Ukrainian Catholic Bishops Gather in Edmonton for Annual Seminary Meetings

From October 30 to November 1, 2026, the Ukrainian Catholic Bishops of Canada gathered in Edmonton for their annual seminary meetings and pastoral discussions.

The annual meeting concerning Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Seminary was held together with a regular gathering of the bishops to discuss pastoral and administrative matters affecting the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolia in Canada.

Those attending were Bishop David Motiuk of Edmonton, Bishop Bryan Bayda, CSsR, of Toronto, Bishop Michael Smolinski, CSsR, of Saskatoon, Bishop Andriy Rabiy of Winnipeg, and Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski of New Westminster, Metropolitan-elect of Winnipeg.

Supporting the Formation of Future Priests

Holy Spirit Seminary was established in Ottawa in 1981 as a place of formation for men discerning a call to ordained ministry in the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada.

The seminary was first located in the Basilian Fathers' former scholasticate. As the number of seminarians grew, the program later moved to a former Augustinian monastery. In 2018, the entire seminary program relocated from Ottawa to Edmonton and took up residence in the former House of Studies of the Basilian Fathers under a rental agreement.

Since that time, the bishops and the Seminary Foundation have worked toward purchasing the facilities, providing Holy Spirit Seminary with a more permanent and rooted home in Edmonton.

Today, the seminary brings together prayer, academic study, spiritual direction, community life and pastoral formation. It serves men who are discerning whether God may be calling them to priestly ministry in the Church.

Reports on Seminary Formation and Development

During the seminary meeting, staff presented reports on several areas of the seminary’s life and development, including the formation program, academic work, financial matters and special projects.

The Rector of Holy Spirit Seminary, Rev. Julian Bilyj, reported on many aspects of the seminary’s work and ongoing development. Bishop David Motiuk presented detailed financial reports, while the Director of Spiritual Formation, Rev. Mark Bayrock, provided an overview of the activities and goals connected with the spiritual formation of the seminarians.

The discussions reflected the shared responsibility of the bishops and seminary staff to ensure that candidates for priesthood receive the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation needed for faithful service to the Church.

Sharing Life with the Seminarians

Throughout their time in Edmonton, the bishops had many opportunities to meet and speak with the seminarians during meals, in the seminary chapel, and at celebrations of the Divine Liturgy and Vespers.

The gathering also highlighted the active participation of Alexander and Juan, two seminarians from the Eparchy of New Westminster. Both were deeply involved in the life of the seminary, particularly in its liturgical life.

These moments of shared prayer and fellowship reminded everyone that priestly formation takes place not only through formal meetings and academic study, but also through daily community life, worship and personal accompaniment.

Eastern Christian Theology and Sacred Music in Edmonton

One of the significant events during the bishops’ gathering was the inauguration of new programming in Eastern Christian Theology and Sacred Music at Newman Theological College.

The celebration reached a high point with a hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. Basil the Great Ukrainian Catholic Church, presided over by Bishop David Motiuk. The bishops were joined by priests, clergy, seminarians and a special choir of approximately 70 singers, including the seminarians.

The choir was directed by Dr. Melanie Turgeon, whose leadership brought together the voices of the Newman College Choir, parish singers and members of the wider Ukrainian Christian community. The celebration demonstrated the beauty of Eastern Christian worship and the importance of forming future clergy and musicians within the living tradition of the Church.

The Divine Liturgy also provided an opportunity for the faithful to pray with the Ukrainian Catholic Bishops of Canada and to celebrate the continued development of theological and musical formation in Edmonton.

Vespers and Divine Liturgy at St. Josaphat Cathedral

The seminarians also served the liturgical life of the Edmonton Eparchy by singing Vespers at St. Josaphat Cathedral on Saturday evening and participating in the Divine Liturgy the following Sunday morning.

Metropolitan-elect Michael Kwiatkowski was the main celebrant and was joined by Bishop David Motiuk and Bishop Michael Smolinski.

In his homily, Bishop Kwiatkowski reflected on the witness and courage of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky and Blessed Hieromartyr Theodore Romzha—two great leaders and heroes of the Ukrainian Catholic Church during the twentieth century. Their fidelity, courage and pastoral dedication continue to inspire the Church today, especially those who are discerning a vocation to serve God’s people.

Praying for Vocations

The gathering of the bishops, seminarians and clergy was an important reminder that the future of the Church depends on prayer, faithful formation and generous responses to God’s call.

The Eparchy of Edmonton invites the faithful to pray for the seminarians, for the continued development of Holy Spirit Seminary and for many more vocations to the priesthood.

May the Lord grant young men the insight, courage and freedom to ask whether He is calling them to serve as priests in His Church—and may the whole Church continue to accompany them with prayer, encouragement and support.