Metropolitan Michael Kwiatkowski Installed as Archbishop and Metropolitan of Winnipeg

On November 8, 2026, bishops, clergy, religious, and faithful gathered in Winnipeg for the installation of Metropolitan Michael Kwiatkowski as the fourth Archbishop and Metropolitan of Winnipeg for Ukrainians in Canada.

Bishop David Motiuk represented the Eparchy of Edmonton at the celebration, accompanied by Eparchy seminarians and Protodeacon Cyrill.

The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated at Saints Volodymyr and Olga Cathedral on the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, according to the Gregorian calendar. Archbishop Ivan Yurkovich, Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, concelebrated with His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, members of the Synod of Bishops, and clergy.

The congregation included representatives of the Canadian government, the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg, Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada, Ukrainian community organizations, monastic communities, and guests from across Canada and abroad.

During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Yurkovich read the papal bull appointing Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski Archbishop and Metropolitan of Winnipeg. Bishop Andriy Khimyak, Secretary of the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, read the patriarchal decree. The appointment followed the retirement of Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak, whose years of service and contribution to the life of the Winnipeg Archeparchy were acknowledged with gratitude.

A call to serve and build unity

In his homily, His Beatitude Sviatoslav reflected on the Gospel reading about the healing of the woman who had been suffering from a flow of blood and the raising of Jairus’s daughter. He drew attention to Christ’s words, “Do not be afraid; only believe,” and spoke of faith meeting human despair and the life-giving power of God.

The Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church connected the Gospel message to the ministry of a bishop: to pray for the people, proclaim God’s Word, serve the Holy Mysteries, teach the faith, and witness to hope and love. He also reflected on the feast of the Archangel Michael and all the bodiless powers, celebrated that day, and on the Church’s tradition of describing a bishop as an “angel” of his Church.

Addressing the new Metropolitan, His Beatitude said that the Synod had sought God’s will and recognized in Metropolitan Michael a servant called to guide the Church in Canada. He recalled the new Metropolitan’s studies in Rome, his years of service at the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, and his pastoral experience across Canada.

Metropolitan Sviatoslav emphasized that one of the Metropolitan’s central responsibilities is to serve communion and unity: among the eparchies and parishes in Canada, between the Church in Canada and its Mother Church in Ukraine, and in communion with the Holy Father and the Apostolic See. He also thanked Metropolitan Lawrence for his longstanding service and asked the faithful to pray for the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada, the new Metropolitan, and peace in Ukraine.

A joyful celebration

In his response, Metropolitan Michael thanked His Beatitude Sviatoslav for coming to Winnipeg, describing his presence as a sign of unity for the Ukrainian Church around the world. He also expressed gratitude to God for his vocation, to the Synod for its trust, and to his mother, family, and all who had supported him along the way.

The installation was followed by a joyful banquet attended by more than 600 guests. The gathering offered the community an opportunity to congratulate Metropolitan Michael and celebrate the beginning of his new ministry. Bishop David, the Eparchy seminarians, and Protodeacon Cyrill joined the celebration.

Metropolitan Michael was appointed Archbishop and Metropolitan of Winnipeg by Pope Leo XIV on July 9, 2026. From 2023 to 2026, he served as Bishop of the Eparchy of New Westminster. Earlier, he served as a spiritual director at Holy Spirit Seminary in Ottawa, a priest in Winnipeg parishes, and Chancellor of the Archeparchy of Winnipeg. He spent six years serving at the Lviv Theological Academy, which later became the Ukrainian Catholic University.

The Eparchy of Edmonton joins the faithful across Canada in praying for Metropolitan Michael as he begins this new responsibility. May the Lord grant him wisdom, strength, and joy in his ministry, and may the Mother of God protect him.

Axios! Eis polla eti, Despota!

Sources: Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church; Ukrainian Catholic University.