CANADA DAY MESSAGE
FROM THE EPISCOPATE OF THE UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF CANADA
“Whereas Canada is founded upon principles
that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law…”.
Constitution Act, 1982,
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Preamble.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On Canada Day, we turn our hearts to God with gratitude for the blessings He so generously bestows upon our country and its people.
For many generations of the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Canada has been not only a place of residence but a true home. It was here that our grandparents and great-grandparents built new lives and worked for the good of their communities and of this country. Their descendants have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to the development of Canada at every level – as farmers and labourers, builders and entrepreneurs, teachers and scholars, physicians and healthcare professionals, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, community leaders, judges, parliamentarians, senators, and spiritual leaders of the Church. Each, in his or her own way, has helped and continues to help build a strong, free, and prosperous Canada.
Previous generations left a lasting mark on the development of this great country while preserving their faith, traditions, and spiritual heritage. Among them was the great Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko), whose 75th anniversary of enthronement we commemorate this year. Their descendants continue to preserve and strengthen this legacy as an integral part of Canada’s multicultural mosaic, serving society at every level and in every sphere of Canadian life.
Today, we proudly acknowledge that we are an integral part of Canadian society. As Orthodox Christians, we are grateful for the freedom to worship openly, to build churches, to nurture our youth in the faith, and to pass on our spiritual and cultural traditions to future generations. These blessings also place upon us a responsibility – to be good citizens, to support one another, and to serve society with love and respect.
On this festive day, let us pray for Canada and for the peace and prosperity of our country. Let us ask the Lord to bless all those who labour for the common good and to grant strength and wisdom to the leaders of our Canada.
May the Lord bless Canada, our Church, our families, and all communities that, through their work, faith, and love, contribute to the common good of our country.
Happy Canada Day!
† Ilarion, Metropolitan
Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
† Andriy,
Bishop of Toronto and the Eastern Eparchy
