UGCC Bishop Stepan Khmiliar passed away
This was reported by the Information Department of the UGCC.
Bishop Stepan Khmiliar was born on May 24, 1945, in Lamont, Canada. He studied at the University of Ottawa and St. Paul's University in Ottawa, where he received a bachelor's degree in philosophy and theology.
On November 17, 1968, he took lifelong monastic vows in the Order of St. Basil the Great, and on June 11, 1972, was ordained a priest. For many years, he served as a pastor in various parishes in Canada and the United States, including Edmonton, Ottawa, Vancouver, Denver, Buffalo, and Hamilton. In 1991, he left the Basilian order and became a diocesan priest in the Diocese of Toronto, where he served as diocesan chancellor, novitiate superior of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, and served in matrimonial tribunals and Catholic summer camps.
On May 3, 2003, Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of the Diocese of Toronto. His episcopal ordination took place on July 23, 2003. His patron saint was Patriarch Lubomyr Husar.
On November 9, 2019, upon reaching the age of 75, he submitted his resignation from the government, which was accepted by Pope Francis.
Bishop Stepan Khmiliar reposed in the Lord on December 21, 2024, at the age of 80.
