Exploring the Legacy of Faith: A Review of “Eastern Christians in the New World”. To sign out this book for free, visit the Resource Library at the Eparchy of Edmonton. Learn more about our library here and sign out the book today here!
In the late 1800s, a wave of Ukrainian immigrants set sail for Canada, leaving behind their homeland in search of a better life. Among their few belongings, they carried a treasure that was as precious as gold to them – their faith. Fast forward more than a century, and the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of these early pioneers. In “Eastern Christians in the New World: An Historical and Canonical Study of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada” by Bishop David Motiuk, the rich tapestry of the Ukrainian Catholic Church’s history in Canada is unveiled, providing readers with an in-depth understanding of its development and evolution.
Before delving into the content of the book, it’s essential to explore its structure, which gives a glimpse of the comprehensive nature of this study:
1. Introduction
2. Chapter 1: Documents of the Apostolic See of Rome
3. Chapter 2: Documents of the Ukrainian Church
4. Chapter 3: Clerics: Ordination, Rights, and Obligations
5. Chapter 4: Sacraments and Divine Worship
6. Appendix I: Fidelibus ruthenis (1913)
7. Appendix II: Graeci-rutheni ritus (1930)
8. Appendix III: Norms of the Ruthenian-Catholic Church in Canada (1915)
9. Appendix IV: First Provincial Synod of the Winnipeg Metropolia (1962)
10. Signatures of Ukrainian Catholic Bishops of Canada and all participating clergy
11. Bibliography
12. Index
Chapter 1: A Journey through Historical Documents
Bishop David begins by leading us through a labyrinth of historical documents. These ancient texts serve as a foundational cornerstone to the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada. By examining the historical documents of the Apostolic See of Rome in Chapter 1, Bishop David provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the origins and development of this vibrant church in Canada.
Chapter 2: The Ukrainian Church’s Unique Perspective
In Chapter 2, the focus shifts to the internal documents of the Ukrainian Church itself. By shedding light on these documents, Bishop David brings the reader into the inner workings of the church and helps us understand its unique perspective on faith, practice, and tradition.
Chapter 3: Clerics, Ordination, Rights, and Obligations
The clergy have always been pivotal in the life of the church. In Chapter 3, Bishop David investigates the ordination, rights, and obligations of the clerics within the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada. This chapter offers readers a glimpse into the inner workings of the church, how its clergy are ordained, and the responsibilities they bear.
Chapter 4: Sacraments and Divine Worship
The Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada, like all Christian denominations, places immense importance on the sacraments and divine worship. In Chapter 4, Bishop David delves into these aspects, providing an intimate look at the faith practices that define this church and the role they play in the lives of its members.
Appendices: A Wealth of Historical Resources
What makes “Eastern Christians in the New World” truly outstanding is its wealth of appendices. These appendices include significant historical documents, like “Fidelibus ruthenis” (1913), “Graeci-rutheni ritus” (1930), “Norms of the Ruthenian-Catholic Church in Canada” (1915), and the “First Provincial Synod of the Winnipeg Metropolia” (1962). These documents, presented in their original Latin and Ukrainian languages alongside English translations, serve as a treasure trove for researchers and enthusiasts of Eastern Christian history.
Bishop David has done a remarkable job of bringing these historical texts to life, bridging the linguistic gap, and providing valuable insights into the Ukrainian Catholic Church’s legal framework in Canada.
In “Eastern Christians in the New World,” Bishop David Motiuk presents a meticulous and thorough study of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada. This book is a treasure for those interested in Eastern Christian history and theology, offering a profound exploration of the church’s development, its relations with the Latin Church, and the pivotal role played by its clergy and sacraments.
It is a commendable work that brings to light the enduring legacy of faith passed down by the Ukrainian immigrants who arrived in Canada over a century ago. This book not only enriches our understanding of the Ukrainian Catholic Church but also serves as an essential resource for anyone studying Eastern Christian history and canonical law.