Family and Life Ministry shared updates about youth programs offered through the Eparchy and its parishes.

The presentation included highlights from current programs, plans for the coming year, and achievements in engaging young people and families who regularly participate in Eparchial events.

These programs give young people opportunities to grow in faith, build friendships and become more deeply connected to the life of the Church.

A coffee break gave participants additional time to meet, share ideas and continue conversations informally.

Always Our Parishioners

The general meeting continued with a presentation on loneliness in the age of artificial intelligence by Lector Dr. Theresa Zolner.

The presentation emphasized the importance of remaining connected to real people and making time for genuine conversation and community. Participants were reminded that technology can be useful, but it should not replace human relationships or be treated as a person. Digital tools do not have a human soul or the gift of personal presence.

Patricia Chicak and Father Peter Pitchko then shared insights from Always Our Parishioners, an Eparchial initiative of care, presence and pastoral support.

The initiative, established by Bishop David and the Eparchy, helps parishes care more intentionally for parishioners who are sick, homebound, recovering, elderly, isolated or approaching the end of life.

The presentation highlighted achievements, challenges and breakthroughs in parishes that have actively developed this ministry. Patricia Chicak shared the approach used at St. Josaphat Cathedral, which includes identifying parishioners in need and responding through simple but meaningful actions:

• making a phone call;
• visiting a parishioner;
• praying together;
• talking about parish life;
• bringing Holy Communion;
• offering friendship and continued pastoral connection.

These acts of care help parishioners remain connected to their parish family and remind them that they are not forgotten.

Sowing seeds of hope

The convention concluded with a banquet that brought together parish representatives, organizational leaders, volunteers and participants from throughout the Eparchy.

The banquet was an opportunity to celebrate the work accomplished across Alberta and to give thanks for the people who serve their parishes and communities.

During the banquet, guests also enjoyed a beautiful performance by Axios Men’s Ensemble. The men’s choir sang prayers and sacred choral music, creating a prayerful and uplifting atmosphere. Their voices invited everyone into a deeper spirit of reflection, joy and fellowship, adding a memorable musical dimension to the evening.

A highlight of the evening was an inspiring presentation by His Grace Bishop Andriy Rabiy, Auxiliary Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg. His presentation was titled “Sowing Seeds of Hope Amidst War, Conflict, and Instability Throughout the World.”

Bishop Andriy spoke about the importance of faith, compassion and solidarity with people affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine and by conflict and instability throughout the world.

His message invited participants to remain people of hope and to continue serving others with courage, generosity and love.

Renewing hope together

The 42nd Eparchial Convention was a weekend of prayer, learning, honest conversation, encouragement and celebration.

It allowed parish representatives and Eparchial organizations to share their work, discuss challenges, strengthen relationships and consider how they can serve the faithful more effectively.

The Eparchy of Edmonton is grateful to everyone who helped organize the convention and contributed to its success, including the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada, the Knights of Columbus, the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada, the Ukrainian Catholic Council of the Eparchy of Edmonton, the Eparchial Pastoral Centre team and the Chateau Louis team.

We are grateful to every parish representative, volunteer, priest, organization and participant who brought their time, experience and commitment to the gathering.

Together, we continue to walk with our parishioners, strengthen our communities and renew our hope in Christ.