Ukrainian Canadian Foundation

SHEVCHENKO FOUNDATION ASSISTS IN
ERECTION OF MONUMENT IN HONOUR OF
BISHOP NYKITA BUDKA

August 4, 2002

Dauphin, Manitoba -- The Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Schevchenko (UCFTS) today announced its support in the amount of $2,500 towards the monument being erected to honour Bishop Nykita Budka, First Bishop of Ukrainian Catholics in Canada.

Born in October 7, 1877 in the village of Dobomirka, Zbarazh, Ukraine, Bishop Budka was ordained a priest in 1905 and elevated to Bishop by Metropolitan Andrew Sheptysky in 1912. Pope Pius X appointed Bishop of Ukrainian Catholics in Canada and with his arrival in Canada in 1912, held the first Pontifical Liturgy in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

During his tenure he encouraged the faithful, organized new parishes and served a Diocese of nearly 80 churches in Manitoba. Bishop Budka visited St. Michael’s first Ukrainian Catholic Church at Mink River in 1916, during his stay at Sifton, Manitoba.

Returning to Ukraine in 1927 and residing in the city of Lviv, Bishop Budka served at Vicar General of the Metropolitan Curia until 1945. Arrested by the Communists and exiled to prison in Siberia, he died in Karaganda, Kazakastan on October 6, 1949. June 27, 2001, saw his Beatification by His Holiness Pope John Paul II in Lviv, Ukraine.

In making the announcement on behalf of the UCFTS and representing the organization at the unveiling of the monument, Lesia Szwaluk, Executive Director noted the importance of having this monument at The Cross of Freedom Site.

“The Cross of Freedom Site is unique opportunity for all Ukrainian Canadians to pause and reflect upon the dedication and perseverance of our forbearers,” said Szwaluk. “We are reminded that retention of the teachings of the Church was brought over to this new land and played, and continues to play an important part in the life of our community.”

“The UCFTS is pleased to be an active supporter of this appropriate and fitting tribute to an individual who contributed so much to his faith, his culture and who was one of the leaders in developing our community in Canada.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Lesia Szwaluk
Executive Director
UCFTS
(204) 944-9128
lesia@shevchenkofoundation.ca

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