Palm Sunday Weekend Lenten Mission at Prince George
Saint George Parish in the City of Prince George held its “Lenten Mission” on the weekend of Palm Sunday this year 12–13 April 2025. On Saturday morning they hosted their annual Easter Bazaar where they sold thousands of varenyky (perogies) and paskas (easter bread) and other baked goods. They not only sold fresh or frozen items for people to take home for their upcoming family Easter celebrations, but they also served up countless hot meals that parishioners and visitors enjoyed right there in the parish hall.
By evening, Bishop Michael arrived from New Westminster for the beginning of the “mission” program. This began with Confessions then vespers with lytia (special verses and the blessing of bread, wheat, wine and oil) and the first talk of the Mission. The vespers was begun by parish priest, Fr. Andrii Chornenkyi as Bishop Michael heard confessions. Later Bishop Michael also joined for the Lytia and to preach his homily. Vespers was followed by the blessing of a new chalice and diskos altar set that was recently sponsored by the parish and brought from Ukraine. Following the blessing, everyone approached for an anointing (myrovannya) and some of the lytia bread.
At his first talk, Bishop Michael spoke about the hope and grace that Lazarus Saturday proposes at this point in our Lenten Journey and in our anticipation of Passion Week that is about to begin and Easter that is only a week away. He used points from the special Ambo Prayer of Lazarus Saturday as highlights for his talk. He strongly encouraged everyone to make time to make a “good” Confession — if they hadn’t already — as a profound preparation to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord in a week’s time. He also congratulated the parish on sponsoring a new chalice set for the parish. That the sacred vessels came from war-torn Ukraine would keep the parish united with Ukraine in prayer for an end to the war. Furthermore, the chalice set will serve as a sign of hope that even though the country is undergoing daily Russian bombardment and the chaos of war — Ukraine is able to produce such beautiful vessels for the glory of God.
Bishop Michael continued to hear confession after vespers as well. Father Andrii and family hosted Bishop Michael and his driver Volodymyr Mykhalyshyn for supper. Longtime parishioners, Mal and Lilian Maximitch hosted them for the night.
On Sunday morning the Mission continued with Bishop Michael hearing confessions as long as needed. The Divine Liturgy for Palm (Willow) Sunday was celebrated, during which Bishop Michael preached his second homily. He emphasized the significance of Christ humbling himself as He entered Jerusalem because of His great love for us and His key desire to serve us that we would attain life eternal. He spoke of the Jubilee Year and how we must use the extraordinary grace and favour of this year for a full personal conversion and then share our faith with all those around us. We have so much that we can give. The world, including thousands of our neighbours right here in this city, would love to have what you have — if only you would offer it to them and invite them to come with you to your church. He said that perhaps we feel we don’t have much to offer, but that simply isn’t true. We have the faith and power joy of the Gospel and the teachings of our Church to share with those hungering for it. Like Peter and John in the Acts had neither silver nor gold, but they shared what they had — the grace of their faith (Acts 3:1–6). And that is infinitely greater than what people even have the courage to hope for in our society.
At the end of the Liturgy, the willow branches (used in the Ukrainian tradition rather than palms) were blessed and everyone was invited forward to receive the anointing and a willow to take to their homes. The responses to all the services and blessings were sung by the parish choir which is directed by Dobrodiyka (Yimost’) Halyna Chornenkyi. They sang wonderfully and seemed to know all the melodies and tones in both English and Ukraine. Some special parts were also sung by parish cantors, Ian Wallace and Andriy Stepanchuk.
Then, as is usually the case, there was an amazing hot buffet fellowship lunch of (don’t get me started…) varenyky, holubtsi, salmon, salads, borstch, chili, desserts, etc. Besides eating a wonderful meal, everyone had a chance to meet and chat with each other.
Now we enter Passion Week and move through the drama and joy of Christ’s love and His Resurrection which He was won for all of us!
nweparchy.caphotos: Volodymyr Mykhalyshyn
