The Head of the UGCC greeted Bishop Lavrentiy Hutsuliak on the occasion of his anniversary
In his greeting letter, the Head of the Church expressed his gratitude to the Lord for all the gifts with which the Lord has so richly blessed the Bishop Lavrentiy.
“Your life is an invaluable treasure offered on the altar of the Archeparchy of Winnipeg for the faithful for whom you became the good shepherd who gives his life for his sheep. For the thousands of Ukrainians seeking a better life who made their way to Canada, you became a caring father, a zealous preacher of the truth of Christ, a defender of their rights and freedoms and a protector of our culture and identity. Your life and ministry are filled with God's blessings that provided abundant fruit for our Church. The clergy and those consecrated to God benefit from your profound spiritual experience that is rooted in Christ the Lord,” the greeting letter reads.
In the letter, His Beatitude Sviatoslav did not overlook the importance of Bishop Lavrentiy's ministry for the development and promotion of consecrated life in Canada since the Metropolitan of Winnipeg has made considerable efforts toward the increase of vocations to monastic life and to the spiritual care of the Order of Basilian Fathers in this country.
"Distinct recognition is due for your academic activity that has been crowned with numerous successes. You have always been a zealous researcher of the liturgical patrimony of our Church. Your lively participation in the activity of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC bore much fruit. Your wise and measured advice assisted the Bishops in making important decisions," the Head of the Church said.
“May our merciful Lord repay you a hundredfold with His grace. May He accept the gift of your service as a pleasant sacrifice upon His altar, and through the prayers of the Most Holy Mother of God and all the Saints of Ukraine, may He send you His generous blessing from on high. Continue to be for our people and all peoples among you live, a bright beacon of God's truth – for many blessed years!” - wished the Primate of the UGCC.
