Encounter with Emmanuel | Christmas Voices of Hope

Bishop Bryan Bayda, CSsR

Monday, December 15, 2025

Bishop Bayda speaking at St. Josaphat's Cathedral in Toronto.

Welcome to Advent, and to our series, "Christmas Voices of Hope: Stories and Reflections for the Season." This time of preparation to celebrate the birth of Christ is full of stories, experiences, and traditions that come to define what the season means for each of us.

To inspire you with hope during this month of waiting and anticipation, we have invited friends and members of the Salt + Light Media family to share how their Advent and Christmas traditions have marked their own journey, and that of their communities.

Today's Q & A comes from the Most Rev. Bryan Bayda, CSsR, bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada.

What is your favourite memory of Christmas growing up?

My favourite memory was returning home from school on the farm and “encountering God” - entering into the power of God during the night, in an open field four or five hundred metres from the farm yard. Sometimes it would be a wild snow storm. Sometimes I would simply lie down in the field and gaze at a brilliant display of stars overhead. The clarity of the night sky or sometimes dancing northern lights was where I would encounter God, where I would drink in creation all around and dwell on the paradox of the creator becoming human.

Does your family or culture have a special Advent or Christmas tradition?

We have a large Christmas “fasting” dinner, followed by a late Divine Liturgy.

What does Christmas mean to you personally, today?

I still go to the place in my heart as I answered in the first question above. To me, Christmas is about encountering the vastness of creation, and the paradox and incomprehensible humility of the Creator becoming a helpless child.

If you could describe Christmas in one word or image, what would it be — and why?

Enter into the Encounter with Emmanuel

Is there a particular Christmas carol, Scripture passage, liturgical practice, Advent preparation, or December feast day that inspires you each year?

The traditional Ukrainian Christmas Carol, “God Eternal!”:

God Eternal is born today!
He came down from above, out of love.
And in this rejoice.

Have you had a recent Christmas experience that drew you closer to God in a new way?

I recently slept outside in the cold on my door step as an act of penance and solidarity with the manger event, the war in Ukraine, and my own fragility.

How do you bring your Catholic values and worldview to your ministry, your daily life, or your relationships?

I have the unbelievable privilege of preaching.

Sometimes the heart of Christmas gets a little lost in the hustle and bustle, but there are still so many festive ways to enjoy the season. What’s your favourite Christmas movie, craft, food, or activity?

Going door to door carolling.