By Laura Ieraci<\/p>\n\n
In a show of solidarity with Ukraine, the Canadian office of Catholic Near East Welfare Association partnered with the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute for Eastern Christian Studies<\/a> at the University of Toronto to host an outdoor celebration for the feast of Theophany, also known as the Baptism of Jesus, in Montreal on 5 January.<\/p>\n\n Bishop Bryan J. Bayda, CSsR, Ukrainian Greek Catholic bishop of Toronto and all Eastern Canada, led the traditional Great Water Blessing associated with the feast at the city\u2019s Old Port. The event included what organizers believe to be the first public Great Water Blessing of the St. Lawrence River.<\/p>\n\n About 30 people braved the snow and freezing temperatures to gather at the Congregation of Notre Dame\u2019s historic Bon-Secours Chapel for a brief prayer, before processing less than a mile to the Clock Tower, another city landmark on the river\u2019s shore. First, the feast commemorates God\u2019s love made manifest to the world, to which all are called to witness, he said. Bishop Bayda recognized the ongoing need to raise awareness about the war in Ukraine, coming to its one-year mark on 24 February, and the humanitarian crisis it has created. Dr. Pascal Bastien, president of the Sheptytsky Institute Foundation and main organizer of the event, noted the Baptism of Jesus is among the most important feasts for<\/p>\n\n Byzantine Christians, celebrated on 6 January each year. As part of the celebration, Byzantine Christians traditionally bless a major body of water. \u201cWe are not separate from this suffering,\u201d he said, \u201cand in fact we can find fruitful ways, through prayer and action, to work toward peace.\u201d \u201cPeople in difficult situations need our material support, but also spiritual support,\u201d she said. \u201cLet\u2019s not forget to pray for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and all people who are suffering, persecuted, displaced, and those who live in poverty.\u201d<\/p>\n\n CNEWA has been working in Ukraine for decades, supporting the humanitarian and pastoral efforts of the church. Since war broke on 24 February 2022, CNEWA has issued about $6 million<\/a> to support humanitarian aid efforts in Ukraine, she said. <\/p>\n\n \u201cThis is a natural pairing,\u201d Dr. Bastien added about the collaboration between CNEWA and Sheptytsky Institute. \u201cCNEWA is on the ground and in regular contact with the very same Eastern Christian churches whose traditions we work to uphold.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
\nThere, Bishop Bayda led the hourlong service and blessed the St. Lawrence, which he noted connects his entire eparchy, from Central Canada to the Atlantic Ocean.
\n\u201cFor me, the significance of today is layered,\u201d he said in an interview. <\/p>\n\n
\n\u201cThe witness to all of us, in fact, are Ukrainians, who, despite the unthinkable, horrible aggression they\u2019re experiencing, are still able to love, still able to forgive,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat a powerful witness to the presence of God in our lives.\u201d
\n\u201cIn turn, we are welcoming those Ukrainians who can come to Canada,\u201d he continued. \u201cWe\u2019re all challenged to witness, to welcome. This is a humanitarian effort to witness the love of God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
\n\u201cEvents like this try to bring attention to that,\u201d he said, \u201cand bring it to the attention of the press<\/a>, who can get it into the homes and minds of the people, notwithstanding so many other tragedies around the globe right now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
\n\u201cHowever, this year, these prayers are made painfully concrete by the fact that this same feast and these same prayers are being prayed by our suffering brothers and sisters in war-torn Ukraine,\u201d said Dr. Bastien. <\/p>\n\n
\nAdriana Bara, director of CNEWA Canada, remarked on the solidarity, prayer and fellowship that characterized the service.<\/p>\n\n