Edmonton AB Saint Anthony Ukrainian Orthodox Church 1979

Edmonton, AB, Saint Anthony Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1979

or

Edmonton, AB, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Anthony of the Kyiv Caves, 1979

Prehistory

Saint Anthony Ukrainian Orthodox Church is the fifth Ukrainian Orthodox parish established in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

In the 1970s, there was a steady expansion of residential subdivisions in the city of Edmonton, Alberta. It was natural in time that a parish be established in order to provide a place of worship for the many Orthodox Christians who wished to have a Temple in a place convenient for them in the new subdivision in which they now lived (in the far west of the city, north of the North Saskatchewan River).

On 25 September, 1974, the first steering/planning committee was elected to do the work that needed to be done to formally start a parish. The other parishes in the region helped and supported this endeavour.

This committee consisted of :

 President Stephan Maslo from Saint John’s Cathedral ; secretary Nestor Chumik 
 from Saint John’s Cathedral ; treasurer Alex Zwozdesky from Saint Michael’s ; 
 legal adviser Russell Dzenick from Saint Andrew’s ; Father Hryhorji Wasyliw, 
 semi-retired, acting priest ; Archbishop Andrew Metiuk) ; land owner, Tillie Kurysh.

Incorporation, 1974

The next day, on 26 September, 1974, the parish of Saint Anthony of the Kyiv Caves was incorporated under the Religious Societies Land Act as a non-profit organisation in Alberta.

On 7 October, 1974, the first membership fees were collected. Six members paid $10 each for a grand total of $60.

On 20 December, 1974, Saint Anthony’s was incorporated as part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, which means that the official beginning of the parish was on that day.

Establishment of the parish, 1979

The founders' work in developing the parish was greatly aided in 1979 through the contribution of a substantial property by Mrs. Tillie Kurysh (†1989). In a similar manner, Mrs. Kurysh had supported the parish of Saint Andrew, and Saint John’s Institute in the city. With the establishment of this community, there was included a desire to increase the use of the English language in worship. This parish became the 5th parish of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada to be established in the Western Eparchy’s Edmonton District.

In February, 1979, the first official Parish Board was elected. Father Hryhorji Wasiliw and Father Victor Lakusta were the acting priests.

Gradual development of the parish

The first Divine Liturgy in the new Saint Anthony parish was celebrated on 18 March, 1979, at Hillcrest School. Services were held in Hillcrest School, and in Our Lady of the Prairies School, as well as at Saint John’s Institute.

In 1984, Father Victor Lakusta became the full-time priest at Saint Anthony’s.

Despite the desire of the parishioners to proceed quickly to construction, there were the usual obstacles which confront attempts to do things to the glory of the Lord. Time passed.

Meanwhile, Father Victor Lakusta was transferred to the Vancouver parish in 1989.

Archbishop John (Stinka) of Edmonton had a conversation with Archpriest Alexander Hupka (who was retiring, and hoping to stay so), and Father Hupka agreed to postpone his retirement, and to serve as the priest at Saint Anthony’s.

More time passed.

In serious discussions with Archbishop John, the leadership of Saint Anthony’s expressed their desire to apply for a mortgage to build a Temple to the Lord. After listening to the pleas of the leaders of the parish, Vladyka John gave the blessing to go ahead and to apply for a mortgage, even though it was a risky venture from a financial perspective. The membership was small : there were 12 paid-up members, and some families attending services on a regular basis.

Still more time passed.

After much talk about planning to build the Temple, Father Alexander Hupka said that it was time to act, and get the job done. In his sincere but very direct way, he said that he was going on vacation, and that upon his return, he was going to retire if there was no further action on actually building the Temple.

Construction of the Temple

Four days before Father Alex returned from his vacation, a bulldozer was on site. Father Alex was delighted. The building committee consisting of Fred Holowach, Terry Tymchuk and Greg Michaleski worked tirelessly with the builder to ensure that everything was proceeding according to the plan.

The new Temple was completed at last in 1991.

The first Divine Liturgy in the new structure was offered on 3 March, 1991.

Father Alexander Hupka remained until 1992, when he did indeed retire.

The Temple which was constructed included a basement hall. In the Temple, the parishioners assembled for worship. The hall was used for fellowship and fundraising.

In 1992, Father Andrew Jarmus was assigned to serve as the pastor of the parish. He helped the parishioners to continue building a strong, active parish. Those were the years when there was a great deal of fundraising to pay the mortgage, and an increase in the membership. He helped to ensure that the parish was growing spiritually and was becoming financially viable.

Then, in 1998, Father Andrew Jarmus was asked to provide leadership in the Missions and Education initiative at the Consistory office in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This meant his transfer away from Edmonton.

During that same year, 1998, Father Patrick Yamniuk was assigned to serve as the pastor priest of the Saint Anthony parish.

Retiring the mortgage, 2002

In 2002, 12 years after the construction of the Temple, the parishioners were able to pay off the mortgage. During that year, there was a mortgage-burning celebration.

Iconography

Then the parishioners turned their attention to fundraising for the iconostas. The icons for the iconostas were written by Dobrodijka Kristi Jarmus, and this project was completed in 2005. Later, additional icons were added to the north and south walls of the Temple.

Extension for the basement, kitchen renovation ; roof replacement

The next major project undertaken was an extension to the basement, and the renovation of the parish kitchen.

Another very costly undertaking was the roof replacement in 2014, when the roof started to leak.

2014 : 40th anniversary

In 2014, there was a formal celebration of the 40th anniversary of Saint Anthony’s parish, a significant mile-stone for the parish.

Since the construction was completed, the life of the parish has steadily progressed, and the community has grown. Within the life of the parish, there have developed many activities. Some are for the education of the parishioners, and some are for the purpose of fundraising.

Temple interior

Parish organisations

Sunday School

Saint Anthony’s parish Sunday school meets every Sunday morning during the early part of the Divine Liturgy. The sessions include approximately 45 minutes of instruction, after which all the staff and students return to the Temple for the remainder of the service. The Sunday school year follows the same calendar as the school year. Classes begin in September, and they conclude at the end of May.

The focus of the parish Sunday school is education about the Orthodox Christian Faith and way of life. At present, there are 3 levels of classes. Level 1 includes children in the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten age group. Level 2 includes children in the grade 1 to grade 2 age group. Level 3 includes the grade 3 to grade 6 age group. The teachers use many of the resources that have been made available by the Orthodox Christian Education Commission (OCEC), and they are encouraged to attend Church school workshops.

Special Sunday school events are offered periodically throughout the year. These include “Super Saturdays”, which provide opportunities for children and youth to participate in an age-appropriate religious discussion with the parish priest, as well as Ukrainian cultural activities such as “pysanky” writing (Easter egg decorating) and making bread. Included also are other creative and educational activities like clay-working and many other craft projects. The Sunday school students participate in the annual “Saint Nicholas Night”, in the Ukrainian Festival, and in many other parish activities.

Youth Education

Once a student graduates from the Sunday school programme, he or she is encouraged to attend the full Divine Liturgy on Sundays. Further Orthodox Christian instruction is then provided to the students by the parish priest in conjunction with the youth group.

Adult Education

Adult education is provided by the parish priest through “All Christian Teaching” Sundays, and by various lecture series such as the popular “Inquirers’ Class”.

Ukrainian Women’s Association, Saint Anna’s Branch

On 6 November, 1979, an organisational committee founded the women’s branch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Anthony in the "west end" of Edmonton. In 1980, the organisation was incorporated into the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada. At that time, it was Alberta’s newest branch. The members of the newly-formed branch decided to adopt Saint Princess Anna of Kyiv as their “Patron Saint”. This was considered to be appropriate, since the first meeting was held in November. Saint Anna’s feast-day is on 3/16 November.

The main goals and objectives of the women’s association are :

 To support and execute all manner of deeds and acts that contribute to the continual growth of the 
 Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and encourage members to practice and live by Christian principles 
 as enunciated by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada ;
 To work diligently to preserve, develop, and nurture the Ukrainian cultural heritage and traditions as a 
 distinctive contribution to the national culture of Canada ;
 To foster actively the principles of cultural cooperation and education within Canadian society.

Carpathian Club

The Edmonton Carpathian Club’s focus is on providing financial assistance to Saint Anthony’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church while the parish develops programmes to enrich the Orthodox Faith and promote Ukrainian Culture. The Edmonton Carpathian Club members work together as a team to support other parish subcommittees in carrying out their programmes.

Re-naming of the UGOCC ; Eucharistic Union with the Patriarchate 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.

Nature of the parish

Saint Anthony’s parishioners describe their community as a family of worship. They consider that it is important that they all take part in the fulness of the Orthodox Christian liturgical experience. This experience includes celebrating the various special services of the liturgical calendar (feast-days, Holy Week, the Feast of Pascha, and the like). There are also the regularly-offered services of the daily cycle such as Great Vespers and Matins.

Saint Anthony of Kiev Temple

In particular, the parishioners are encouraged to participate fully in the Divine Liturgy through engaging in the special liturgical ministries such as congregational singing. However, the most important participation is in a more frequent reception of the Holy Mysteries (sacraments) of Confession, Holy Communion, and others. Such participation in the Holy Eucharist is the foundation of spiritual life and growth, in keeping with Holy Tradition and with the example set by the venerable Saints Cyril and Methodius.

Saint Anthony’s parish offers the Divine Services and the Holy Scriptures to parishioners in the common vernacular languages understood by all members. It is believed that it is precisely that incorporation of both Ukrainian and English languages into parish life that has given rise to the parish’s diverse and growing membership. Since inspiration for reflection on the Gospel readings is stressed every Sunday, it is important that everyone be able to understand what is being imparted to them. This makes it simpler to apply what is heard to daily life. The regular Sunday Divine Liturgy is served with approximately 65 percent in the English language. On the 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays of every month, the worship is only in the English language.

Visitors are reminded that there are parish greeters at the entrance, whose responsibility is to help them to sign a guest register, and to provide them with companions to assist them in following the parish’s unique service books.

The greeters also invite the visitors to join the parishioners for a complimentary coffee and light lunch in the basement hall afterwards. They will also find an opportunity to introduce the visitors to the parish priest. Visitors are also cautioned that Holy Communion is the most important mark of membership in the Orthodox Christian Church. Holy Communion is also a visible sign of unity in the Orthodox Christian Faith. Therefore, only Orthodox Christians (formally received as members of the Church, i.e., by Baptism and/or Chrismation), who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting and Confession (or absolution), are permitted to participate in the Mystery of Holy Communion. Nevertheless, everyone present is welcome to partake of the blessed bread, which is distributed afterwards by the members. Visitors who wish to receive Holy Communion are asked to notify the parish greeters and especially the parish priest before the beginning of the service. In this case, arriving sufficiently early is strongly recommended.

Saint Anthony’s parish is a diverse congregation, whose inclusive nature has attracted many whose mother tongue is not the Ukrainian language. This is a cohesive community with a wide range of ages, cultures, and nationalities.

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.

2020-2021 Coronavirus-19 virus restrictions on parishes

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.

Visit of Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Canada, 2022

On 14-23 May, 2022, Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru) (Bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, headquartered at Montréal, Quebéc) made an archpastoral visitation to some communities in Alberta. The visit included the Romanian parishes in Edmonton and Calgary, and the rural communities northeast of Edmonton.

In Edmonton, there was a meeting with Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk), Bishop of Edmonton and the Western Eparchy (Ukrainian Metropolia/Ecumenical Patriarchate) and Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Locum-tenens of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk) had retired during the previous year.)

The situation of the Ukrainian parishes and community in Canada, the situation in Ukraine and other issues of theological interest were discussed. The meeting was also attended by Father Timothy Chrapko, the pastor of Saint Anthony's Parish, a theology professor, and counsellor. Father Timothy introduced the visitors to the parish where he serves. As a child, he had been the spiritual son of the Boian parish, and he had grown up close to Father Mircea Panciuk as an assistant at the Altar for worship services for a long time.

Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk) and Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru) at Saint Anthony UOC

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.

Change of status, 2026

On 13 July, 2026, the sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk) celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Saint Anthony of the Kyivan Caves Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Edmonton.

He was assisted by 3 priests and 2 protodeacons of the Edmonton Deanery.

During the course of the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Ilarion elevated the Temple of Saint Anthony officially to the dignity of Sobor (an honourific title, which implies a larger Temple suitable for assembling many Faithful together).

Clergy and servers, Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, 13vii2026

Particular parish information

This parish is a part of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, in the Edmonton City region. The bishop of the eparchy is Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk).

This parish follows the Old (Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of Saint Anthony of the Kyiv Caves Monastery, 10/23 July.

In 2024, the pastor of the parish is Priest Timothy Chrapko. The retired Archpriest Stephen Keaschuk is attached.

Saint Anthony Ukrainian Orthodox Church

6103-172 Street

Edmonton, Alberta

T6M 1C1

Telephone : 780-487-2167

Church Fax : 780-487-5446

Web-site : http://www.st-anthonys.ca

E-mail : office@st-anthonys.ca

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Directions :

Saint Anthony’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church is located on the western side of Edmonton. It is situated near the junction of Callingwood Drive NW and 172 Street NW in the Gariepy neighbourhood of the South Callingwood district. Not far to the south is the North Saskatchewan River.

From east or west on Whitemud Drive NW, exit at 170 Street NW, and drive southwards until Callingwood Drive. Turn right. The Temple is found on the left, at the corner of 172 Street and Callingwood Drive. Turn left. There is a parking lot, and parking is available on the streets as well.

170 Street NW is accessible from all the major east-west traffic arteries to the north.

Bus :

There is Edmonton Transit service on Callingwood Drive.

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.

Priest Timothy Chrapko

Telephone : (403) 453-5407

Telephone : (403) 700-9947

E-mail : chrapkot@hotmail.com

Archpriest Stephen Keaschuk

(780) 487-1814

Telephone : (780) 487-2167

E-mail : keaschuk@telus.net

Deacon Anton Lakusta

Telephone : (780) 430-0868

Telephone : (780) 425-9692

E-mail : anton_andrea@shaw.ca

References

History of the Saint Anthony parish

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 Anthony, Edmonton, parish listing

Orthodox World listing for Saint Anthony Orthodox Church, Edmonton

Parish of Saint Anthony web-site

Ukrainian Orthodox Western Eparchy web-site

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

Wikipedia article about the Ukrainian Orthodox of Canada

Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople

Wikipedia article about the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople