Kelowna BC Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church 1957
Kelowna, British Columbia, Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1957
Prehistory
From 1949, Ukrainian Orthodox Christians living in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, relied on the pastor and parish in Vernon, British Columbia. There, the Archpriest Peter Melnychuk was the pastor. He either travelled to Kelowna to care for the believers there, or people travelled to Kelowna.
Founding the parish, 1957
On 17 January, 1957, there was a meeting in the home of Mr. and Mrs. E Kobrinowich. During the meeting, it was decided that it was time to organise a parish in Kelowna. The new community kept a sense of deep gratitude towards the parish in Vernon for the great support that they gave the Kelowna parish. This support was given, both at the beginning and during the many years afterwards.
On 20 January, 1957, the first Divine Liturgy service was held in a rented hall with the Priest S Huculak of Vernon serving.
On 3 February, 1957, the first meeting of the community was held, and the first executive was elected :
Makar Melnichuk, president ; E Kobranowich, secretary ; N Kudla, treasurer ; the auditors were : Vasile Ambrosie, A Osowetski, and H Yasinowski.
The founding members and their families were :
William Ambrosie ; E Kobrinowich ; Nikola Kudla ; T Lenden ; Alexander Osowetski ; Helen Serwa ; J Stocen ; H Yasinowski.
On 17 January, 1958, the first annual meeting was held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. J Serwa, with 15 members in attendance. The main purpose of the meeting was to purchase 2 acres of land from Vasile and Dora Ambrosie for $1,000.00. On this land would be built a Temple and a cultural centre (hall). In March, 1958, the members began the construction of the parish hall. Then there was discussion about the nature of the usage of the hall, as to whether it would be used for other than Divine Services at this time. The priest, Father S Huculak, advised that the matter be forwarded to the Consistory Office for a ruling. In the context of this uncertainty, and the possibility that the ruling could direct usage only for worship, a secular society was formed, “The Ukrainian Cultural Society of Kelowna”, and it was successfully incorporated. The hall was constructed at 1933 Barlee Road in Kelowna.
The incorporated society took over the agreement with Mr. Ambrosie regarding the land purchase, since throughout the process, the community had been of one mind about the site of the church structure. Funds for the cost of purchasing the land and constructing the building were provided by the members of the congregation.
Parish hall
Dispute, re-organisation, 1964-1965
In 1964, there were serious misunderstandings which resulted in court proceedings. As a result, the society was disbanded. Some of the members withdrew their support for the project and they withdrew from the community, and their financial contributions were refunded.
In 1965, the title to the land was transferred to the Ukrainian Orthodox Congregation of Saints Peter and Paul in Kelowna. The remaining members worked earnestly to supply the needs of the congregation and to repay all debts that had been incurred by the society. Soon, new residents in Kelowna became members of the parish.
The members of the congregation at the beginning of this renewal included parishioners from the Brigida, Kudla, Mazzie, Melnichuk, Yakowluk and Yasinowski families.
In 1967, the church choir was being led by Isadore Woronchak.
On 8 June, 1969, there were 33 members who authorised the executive to research the costs of materials necessary for the construction of a church building. In September, 1969, a building committee was appointed :
Alexander Kowalchuk, Makar Melnichuk and Isadore Woronchak.
At the monthly meeting of 12 April, 1970, 33 members were given 3 plans to choose from. Plan #3 was chosen. Further discussion followed.
Construction of the Temple, 1971-1973
At a meeting of 28 members on 4 April, 1971, it was decided firmly to proceed with the project. The contractor, Nicholas Kitz, was chosen and a contract was signed on 2 July, 1971. On 18 July, 1971, the Archpriest Michael Fyk (of Saint Vladimir's Church in Calgary, Alberta,) and the local priest, the Archpriest Jakiw Rybalka, blessed the site of the future Temple. Construction began on 20 July, 1971.
On 12 April, 1972, although the domes had not yet been installed, the first liturgical service was offered in the new building. Then the domes were installed, and the construction of the iconostas followed later. On 9 July, 1972, the first Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served by Archbishop Andrew (Metiuk), together with the Archpriest J Rybalka and Deacon John Tkachuk.
In 1973, the congregation borrowed $7,000.00 from amongst the parishioners for the purchase of the domes and the completion of the interior. In addition, the parishioners contributed a considerable amount of personal labour in the construction, as well as in applying the asphalt to the parking area and providing the landscaping.
Formation of Ukrainian Women's Association, and Ukrainian Self-Reliance Association
In 1974, the Ukrainian Women’s Association, Dr. Savella Stechisen Branch, was organised, as was also the Ukrainian Self-Reliance Association. Both organisations have made significant contributions to the parish. One of the main purposes of the women’s association was to raise funds for the construction of a parish hall. The women’s association also prepared for the local establishment of a branch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Youth of Canada. The women’s association consistently worked hard to raise funds to provide for parish necessities such as liturgical items, carpeting and the like. This provision included a considerable amount of hand-work such as embroidered towels and cloths and vestments.
On Sunday, 26 October, 1975, the debt for the mortgage was retired. On the same day, loans were obtained from parish members for the previous purchase of the domes and for the completion of the interior, including the completion of the iconostas.
Parish cemetery section, 1976
In 1976, the parish congregation purchased 200 cemetery plots at Lakeview Memorial Gardens.
In 1977, the iconostas was completed. Icons were prepared by the Winnipeg iconographer, Mrs. S Stackursky.
Fire, damage, and repair, 1979
In 1979, there was a fire in the Temple which destroyed some of the wooden icons and a few other wooden items. Because the original craftsman reposed in Christ soon after the work was done, another craftsman did the work to replace them in 1980.
A mandolin orchestra
A mandolin orchestra was formed within the parish. It consisted mostly of retired men and women.
Ukrainian Trident Cultural Society, 1979
In 1979, the “Ukrainian Trident Cultural Society” was formed with similar purposes to other organisations that wished to foster and promote the religious, cultural and traditional heritage of Ukrainian people.
On 30 September, 1979, a chapter of the Order of Saint Andrew was established in Kelowna. Since then, at the annual Divine Liturgy and dinner on the order's feast-day, contributions are solicited towards the support of Saint Andrew’s College in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
In 1981, the parish’s membership grew to number 112, consisting of 87 families and 25 single persons. It helped during these years that the Archpriests Michael Fyk and Nicholas Moroz were both living in retirement in the area, and they were able to help the assigned priest (at this time, the Priest Peter Bodnar). This was especially the case, since during this decade the parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Kelowna had become part of the newly-developed Kelowna-Vernon Region of the Western Eparchy. One priest was assigned to be responsible for 2 parishes. From that time, the trio of parishes includes Kelowna, Vernon and Kamloops. Near the end of 1981, the Ukrainian Self-Reliance Association (TYC) was established. It is a part of the local branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (KYK). They focus their efforts on the cultural-educational aspects, and they work together with the women (CYK) for the needs of the congregation and for the parish.
25 years, 1982
In 1982, the parish celebrated its 25th anniversary. There was an archpastoral visitation by Archbishop John (Stinka). He served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on 11 July, 1982, and a special celebration followed.
In 1986, Isadore Woronchak was ordained to the Holy Priesthood.
In 1990, the parish hall was expanded, mostly through volunteer help. A wheelchair ramp was installed for both the hall and the Temple.
Re-naming of the UGOCC, 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.
The UOCC entered into Eucharistic union with the Patriarchate of Constantinople, 1990
In 1990, the 18th Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 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.
Development of a housing complex for seniors, 1994
In 1994, a portion of the parish property was leased for the construction of a 27-unit affordable housing complex for seniors. The founding directors were :
J Boyko ; A Danyliu ; M Dubyk ; H Pawlyshyn ; P Stelmaschuk ; William Tokarik.
The residence was called “Orchard Haven Housing Society” (in Ukrainian, the name means “Quiet Garden”). It is a 3-storey structure, whose residents of age 50 and older own their own portions of the structure. All members are Orthodox Christians who are members of this parish. The structure includes a community hall for the use of the residence, and it includes a crafts room, games room, library, workshop and roof garden.
Development of other communities
Also in 1994, a new Temple was opened in Kamloops, British Columbia, and a priest was assigned to serve there. The Dormition of Saint Mary Parish at Vernon, British Columbia, became a sister parish to Kelowna.
The construction of the housing complex was completed in 1995, and the official blessing by Metropolitan Wasyly (Fedak) was on 3 July, 1995.
In 2002, there was a renovation of the pews in the Temple.
In 2007, the Archpriest Isadore Woronchak was assigned to serve in this parish and in Vernon. In that same year, the parish celebrated its 50th anniversary. At this time, Metropolitan John (Stinka) made an archpastoral visitation to the parish and served an Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.
In 2010, the Archpriest Isadore Woronchak retired, and after that he served in the community as emeritus priest.
Temple interior, iconostas
60 years, 2017
On 9 July, 2017, Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk) and Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk) served the Divine Liturgy together in the parish on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the parish.
Hierarchical Divine Liturgy ; Festal dinner main table
Choral presentation
In 2017, the Kelowna parish welcomed the Priest Chad Pawlyshyn and his family (Dobrodiyka Carmen, Anastasia, Demetrius and Cyprian), who was assigned to serve this parish. He arrived in the Okanagan Parochial District from Vancouver Island.
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.
Bereavement, 2022
On 25 January, 2022, Archpriest Isadore Woronchak, former pastor of the parish, fell asleep in the Lord in Kelowna.
The Funeral Services for the Burial of a Priest were offered in the Temple of Saints Peter and Paul on Sunday, 30 January, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., by Archpriest Cornell Zubritsky ; Priest Timothy Chrapko, and Priest Chad Pawlyshyn.
The Memorial Divine Liturgy and Litiya were offered on Monday, 31 January, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. by the same priests.
Following the funeral obsequies, the body of Archpriest Isidore Woronchak was interred at Lakeview Memorial Gardens.
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.
Priests who have served the parish of Saints Peter and Paul include : Protopresbyter S Huculak 1957-1959 Protopresbyter H Wasyliw 1959-1963 Protopresbyter Leonid Diachina 1963-1964 Archpriest J Rebalka 1964-1972 Protopresbyter N Moroz 1972-1977 Archpriest A Lakusta 1977-1980 Protopresbyter G Turzansky 1980-1981 Priest Peter Bodnar 1981-1984 Protopresbyter P Blazuk 1984-1988 Protopresbyter M Stetzenko 1988-1996 Archpriest Georg Podtepa 1996-1998 Priest W Popovitch 1998-1999 Archpriest M Derewianka 1999-2001 Archpriest Pawlo Berezniak 2001-2003 Archpriest Dr. I Plewa 2003-2007 Archpriest Isadore Woronchak 2007-2014 Archpriest Roman Trynoha 2014-____
Particular parish information
This parish is a part of the Okanagan Parochial District of the Western Eparchy 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 this parish is the Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, 29 June/12 July.
In 2024, the pastor of this parish (and 3 other parishes in the Okanagan Parochial District) is the Priest Chad Pawlyshyn.
Address :
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saints Peter and Paul
1935, Barlee Road
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 4S3
Telephone : 250-860-7384
Web-site : http://stspeterandpaulkelowna.com/
President : Joanne Rak
Telephone : 250-768-8399
E-mail : president@stspeterandpaulkelowna.com
Directions :
Kelowna is located 390 km (242 mi) northeast of Vancouver. The journey by car takes approximately 4 hours.
From Vancouver, follow the Trans-Canada Highway #1 east ; BC Highway #5 north ; and BC Highway #97C to the Okanagan Highway, BC #97N. Take the exit, and follow the Okanagan Highway/BC #97N south to Kelowna.
From Highway #97, exit on Cooper Road, drive south to Springfield Road, and turn right onto Springfield Road. Drive to Barlee Road and turn right. (An approach from the opposite direction on Springfield Road does not allow for left turn at Barlee Road.)
The Temple complex is found at the junction of Barlee Road and Springfield Road, opposite the Springfield Funeral Home.
Telephone : (250) 319-5979 (mobile)
E-mail : fr.c.pawlyshyn@hotmail.com
Priest Chad Pawlyshyn is responsible also for :
Saint Michael’s Parish (Kamloops-Prince George District) ;
All Saints Parish (Kamloops-Prince George District) ;
Dormition Of Saint Mary Parish (Kelowna-Vernon District).
References
A Brief History of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saints Peter and Paul, “50th Anniversary Ukrainian Orthodox Church Saints Peter and Paul” (Kelowna, BC : Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saints Peter and Paul, 2007).
Yereniuk, Prof. Roman, “A Short Historical Outline of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC)”
Additional information :
Huculak, Michael, “Ukrainians in British Columbia and their Contribution to the cultural Life of the Province”, trans. Marta D. Olynyk (Richmond, BC : Ivan Franko Cultural Society, 1984)
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.
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 Saints Peter and Paul, Kelowna, British Columbia parish listing
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada web-site
Orthodoxwiki article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada
Ecumenical Patriarchate web-site
Wikipedia article about the Ecumenical Patriarchate
Patriarch Demetrios I (Papadopoulos)
Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)
Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko)
Metropolitan Michael (Khoroshy)
Metropolitan Yuriy (Kalistchuk)
Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk)
Encyclopedia of Ukraine article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
Encyclopaedia of Ukraine article about British Columbia
Canadian Encyclopedia article about Ukrainian Canadians
Wikipedia article about Ukrainian Canadians
Wikipedia article about the Ukrainian diaspora
Ukrainian Immigration to Canada
Orthodoxwiki list of parishes in British Columbia
Findagrave reference for Lakeview Memorial Gardens
Funeral services for Archpriest Isidore Woronchak (30-31 January, 2022)
Obituary for Archpriest Isadore Woronchak
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)