On November 30, 2008, hierarchs, clergy and faithful from across Canada gathered at the Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Winnipeg MB to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Episcopal Consecration of His Eminence Metropolitan JOHN (Stinka).

Metropolitan John was born in 1935 in Buchanan, Saskatchewan, the youngest of 12 children to Nikolaj and Annie Stinka. His Eminence was enthroned in November of 2005 as the 5th Metropolitan for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.

The Divine Liturgy was presided over by no less than 6 hierarchs: Metropolitan John, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC); Archbishop Nathaniel, Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America; Archbishop Antony, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA; Archbishop Yurij, Eastern Eparchy of the UOCC; Bishop Ilarion, Western Eparchy of the UOCC; Bishop Andriy, Bishop-elect of Saskatoon and Vicar of the Central Eparchy.

V. Rev. Archpriest Gregory Mielnik, Chancellor of the Presidium of the Consistory Board of the UOCC, began the program by calling upon Metropolitan Soterios to bring greetings. His Eminence greeted Metropolitan John in the name of the Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew I, and highlighted the historical bond and respect that there is between Greeks and Ukrainians. He also acknowledged the presence of Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and issued a ‘challenge’ for the Ukrainian Orthodox and Catholic Churches to continue to strive for unity in faith because ‘Christ is one’. Archbishop Antony was next to speak and commented on being friends with Metropolitan John since their seminary days at St. Andrew’s College. He said that being a bishop brings many challenges and blessings and prayed that God would continue to grant Metropolitan John strength to continue in his service to the Lord. Archbishop Nathaniel greeted His Eminence on behalf of the Romanian Community and, as well, the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of America (OCA). He called upon God to bless His Eminence with peace and health in his service to the Church. Newly Enthroned Bishop Ilarion brought greetings on behalf of the Western Eparchy of the UOCC. He said 25 years of service, as a bishop, is a great event in the history of the church. We are grateful to God for the gift that His Eminence has been for the UOCC. Bishop Andriy, in his greeting emphasized that we have gathered to give thanks for the ‘Apostolic Service’ that His Eminence has and continues to carry out. God has been the foundation of this service and His Eminence continues to be His faithful servant. Metropolitan Lawrence of the Ukrainian Catholic Church greeted His Eminence on behalf of the Ukrainian Catholic hierarchy, clergy and faithful. He thanked God for His Grace that has blessed the many years of service that is being celebrated at this event. As Ukrainian Christians we share common goals and difficulties and are ever concerned about the questions of tomorrow. With God’s Grace we will continue to strive for unity. Protodeacon Raphael Cole, representing His Eminence Archbishop Seraphim of the OCA, brought greetings on behalf faithful of the OCA.

Rev. Doug Martindale, representative of the Manitoba Government, acknowledged how God’s Spirit has guided His Eminence. He presented a pictorial book to His Eminence representing the ‘Spirit of Manitoba’. Vic Toews, representing the Federal Government, expressed his gratitude for being part of this event and remarked how politicians must come together to decide what is best for the country and as such how the Church continues to come together to work for what is best for the faithful. Sonya Bezjyk, National CYC president, brought greetings on behalf of all the member organizations of CYC. She highlighted that CYC is an integral part of the UOCC and remains to be committed to the church.

His Eminence, Archbishop Yurij was invited to offer the main address about the guest of honour. His Eminence stated that Metropolitan John is a true ‘son of the soil’ and from the cradle has been part of the church family and Ukrainian community. From birth the spiritual and cultural values of these entities have been instilled in him. Archbishop Yurij highlighted the great love that His Eminence has for children and all people. He stated that with God’s Providence and Prayers His Eminence has been blessed to serve this church and will continue to do so. With this a gift was presented to Metropolitan John and Mnohaya Lita was sung in his honour.

Metropolitan John then was called forward to offer his words. He thanked the organizing committee and commented on how this event has spiritually affirmed and strengthened him to continue the work that he has been called to do. He thanked God for the strength to serve and for his predecessors who paved the way for him. He called upon the hierarchs, clergy and faithful to continue to work for our Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Ukrainian community.

Photos by Bob Talbot of Talbot Photography