St. John The Baptist Hungarian Greek Catholic Church

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

Although dear Father Roman is no longer with us in the material tangible world, he is always with us spiritually as we celebrate his teachings and friendship in his honor. Rest Eternal ! Glory to God.

05/29/2026

The story of Pentecost.

05/18/2026

While Jesus may have ascended into Heaven, he did not truly leave us, as he is always here, at our side. If we can truly believe that reality, we can rest in Jesus' peace and calm our hearts from all the anxieities that weigh us down.

Read St. Augustine’s beautiful homily on the Ascension

If you are having a difficult time entering into the feast of the Ascension, try reading and reflecting on it with St. Augustine.

When contemplating the ascension of Jesus, one helpful resource is a homily by St. Augustine that is featured by the Office of Readings in the Church's Liturgy of the Hours. St. Augustine does a masterful job of helping us enter into the feast.

He begins by immediately pointing us upward:

𝘛𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯; 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘓𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦: 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘴, 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥; 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩.
𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘶𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘮, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴.

𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺, 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳. 𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦: 𝘚𝘢𝘶𝘭, 𝘚𝘢𝘶𝘭, 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘦? 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥: 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘥.

𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩, 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘮? 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘶𝘴; 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘏𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦. 𝘞𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯, 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩, 𝘣𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘮, 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦.

𝘏𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘴; 𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘶𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵: 𝘕𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘯, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯.

While Jesus may have ascended into Heaven, he did not truly leave us, as he is always here, at our side. If we can truly believe that reality, we can rest in Jesus' peace and calm our hearts from all the anxieities that weigh us down.

05/18/2026

HAVE A BLESSED ASCENSION SUNDAY!

The Kontakion (Tone 6)"When You had fulfilled the dispensation for our sake,and united earth to heaven,You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,not being parted from those who love You,but remaining with them and crying:'I am with you and no one will be against you!'"

Today, we celebrate the glorious Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ — the moment He returned to the Father in heaven after His Resurrection.
His Ascension is not a sign of distance, but a sign of victory, hope, and promise. Christ has gone before us to prepare the way, reminding us that our true home is with God.

Though Jesus is no longer seen with human eyes, He remains truly present among us — in the Holy Eucharist, in His Word, through the Holy Spirit, and in the hearts of those who believe.

Like the apostles, we are called not to stand still in fear, but to move forward in faith, carrying His love and Gospel into the world.

May this Ascension Sunday lift our hearts above worry, strengthen our hope, and renew our mission to love, forgive, serve, and witness to Christ with courage and joy.

Christ has ascended — and now sends us forth.
Have a grace-filled and hope-filled Ascension Sunday!

05/15/2026

MARCH FOR LIFE ACROSS CANADA.....
ALL LIVES MATTER.....AS GOD'S GIFT !
Members of every ethnic background, young and elderly, priests, families and church groups carried pro-life signs and walked the streets of the Canadian capital to press for an end to abortion and euthanasia in Canada.

The day began with liturgies celebrated at Notre Dame Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Basilica, and St. Clement. Ottawa-Cornwall Archbishop Marcel Damphousse was the main celebrant at the cathedral, joined by papal nuncio Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, Ukrainian Catholic Bishop Bryan Bayda, and some 30 priests and deacons.

Across the country, hundreds also gathered at the annual March for Life in Victoria, British Columbiaʼs capital city, where participants marched through downtown streets carrying pro-life signs and banners before rallying at the legislature to hear speakers, including Vancouver Archbishop Richard Smith.

he urged participants not to lose hope, saying, “God is at work, God is on the move, and God is an unstoppable force. His saving will simply cannot be thwarted by human iniquity.”

“This is why we march,” he said. “It is incumbent upon all of us to look for any and every opportunity to witness to the truth of God’s own love for life.”

“Our march is a very peaceful event, and a great occasion for us to witness to the beauty of all life,” he said, adding that every human being is “willed, loved and necessary.”

He also said society needs “radically transformed human relationships, defined no longer by an extreme individualism and a false notion of freedom, but by a self-giving love that welcomes the other as gift.”

Several other March for Life events are also scheduled across Canada later this month and into June.

The Toronto March for Life will take place Saturday, May 23 at 11 a.m. at Queen’s Park North in Toronto. Organizers say a prayer service will be held beforehand at 9:30 a.m., along with workshops and educational events following the march.

The Halifax March for Life in Nova Scotia is scheduled for Saturday, May 30 at 1 p.m. at St. Maryʼs Cathedral Basilica in Halifax.

The Prince Edward Island March for Life will be held Saturday, June 6 at 2 p.m. at Central Christian Church in Charlottetown










Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada

05/14/2026

41 years ago, on Mother's Day, FATHER ANTON Szymychalski was ordained to the Holy Priesthood at St. John the Theologian Ukrainian Catholic Church, by the late Bishop Isidore Borecky.

WE SEND MANY BLESSINGS FROM ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST HUNGARIAN GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH IN WELLAND TO SUSTAIN FATHER ANTON WITH GOOD HEALTH & STRENGTH TO CARRY ON WITH THE OUTSTANDING WORK THAT HE DOES FOR HIS PARISHIONERS, HIS CHURCH, THE COMMUNITY, AND FOR UKRAINE. THANK YOU FATHER ANTON FOR YOUR DEDICATED DISCIPLESHIP TO YOUR CALLING AS A HOLY PRIEST AND HUMANITARIAN.

In his own words he relates his story to us, as follows:

"I remember driving my late Grandmother home for Christmas as a young man when she said to me "you know, I've been thinking, I have more years behind me than ahead if me, might need to start studying for final exams." We both chuckled, then went on with our drive. When you think about it, there is a lot packed into those words. My journey to priesthood was not an easy one. I came from a family that knew poverty. Home where alcoholism and abuse were commonplace. I left home just prior to my 16th Birthday and lived with my aunt and uncle until I could secure a full time job and find a place of my own. Since the age of 8, I always wanted to be a priest, a voice speaking to me that this is what I would be. I worked several jobs, Golf Club manager, baker, dairy worker, catering, and as a orderly in a Long Term care home. Because of my upbringing I always felt inadequate to my call and didn't answer immediately. I entered Roman Catholic minor seminary. After a couple of years took some time off for discernment. Finally working as a seminarian at a local RC parish, I received a call with regard to the er****on of a new Ukrainian Catholic parish. Here I met Fr. Walter Dacko who brought me back to the faith of my birthright - the Ukrainian Catholic Church. He encouraged and supported me in my vocation and further studies, and is the reason that I am still ministering in the Ukrainian Catholic
church. My ministry has had many ups and downs, I have had a number of health problems and struggles along the way, but God was always with me, ever faithful. I have been privileged to serve the faithful in Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa, Thunder Bay, Geraldton, Nipigon, Atikokan and as Spiritual Director at Holy Spirit Seminary in Ottawa. After a year away from ministry because of health, was appointed as pastor of St. John's, the church of my ordination. It is humbling to serve, I am no one special. God called a very ordinary person to extra ordinary things, and it is only by His grace that I am able to in some small way bring peace in my ministry. I have always had a great devotion to our holy Mother and chose Mother's
day in her honour for my ordination. My whole life has been studying for final exams...often I ask myself "what will people say about me when I am gone?" I hope to be remembered as someone who with all their flaws and unworthiness in some small way allowed those he served to feel the unconditional love and that in some small way made a difference in their lives. Thank you all for the priviledge of ministering and serving over these 41 years. Please keep me in you prayers and be assured of mine. With love from my heart to yours." Father Anton

05/11/2026

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICIAL LOVE AND CARE!

To all mothers, stepmothers, adoptive mothers, foster mothers, grandmothers, spiritual mothers, and caregivers—you who nurture, guide, and protect with a love that reflects the divine—thank you.

A Message of Gratitude (2026)For Your Selfless Love:
Your patience and sacrifices are seen, appreciated, and cherished.

For Your Strength: You are the heart of the home, providing stability and unwavering care.

For Your Guidance: You shape lives with grace, embodying compassion in every quiet act of service.

Reflecting the Heart of Mother Mary. As we honor you, we also reflect on Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who serves as a model of selflessness and love.

In the month of May, we entrust all mothers to her care, praying that she may strengthen you in times of hardship and comfort you in moments of sorrow.

A Blessing for You: May you feel God's grace in your daily tasks and find joy in the love you give.
May Mother Mary wrap you in her mantle, guiding your steps and protecting your families.
Derived from the Latin translation of "let it be done," often referring to Mary's submission to God's will (the Annunciation).
May you find strength when weary and peace in every season."Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now."

05/09/2026

Pope Leo Celebrates First Year as Pope –
Posted : May-07-2026

To mark the one-year anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s election on May 8, His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo from the Archdiocese of Toronto shared his reflections on our first North American Pope with The Catholic Register. Please see highlights below.

Heavenly Father,
we continue to pray for Pope Leo XIV.
Grant him wisdom to guide Your Church,
courage to speak Your truth,
and compassion to reflect Your love.
Strengthen him in his ministry,
protect him in all trials,
and fill him with the peace of Christ.

Amen.

1. What has stood out about Pope Leo in your personal interactions with him over the past year? Is there an experience with him that you cherish the most?

What has struck me most about Pope Leo is his attentiveness — he has a remarkable ability to be fully present to the person in front of him. Whether in formal meetings or brief encounters, he listens with great care and responds with both clarity and gentleness. In my brief interactions with him, I am moved by his humility and his focus on the pastoral dimension of every decision he must discern, inspired always by the Gospel, that is, by the lifegiving teaching and example of Christ. His calm demeanour and humility are hallmarks of his style of governance. I have been privileged to speak with him on a few occasions and I have noted his genuine concern for the People of God as well as his generosity and prophetic courage inspired by divine wisdom in understanding a given challenge. He cares and takes the time to discern together the next steps.

2. The Universal Church is still very much in the process of discovering Pope Leo, but what are some qualities and aspects of him that are already standing out to you?

While the Universal Church is still coming to know Pope Leo, certain qualities are already clear. He brings a calm steadiness as our Holy Father, coupled with a deep intellectual grounding, a profound spiritual and prayer life rooted in the great Augustinian tradition and a sincere pastoral heart. There is a sense that he is listening carefully — to the bishops, to the faithful, and to the broader world — before acting. At the same time, he is not hesitant to speak with clarity when needed. That balance of reflection and decisiveness is something that has already begun to illuminate his pontificate. He is also a wonderful listener, which we have witnessed both publicly and through his desire to consult with and hear from cardinals and others as a key dimension of his daily ministry. His leadership truly embodies these outstanding traits and fills us with hope. Of course, from the first moment he stepped onto the balcony as the Vicar of Christ, his clarion call for unity and peace speak to his heart of a shepherd who loves and wishes to gather us all in Christ. This vision is also underscored by his motto which appeals to the need for us to reject polarizations and endeavour to live and witness to authentic unity which is rooted solely in God and only in Him can it flourish and nourish our walk of faith.

3. What does it say to you that Pope Leo is already entrusting you with many important dicastery assignments and the opportunity to serve as Papal Legate?

To be entrusted with these responsibilities by the Holy Father is most humbling. I see these assignments as a call to deeper service, supporting the ministry of the Successor to St. Peter. Pope Leo seems to place a strong emphasis on collaboration and shared responsibility within the Church’s governance. His confidence is, I believe, an invitation to contribute faithfully and to serve with a spirit of communion, humility and generosity. It also reflects his desire to engage a wide range of voic

es and experiences in the life of the Church. I am blessed to do whatever I can to assist his efforts of evangelization and pastoral care for the flock of Christ.

4. What sights and sounds from your first papal conclave have stuck with you almost a year later?

The conclave is a profoundly spiritual experience that remains vivid in ways that are difficult to fully describe. What stands out is certainly the deep sense of prayer and silence — punctuated, of course, by the solemn rituals and the weight of the moment. The rhythm of the ballots being cast, the prayerful environment as we meditated before the Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel, and the awareness of the responsibility entrusted to the College of Cardinals are all memories that endure. But perhaps most striking was the sense of the beauty, unity and universality of the Catholic faith incarnated in the Church's experience and tradition that emerged as the ancient election process unfolded — shared discernment guided by the Holy Spirit and a deep awareness of the needs of the Church on the one hand and on the other, her relevance in a world that desperately needs to know the Lord and experience his love and light.

Pope Leo XIV