Deacon Ihor Demydas Ordained to the Priesthood on the Feast of the Ascension

May 15, 2026

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, on the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord, Archbishop Borys Gudziak ordained Deacon Ihor Demydas to the holy priesthood during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Clergy, seminarians, family members, parishioners, and guests gathered in prayer to witness this joyful moment in the life of the Church.

In his homily, Archbishop Gudziak reflected on the profound mystery of Christ’s Resurrection and Ascension, emphasizing the hope that these feasts offer to all believers. Referring to the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, he spoke about Christ appearing to His disciples after the Resurrection — allowing them to see and touch His wounded body while revealing the transformed glory of the risen Lord.

“Today’s feast gives us great hope,” Archbishop Gudziak said. “Christ overcame death. He overcame our sin. The wounds of the Crucifixion, which represent all the sin of the world, were conquered by love.”

The Archbishop reflected on the mystery of the Ascension, noting that the risen Christ still bears the wounds of His suffering — wounds transformed by the victory of divine love. He reminded the faithful that priestly ministry is rooted in this same mystery of sacrifice, hope, and self-giving love.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Father Ihor expressed gratitude to Archbishop Gudziak, the bishops, clergy, family members, friends, and all those who supported him throughout his vocational journey. Reflecting on his path to the priesthood, he said, “Looking back today, I understand that the Lord patiently and quietly led me to this day. Priesthood is not about some special privilege. It is about love — being with those who weep, not losing one’s humanity, and learning every day how to be with Christ.”

Following the Divine Liturgy, Father Ihor imparted his first priestly blessing to the faithful gathered in the cathedral.

The faithful present offered their congratulations and prayers for Father Ihor as he begins his priestly ministry in service to the Church. The celebration continued with a reception shared by clergy, family members, parishioners, and guests.