Edmonton AB Saint Elia Ukrainian Orthodox Church 1957

Edmonton, Alberta, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Elia, 1957

Elia may be spelt Elias, Elijah, Ilya, Ilia.

Prehistory

Saint Elia Church is the second Ukrainian Orthodox parish established in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

In the early 1950s, the Priest Peter Melnychuk approached John Stechishen about the possibility of establishing a Ukrainian Greek Orthodox parish in northeast Edmonton. However, it was the time of the Korean War, and it was premature for this undertaking. Moreover, immediately after the war ended, the project of building Saint John’s Temple was in progress.

In 1954, Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko) visited Edmonton in order to bless the corner-stone of the new building. He gave the blessing to begin taking steps towards establishing a second community in the city. Unsuccessful attempts were made by Fathers Kowalyshyn and Ambrose Chrustawka to begin the process.

On Sunday, 6 October, 1957, the Mitred Archpriest Eronim Hrytsyna of the Western Diocese (eparchy), approached John Stechishen, and after some consideration, he participated in a meeting of an exploratory committee held on 13 October, 1957, at the home of John and Helen Wynnychuk with 7 people present. There was agreement, and the letter to indicate this was written by :

 Nick Brodyk, Peter Moroz, Paul Romanko, John Stechishen, 
 Rose Stechishen, Helene Wynnychuk, John Wynnychuk

The result was the preliminary steps towards establishing a second Ukrainian Orthodox (formerly Ukrainian Greek-Orthodox) Church in Edmonton.

Organising the parish, 1957

On 27 October, 1957, the first Divine Liturgy was served by Archpriest Michael Fyk at the Kendall Hall (at 131 Avenue and 56 Street). There were 31 people who attended. Following this, an organisational meeting was convoked. Those who participated in this meeting were :

 Nick and Laura Brodyk, Dmetro and Anna Dzuraniuk, Tillie Kurash, Alexander and Anastasia Kyselica, 
 Frank and Mary Moroz, Peter and Anastasia Moroz, Paul and Theresa Romanenko, Domka Shapka, 
 John and Rose Stechishen, Michael and Katehrine Tymchuk, John and Helen Wynnychuk.

Fundraising continued.

On 3 November, 1957, Father Michael Fyk served the Divine Liturgy once again in the same place. This was followed by a memorial service ("Panykhida") for the war veterans. During further meetings after subsequent services, more steps were taken to gather resources.

On 1 December, 1957, following a Divine Liturgy served by Father Michael Fyk, it was found to be clearly necessary to find a new site for worship because the hall was too small. It was decided to rent the old Eastwood United Church at 119 Avenue and 82 Street because of its accessibility.

For some time, it proved necessary that the Divine Liturgy be served in the homes of various people. On one occasion, Mr. and Mrs. Oros offered to sell a piece of property to the community at a reasonable price. In the meantime, there were further meetings as the organisation was refined and a group of women began to form a women’s group.

On 22 December, 1957, a meeting was called, and the patron saint selected for the newly formed parish was the Holy Prophet Elia. At this meeting also, the Mitred Archpriest Eronim Hrytsyna organised the Women’s Auxiliary.

On 21 February, 1958, the parish was officially registered with the Consistory of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

On 22 April, 1958, a resolution was passed which approved the purchase of the property at 11833-66 Street.

In May, 1958, at another meeting, which was attended by the lawyer Peter Lazarowich, the constitution of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada was accepted, and the name that was proposed was accepted. On that day, 16 families registered for membership at an annual fee of $6.00.

A board of directors was elected, and on 22 April, 1958, a resolution approving the purchase of a parcel of land was approved at 11833-66 Street, Edmonton.

Construction of the new Temple, 1958

On 20 June, 1958, Mayor William Hawrelak turned the first spade of soil, and construction was begun. It was anticipated that the building would cost $65,000.00 and accommodate 250 persons. Financing was a major concern, but individual parish members collectively provided promissory notes in sufficient quantity to enable a bank loan to be obtained in the amount of $40,000.00. A donation of $5,000.00 was also received from Saint John’s Cathedral parish in Edmonton, and another donation of $1,000.00 from the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada branch at Saint John’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Edmonton.

Blessing the new Temple, 1958

Construction of the Temple proceeded rapidly. On Sunday, 30 November, 1958, Archpriest Hryhory Metiuk (the new administrator for the Western Diocese, and later Bishop Andrew) blessed the new Temple with holy water, and he led the serving of the first Divine Liturgy in the Temple of Saint Elia.

At a meeting of the board of directors on 13 December, 1958, it was resolved to open a Sunday school and a Ukrainian language school.

Development of parish life

In January, 1959, a choir was organised. Soon thereafter, Professor Serge Eremenko was invited to serve as choir director, and he continued to do so for the next 38 years.

On 11 January, 1959, a group of women who had organised a Ladies Church Group held a meeting with 47 women attending. At this first meeting, it was resolved that the ladies’ group would become affiliated with the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada (UWAC) under the patronage of Lesia Ukrainka. The women struck committees to undertake the formation of a Sunday school, and for the beautification of the Temple. By the end of this first year, the women had also worked diligently to form the first CYMK (Ukrainian Orthodox Youth of Canada) group for the youth of the parish.

On 17 March, 1959, the new parish was blessed by the archpastoral visitation of Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko), who sanctified the Temple and blessed the cornerstone.

In 1959, “Club Trident” was organised for the sole purpose of raising funds to meet the needs of the young parish. William Fedeyko was the first president. The club initially sponsored family social events as a means to raise funds, and by 11 December, 1959, the club was incorporated. The first meeting of Club Trident was held on 1 February, 1960, followed by successful initiatives to increase club membership.

Priests sent from Saint John’s Cathedral (the priests Hrytsyna, Fyk, and Krushtanowich) served at Saint Elia’s until the first officially assigned priest, Mitred Archpriest Ambrose Chrustawka, arrived effective 1 August, 1959. He remained until he was transferred on 31 August, 1961.

Growth and development, 1961

On 1 September, 1961, Mitred Archpriest Ostap Flak was assigned to serve in the parish of Saint Elia. Life in the parish took on a new energy and it gained impetus in a religious, educational and cultural direction. During this period the energetic and visionary clergy, executive and parishioners provided a rich environment for substantial growth and activity, much of it oriented to development of youth programmes. The 50th anniversary book indicates : “His ideals, his love and respect for the Ukrainian traditions impact the school programs. Enough cannot be written about Father Flak’s contribution”. A home to serve as the parsonage was purchased next to the Temple. Father Flak served the parish for the following 28 years.

In 1961, pews were introduced into the Temple.

Dobrodika Natalka Flak, along with committed parish members devoted herself to teaching Sunday school for the next 20 years. All Sunday school students participated in the sacraments of Holy Confession and Holy Communion during the Lenten period. The children also had their own collection plate, and their donations eventually went towards the purchase of the chandelier that still adorns the Temple.

Construction debt repayment completed, 1963

On 3 November, 1963, Archbishop Andrew (Metiuk) made his 5th archpastoral visitation, and he served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Afterwards, there was a celebration to mark the fact that all the debts for construction had been repaid.

Ukrainian Youth organisations begun, 1965

In 1965, Junior and Senior branches of Ukrainian Orthodox Youth – CYMK were formed. Both branches were highly active. The CYMK members received religious and dramatic instruction ; they took part in jamborees, provincial and national conventions, youth festivals, camping, competitions, concerts, debates, seminars, fundraising events and centennial projects, amongst many other activities. They received many awards.

In 1965, a neon Cross was affixed to the exterior of the Temple.

Kindergarten established, 1966

The “sadochok” (kindergarten, “small orchard”) was established in 1966, and it began with 24 children of preschool age registered. Over the years, more than 100 enthusiastic children participated, along with the many dedicated young mothers involved.

In 1966, the local Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada, “Lesia Ukrainka Branch”, published a cookbook to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the “Soyuz Ukrainok Kanadi” (Ukrainian Union) of Canada.

During his service, the Mitred Archpriest Ostap Flak conducted religious lectures for as many as 50 Ukrainian Language School students. Numerous boys were also trained to serve at the Altar.

In 1967, the iconostas was constructed in the Temple.

Iconostas

In 1967, a Ukrainian dance group was formed. With instruction and choreography initially provided by Chester Kuc, registration reached 130 dancers. In 1969, Saint Elia’s School of Ukrainian Dancing was established with the children performing at numerous functions within the parish and community.

In 1968, chandeliers were provided to the Temple.

By 1969, there were 81 members of the Ukrainian Women's Association, Lesia Ukrainka Branch. The women oversaw all the youth programmes and they engaged themselves in a multitude of other efforts including bazaars, bake sales and teas. This resulted in significant financial donations to the parish over the years.

“Club Trident” was active in pursuing various other fundraising efforts within the Edmonton community and also jointly with other groups such as Saint John’s Fraternal Society. The club eventually purchased adjacent properties surrounding the Temple, which enabled the expansion of the parking facilities for the parish.

In 1971, a public address system was added.

20 years, 1977

In 1977, a petition was forwarded by parish members to the Government of Alberta in support of the development of a Senior Citizens’ Home in the neighbourhood. Following this, some parish members and members of Club Trident drew up the necessary bylaws and they created a separate society. This was The Ukrainian Senior Citizens’ Home of Saint Elia. Property was acquired near the Temple, on 66 Street and 119 Avenue, and the building was erected and ready for occupancy in 1980. The residence was named Saint Elia’s Pysanka (Pascha-egg) Manor. It has 36 self-contained suites. The residence meets the accommodation needs of seniors and of those who wish to live in close proximity to the Temple. Saint Elia’s Pysanka Manor is now consolidated with 5 other residences under the Norwood Legion Manor board.

In 1981, electronic chimes were installed.

On 13 May, 1983, Deacon Alexandre Palamarchuk (who had been apprenticing under the tutorship of Father Ostap Flak) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood. Archbishop Boris (Yakovkevych) was the ordaining bishop, and he was assisted by Father Flak and 3 other guest priests. A celebratory banquet and programme followed the occasion.

In 1988, in commemoration of the Millennium of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus’ into the Holy Orthodox Christian Faith, new bronze doors were installed at the entrance to the Temple. As well, the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada, Lesia Ukrainka Branch, undertook a project of commemoration that included embroidering new cloths for use in the Temple, and sewing other new gold-coloured covers for the Holy Table, tetrapod and side-tables in the Temple.

In 1989, after devoting 28 years of service in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Elia, the Mitred Archpriest Ostap Flak retired. Under his leadership and with the devotion and hard work of all parishioners, amazing achievements took place in this parish. The energy and commitment of the parishioners involved during these years was immense, and resulted in a solid foundation for a parish that serves the Orthodox Faithful of northeast Edmonton and the surrounding area.

A change in pastoral leadership, 1989

On 1 October, 1989, the Mitred Archpriest George Turzansky was tentatively assigned to the parish of Saint Elia, pending a further appointment. This was followed by the assignment of the Archpriest Mikolaj Derewianka, effective 1 August, 1991.

Re-naming of the UGOCC ; Eucharistic Communion 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 the Parliament of Canada.

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, 1991

Efforts were made to promote a greater family atmosphere within the congregation. In 1991, the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada, Lesia Ukrainka Branch, began to host monthly fellowship luncheons following Divine Liturgy. This enabled members and guests to visit and to become better acquainted with each other.

When the Temple was constructed, it did not follow the usual and expected architectural patterns. After many comments and complaints had been received, it was decided to attempt to remedy the situation as far as possible.

Renovations, 1992

In 1992 the exterior of the Church received a “face-lift”, complete with domes, brick siding, new steps, an elevator permitting wheelchair accessibility to the Temple and to the auditorium, and the installation of new windows. The bronze entrance doors of the Temple were complemented by all the exterior renovations which clearly demonstrated that Saint Elia’s was visibly a Ukrainian Orthodox Temple. The newly-renovated Temple was re-dedicated on 25 October, 1992, by Archbishop John (Stinka) of Edmonton.

The first edition of a parish directory was created in 1994, which commemorated the “Year of the Ukrainian Orthodox Family” as proclaimed by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. The directory included a history of Saint Elia’s parish, which documented principal milestones and achievements, photographs of the Temple, the board, the elders, the Ukrainian Women’s Association branch, the Pysanka Manor Board, the parish choir, and all the members of the congregation.

On 6 August, 1994, the first stained glass window was installed in the choir loft window.

In 1994, the Saint Elia Pysanka Manor was consolidated with other senior citizens’ residences under the Norwood Legion Manor Board. Saint Elia retained a specific board and held 2 seats on the Norwood Legion Manor Board, which enabled an ongoing influence to maintain a Ukrainian identity within the residence.

In October, 1995, at the initiation of involved parish members, the Church (Sunday) School was reinstated for the children of Saint Elia’s.

Following a proposal by the Archpriest Mikolaj Derewianka, certificates of merit were bestowed upon individual members of the parish in 1995 and 1996 in recognition and appreciation of the contributions they had made.

40 years, 1997

In 1997, further landscaping was completed and adjacent properties were developed for use as 2 overflow parking lots for the Church.

On 28 September, 1997, the parish of Saint Elia celebrated its 40th anniversary with an Hierarchal Divine Liturgy in which the Archpriest Mikolaj Derewianka was awarded with a jewelled Cross by Metropolitan Wasyly (Fedak). A special banquet and programme followed. An anniversary booklet was published in commemoration of the 40th anniversary, which covered the history of the parish from its inception in 1957 to 1997.

On 19 November, 1997, the choir director, composer and professor Serge Eremenko reposed in Christ after a prolonged illness.

On 16 May, 1999, the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada, Lesia Ukrainka Branch, celebrated the 40th anniversary of the branch with a special programme after the Divine Liturgy. A blessing was provided by Archbishop John (Stinka), a special commemorative pin was designed and distributed, a commemorative booklet was created and commemorative group photographs were unveiled. On this occasion, numerous long-term members of the branch were recognised with certificates from the National UWAC. A gift of an icon (the Synaxis of the Metropolitans of Kyiv) was presented as a gift to the Temple from the women of the parish. In return, the branch received from the parish board a gift of a painting from the "Flowers of the Bible" series.

On 31 July, 1999, the Archpriest Mikolaj Derewianka was assigned to another responsibility.

Another change in pastoral leadership

On 1 August, 1999, Archpriest Georg Podtepa was assigned to serve in the parish of Saint Elia.

In 2000, the parish had 175 members, including several young families. The Junior CYMK (Ukrainian Orthodox Youth of Canada) was rejuvenated and grew to the extent that each year, an increasing number of children were registered. The focus on the youth was further addressed by establishing Youth Sunday on the first Sunday of each month. On this day, the Divine Liturgy is served completely in the English language.

In 2000, the parish continued exploring ways to enhance the Temple, and improved communication was targeted as a new goal. Several strategies were considered. One was to commemorate the new millennium by undertaking a special project involving the erection of a large outdoor sign by the Temple in order to enable the posting of services and impending special events. This project was jointly funded by the Lesia Ukrainka Branch of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada and by Club Trident. The outdoor sign was blessed by Archbishop John (Stinka) in October, 2000.

The library of the parish became the focus of renewed growth and expansion with the addition of new materials. These included books in the English and Ukrainian languages, videos, and new bookshelves, all entirely funded by donations from Club Trident.

In 2000, individual parishioners and Club Trident donated a significant number of new prayer books (prepared by the Joint Liturgical Commission of the Permanent Conference of Ukrainian Orthodox Bishops Beyond the Borders of Ukraine. The new prayer books were placed in all the pews of the Temple, and they provide a source of spiritual nourishment for the worshippers.

On 1 December, 2000, a security system was installed in the Temple.

On 1 February, 2001, the name of the parish was officially changed from “Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Parish of Saint Elia” to “Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Elia”.

In April, 2001, the parish of Saint Elia “adopted” a parish in Onoway.

In April, 2001, 4 funeral candle-stands were purchased.

In June, 2002, the parish of Saint Elia initiated the web-site : http://www.uocc-stelia.ca.

On 24 October, 2002, a building committee was formed for the purpose of constructing a cultural centre. On 8 December, 2002, a presentation was made to the parishioners and a new building committee was struck.

In 2003, a second English language service was introduced on the third Sunday of each month.

In 2003, the parish explored the feasibility of further renovations with a potential expansion to the parish auditorium.

In May, 2004, 2 new candle-stands were purchased. In November, 2004, plans progressed towards the construction of a new cultural centre.

On 9 May, 2005, ground was broken for the construction of the new cultural centre adjacent to the Temple of Saint Elia. At this time, the parish included about 170 families.

On 18 June, 2006, Metropolitan John (Stinka) made an official visitation. He served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy together with the Archpriest Georg Podtepa. After the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan John blessed the new cultural centre, and the Saint Elia Cultural Centre was officially opened.

Bereavement, 2008

On 28 July, 2008, Dobrodika Olga Podtepa fell asleep in the Lord after an illness of 2 years’ duration. Her funeral was served on 5 August, 2008.

49 years from the construction of the Temple, 2008

On 3 August, 2008, the Altar Feast-day of the parish, the 49th anniversary of the parish's Temple was marked by the serving of the Divine Liturgy. Since Archpriest Georg Podtepa was absent at the time, the service was led by the Archpriest Victor Lakusta from Saint Andrew’s Sobor. He was assisted by the Priest Mykola Petruschak from Saint John’s Cathedral. The Divine Liturgy was followed by the blessing of water and a procession around the Temple. Afterwards, there was a catered festal meal and a short programme.

50 years since the Temple construction, 2009

On Sunday, 2 August, 2009, the parish celebrated the 50th anniversary of the construction of the Temple. Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk) served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, along with the Archpriests Georg Podtepa, Mykola Sawchenko, and the Priest Peter Haugen, and with Deacons Yaroslav-Gary Boychuk and Anton Lakusta. The Subdeacons Roman Shiyan and Jim Kapustinski, were the bishop’s assistants, along with Saint Elia’s Acolytes Mark Ewanec, Oles Sabadash, Ivas Sabadash, and some Church Elders. The Choral responses were sung by members of the parish choir, under the direction of Oksana Ostashevska.

The Divine Liturgy was immediately followed by a traditional Blessing of Water, and a procession around the Temple. This was completed with the faithful being invited to venerate the Cross, to be anointed with Holy Oil, and to receive some Holy Water. A blessed icon of the Prophet Elias was received by all the faithful.

Blessing water

50-year members

Bereavement, 2015

On 10 November, 2015, Corporal George Makar Podtepa, the son of Father Georg and Dobrodika Olga, fell asleep in the Lord. The funeral services were offered at the church of Saint Elias on 17 November, 2015.

Photos of events in 2017

Great Friday, 2017 : Temple interior (left) ; Procession with Epitaphios (right)

6 August, 2017, before Ordination of Protodeacon Roman Shiyan to the Holy Priesthood

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.

Ordination of Deacon Evan Panchuk, 2022

On Saturday, 16 July, 2022, at 9:00 a.m., Metropolitan-elect Ilarion (Rudnyk) of Edmonton and the Western Eparchy served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Temple of Saint Elia. He was assisted by Protopresbyter Stephan Semotiuk ; Mitred Archpriest Georg Podtepa ; Archpriest Cornell Zubritski ; Priest Dr. Roman Shiyan ; Priest Vasyl Maskal ; and Protodeacon Gary-Yaroslav Boychuk. During the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan-elect Ilarion ordained Subdeacon Evan Panchuk to the Holy Diaconate.

Deacon Evan Panchuk, attached to Saint Elia's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, will also serve in other parishes on occasion, as blessed by the bishop.

Ordination of Deacon Evan Panchuk (left) Clergy at the ordination (right)

Relatives at the ordination

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.

Important supporting organisations

Over the years, both the UWAC and Club Trident have donated substantial sums of money to the parish along with donating specific items for the Temple and the auditorium. The members of these organisations have worked vigorously in support of the development, ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the Temple.

The priests who have served in this parish are :

 Mitred Archpriest Ambrose Chrustawka 		1919-1961
 Mitred Archpriest Ostap Flak 			1961-1989
 Mitred Archpriest George Turzansky 		1989-1991
 Archpriest Mikolaj Derewianka 			1991-1999
 Archpriest Georg Podtepa 				1999-2023

Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Saint Elia

Particular parish information

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

The parish follows the Old (Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the Holy Prophet Elias, 20 July/2 August.

In 2024, the pastor of the parish is Priest Vasyl Maskal. Archpriest Georg Podtepa is attached. The deacon is Deacon Evan Panchuk).

Address :

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Elia

11833-66 Street

Edmonton, Alberta

T5B 1J2

Telephone : 789-471-2288

Fax : 780-471-3603

Web-site : http://www.uocc-stelia.ca

Facebook

Directions :

The Temple is found on the east side of 66th Street NW in Edmonton, just north of 118th Avenue.

From Wayne Gretzky Drive, exit on 118th Avenue and turn eastwards. Drive 6 blocks to 66th Street. Turn left (north) on 66th Street. The Temple is on the right.

From the Yellowhead Highway (#16), exit at 66th Street and turn to the south. Drive 4-5 blocks southwards. The Temple is on the left.

Parking is available in a lot and on the neighbourhood streets.

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 Vasyl Maskal (Rector)

Office : (780) 471-2288

Archpriest Georg Podtepa

Mobile : 780-984-6290

E-mail : geopod@telusplanet.net

Deacon Evan Panchuk

Mobile : (825) 474-5252

References

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada : Saint Elia parish history

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.

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Elia, “The Church and Its People : 50th Anniversary Celebration” (Edmonton, AB : Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Elia, 2009).

Yereniuk, Prof. Roman, “A Short Historical Outline of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC)”.

Additional information :

“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” (Toronto : Hypertex Plus, 2008). ISBN : 9780969670056.

A Brief History of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

Orthodox world listing for Saint Elia Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Western Eparchy of the UOCC 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

Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)

Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko)