On June 27, 2023, when the Ukrainian Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Blessed New Martyrs of Ukraine, H.E. Archbishop Bryan Bayda, C.Ss.R. Eparch of Toronto and Eastern Canada, ordained Ivan Dzhur, C.Ss.R. to the Diaconate in St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Winnipeg, MB. Many Redemptorists, eparchial and diocesan clergy, religious and faithful from across Canada and beyond were present at this beautiful liturgy.
Particularly significant was the “betrothal rite” of a new deacon to the altar while the choir sang the hymn “The Dance of Isaiah”.
The ordination prayer “Divine grace, which always heals the sick and supplies what is lacking…” reminded all of us that not only the newly ordained deacon but also each of us must rely upon and trust in the work of the Holy Spirit.
When Bishop Bryan placed his hands on Deacon Ivan’s head, he recited the prayer invoking the Holy Spirit: “… fill, O Master, your servant Ivan, whom you have made worthy of the office of the diaconate, with love, of strength, of holiness, through the coming of the Holy and life-giving Spirit, for it is not through the laying on of my hands that grace is given to those who are worthy in your eyes, but through your riches…”.
We hold deacon Ivan in our prayers as he begins his diaconal ministry, so that he may remain open to the work of the Holy Spirit in his life and use his gifts to serve God’s people.
Source: Redemptorists of Yorkton Region, Province of Canada (Facebook profile)
