Called East

10/21/2026

The number of Catholic priests worldwide has risen again after five years of no growth, according to statistics published by the Vatican agency Fides ahead of the 100th World Mission Sunday, which will be celebrated Sunday, Oct. 18.

According to the Fides report, the total number of priests rose from 406,996 to 407,421, representing an increase of 425 compared with the previous year. The Vatican agency noted that the data comes from the Statistical Yearbook of the Church and is current as of Dec. 31, 2024.

More statistics: https://www.ewtnnews.com/vatican/for-the-first-time-in-5-years-the-number-of-priests-worldwide-rose

10/18/2026

Discerning a vocation to the priesthood or diaconate begins with humbling ourselves before Christ and being willing to listen to His voice. We must immerse ourselves in Sacred Scripture, develop a life of prayer, and set aside our own plans and desires so that we can better understand what God is asking of us.

A vocation is not about what we want to do for God, but about discovering what God is calling us to do in service to Him and His Church.

10/16/2026

Have you ever stepped inside a Byzantine Catholic church and wonder...

10/13/2026

Fantastic event in Stamford focusing on Young People in the Ukrainian Catholic Church.

October 9–11, 2026, the Youth Leaders’ Forum of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the United States took place at St. Basil the Great Seminary in Stamford, Connecticut. Organized by the UGCC Metropolitan Youth Committee in the United States with the blessing and active support of Bishop Boh...

10/11/2026

Father Deacon Andrew Kurzawski of the Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma’s Vocation Office was a featured speaker at the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Youth Leaders Forum in Stamford, Connecticut.

His presentation, “Youth and the Church Today: What Is a Young Person Really Seeking?” focused on the questions young people are asking about faith, identity, belonging, freedom, and their place in the Church.

Drawing from his experience as a high school teacher, deacon, and someone who works closely with young people, Father Deacon Andrew spoke about the importance of listening to the next generation, building authentic Catholic communities, and helping young people develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

He also challenged parishes and youth leaders to find meaningful ways to involve young people in the life of the Church, helping them discover their purpose and vocation.

We thank Bishop Bohdan Danylo, Bishop Paul Chomnycky, O.S.B.M.and the organizers of the Forum for bringing together youth leaders from across the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church for this important conversation.

10/02/2026

Called East congratulates the newly ordained Father Deacon Daniel Garland of the Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma!

Father Deacon Daniel was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by Bishop Bohdan Danylo last evening at St. Josaphat Cathedral in Parma, Ohio.

May God grant Father Deacon Daniel many blessed and fruitful years of service to Christ and His Church.

Многая літа! Many years! ☦️

10/01/2026

Today, we wish His Excellency Bishop Bohdan Danylo a blessed and happy 30th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination!

We give thanks to God for Bishop Bohdan’s 30 years of faithful service to Christ and His Church, and especially for his continued leadership and dedication to the Ukrainian Catholic Church here in the United States.

May the Lord continue to strengthen Bishop Bohdan in his ministry and grant him many blessed years!

Многая літа, Владико!

09/27/2026

There is a joy that comes from knowing you are where God has called you to be.

A vocation will not always be easy. There will be difficult days, sacrifices, frustrations, and moments when you wonder if you are capable of what God is asking of you.

But when you are seeking the will of the Lord and living the vocation He has given you, there is a deeper joy beneath all of it.

Whether God is calling you to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, marriage, or another path of service, holiness is not found by chasing what the world says will make you happy. It is found by giving yourself to God and allowing Him to lead.

Ask the Lord where He wants you.

And when He answers, do not be afraid to follow.

There is joy in your vocation because there is joy in doing the will of God.

09/23/2026

The Christian life cannot be separated from the Cross.

Christ does not promise His disciples an easy road. He tells us plainly:

“If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
— Matthew 16:24

Every vocation begins here.

Whether God calls a man to the priesthood, diaconate, monastic life, or marriage, the question is not simply, “What do I want to do with my life?”

The question is: Where is Christ asking me to follow Him?

Do not be afraid of the Cross. Look to it. Pray before it. Learn from the One who gave everything upon it.

A vocation is not about finding the easiest path. It is about having the courage to say yes to Christ and follow wherever He leads.

Keep your eyes on the Cross.

CalledEast.org

09/18/2026

A joyful day for the Church!

On October 1, 2026, the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, Daniel Mark Garland Jr. will be ordained to the Holy Diaconate through the laying on of hands of Most Reverend Bohdan J. Danylo, Bishop of the Eparchy of St. Josaphat.

The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will begin at 6:30 PM at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Parma, Ohio.

Please keep Daniel in your prayers as he prepares to answer the Lord’s call to serve His Church.

Many blessed years!