The leader of Australia’s Ukrainian Eparchy for more than three decades, Bishop Peter Stasiuk CSsR AM, has died aged 82. Source: Broken Bay News.
“It is with deep sorrow and Christian hope in the Resurrection that I share the news of the passing of Bishop Peter Stasiuk CSsR AM, the second bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania,” Cardinal Mykola Bychok announced yesterday.
“Bishop Peter served our Church and our people with unwavering dedication, pastoral love, and missionary zeal.”
Bishop Stasiuk died on Wednesday, following almost six decades of ministry, first as a priest and then as bishop.
Born in Roblin, Manitoba, Canada, in 1943, he entered the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) and was ordained a priest in 1967.
His early years of ministry were spent in Canada, where he developed a deep love for the Ukrainian people and for the Eastern traditions of the Church.
In 1992, Bishop Stasiuk was appointed by Pope John Paul II as Eparch for Ukrainian Catholics in Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania. He served in this role for nearly three decades before retiring in 2020.
Cardinal Bychok said Bishop Stasiuk made significant contributions to the growth and vitality of the Ukrainian Church in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania.
“Bishop Peter also contributed greatly to the work of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference,” Cardinal Bychok said.
“Within its structures, he was a strong and consistent voice for the Eastern Catholic Churches, advocating for their traditions, pastoral needs, and rightful place within the life of the Catholic Church in Australia.
“He was instrumental in bringing together the leaders of the various Eastern Catholic Churches in Australia, fostering a united approach to common challenges and promoting mutual support among the Byzantine, Oriental, and other Eastern traditions.
“On behalf of the clergy, religious, and faithful of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Redemptorist Fathers, Bishop Peter’s family in Canada, and all who mourn his passing.”
FULL STORY
Former shepherd of Australia’s Ukrainian Eparchy, Bishop Peter Stasiuk, dies at 82 (Broken Bay Diocese)
Statement by His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok on the Passing of Bishop Peter Stasiuk, CSsR AM (Ukrainian Eparchy)
