Edmonton AB Saint Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor 1958
Edmonton, Alberta, Saint Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor, 1958
or
Edmonton, Alberta, Saint Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor Parish, 1958
Prehistory
Saint Andrew's Sobor is the third Ukrainian Orthodox parish established in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
On 8 October, 1957, in Edmonton, Alberta, an exploratory meeting was convened for the purposes of investigating the possibility of establishing a new parish of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada in the southeast area of the city. The initiative was taken by Mrs. Tillie Kurysh (†1989), along with other persons who resided in the area, and who were active members of Saint John’s Cathedral. Amongst them were :
Mr. and Mrs. Nick Bodnar ; Mr. and Mrs. Steve Cybak ; Dr. and Mrs. Leo Faryna ; Mr. and Mrs. Tom Hnatiuk ; Mr. and Mrs. Max Kanasewich ; Mr. and Mrs. John Nikiforuk.
Establishing the community ; incorporation, 1958
At a formative meeting, held on 27 January, 1958, a membership of $1.00 was agreed upon, and those in attendance became the first members.
Saint Andrew’s Parish was formally incorporated on 22 December, 1959. Mr. John Nikiforuk was elected to be the founding president. Following the incorporation, the parish acquired its present site as a gift from Mrs. Tillie Kurysh. Mrs. Kurysh was always a very generous donor to the Ukrainian Orthodox Churches of Edmonton, as well as to Saint Andrew’s College and Saint John’s Institute.
In November, 1960, at the parish’s first annual general meeting, the following were elected to the Executive Board :
Mr. Russell Dzenick President Mr. John Makar Vice-President Mr. Orest Mulka Treasurer Mr. Mike Skitsko Assistant Treasurer Mr. John Nikiforuk Secretary Mrs. Marian Hnatiuk Assistant Secretary Mr. Nick Dowhaniuk Sexton Mr. Max Kanasewich Audit Committee Mr. Ray Faryna Audit Committee Mr. William Dymianiw Audit Committee
During the summer of 1961, an architect was engaged to prepare preliminary drawings for a cultural building. Subsequently, the plans were formally approved for construction of the first phase of the building programme, which included classrooms, a hall, and a small kitchen. Prior to the construction of the cultural facilities, occasional Divine Services were held at Forest Heights Community Hall. These services were conducted by the Archpriest Michael Fyk from Saint John’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral and other Edmonton clergy.
Ladies' Auxiliary, 1961
In 1961, the Ladies Auxiliary was officially organised, and a membership campaign was launched.
Men's club, 1962
On 25 March, 1962, the first Vespers service was conducted at Forest Heights Community Hall. The Men’s Club was officially organised.
On 12 November, the first choir practice was held at the home of A Oleskiw, with Charles Tymchuk as the director.
Constructing the Cultural Building, 1963
By 1963, the parish had a membership of 107 family members. On 23 June, 1963, the site for the Temple was blessed by Bishop Andrew (Metiuk). Following the service, construction of the Cultural Building formally commenced.
First Divine Liturgy, 1963
In the autumn of 1963, the Archpriest Hryhory Wasyliw was assigned to serve both Saint Andrew’s Church and Saint Michael’s Church. The parishes served jointly the first Divine Liturgy on 24 March, 1963, at the Forest Heights Community Hall. In addition, during the ensuing 2 years, the Archpriest Stephen Symchych from Saint John’s Institute provided the parish with services on alternate Sundays.
Blessing of the new Temple, 1964
On 16 February, 1964, the newly-constructed Cultural Building was officially blessed by Bishop Andrew. The building contained Sunday School facilities, and it provided a temporary location for holding Divine Services. During the same year, the Men’s Club registered with the Societies Act. Marshall Muzyka was appointed to be the choir director. During the Great Fast period, the first Saturday Confession and Communion breakfast for children was organised. An honourary life membership was bestowed upon Mrs. Tillie Kurysh.
With the new facilities, and a rapidly growing parish, the need for a full-time parish priest became evident.
Beginning of permanent pastoral service : Archpriest Michael Yurkiwsky, 1965
In the summer of 1965, the Archpriest Michael Yurkiwsky was assigned to serve Saint Andrew’s parish on a full-time basis.
Also, in 1965, the first full complement of delegates attended the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada Sobor in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Archpastoral visit by Metropolitan Ilarion I (Ohienko), 1965
On 12 September, 1965, Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko) visited Saint Andrew’s parish. The Ukrainian Orthodox Youth (CYMK) was organised, and Dennis Yurkiwsky was elected to be the president. The Ukrainian Dance Programme was organised under the direction of Gerald Metrunec. Also, the Sadochok (pre-school, kindergarten) was organised, with Mrs. Nadia Bodnar as the teacher.
In 1966, the Sunday Church School records show the enrolment of 164 students. William Labatiuk was director. The Men’s Club president became a member of the Parish Executive Board.
In 1967, the Ladies’ Auxiliary launched their first cookbook, “Cooking Favourites”.
In 1968, the Archpriest Michael Yurkiwsky left Saint Andrew’s parish in order to continue pastoral studies.
Second pastor, Priest Meroslaw Kryschuk, 1969
In 1969, the Priest Meroslaw Kryschuk was assigned to serve as the pastor of the parish. In addition, the parish manse was purchased, and the family membership fee was set at $20.00.
Establishment of CYMK, 1970
In 1970, Saint Andrew’s CYMK was registered under the national CYMK structure.
In 1971, phase 2 renovations to the kitchen were undertaken.
Construction of the Temple, 1972
On 5 November, 1972, the site for the Temple itself was sanctified by Archbishop Andrew (Metiuk). In addition, benches were acquired from an old courthouse to serve as pews.
Dance programme, 1973
In 1973, the Saint Andrew’s Ukrainian Dance Programme organised the senior dancers under the name “Zirka”.
Ukrainian language programme, 1976
In 1976, a Ukrainian Language Programme was organised for high school credit ; the Junior CYMK officially organised ; the parish library was established ; the Golden Age Club was organised.
Blessing the site of the seniors' residence, 1977
On 13 November, 1977, Bishop Boris (Yakovkevych) offered the prayers for the sod-turning and blessing of the beginning of the construction of the seniors’ residence, “Saint Andrew’s Selo” ("selo" means "village").
Saint Andrew's Selo, 1979
On 30 September, 1979, Saint Andrew’s Selo was officially opened.
In 1979, the Senior CYMK performed the Operetta “Vinok” (Wreath) at the Shoctor Theatre within the Citadel Theatre.
In 1982, stained glass windows with icons were dedicated ; the CYMK published a church calendar which included church Holy days, and the dates of members’ birth, and of anniversaries ; the Ladies’ Auxiliary launched its 2nd cookbook, “More Cooking Favourites” with sales reaching best-seller status.
In 1983, the Senior CYMK was presented with the “Perepeliuk Trophy” as the most active CYMK branch in Canada.
25 years, 1984
In 1984, Saint Andrew’s parish celebrated its 25th anniversary. Demjan Hohol was ordained to the Holy Diaconate in the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada.
Sanctification of the Temple, 1985
On 6 October, 1985, the Temple was sanctified. The Holy Table was blessed, and Holy Relics were placed within it ; the iconostas was blessed, and the electronic chimes were blessed. Saint Andrew’s parish was granted “sobor” (a large Temple which allows for large gatherings) status. Deacon Damjan Hohol was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada.
In 1986, the parish participated in the Western Diocese celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the acceptance of Christianity in Ukraine ; a Youth Orchestra was organised.
Retirement of the mortgage, 1987
On 20 September, 1987, the kitchen renovations were completed. The parish’s mortgage was retired.
On 13 December, 1987, the new chandelier was blessed.
1988 was the year of the 1000th anniversary of Christianity in Ukraine. Parish members and the choir participated in the all-Canada celebration in Hamilton, Ontario ; the CYMK (Alberta, British Columbia) history book, “Pathways” was published.
In 1989, the parish conducted a study “Into the New Millennium” regarding the life and future of Saint Andrew’s parish
In 1990, the results of the study “Into the New Millennium” was published ; the development of the atrium and other renovations were undertaken by the Men’s Club.
Re-naming of the UOGC ; entrance into Eucharistic Union with the Patriarch of Constantinople, 1990
In 1990, the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada was officially renamed “The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada” (UOCC) by an Act of Parliament.
In 1990, the 18th Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada in Winnipeg decided to enter into Eucharistic Union with the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople (Istanbul). This decision also changed the relationship with the other Orthodox dioceses and parishes in Canada in a positive way.
Further parish development
In 1991, the Golden Age Club was reorganised.
In 1993, the atrium, the boardroom and the office were completed ; an elevator was installed ; the house between the Temple and the parish manse was purchased by the Men’s Club.
In 1994, the parish of Saint Andrew celebrated its 35th Anniversary – “Homecoming”.
Archpriest Victor Lakusta, 1995
In 1995, the Archpriest Victor Lakusta was assigned to Saint Andrew’s parish.
In 1996, the Saint Andrew’s Kiosk was established by the Ladies’ Auxiliary.
In 1997, the Parish Endowment Fund was instituted ; a security system was installed ; the preparation of additional parking (phase 1) commenced.
Construction and blessing of the bell-house, 1998
In 1998, the bell-house was completed, and sanctified by Archbishop John (Stinka) ; Cornell Zubritsky was ordained to the Holy Diaconate, and he was assigned to Saint Andrew’s Sobor for one year.
In 1999, the preparation of additional parking (phase 2) commenced ; the Archpriest Mykola Sawchenko was “attached” to Saint Andrew’s Sobor parish ; the parish marked its 40th anniversary ; Metropolitan Wasyly (Fedak) awarded Saint Andrew’s Parish with a “Metropolitan’s Hramota” (certificate).
In 2000, Deacon Cornell Zubritsky was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada ; the archives committee for Saint Andrew’s Sobor was formed under the leadership of Dr. Bert Hohol ; the Saint Andrew’s Pyrohy Suppers were initiated ; the 1,000th baptism in the parish took place.
Priest Benny Ambrosie, assistant priest, 2001
In 2001, the Priest Benny Ambrosie was received into the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada by Archbishop John (Stinka), and he was assigned to Saint Andrew’s as an assistant priest ; Saint Andrew’s Ladies’ Auxiliary celebrated its 40th anniversary ; the parish choir assisted the clergy with singing the Divine Liturgy through the summer months.
In 2002, the Development Appeal Board of the City of Edmonton approved the bell in the bell-house to be sounded.
In 2003, the Pochaiv Orphanage project was initiated with the sending of parcels of clothing and the purchase of shoes for orphans in Ukraine ; Priest Benny Ambrosie was assigned to a rural parochial district in Alberta ; Gary Yaroslav Boychuk was ordained to the Holy Diaconate at Saint Andrew’s ; kitchen improvements and cultural building ventilation renovations were undertaken ; Saint Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor parish web-site was under development.
Pochaiv Project, 2004
In 2004, the “Pochaiv Project” expanded to construct a trade school for the orphans in Ukraine.
In 2005, the “Wild Rose Foundation” matched the $5000.00 contributed by Saint Andrew’s for the Pochaiv trade school project ; membership fees were set at $150.00 per adult.
In 2006, the main dining hall was named in honour of one of the founding members : “The Tillie Kurysh Hall” ; Saint Andrew’s Sobor parish gave Metropolitan John (Stinka) a metropolitan’s staff (“zhezlo”, “crosier”) ; food vouchers were purchased for distribution to individuals and families in need ; “Saint Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor Parish” was registered with the province of Alberta ; it was decided that the Divine Liturgies at Saint Andrew’s each month would be conducted 3 times bi-lingually, and once a month in English.
In 2007, the Mitred Archpriest Victor Lakusta celebrated his 40th year in the Holy Priesthood in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada ; Saint Andrew’s Sobor launched a fund drive to provide a “Safe House” in Ukraine to house orphans there ; Subdeacon Peter Haugen was ordained to the Holy Diaconate in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.
50 years, 2008
In 2008, Deacon Timothy Chrapko was attached to Saint Andrew’s Sobor parish ; Deacon Timothy Chrapko was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, and he was assigned to serve as the assistant priest at the Parish of Saint Volodymyr in Calgary, Alberta. At Saint John’s Cathedral, Deacon Peter Haugen was ordained into the Holy Priesthood in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, and he was assigned to Saint Michael’s Parish in Edmonton as an assistant priest.
The Wild Rose Foundation matched Saint Andrew’s fundraising of $20,000.00 for a total of $39,671.00 towards “The Klynovy Lyst” (“Maple Leaf Project”), the “Pochaiv Safe House Project” in Ukraine.
Members from Saint Andrew’s Sobor attended the Special Sobor (assembly) of 2008 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the UOCC. There, they accepted the revised bylaws and elected 2 new bishops : Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk), to be Bishop of Edmonton and the Western Eparchy, and Bishop Andrij (Peshko), to be Vicar-Bishop of Saskatoon and the Central Eparchy.
In 2009, the Protopresbyter Victor Lakusta left Saint Andrew’s Sobor. He departed for Winnipeg, Manitoba, in order to become the Acting Chancellor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. The Priest Dr. Jaroslaw Buciora was assigned to Saint Andrew’s Sobor for June and July of 2009. At this time, there was a computer upgrade, in which a server, a wireless network and 2 computers were installed in the parish office. The Priest Volodymyr Bilous became the supply priest for Saint Andrew’s for Sunday Divine Liturgies from August to December, 2009. Saint Andrew’s hosted a very successful “Klynovy Lyst” fundraising dinner, silent auction and live auction which featured Victor Malarek, the noted CTV journalist and author. He spoke about “Human Trafficking” ; Saint Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor parish celebrated its 50th anniversary on 13 December, 2009.
In 2010, 2 additional memorial candle stands were purchased for the Temple. Father Volodymyr Bilous continued to serve as the Supply Priest/Priest in Charge through to 29 August, 2010.
Priest Yurij Suchevan, 2010
On 1 September, 2010, Priest Yuriy Suchevan was assigned to Saint Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor Parish as parish priest. He first served the Divine Liturgy in the parish on 12 September, 2010.
Saint Andrew’s hosted the Western Eparchy Conference from 28 to 31 October, 2010. Father Volodymyr Bilous was attached to Saint Andrew’s as the Supply Priest for Edmonton and District. Deacon Michael Faryna was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada on 12 December, at the Altar Feast-day of Saint Andrew’s.
In 2011, the Roof Replacement Fund was initiated. Saint Andrew’s Ladies’ Auxiliary purchased 2 commercial upright freezers with shelving.
In 2012, the parish contributed to Bishop Ilarion’s Orphanage Fund for Orphanages in Ukraine. The parish sponsored a youth representative from Saint Andrew’s to accompany Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk) and others of the Youth Assistance Programme on a visit to assist orphanages in Ukraine during August, 2012. Saint Andrew’s Ladies’ Auxiliary replaced the 2 commercial convection ovens.
By this time, the involvement of the parish with the “Maple Leaf Project” in Ukraine had ended. By this time also, the emphasis on the use of the Ukrainian language in worship had increased.
Parishioners
Centennial of the UOCC, 2018
In 2018, the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and also of Holy Trinity Cathedral were marked at an extraordinary sobor (assembly) at the cathedral in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
The purpose of the sobor was to celebrate 100 years of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. The celebrations were attended by Ukrainian Orthodox faithful from across Canada and beyond.
The Sobor began on Thursday, 9 August, 2018, with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Chapel of Saint Petro Mohyla Institute, presided by Bishop Andriy (Peshko) of the Eastern Eparchy, with the responses sung by the Clergy led by Father Michael Lomaszkiewicz. This was followed by an All-Canada Clergy Conference.
Centennial Clergy Conference
All gathered for Vespers at the Mohyla Institute Chapel and this was followed by a wine and cheese reception as the delegates and guests registered for the Extraordinary National Council.
The celebrations continued for a year.
In early 2020, the Covid-19 virus made its appearance in Canada, and it quickly became a world-wide pandemic. Because of the rules governing gatherings that were laid down by the provincial and city governments, the parish stopped any further services after 8 March, 2020. Including the rules regarding social distancing, the decreasing numbers permitted for any gathering, and the considerations regarding the health of all concerned, this and other parishes were required to close for a time.
As elsewhere, there was some controversy about the legal requirements.
Election of Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk), 2022
Election of a nominee by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
On 15-19 June, 2022, the 24th Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox of Canada was convened "on-line". This conference-meeting was convened thus instead of convening physically (as customarily) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. There were 6 cathedrals in Canada where this meeting took place simultaneously through a computer-network : in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Holy Trinity Metropolitan Cathedral) ; Vancouver, British Columbia (Holy Trinity Cathedral) ; in Edmonton, Alberta (Saint John's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral) ; in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Holy Trinity Cathedral) ; in Toronto, Ontario (Saints Vladimir and Olga Cathedral) ; in Montréal, Québec (Saint Sophie Cathedral).
There was a total of 205 delegates, which was near the average attendance for such sobors.
In the course of the work of the Sobor, there was the necessary election in order to nominate to the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople a candidate for election as Archbishop of Winnipeg and Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, who would succeed the Retired Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk).
There were 3 candidates who were considered : Archbishop Job (Getcha), Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk), and Bishop Andriy (Peshko). The final choice of the members of the sobor was Archbishop Job (Getcha). He had received more than the minimum required 51% of the votes, and there was no subsequent voting required.
The election by the Sobor (Assembly) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada then had to be confirmed by the Holy Synod of Bishops of Constantinople (as is described in the Consistory By-laws).
Upon having received the nomination (with accompanying documents) from the Sobor of the UOCC, the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople elected Vladyka Ilarion (Rudnyk) to become Archbishop of Winnipeg and Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada.
The Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople elected Archbishop Job (Getcha) to become Metropolitan of Pisidia, in west-central Türkiye (Turkey), north of Lycia, and east of Ephesus.
Confirmation of election in Constantinople/Istanbul, 2022
On 29 August, 2022, Vladyka Ilarion (Rudnyk) was at the Phanar in Constantinople for the purpose of the first confirmation of the election in June, 2022. He co-served the Divine Liturgy with Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis) in the Cathedral of Saint George at the Phanar.
Enthronement as Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, 2022
On Saturday, 19 November, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., in Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Enthronement Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served. Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) presided at the Divine Liturgy. He was assisted by Bishop Andriy (Peshko), many priests, several deacons, subdeacons and Altar-servers. Present also were Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas), Exarch of Canada for the Patriarchate of Constantinople, and Retired Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk), Former Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.
Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) at the Phanar, Istanbul, 2023
On Sunday, 2 July, 2023, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis) was present and praying during the Divine Liturgy at Saint George's Cathedral in the Patriarchate compound. He gave the blessing that Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) preside ("horostasia") over the Divine Liturgy. Metropolitan Job (Getcha) of Pisidia, Bishop Athenagoras (Ziliaskopoulos) of Nazianzos, and the Honourable Roman Nedilskyi, General Consul of Ukraine in Constantinople were also present and praying with the congregation of the Faithful.
Change of calendar for the UOCC, 2023
On 1 December, 2023, in accordance with the resolutions of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk) announced that, effective that day, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada moved to use the New (Revised Julian) Calendar. He allowed that for a brief period of time, a parish might remain on the Old (Julian) Calendar.
It seems that subsequently, John's Cathedral in Edmonton, Alberta, was the first to adopt the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.
However, a previously-existing group of persons began to encourage resistance to the immediacy of this change. It was their understanding that the process would be determined ultimately and finally at the next general sobor of the UOCC. Therefore, on 16 December, 2023, Metropolitan Ilarion issued a formal letter concerning the situation, together with a letter of support sent to him by his predecessor (Retired Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk)). He called the resisters to repentance.
Archpastoral visitation, 2023
On 10 December, 2023, Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk) visited Saint Andrew's Sobor in Edmonton. The visit coincided with the parish Altar Feast-day of the Holy Apostle Andrew, the First-called. He presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, and he gave the homily on that day.
Metropolitan Ilarion greeted at his arrival in the Narthex, and then at the entrance to the Temple
Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) preaching
Parish organisations
The Men’s Club
The Saint Andrew’s Men’s Club was registered in Alberta under the Societies Act. Its primary purpose is to raise funds for charitable purposes and, as such, supports the parish with funding for the capital projects and cultural programmes. The Men’s Club provides a significant contribution to the parish capital works programmes.
With regard to donations to other charitable organisations, the Men’s Club and the Ladies’ Auxiliary coordinate their donations to avoid duplication amongst the parish organisations. The Men’s Club completed a “space use study”, and the recommendations were significant. The recommended improvements required acceptance from the related organisations, and funding for the capital improvements from the Men’s Club.
Metropolitan Ladies League
The Metropolitan Ladies' League is an independent organisation registered under the Societies Act of Alberta. Their mandate is raising funds for charitable purposes, which also includes Saint Andrew’s parish.
Ladies’ Auxiliary
Saint Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Ladies’ Auxiliary was established in September, 1961. The auxiliary formulated its constitution in 1966 with the following aims and objectives :
— To promote Christian fellowship amongst the members of the auxiliary, of Saint Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor parish, and members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada ; — To conduct benevolent, charitable, social, educational, artistic and cultural activities ; — To preserve and promote the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage : Faith, language, customs and traditions ; — To work in conjunction with the Saint Andrew’s Church Board and various Church Committees in furthering all phases of the work of the parish and of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada ; — To provide an opportunity for personal development through involvement in and sharing of talents within the Ukrainian community.
Saint Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Ladies’ Auxiliary is a branch of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada (UWAC) and supports the goals and objectives of UWAC, Article II, published in 1991.
Golden Age
The Golden Age Club is a senior’s organisation consisting of parish members who are age 55 and over, who meet socially every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon for various social activities, educational programmes and excursions.
Saint Stephen’s Cemetery
Saint Stephen’s Cemetery, has a “Garden of Resurrection” section, which serves members of the Orthodox Church and their families. Otherwise, the cemetery is open to families and individuals of all faiths and beliefs, and it was opened in 2000. It is located in northeast Edmonton. This has become the principal cemetery of the parish.
Saint Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor Parish is a parish of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. It is the third parish established in the City of Edmonton, in the Edmonton District. The bishop is Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk).
Particular parish information
This parish is part of the Western Eparchy, Edmonton District, of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. The bishop of the eparchy is Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk).
This parish follows the Old (Julian) Calendar.
The Altar Feast-day of the parish is the Feast of the Holy Apostle Andrew, 30 November/12 December.
In 2024, the pastor of the parish is Priest Yuriy Suchevan. Attached are Priest Michael Kopchuk and the Priest Volodymyr Bilous.
Address :
Saint Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor Parish
9831-75 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta
T6A 2Y8
Telephone : (780) 469-1463
Fax : (789) 469-5256
Web-site : www.uocc-standrew.ca
E-mail : st.andrews-uocc@telus.net
Saint Andrew’s Men’s Club : http://www.uocc-standrew.ca/mensclub
Directions :
Saint Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor is situated on the “south side” of Edmonton, on 75th Street NW, to the north of 98th Avenue NW. There is a parking-lot, and there is parking available also on the streets nearby.
By car :
From the north :
From the “north side” of Edmonton, approach Wayne Gretzky Drive (Capilano Freeway) and drive southwards across the North Saskatchewan River. Continue towards the south at 101 Avenue, and turn left at 98 Avenue. At the first intersection (Ottewell Road), turn left, and on the service road veer left at Trinity Mar Toma Church. Continue on this road to the west and to the north. The Temple is on the right.
From the south :
Drive to the intersection of 98 Avenue and 75 Street. Drive northwards on 75 Street and turn to the right at the first opportunity, turn onto the service road (Ottewell Road) and the temple is on the right.
By bus :
There is Edmonton Transit Service on 101 Avenue and on 75 Street.
Edmonton is accessible by road, chiefly by Highway #16 and Highway #2.
It is accessible by bus through various interurban companies (Red Arrow, Rider Express, Poparide, The Canada Bus, Ebus, and others). There is service from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
It is accessible by various airline companies through the Edmonton International Aeroport (near Nisku).
It is accessible by railway through VIARail.
9819-75 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6A 2Y8
Telephone : (780) 250-3833
Mobile : (780) 885-8243
E-mails : parishpriest@uocc-standrew.ca ; ysuchevan@gmail.com
Priest Michael Kopchuk (Attached)
Telephone : (780) 447-4084
Priest Volodymyr Bilous (Attached)
Telephone : (780) 757-8612 (Home)
References
Tarasar, Constance J, ed., “Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America” (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.
Yereniuk, Prof. Roman, “A Short Historical Outline of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC)”.
Additional information :
A Brief History of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
“Collection of Material Relating to the 50th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada, 1918-1968” (Winnipeg : Consistory of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada, 1968).
Sametz, William, “My father the priest : the life and times of the Very Reverend Dr. Peter Sametz : founding missionary priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada”
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Andrew, Edmonton, parish listing
Wikipedia article about the Western Eparchy of the UOCC
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada web-site
Orthodoxwiki article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople web-site
Orthodoxwiki article about the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople
Wikipedia article about the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople
Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)
Metropolitan Ilarion I (Ohienko)
Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk)
Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk)
Encyclopaedia of Ukraine article about the history of the UOCC
Canadian Encyclopaedia article about Ukrainian Canadians
Wikipedia article about Ukrainian Canadians
Wikipedia article about the Ukrainian diaspora
Ukrainian Immigration to Canada
Early History of Ukrainians in Alberta
Ukrainians in Canada : from the first Wave of Immigration to now
Saint Stephen Cemetery, Edmonton
Findagrave reference for Saint Stephen Cemetery Edmonton
Enthronement of Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk) as Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (19 November, 2022)
Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) announces Change of Calendar (1 December, 2023)
Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) leads Saint Andrew’s Sobor in Prayer on the Occasion of its Patron Saint’s Day (10 December, 2023)