On May 24, the Feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost), Bishop Benedyct celebrated a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Nicholas.
This day was especially meaningful for our eparchy, as during the festive Liturgy two candidates were ordained for church ministry. Timothy Dunne, a student of the Mission Institute from Hawaii, received minor orders. Also, Ivan Zapotichny, a graduate of the Lviv Theological Seminary, received the ordination to the diaconate through the laying on of hands of Bishop Venedykt.
In his homily, the bishop spoke about the importance of Pentecost as the “birthday of the Church” and about the work of the Holy Spirit, who inspires, guides, and strengthens the faithful in their vocation. He encouraged everyone to pray for the new ministers, that God would grant them wisdom, zeal, and faithfulness in serving God’s people.
After the service, the clergy and faithful congratulated Timothy Dunne and the newly ordained Deacon Ivan Zapotichny, assuring them of their support and prayers. The celebration became a joyful witness that even today the Lord continues to call new workers into His harvest and blesses His Church with vocations.