Catechist Day in the Kolomyja-Chernivtsi Eparchy

An eparchial celebration of Catechist Day took place on October 24, 2009, in the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Christ in the city Kolomyja. The main event of the holiday was handing to the teachers the canonical mission for 2009-2010, which outlines the work for every catechist. The Divine Liturgy dedicated to the feast was led by bishop Mykolay (Simkaylo), concelebrated with Fr. Mitrat Vasyl Mel'nychuk, the chancellor of the eparchy, and over twenty priests. The eparch pronounced a welcoming sermon in which he encouraged the catechists for their very important ministry. "For the contextual entrance into the church community it is difficult to overestimate the role of a catechist. To systematically give the basic truths of the Christian faith to children, youth, and to all persons interested – here is a difficult field of work for the helper of the priest – the catechist," noticed the bishop. Over sixty teachers-catechists received the blessing from the eparch for their ministry at the parishes and schools. A conference followed where the priests gave lectures: Fr. Yuriy Andriychuk on the theme "Catechetical ministry" and Fr. Volodymyr Flyaha on "The modern catechist is a teacher on the model of Jesus Christ." During the work meeting of the priests and catechists the most vital issues were discussed and work experience was exchanged. The feast was completed with the final suggestions and resolutions regarding the catechists’ ministry. Sister Pavlia Babiy, the head of the catechetical commission of the eparchy, wished the catechists energy in their service and God’s blessing in their creative projects.

Press-service of the Kolomyja-Chernivtsi Eparchy