Richmond Parish, Canada, Prepares for Ordination Ceremony
The parishioners of the Eastern Catholic Church in Richmond, BC are journeying through the Great Fast, making their way toward the glorious Easter celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord. They also have another joyful event on the horizon — the ordination to the diaconate of Subdeacon Christopher Chiu.
Subdeacon Christopher was ordained at Holy Eucharist Catedral in New Westminster last year. He has now completed further studies and preparation and is ready to be ordained just over a year later at his home parish in Richmond on the 17th of May 2026.
On the Second Sunday of the Great Fast, Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski made his way to the parish to visit the parishioners, pray the Divine Liturgy with them and enjoy some fellowship. The Parish has two Sunday Liturgies — one all Ukrainian to provide Eucharistic experience for the newcomers from Ukraine and some longtime parishioners and their children. The second liturgy is prayed in English with some Cantonese and Arabic on occasion, as well as other languages. The congregations at both liturgies invariably gather for food and fellowship following the services.
The congregation is not massive and so the parishioners know each other like family. However, they are warmly welcoming of anyone who visits their parish or wants to join. For the pastor, Father Richard Soo, SJ, the rich Byzantine liturgical tradition is important and vibrant when properly understood and celebrated. This shows among his parishioners who earnestly learn the services and the melodies — including the seasonal verses and compositions that are used only during particular periods throughout the Church year. He enthusiastically serves both liturgies with the challenges of various languages and various cultural approaches. The liturgies are prayerful and uplifting. The many other services and gatherings also provide parishioners with catechism and spiritual sustenance.
At the beginning of the year, the parish agreed to provide space in their parish centre for a new branch of the Eparchial “Ridne Slovo” school that meets every Saturday for families of the Richmond area wanting a Ukrainian cultural and catechetical experience for their children.
Visit the parish’s website for times of Liturgies and events. Among other wonderful experiences, you will be assured of a warm welcome by Fr. Richard and the parishioners.
nweparchy.ca
