A Special Celebration for Father Victor & Dobrodika Marusia
Sunday June 21, 2026 was a very special day for our Parish as we welcomed Father Victor to celebrate the Divine Liturgy.
This day was an opportunity to express our gratitude for the spiritual guidance, dedication, and friendship that Father Victor and Dobrodika Marusia have shared with our parish family.
Following the Divine Liturgy, everyone was invited to a special celebration dinner in our Parish Hall to honour Father Victor. The afternoon featured a delicious buffet dinner, followed by speeches and presentations recognizing his more than 59 years of devoted service to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, including the past eight years at St. Michael’s.
Parish President Joe Bodnar welcomed Father Victor, Dobrodika Marusia, their family, and all those in attendance. Following the meal, Joe shared heartfelt remarks reflecting on his many years of friendship with Father Victor, including the privilege of having Father Victor officiate at his wedding.
Past President Dorothy Stachniak then spoke about Father Victor’s remarkable 59 years of faithful ministry and Dobrodika Marusia’s many contributions to both the Parish and the Women’s Association. On behalf of the Women’s Association, Dorothy presented them with a commemorative gift.
Father Victor’s son, Protodeacon Fr. Anton Lakusta, delighted everyone with warm and memorable stories about his father, offering a personal glimpse into the man behind the priesthood.
On behalf of St. Michael’s Parish, President Joe Bodnar presented Father Victor with a gift as a token of the parish’s gratitude and appreciation for his years of dedicated service.
The celebration concluded with a closing blessing offered by Rev. Stephen Semotiuk, a longtime friend of Father Victor and former Parish Priest of St. Michael’s, bringing a fitting and heartfelt close to a memorable afternoon of thanksgiving and fellowship.
We thank Father Victor and Dobrodika Marusia for all they have done and wish them God’s blessings, good health, and happiness in their retirement.
