Priestly Ordination at the Basilian Monastery in Warsaw

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the Feast of the Holy Archangel Michael, a joyful and solemn celebration took place at the Church of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary attached to the Basilian Monastery in Warsaw — the priestly ordination of Deacon Metodiy Rytsar, OSBM.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders was conferred by His Grace Metropolitan Eugene Popowych, Archbishop of Przemyśl–Warsaw. Concelebrating with him were Fr. Ihor Harasym, OSBM, Provincial Superior of the Province of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God in Poland; Fr. Matey Dziurban, OSBM, Delegate of the Protoarchimandrite for the Delegature of St. Josaphat in Portugal; along with other Basilian fathers who gathered to share in the joy of the occasion. Relatives, friends, and numerous faithfuls were also present to take part in the celebration. The solemn Divine Liturgy was beautifully accompanied by the singing of the “Basileus” choir.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Metropolitan Eugene presented the newly ordained Hieromonk Methodius with his ordination certificate and an antimension. Words of heartfelt gratitude were offered by Fr. Ihor Harasym OSBM, the Protohegumen, and by Fr. Methodius himself, who expressed his deep thanks to his superiors and to all those who supported him throughout his journey toward the priesthood and monastic life.

The following day, Sunday, November 9, Fr. Methodius celebrated his first Divine Liturgy at the same Church of the Dormition in Warsaw, giving thanks to God for the precious gift of priesthood and praying for His blessing upon his future ministry.

Second Priestly Ordination This Year in the Basilian Province of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God in Poland

This year marks the second priestly ordination within the Basilian Province of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God in Poland. On August 6, at the Basilian Church of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Warsaw, Hierodeacon Bohdan Piętnoczko, OSBM, was ordained to the priesthood. The Sacrament of Holy Orders was conferred by Most Rev. Bishop Volodymyr Juszczak, OSBM, Eparch of Wrocław–Koszalin.

In his homily that day, Bishop Volodymyr reflected on the deep meaning of priestly ministry as a real participation in the priesthood of Christ Himself. After the Liturgy, Fr. Provincial Superior recalled two beautiful milestones: it had been exactly 25 years since Fr. Bohdan received his diaconal ordination, and it was also his birthday — a providential sign of God’s faithfulness and blessing on his vocational journey.

In his words of gratitude, Fr. Bohdan Piętnoczko expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone present for their shared prayer, support, and love. He offered special thanks to Bishop Volodymyr, who had played a guiding role throughout his vocation — welcoming him into the monastery, serving as his novice master, admitting him to perpetual vows, and conferring upon him both his diaconal and now priestly ordinations.

Based on materials from: bazylianie.pl