New Bishop for Ukrainians in Britain

Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, hitherto Eparch of New Westminster (Canada) is today appointed bishop of the Eparchy of the Holy Family of London for Ukrainian Greek-Catholics in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Kyr Kenneth has issued the following pastoral letter:

To the Reverend Clergy, the Venerable Religious, and the Lay-Faithful of the Eparchy of the Holy Family of London

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you-- that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.

(Romans 1:11-12)

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ!

Today, the Holy Apostolic See of Rome and His Beatitude Sviаtoslav on behalf of the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church have announced my appointment as the new bishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London. Since July of 2007 I have been the Ukrainian Catholic Bishop of New Westminster, responsible for the territory of British Columbia and the Yukon in Canada. It has been a great privilege to serve as Bishop in New Westminster, and I will miss the Eparchy, my beloved-faithful and the clergy, my dearest brothers and co-workers in the Lord’s vineyard.

Looking forward to being your bishop, I wanted to write you a short letter to express my deep joy and hope, as I prepare to meet with you, to pray with you, and to journey together with you as your Pastor, in Christian discipleship and fellowship. A wonderful program and promise can be found in the words of the Acts of the Apostles: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.” (Acts 2:42-43).

Some of you may know from my official biography that I was born in Canada and am the great-grandson of Ukrainian immigrants. But what is not mentioned in my official biography is that the first time I came to Great Britain was in 1974, when I was 16 years old. This was to be the first of many visits to the United Kingdom. I did not know the first Apostolic Exarch for Ukrainian Catholics in Great Britain, Bishop Augustine Horniak, OSBM. However, I have had the good fortune to know and, in fact, be good friends with Bishop Mykhailo Kuchmiak, CSsR, of blessed memory, as well as with Bishops Paul Chomnycky, OSBM, and Hlib Lonchyna, Studite. Each of these dedicated men have blessed our Eparchy with their particular leadership charisms and spiritual gifts. I also wish to acknowledge the good work, dedication and generous spirit of service of Fr. Mykola Matviyivsky, appointed Apostolic Administrator by the Holy Father following Bishop Hlib’s resignation last year.

Over the last decade, I have attended many meetings in London, and was a frequent guest in the Bishop’s House. I have celebrated Divine Liturgies in the cathedral and am grateful to have been able to pray with so many of our clergy and faithful. However, I have not had an opportunity to visit the other parishes in the Eparchy. This is something that I will want to do as soon as possible. I look forward to encountering you where you live, to asking you about your hopes and concerns, to working and growing together with you on the path of salvation offered to us in Christ Jesus. As the Apostle Peter writes: “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9).

My dear Sisters and Brothers, know that I am praying for you and already rejoice in you. I humbly ask for your prayers as I make my farewells in the Eparchy of New Westminster and begin the journey towards my new home and flock in the United Kingdom.

I am placing all of you under the protection of the Holy Family, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, and the holy and righteous St. Joseph the Betrothed.

Your brother and servant in the Lord,
+Kenneth Nowakowski

15 January 2020

For Bishop Kenneth's biography see Eparchy of New Westminster