The leader of Australia’s Ukrainain Eparchy for more than three decades, Bishop Peter Stasiuk CSsR AM, has passed away at the age of 82.
“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 on Thursday.
“Bishop Peter served our Church and our people with unwavering dedication, pastoral love, and missionary zeal.”
Bishop Peter passed away 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 Peter 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 Peter 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 (ACBC),” he 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.”
Despite retiring from full time ministry in 2020, Bishop Peter still served the Church.
“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,” he said.
“May Our Lord, whom Bishop Peter served so lovingly, grant him eternal rest in the company of the saints.”