Canonical Visitation & 50 Years of Msgr. John Terlecky 

On January 11, 2026, the Ukrainian Catholic Parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Spring Valley experienced a historic and special day. The parish welcomed the canonical visitation of His Excellency Bishop Paul Chomnycky, Eparch of Stamford. The faithful, including children and longtime parishioners, warmly greeted the Bishop at the church.

The highlight of the day was the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, during which Bishop Paul addressed the congregation with a homily. Reflecting on the Gospel reading of the Sunday, the Bishop focused on the beginning of Christ’s public ministry after years of hidden life and spiritual growth “in wisdom, in age, in grace with God and men” in Nazareth. As the Bishop emphasized, this is the moment “when preparation turns into service,” revealing the deep meaning of patient and faithful formation.

Bishop Paul stressed that the time of formation and preparation is never wasted, as it produces fruit in future ministry. This principle, he noted, applies not only to Jesus but also to every priest: “This is what we see in the life of every priest who goes through a long path of preparation through prayer, study, and spiritual growth…” He highlighted the seminary as a school of life, heart, and responsibility.

The homily also celebrated a milestone in parish life. On this day, parishioners marked the 50th anniversary of ordination for Msgr. John Terlecky, the long-serving pastor of the parish. He was ordained a priest on January 11, 1976, at the Chapel of St. Basil the Great Seminary in Stamford by the late Bishop Shmondyuk.

Bishop Paul highlighted Father Ivan’s decades of dedicated service — from parish ministry to leadership roles within the eparchy, including work for the Ukrainian Museum and Library in Stamford. He also emphasized Father Ivan’s contribution to the formation of new priests and the restoration of the Lviv Theological Seminary after the fall of communism in Ukraine, where he served as a formator and teacher to aspiring priests in the 1990s.

The homily underscored the prophetic mission of the priesthood. Commenting on the Word of God, Bishop Paul stressed the priest’s calling to “be a voice of truth and morality… even when it is inconvenient and meets with resistance,” following the example of John the Baptist, who witnessed to the truth at the cost of his own life. “Not softening the truth and not seeking compromise — this is another image of true priestly service,” the Bishop emphasized. He also noted that modern culture often resists moral responsibility and God’s law, making the priest’s role as a faithful witness all the more essential.

The 50-year milestone was an occasion for sincere gratitude. “Today we not only reflect on the Gospel; we also give thanks!” said Bishop Paul, thanking God for the gift of priesthood and for Msgr. John’s five decades of faithful service, intelligence, dedication, courage, good humor, and love for the Church and God’s people.

On behalf of the parish, Bishop Paul wished Msgr. John a blessed, fruitful, and well-deserved retirement, acknowledging his new chapter of life with prayerful support.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, another important announcement was made. Bishop Paul thanked Msgr. John for his years as parish pastor and accepted his request to retire. At the same time, the congregation was introduced to the newly appointed parish administrator, Father Yuriy Smakous, a Salesian priest who will begin his ministry on February 1, 2026.

The canonical visitation concluded with a joyful parish caroling celebration at the Community Hall, where parishioners shared a festive meal and continued the Christmas celebration alongside the children of the Ukrainian Studies School, who had carefully prepared a special program.

The Parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Spring Valley sincerely thanks Bishop Paul Chomnycky for his visit and blessing, expresses gratitude to Msgr. John for 50 years of devoted service, and joyfully welcomes the new pastor (parish administrator), Father Yuriy Smakous.