On Thursday, October 27, 2022, it was announced that the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC has chosen a new auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Ivano-Frankivsk, and this decision was blessed by Pope Francis. The nominee was Archpriest Mykola Semenyshyn, former rector of the Kyiv Three Saints Theological Seminary.
In an interview with the Vatican Radio-Vatican News, the newly appointed UGCC assistant bishop of Ivano-Frankivsk spoke about the experiences associated with the appointment and how the new ministry will be influenced by the experience of communicating in the seminary with future priests and with the giant of the spirit, which was a bright memory of His Beatitude Lubomyr Husar.
According to him, he received the news of this appointment with "trepidity and excitement" but was ready "to listen not to human fears, but look at it from God's perspective."
Sharing his thoughts on the significance of the experience of communicating with future priests acquired during his work in theological seminaries in this ministry, the future bishop noted that this experience will help a lot because it is about getting to know many young priests.
It was the example of His Beatitude Lubomyr Husar, whose personal secretary was once a nominee bishop, and the experience of communication with him that helped to give a positive response to this appointment. From His Beatitude Lubomyr, Fr. Mykola wants to acquire the trait of listening, which is extremely important in the episcopal service, especially in our time marked by war.