The Church is more than the walls of our temples. Above all, it is a community of people united by faith. Thanks to the efforts of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Nicholas in Chicago and Bishop Benedict, our community had a special opportunity this summer to experience the joy of unity and fellowship. Two special guests joined us from Ukraine – seminarians from the Lviv Theological Seminary of the Holy Spirit, Brother Mykhailo Ivasiuk and Brother Bohdan Hatailo.
From the very beginning of their time in the United States, the brothers embraced the life of our parishes and became an active part of our communities. Their ministry was joyful, energetic, and diverse. They sang at our liturgies, served at the altar, and helped organize fun and educational camps for children. Night vigils and meaningful conversations were especially memorable experiences for both the seminarians and our parishioners, helping us deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our connection to our Ukrainian heritage.
Their missionary journey covered a remarkable number of communities. Mykhailo and Bohdan began in Chicago at St. Joseph the Betrothed Parish. They then helped with a Ukrainian festival at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Palos Park. From there, they were warmly welcomed by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Palatine. They also had the opportunity to experience the spirit of Ukrainian Chicago by visiting St. Nicholas Cathedral and Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Parish in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood.
Their ministry extended far beyond Illinois. The seminarians attended a Ukrainian festival in Richmond before traveling to the West Coast, where they served at the Church of Our Lady of Zarvanytsia in Seattle. The final stop of their journey was St. Constantine Parish in Minneapolis.
For the faithful of our eparchy, the seminarians’ visit was a true joy. Their enthusiasm, warmth, and love for Ukraine inspired everyone they met. The brothers themselves shared that they gained invaluable pastoral experience through their time with our communities. They were deeply touched by the way Ukrainian Americans preserve their faith, traditions, and cultural heritage. Mykhailo and Bohdan extend their heartfelt gratitude to every priest, every family, and all the parishioners who welcomed them into their homes and opened their hearts to them.
Our entire Eparchy of St. Nicholas expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the brothers for their dedicated service, their prayerful vigils, and the joy and light they shared with so many. May the Lord, who has called them to the vocation of priesthood, continue to guide and protect them on their journey, so that one day they may become good and wise shepherds who faithfully serve God and His people.
