Father Victor’s Farewell Address
On June 21, 2026, Rt. Rev. Protopresbyter Victor Lakusta (“Father Victor”) delivered his heartfelt farewell address to the congregation of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church as he marked his retirement after many years of devoted service.
We are honoured to share his farewell message with our parish family and visitors. His words reflect a lifetime of faith, gratitude, and dedication to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the faithful he has served. Instructions to download his speech are available at the bottom.
Father Victor’s Farewell Address follows:
My Farewell Speech
Thank you Dorothy for your overview of my life.
“Priesthood is both the greatest blessing and heaviest cross, sometimes simultaneously the tremendous source of joy. It is being privileged to stand in the presence of the Holy of Holies.”
“Thus, gratitude is the Heart of Prayer.”
I think of these words as I take leave from St. Michael’s after six truly blessed years and enter a new chapter of life. I must say the last few months have been an emotional roller coaster for me, fear, apprehension, excitement, and exhaustion. In the midst of these feelings the one thing that has remained constant is the feeling and awareness of deep gratitude in my prayer.
I am overwhelmed with an experience of gratitude as I recall the 59 years, I have spent in parish ministry in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada – 45 of the years in the Western Eparchy and the joy of the last six years as Pastor of St. Michael’s. It has been over a half century of many parishes, moves and many changes. We have met many wonderful people, prayed with them and for them, rejoiced with them and wept with them. Many have become like family and supported us during our times of need.
I am prayerfully thankful to our Lord God and Saviour for the wonderful opportunity to serve Him and our Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada for all these years.
My Dear Family of St. Michael! How time flies; 6 years have passed since I began my ministry with you. Since the first moment of encounter, we have been thru a lot together and in the end, I believe, we have become a closer family as a result. We have witnessed an increase in our church attendance and liturgical participation and receiving of the Holy Eucharist.
Now it is time to express my appreciation to the membership of your parish. I will be forever grateful for your patience, understanding, faith and above all your loving support; especially during the last months when I began experiencing health challenges.
Gratefulness especially to…
· For the dedication and support of the Parish Executive;
· The Ukrainian Women’s Association *USRL* who worked diligently in fund raising efforts;
· Luba and Joe who have greatly enhanced our liturgical services with their uplifting and prayerful singing;
· My Palamars Ihor and Ivan who were always willing to assist in the Altar; and the Acolytes (altar boys – Riley, Nestor and Yuriy) who faithfully came to serve at almost every Liturgy. THANK YOU BOYS. And it would not be without thanking my grandsons (Jacob, Nicholas, and John) for assisting at the Altar on numerous occasions.
· The children and youth who have recently joined our parish congregation and have given me great hope and encouragement for the future of your parish.
· To our chef, Jim, and the ladies who prepare the most enjoyable meals for fellowship after our liturgies and parish events.
Finally, I am especially grateful for my supportive family.
First and foremost, to my wife, Dobrodyka MARUSIA, who has been my mentor, supporter, and assisted me in my ministry throughout the 59 years. My immediate family: our sons Andriy, Deacon Anton and his wife Andrea, our grandsons: Jacob, Nicholas, and John for their prayers, support and assistance.
To my extended family, clergy, congregational faithful of St. Michael’s, and members from our sister parishes that I had the privilege of celebrating services at – my sincerest thank you for your presence today.
With love, gratitude, and countless cherished memories, I am entering my retirement years.
In closing I would like to share with you one of my favorite scriptures from Philippians 1:3-5; 9-11: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine… and this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment… being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God”.
I conclude with the prayer: O Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding me through the years of work and blessing my journey with Your grace. As I step into retirement, my heart overflows with gratitude. Thank You for strength, wisdom, and provision through every season. Help me use this time to rest, reflect, and rejoice in Your faithfulness. May my remaining days be filled with peace, purpose, and Your everlasting love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
To download this speech, please Click the ‘Download’ Button below
To view highlights and photos from the Special Celebration Honouring Father Victor & Dobrodika Marusia, CLICK HERE.
