Welcome to The Exarchy of
Ss. Cyril and Methodius of Slovaks of the Byzantine Rite
in Canada
Habemus Papam
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Fr. Cyril Farmer
Email: byzantineassembly@gmail.com
Website: www.byzantineassembly.org
4th Metropolitan Assembly to Unite Clergy and Laity Amid Historic Papal Transition
Whiting, Indiana – The Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma is pleased to announce the 4th Metropolitan Assembly, taking place July 16-20, 2025, at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Whiting, Indiana. This bi-annual gathering serves as a cornerstone for unity, reflection, and spiritual renewal, bringing together clergy and laity from across the Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh.
A Pivotal Moment for Eastern Catholics
With the election of Pope Leo XIV, Eastern Catholics have a rare and historic opportunity to make their voices heard. During the Vatican Synod on Synodality, bishops worldwide raised concerns about the care of Eastern Catholic Churches—making this Assembly a crucial platform for dialogue with representatives of our new Holy Father. As a former member of the Dicastery for Eastern Catholic Churches, Pope Leo XIV has firsthand insight into the challenges and mission of the Byzantine Catholic Church. His leadership signals a new era of visibility, engagement, and collaboration for Eastern Catholics worldwide. In his recent address, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the unique spiritual and sapiential traditions of the Eastern Churches, emphasizing their precious role in the Christian faith and the importance of preserving their liturgies and heritage. This recognition and support from the Holy Father inspire hope and unity as we move forward.
A Picturesque Setting for Faith & Fellowship
Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Whiting offers a perfect balance of small-town charm and vibrant community life, making it an ideal backdrop for this significant event.
Attendees can immerse themselves in the town’s rich cultural offerings, from Downtown Whiting’s Dining Alfresco experience to the serene landscapes of Wihala Beach and the Rockefeller Civic Center.
For those seeking deeper historical connections, the Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Parish in Homer Glen, IL, welcomes visitors to explore its Eastern Catholic heritage. Additionally, attendees may visit Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home in Dolton, IL, just 25 minutes from Whiting. Discussions are underway to transform the home into a historic site, honoring the first U.S. pontiff and his enduring legacy.
A Transformative Theme: "Come, Let Us Worship and Bow Before Christ!"
This year’s theme underscores the Church’s commitment to deepening faith and strengthening
communal devotion. The Assembly will commence with a clergy track on July 16-17, followed by the official opening for both clergy and laity on July 18, inviting all faithful to unite in worship, discussion, and fellowship.
Program Highlights
The Assembly will feature a dynamic lineup of keynotes, interviews, roundtable discussions, and
worship services, including:
Keynote presentations from Metropolitan William, Bishop Kurt, Bishop Robert, and Bishop Artur, offering unique perspectives on the Church’s future.
A special address from Archbishop Michel Jalakh, of the Dicastery for Eastern Churches, appointed by Pope Francis in February 2023.
An exclusive tour of Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Parish in Homer Glen, IL, led by Fr. Tom Loya.
A live broadcast of the popular podcast "What God is Not," hosted by Fr. Michael O’Loughlin & Mother Natalia.
Register Now – Extended Early Bird Rates Through June 1!
In celebration of Pope Leo XIV’s election, Early Bird registration has been extended to June 1. Attendees can take advantage of discounted rates by visiting www.byzantineassembly.org.
Join us for this historic gathering as we worship, reflect, and celebrate the future of the Eastern Catholic Church under the leadership of our new Holy Father.
About the Metropolitan Assembly
The Metropolitan Assembly is a bi-annual gathering uniting clergy and laity across the Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh to deepen faith, strengthen community ties, and engage in discussions shaping the Church’s future.
For more information, contact byzantineassembly@gmail.com.
REGULAR YEARLY SCHEDULE IN OUR CHURCHES
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TORONTO
The Byzantine Catholic Slovak Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God
Location: 257 Shaw St, Toronto, ON M6J 2W7 (map)
Feast days through the week: 12:00 pm (Slovak or English)
Fridays: 12:00 pm (Church-Slavonic) (if there is a Feast throughout the week, no Friday Liturgy)
Sundays: 10:00 am (English with Slovak readings included)
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HAMILTON
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Slovak Byzantine Catholic Church
Location: 1406 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8H 2W5 (map)
Feast days through the week: 10:00 am (English)
Fridays: 10:00 am (English)
Sundays: 10:30 am (English)
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OSHAWA
The Protection of the Mother of God Slovak Byzantine Catholic Church
Location: 464 Ritson Rd S, Oshawa, ON L1H 5J9 (map)
Sundays: 10:00 am (English)
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WINDSOR
St. Michael’s Slovak Byzantine Catholic Church
Location: 2120 Byng Rd, Windsor, ON N8W 3E2 (map)
Sundays: 9:00 am
Confession: 30 minutes before Liturgy
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Jubilee 2025
Psalm 23-24
The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? or who may stand in his holy place? He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, a reward from God his savior. Such is the race that seeks him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. Lift up, O gates, your lintels; reach up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may come in! Who is this king of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle. Lift up, O gates, your lintels; reach up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may come in! Who is this king of glory? The Lord of hosts; he is the king of glory.
Humanitarian Support
The Eparchy has donated $50,000 in support of humanitarian aid to Ukraine through CNEWA which works in close cooperation with Caritas Ukraine (mobilizing to serve an influx of refugees, creating field kitchens to help with humanitarian aid, medical help or spiritual and psychological support).
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“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends ”
— John 15:13
Our Parishes
The Byzantine Catholic Slovak Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God
Toronto, Ontario
Greek-catholic church of the Nativity of the Mother of God in Toronto for Slovaks of the Eastern Rite was established Rev. L. Minya.
The Protection of the Mother of God Slovak Byzantine Catholic Church
Oshawa, Ontario
In 1949 Slovak Greek Catholic Community decided to set up a parish. From 1949 to 1952 they attended St. Vladimir and Olga’s Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Fr. Andrej Krafčík C. Ss. R., as the first priest of this community, held services at St. Angela’s.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Slovak Byzantine Catholic Church
Hamilton, Ontario
Our Church in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Zosnutia Presvätej Bohorodičky) is one of several Slovak Byzantine Catholic churches that are part of the Slovak Eparchy of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Canada.
St. Michael’s Slovak Byzantine Catholic Church
Windsor, Ontario
In 1949 Slovak Greek Catholic Community decided to set up a parish. From 1949 to 1952 they attended St. Vladimir and Olga’s Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Fr. Andrej Krafčík C. Ss. R., as the first priest of this community, held services at St. Angela’s.
Our Priests
Meet our priests