The spiritual leader of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada is in the capital city to meet with residents and deliver a special liturgy to local Orthodox Ukrainians.

Bishop Andriy is in St. John’s to minister to some of the hundreds of Ukrainians who have arrived in the region in recent months.

Immigration Minister Gerry Byrne met with Bishop Andriy this week and welcomed him to the province. The visit follows a similar visit to the province from Father Andrij Onuferko of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church who held confession and performed a Christmas liturgy at the Basilica for Christmas.

Byrne says it’s a clear signal that the Ukrainian faith community is recognizing the efforts of Newfoundland and Labrador in welcoming people fleeing the invasion and war back home.

Bishop Andriy will lead a liturgy known as The Blessing of the Waters on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Mark’s Anglican Church in St. John’s. The service will be held in English and Ukrainian and everyone is welcome.

Local Ukrainian Community Marking Christmas Season with Church Service