The liturgy with the rite of episcopal consecration of Bishop Mykhailo Smolinsky, which took place at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Saskatoon on January 20, 2024, was led by the Head of the UGCC His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the Major Archbishop. The co-consecrators were Metropolitan Lawrence Hutsuliak of Winnipeg, the former apostolic administrator of the vacant see of the Eparchy of Saskatoon, and Bishop Bryan Bayda of the Toronto Eparchy, the previous ruling bishop of this eparchy.
Bishop Mykhailo publicly professed the faith three times. Following this, the rite of episcopal consecration took place. The newly consecrated bishop was vested in episcopal robes, and the Head of the Church presented him with the episcopal staff as a symbol of episcopal authority, as reported by the Information Department of the UGCC.
During the sermon, His Beatitude Sviatoslav thanked those present for their hospitality, generosity, work, prayers, and efforts for Ukraine's victory over the Russian occupier. Additionally, he noted that today's event of episcopal consecration is a moment of unity between the Mother Church in Ukraine and the pastors, clergy, and laity in Canada: "The birth of a new Ukrainian bishop in Canada is a special light of hope for the entire Ukrainian people, who today are paying the highest price for freedom and the right to exist in their homeland."
"Thank you for believing and fully trusting in the Lord as a Redemptorist monk and priest. Thank you for not being afraid to accept God's power that called you to the episcopal ministry and today is giving birth to you as a shepherd who will consecrate, teach God's people, and lead them in the image and likeness of Christ," Patriarch Sviatoslav addressed Bishop Mykhailo.
At the end of the Liturgy, on behalf of Pope Francis, a representative of the Apostolic Nunciature in Canada, Monsignor Antons Prikulis, delivered a message. He also expressed gratitude to the Head of the UGCC for "heroic leadership of the Church in times of terrible trials and sufferings."
Subsequently, Bishop Mykhailo Smolinsky delivered words of thanks. The new bishop of the UGCC Eparchy of Saskatoon thanked his parents, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, bishops, and the entire clergy who gathered for the event.