Newman Theological College and the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton continue to move forward together in their shared commitment to deepening the Church’s academic and theological life.
On August 13, 2025, Newman Theological College’s President Dr. Darren Dahl met with Bishop David Motiuk of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton to formalize and further expand a years-long flourishing partnership by signing a historic MOU.
Dr. Darren Dahl said: “As Newman Theological College continues to deepen its commitment to graduate theological education for the Church in Western Canada, we celebrate the opportunity to work closely with the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton and Holy Spirit seminary. With key recent faculty appointments and the new program in Eastern Christian Theology, this partnership will allow the College to attest to the wonderful riches of the whole Catholic intellectual tradition – East and West. I am very grateful to Bishop David and the good people at the Eparchy for their openness in formalizing this important intellectual and pastoral friendship.”
Bishop David Motiuk said: “The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton and Newman Theological College have proudly partnered now for a number of decades in the formation of priests, deacons, and lay leaders. Today’s latest chapter in furthering our joint collaboration speaks to the willingness of the two Institutes to prepare strong leaders in evangelizing and proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel today.”
Over the past year, the College has made key faculty appointments to support the growth of Eastern Christian Theology within its academic offerings. Dr. Melanie Turgeon, an internationally renowned scholar and musician, has joined the faculty as Full Professor of Sacred Music, and Deacon Dr. Cyril Kennedy, a rising scholar in the field of Eastern Christian Theology, has been appointed Assistant Professor of Eastern Christian Theology. Both bring a complementary depth of scholarship and a strong commitment to the living tradition of the Eastern Catholic Churches.
The new programming in Eastern Christian Theology will officially launch on 26 March 2026 with a public lecture by Yury P. Avvakumov, and internationally renowned scholar of Eastern Christianity, Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame (US), ad member of the Vatican’s International Theological Commission. The launch will conclude on October 2026 with a Divine Liturgy in Edmonton, chanted by the Kappella Kyrie Slavic Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Melanie Turgeon, Professor of Sacred Music at Newman Theological College.
In the upcoming year, Newman Theological College will develop a Masters in Theological Studies with a concentration in Eastern Christian Theology, fully available online or in person. This new research program complements the existing Masters of Divinity, Diploma and Certificate programs that also feature concentrations in Eastern Christian Theology.
The MOU marks a significant milestone in the College’s ongoing efforts to serve both the Ukrainian Catholic community and the wider Church through rigorous theological Catholic education.
The Eparchy’s Evangelization Fund has made this partnership possible, with special thanks to legacy gift from Drs. Peter and Doris Kule to the Foundation of Saint Joseph Seminary & Newman Theological College.
Drs. Peter and Doris Kule were two outstanding philanthropists, visionaries, and community leaders.