With the blessing of His Eminence Makariy, Metropolitan of Lviv (Orthodox Church of Ukraine), His Grace Bishop Ilarion of Edmonton & Locum Tenens of the Metropolitan Cathedral celebrated Divine Liturgy on Sunday, 13 February 2022 – the day before His Grace’s fiftieth birthday – in the historical Holy Dormition Stavropegial Cathedral, in the city of Lviv. Fifty years ago, His Grace was baptized in this cathedral.
Concelebrating with Vladyka Ilarion were His Eminence Metropolitan Makariy of Lviv and parish and local clergy. The cathedral choir, “Oranta,” directed by Liubov Val’chak, sang the responses and hymns. Present at liturgy were family and acquaintances of His Grace, including the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Vatican, His Excellency Andriy Yurash. During the Divine Liturgy, fervent prayers were offered for Ukraine and her protection from enemy attack.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Grace was greeted warmly by Metropolitan Makariy, who offered up a gift marking Vladyka Ilarion’s birthday. Mitred Archpriest Fr. Ihor Burmylo, Dean of the Cathedral, greeted His Grace and gifted Vladyka with a carved wooden Cross, on behalf of the cathedral parish. In response, Bishop Ilarion thanked Metropolitan Makariy and all present for the great honour stating, “I express thanks for your prayers in this temple, in which I was baptized 50 years ago; I express thanks for being able to offer prayers in my native Lviv; I express thanks for the opportunity to pray with those people who are always in my heart.“
Communication Committee
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
