Winnipeg MB Saint Michael Ukrainian (Bukovynian) Orthodox Church 1918
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Saint Michael Ukrainian (Bukovynian) Orthodox Church, 1918
Bukovynian may be spelt Bukovinian, Bucovinian, Bukowynian.
Prehistory
The beginnings of this parish community are found in Holy Trinity Orthodox Church at Manitoba Avenue and McGregor Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It seems that when Archimandrite Adam (Philipovsky) was assigned to Holy Trinity Church in 1917, there arose in the community various differences of opinion as a result of his strong positions on various subjects. This was augmented by the effects of the Bolshevik Revolution near the end of the same year. The differences increased in intensity, and as a result, a substantial group of parishioners, in particular parishioners of Bukovinian origin, decided to establish a separate parish community.
Establishing the parish, 1918
In 1918, these Bukovinian parishioners separated themselves from Holy Trinity Church, and they established themselves as the distinct congregation known as the “National Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Michael” in Point Douglas. In the same year, they purchased the vacant Saint Mark’s Anglican missionary church building at 110, Disraeli Street in the Point Douglas area of Winnipeg. Point Douglas is so called because it is found at a bend in the Red River, which makes it seem to be a sort of peninsula. Point Douglas was also divided into North and South Points Douglas by the construction of the Disraeli Expressway in downtown Winnipeg.
In establishing the congregation, the members incorporated the community as an "independent" parish. In doing so, they retained ownership and control of the parish property. They petitioned the bishop for a priest, and thereby they were served pastorally.
History of the building (1887-1917)
The origin of this building was in 1887 with the establishment of a Sunday School in a small building by the Men’s Guild of Christ Church Anglican parish. This particular building, erected in 1902 on Rachel Street (now Annabella Street) and then moved to Disraeli Street in 1906, had been intended (as other Protestant ventures) to help in the “Canadianisation” and “Anglicanisation” of immigrants from Europe. It functioned in this capacity until 1912.
In May, 1917, its contents were given to another Anglican parish in Saint Vital on the east side of the river.
On 22 September, 1917, the Russian Orthodox Priest Walter (Vladimir) Budnyk served the Divine Liturgy in this building.
Purchase of the Temple, 1918
The building was sold in the summer of 1918 to the new parish of Saint Michael. The services of Father Budnyk were followed by those of other priests sent from the mission centred at Holy Trinity Church.
Between 1919 and 1924, the pastor who served this congregation and parish regularly was Priest Panteleimon Bozhyk. Father Panteleimon had emigrated to the USA from Bucovina, Romania, and he had graduated later from the “North American Ecclesiastical Seminary” (called by some “Russian Orthodox Seminary”), in Minneapolis, Minnesota (after 1912 in Tenafly, New Jersey). From 1911, he served in various parishes of the Russian Orthodox Diocese of North America (the former “Russian Mission”), until he was assigned to serve at Saint Michael's in 1919.
Priest Panteleimon Bozhyk
Once it had been purchased (for $1,800), the structure required many modifications in order to make it suitable for Orthodox worship. A belfry was added at the entrance, over which a large “onion” dome (cupola) was constructed. It was topped with a 3-bar Cross. This addition allowed for an elevated choir-loft above the vestibule. Beyond this was a small entry-porch. At the east end of the Temple, above the Altar area, there was also constructed a small elevated onion-dome, also topped with an appropriately smaller 3-bar Cross. It is suggested that this arrangement gave the building a somewhat “Lemko” appearance, although the parishioners were actually Bukovinian. The basement, which is larger than the Temple itself, has been very accommodating, and it includes a well-appointed stage.
The large, yet modest iconostas was crafted by the early parish members. It includes many small icons, besides the large principal icons. Some of these icons may predate 1918, and they could have come from Bukovina. A unique detail regarding the Royal Doors reflects the fact that many of the early parishioners worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). The Royal Doors were fashioned from heavy-gauge sheet metal.
As he continued to shepherd this portion of Christ's flock, Father Panteleimon published briefly a newspaper "Bukovyna" (1920-1921).
In 1922, the parishioners established an organisation named "Saint Michael's Fraternal Aid Association" in order to provide members an illness and death benefit. By 1928, there were 100 members.
After 1923, and the incorporation of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada, there developed a division in the parish. The controversy was about whether or not to join this new entity. There followed after this almost 10 years of litigation regarding the ownership of the property and the Orthodox "jurisdiction" to which it would belong.
In 1924, Father Panteleimon Bozhyk left the parish.
Saint Michael's Church, 1930
Entry into the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America, 1932
By 1932, this parish had become a part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America. Bishop Joseph (Žuk) was the bishop of this diocese at that time. This movement reflected the fact that by then there was a large Ukrainian population in the area.
In making this affiliation, the parish changed its name to Saint Michael Ukrainian (Bukovynian) Orthodox Church, and the parishioners established an active spiritual relationship also with the nearby and younger community of Saint Ivan Suchavsky Church on Main Street. The histories of the 2 communities then moved to some extent in parallel.
In 1937, Bishop Bohdan (Shpylka) succeeded Bishop Joseph (Žuk) as the bishop of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America. Later, he was elevated to the dignity of metropolitan. He was, therefore, the bishop of this parish from that year.
Saint Michael's parishioners, 1937
Mykola Dolynchuk was the president of the parish in the late 1940s ("Mykola" is a Ukrainian form of "Nicholas").
The parishioners have maintained a long and devoted relationship with this Temple. Its interior decoration includes a banner of the Holy Apostle Andrew, and there is a huge bronze medallion of Saint Olha/Olga (the grandmother of Saint Vladimir) designed by Leo Mol. Visible also is a Gospel Book which was brought to Canada with the first immigration.
Saint Michael's parish 1952
The entrance in 1965, before the covering was added
In 1967, Metropolitan Andrei (Kuschak) became the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America, and therefore the bishop of this parish.
In 1987, Bishop Vsevolod (Maidanski) became head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America (UOCA), and therefore the bishop of this parish.
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.
Union of the UOCA with the UOCUSA, 1996
In 1996, Archbishop Vsevolod (Maidanski) united the UOCA with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA (UOCUSA).
In 1996, the self-proclaimed autocephalous "Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA" (UOC-USA) and the "Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America" (under the Church of Constantinople since 1937) were united at last under the leadership of Metropolitan Constantine (Buggan) (1936–2012). For the first time, nearly all the Ukrainian Orthodox Christians in America were unified and in the canonical Orthodox Church, within the Patriarchate of Constantinople. The name "Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA" was kept for the combined body.
Transfer to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, 1997
Then, in 1997, the Patriarchate of Constantinople directed that there be a general reorganisation and regulation of the Ukrainian Orthodox dioceses in North America. In part because of international regulations, the several Canadian parishes of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA (UOCUSA) were joined to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC).
However, this compulsory move also involved the required use of the Ukrainian language in worship services instead of Church Slavonic. This change was difficult for the parishioners to accept and to become comfortable about. Nevertheless, with time, people became accustomed to the changes.
In recent years, the parish became associated with the parish of Saint Nicholas in Gonor, since they were served by the same priest, the Protopresbyter Oleh Krawchenko.
In 2013, the parish celebrated its 95th anniversary.
100 years
In 2018, the parish celebrated its centennial anniversary.
Interior views
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.
Particular parish information
This parish is a part of the Winnipeg region of the Central Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. The bishop is Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk).
This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.
The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, 8/21 November.
In 2026, the parish is served by clergy of the Winnipeg District of the Central Eparchy.
Address:
Saint Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church
110, Disraeli Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R2W 3J5
Directions :
The Temple is found on Disraeli Street, which is a one-way street in the direction of the Red River.
From the Disraeli Expressway westbound, take the first exit to the right, keep right, and then drive around the block. Turn left at Rover Avenue, left again at Barber Street, left again at Euclid Avenue, left again at Sutherland Avenue, and left again at Disraeli Street. The Temple is on the right.
From the Disraeli Expressway eastbound, take the last exit before the Red River, to the right. Keep right and follow Gladstone Street to Sutherland Avenue. Turn right on Sutherland Avenue, and turn right on Disraeli Street. The Temple is on the right.
From Main Street southbound, after passing Stella Avenue on the right, turn left at Euclid Avenue. Follow Euclid Avenue to Sutherland Avenue. Veer left, and then turn left on Disraeli Street. The Temple is on the right.
From Main Street northbound, either follow the directions for the Disraeli Expressway eastbound, or turn right on Sutherland Avenue (north of the railway). Follow Sutherland to Disraeli Street. Turn left on Disraeli Street. The Temple is on the right.
Telephones : 204-474-2812 ; (204) 945-1701
E-mail : emaximiuk@hotmail.com
Saint Michael's Temple as seen from the Disraeli Expressway
References
A Brief History of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
A Chronological History of the Archdiocese of Canada, Part I
Martynowych, Orest T, “Ukrainians in Canada : The Formative Years, 1891-1924” (Edmonton : Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies Press, University of Alberta, 1991).
“The Russian Mission in North America”
Additional information :
Bozhyk, Panteleimon, “Tserkov ukraintsiv v Kanadi” (Winnipeg, 1927), p. 9. [“Church of the Ukrainians in Canada”, 1927, 335 pp., with photo illustrations.]
“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).
Klysh, Protopresbyter Mirone, “Orthodox Christians in Manitoba”
Krawshenko, Protopresbyter Oleh, “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”
Kukushkin, Vadim, “From Peasants to Labourers : Ukrainian and Belarusan Immigration from the Russian Empire to Canada” (Montreal & Kingston : McGill-Queen's University Press, 2007).
Rotoff, Basil ; Yereniuk, Roman ; Hryniuk, Stella, “Monuments To Faith : Ukrainian Churches In Manitoba” (Manitoba Heritage, Culture and Recreation : Winnipeg, 1990). ISBN : 0-88755-621-3.
“St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church (110 Disraeli Street)” (City of Winnipeg Historical Buildings Committee : Winnipeg, September, 2007).
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.
University of Manitoba Faculty of Arts : Priest Panteleimon Bozhyk and Point Douglas
Yereniuk, Prof. Roman, “A Short Historical Outline of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC)”
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada web-site
Orthodoxwiki article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
Wikipedia article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
Central Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada web-site
Wikipedia article about the Central Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
Orthodoxwiki article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA (Predecessor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA as the diocese to which the parish first belonged.)
Church of Constantinople web-site
Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Constantinople
Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)
Metropolitan John (Theodorovych)
Metropolitan Ilarion I (Ohienko)
Metropolitan Michael (Khoroshy)
Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk)
Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk)
Canada's Historic Places : Saint Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Encyclopaedia of Ukraine article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
Encyclopedia of Ukraine article about Winnipeg
Canadian Encyclopaedia article about Ukrainian Canadians
Wikipedia article about Ukrainian Canadians
Wikipedia article about Ukrainian Diaspora
Ukrainian Immigration to Canada
Pioneer Church : Saint Michael's remains a Centrepiece for City's Ukrainian Orthodox Community (2 August, 2014)
Enthronement of Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk) as Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (19 November, 2022)
Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) at the Phanar in the Ecumenical Patriarchate (2 July, 2023)
Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) announces Change of Calendar (1 December, 2023)
Video : 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (2018)