New eparch's coat of arms

Newly ordained Saskatoon Bishop Cornelius Pasichny's coat of arms is topped by a bishop's miter flanked by the processional cross and crozier - all symbols of his pastoral office.

The white dove in a triangle in the middle of the crest represents the Holy Spirit: advocate, intercessor, counselor, protector and supporter to the successors of Christ's apostles, the bishops. A green background symbolizes the new life that the Holy Spirit offers humankind.

The letters MPOY are an abbreviation of the Greek title, "Mother of God." Devotion to Mary is an integral part of Ukrainian Christianity, and Bishop Pasichny invokes here maternal love and intercession for his congregation.

The pillar of fire is a symbol of St. Basil the Great, founder of the Basilians, of which the bishop is a member. The golden wheat represents the Province of Saskatchewan, which is entirely included in Bishop Pasichny's eparchial jurisdiction. Set on a blue background, the symbols also recalls the golden steppes and blue skies of Ukraine, as well as Ukraine's national colors.

Ukraine's golden trident also appears, surmounted on a cross from the ancient dynastic emblem of St. Volodymyr the Great, who introduced Christianity to Ukraine in 988. Both are mounted on the Canadian maple leaf, and stress the Christian faith brought to Canada from Ukrainian pioneers.

Bishop Pasichny's coat of arms carries the motto, "Servant of the Lord," which expresses his role as an apostolic successor. The words recall the Virgin Mary's response to the Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation (Luke 1:38) as well as St. Paul's description of his role as an apostle (Romans 1:1, Galatians 1:10)

- Christopher Guly

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, January 28, 1996, No. 4, Vol. LXIV

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