View source for Bonnyville AB Saint Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church 1960


[[File:Saint Elias Orthodox UOC Bonnyville 2.png]]

'''Bonnyville, Alberta, Saint Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1960'''


==General information==

The Town of [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/bonnyville Bonnyville], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alberta Alberta], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada],  is situated in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipal_District_of_Bonnyville_No._87 Bonnyville Municipal District], as is the city of [https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cold-lake Cold Lake].

In 2024, it was a region of increasing population.  Situated northeast of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake Smoky Lake], and north of [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/vermilion Vermilion], its eastern boundary is the [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/saskatchewan Saskatchewan] provincial border.  Thirteen km (8 mi) to the northeast from Bonnyville is the rural community of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Meadow%2C_Alberta Big Meadow] and the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Big_Meadow_AB_Saint_John_the_Baptist_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery Ukrainian Orthodox Temple of Saint John the Baptist].  The main road link for Cold Lake, Bonnyville, [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/st-paul Saint Paul] and Smoky Lake is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_28 Highway #28] from [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/edmonton Edmonton].  

This municipal district includes several localities in which [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox Christian] communities were established in the 1930s and afterwards.  

Although this region was very slowly settled by [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/homesteading homesteaders] after 1900, indigenous [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cree Cree], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/chipewyan Denesuline] and [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/metis Métis] peoples were previously numerous in the region, and they participated in the [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/fur-trade fur trade] after 1871.  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavs Slavs] and other peoples ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franco-Albertans Franco-Canadians] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_people Europeans]) began to settle in the region primarily during the late 1930s, and especially during and after [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II World War II] and the establishment of a [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canadian-forces-bases Royal Canadian Air Force Base] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CFB_Cold_Lake Cold Lake] in 1954.  

==Prehistory==

The first [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian] Temple to be established in the region was that of [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bonnyville_AB_Saints_Peter_and_Paul_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1940 Saints Peter and Paul] at Bonnyville, in 1940.  That community was part of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Canadian Diocese] of the "[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America]" at that time.  

==Organisation of the community==

In 1959, some members of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Big_Meadow_AB_Saint_John_the_Baptist_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1930 Saint John the Baptist Church] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Meadow%2C_Alberta Big Meadow], Alberta (along with other members who were living in Bonnyville and neighbouring communities), began thinking about establishing a new Ukrainian Orthodox congregation in the town of Bonnyville.  Bonnyville had emerged as a leading regional commercial and administrative centre.  

As was happening in most rural areas across Canada, the farming population was rapidly shrinking, while advantageously situated towns and villages were simultaneously enjoying periods of growth due to the profound changes affecting the agricultural economy.  With the [https://canadacommons.ca/topics/rural-depopulation/ increasing urbanisation of rural settlements], and the greater mobility afforded by improved roads, town life grew in importance.  Many districts in the countryside lost the schools, post offices and businesses that for decades had provided them with a local identity and name.  Thus, the decision to found a congregation in Bonnyville was in many ways simply a reflection of the transformation that was taking place throughout much of rural Alberta. 

==Founding the community==

Informal discussions in 1959 led to a founding meeting being held at the Huren family home in Bonnyville with the participation of Priest P Dorosh-Zmiyiwsky and some central members of the Big Meadow congregation.  An executive committee was formed at this gathering, along with a building committee, and plans were made about how to proceed with the establishment of a Temple in Bonnyville.

At about the same time, at an annual meeting held at Big Meadow on 4 December 1959, an executive was elected for Saint John’s parish that also supported the idea of starting a Bonnyville congregation.  They agreed that all of the money raised from Christmas carolling that year would be dedicated towards facilitating the establishment of a new Temple in Bonnyville.  There was a general feeling that the Big Meadow church was old and small, with no real potential for future growth. 

'''Consequent controversy'''

This decision subsequently proved to be highly controversial with some of the long-time members of Saint John’s parish, who responded by calling an extraordinary meeting on 17 January 1960 that elected a new executive, comprised almost entirely of different people. 

In replacing the leadership that had been chosen just 6 weeks earlier, the new executive accused their predecessors of neglecting their duties to the parish (because it was impossible for one executive to serve 2 parishes) and demanded that all of the keys and records be turned over to them. 

Subsequently, further allegations were made that in addition to the carolling money, income earned from the Big Meadow hall had also been taken by the ousted executive, without proper approval, and that they had utilised it for the purposes of starting the new congregation.  Not only were emotions running high because of these developments, but also the threat of legal action meant that the escalating dispute could potentially prove to be both costly and detrimental to the survival of both Ukrainian Orthodox groups.

For their part, those behind the Bonnyville initiative argued that they were still members of Saint John’s parish in Big Meadow, and that the executive chosen in December had been fully within its rights to help start a town-based congregation.  They pointed out that there had been problems in the Big Meadow parish for some years (which they largely attributed to one difficult person).  They suggested that the majority of Big Meadow members were in favour of the decision to establish a parish and Temple in Bonnyville.  The ousted directors considered settling the matter in court, since they felt that their honour had been impugned by the accusations of financial impropriety. 

Nonetheless, it was eventually decided to hand over the documents and keys to the new Saint John’s executive so as to avoid legal complications, and hopefully to put an end to the sad wrangling.  Thenceforth, the 2 groups became separate organisational entities. 

The Bonnyville supporters had decided by February, 1960, to adopt [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Elijah Saint Elias] (the holy prophet) as the patron of their new congregation. 

At its establishment, the parish of Saint John the Baptist became part of the "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada]" (UGOCC), and of its [https://uocc-we.ca/ Western Eparchy] (Western Diocese) that was established in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/edmonton Edmonton], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alberta Alberta].

==Purchase of property, 1960==

Moving quickly to realise their goals, at a meeting held on 7 February, 1960, the fledgling Bonnyville parish voted to purchase a two-acre parcel of land for their Temple.  Later that year, they celebrated their first Feast-day service on this site. 

At that time, the Saint Elias Faithful numbered 14 members, virtually all of whom still belonged to Saint John’s parish in Big Meadow (they had only recently paid their annual "dues").  

'''Incorporation, 1961'''

So as to facilitate the registration of their land with provincial authorities (under the [https://open.alberta.ca/publications/r15 Societies Lands Act]), on 5 August, 1961, the congregation resolved to become incorporated under the charter of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada].  They were officially admitted in November of the same year.

==Construction of the Temple, 1961==

In the spring of 1961, construction of a functional and spacious two-domed sanctuary was begun.  

By 30 April, 1962, the structure was ready to be blessed and put to regular use as a place of worship. 

Tensions continued to linger for several years between the Bonnyville Faithful and those who had remained committed to the Big Meadow parish.  However, since the 2 congregations were part of the same pastoral district and they shared the same clergy, they continued to interact and periodically to co-operate.  

Of course, with the passing of time, circumstances inevitably changed in both the Big Meadow and Bonnyville communities.  Hurt feelings slowly healed and receded into memory.  Indeed, despite these controversial and painful beginnings, Saint Elias Church gained momentum quickly ; and soon, the parish assumed a leading role within the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glendon,_Alberta Glendon] parish district.

Thus, by 1964 Bonnyville had replaced Glendon as the preferred base for clergy who were assigned to serve the congregations in the northeast corner of the province. Although there was talk about moving the existing residence from Glendon to Bonnyville, and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elk_Point,_Alberta Elk Point] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Paul,_Alberta Saint Paul] expressed a desire to become the seat of the parish district, it was eventually agreed that a brand new manse would be built in the town of Bonnyville with funds raised in all of the congregations. 

'''Bonnyville centre of the northeastern pastoral district, 1965'''

In 1965, the [https://we-uocc.ca/index.php/parishes/alberta-parishes/bonnyville-region Bonnyville parish district] also obtained a 10-year lease for a [https://www.bonnyvilleanddistrictuoc.ca/kievs-k-hi.html church camp] property on nearby [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moose_Lake_(Alberta) Moose Lake], indicating that Ukrainian Orthodox adherents throughout the lake country of the northeast were looking optimistically towards the future.

In the second half of the 1960s, Saint Elias enjoyed a period of relative stability.  

'''Some disturbance, 1970'''

However, this stability came to an end in 1970 because of some problems affecting their pastoral leadership. 

The unsettled situation lasted for about 2 years, during which time the Bonnyville district was served out of Smoky Lake by [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/151332710/abbot-loren-kubin Father Loren (Kubin)].  The manse was rented out to a teacher. 

While the subsequent posting of [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rt-rev-protopresbyter-stephan-semotiuk/ Father Stephan Semotiuk] to the district improved matters for a time, by 1973 circumstances compelled the [https://we-uocc.ca/ Western Diocese] to attempt a reorganisation of parish districts that briefly saw [https://www.uocc.ca/parish/holy-trinity-parish-5/ Holy Trinity Church], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrnam Myrnam] ; [https://www.centraleastalberta.com/Visitors/ChurchBrochure/ChurchPages/Church_pages_4.htm Holy Dormition Church], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/County_of_Two_Hills_No._21#Communities_and_localities South Slawa] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2593248/st.-john-the-baptist-ukrainian-orthodox-cemetery/photo Saint John the Baptist Church], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morecambe,_Alberta Morecambe] ; and [https://www.uocc.ca/parish/st-elias-parish-3/ Saint Elias Church], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wandering_River Wandering River], being added to the communities being served from Bonnyville.  

As had previously been the case when the seat of the northeast district was at [https://www.uocc.ca/parish-location/alberta/glendon/ Holy Trinity Church], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glendon,_Alberta Glendon], it continued to be a challenge to generate enough funds to sustain a resident cleric.  

Given that at the end of 1973, the combined membership of all the churches in the district amounted to approximately 60, it is not surprising that clergy were finding it extremely difficult to support their families while tending to the needs of their small and scattered congregations.

Eventually, some of these problems worked themselves out through the combined efforts of the clergy and the faithful. 

'''Some resolution'''

By 1978, Saint Elias church in Bonnyville, along with its sister congregations at [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Big_Meadow_AB_Saint_John_the_Baptist_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1930  Big Meadow], [https://www.uocc.ca/parish-location/alberta/gifford/ Gifford], [https://www.uocc.ca/parish-location/alberta/glendon/ Glendon], [https://www.uocc.ca/parish-location/alberta/sandy-rapids/ Sandy Rapids], and [https://www.ukrainianorthodoxcentre.com/ Saint Paul], were once again functioning as a viable district.  Although in the early 1980s Bonnyville reported having 12 members, and this figure grew to 16 in 1984.  The congregation nevertheless had trouble meeting its financial obligations to the [https://www.uocc.ca/contact/ Consistory] because many of its parishioners were pensioners on a fixed income. 

'''Transfer of the centre of the pastoral district to Saint Paul, 1988'''

In 1988, the Bonnyville and District Council sold the Bonnyville parish manse for the sum of $69,000.  The proceeds were earmarked for a house to be built in Saint Paul as a residence for [http://www.homb.org/p/parishes_21.html Father Demjan Hohol].  

In this way, Bonnyville lost its position as the seat of the parish district for northeastern Alberta in much the same way that it had displaced the [https://www.lakelandtoday.ca/bonnyville-news/ukrainian-church-celebrates-75-years-in-glendon-1906902 village of Glendon] more than 2 decades earlier.   

In 1994, the parish of Saint Elias in Bonnyville reported a membership of 40 individuals (15 families, and 10 singles).  At that time, the congregation did not seem to have suffered any lasting negative effects from the relocation and re-designation of the parish centre.  


[[File:SaintEliasBonnyville 2.jpg]]  '''Saint Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church'''


The "modern" architecture of the [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bonnyville_AB_Saint_Elias_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Elias in Bonnyville] reflects its recent construction, and the blend between traditional and modern architecture.    


[[File:Bonnyville St Elias IconostasS.jpg]] '''Saint Elias Church interior'''

==Change in status of the UGOCC, 1990==

In 1990, the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada was officially renamed “[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada]” (UOCC) by an Act of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament_of_Canada Parliament of Canada].

'''Acceptance into the Patriarchate of Constantinople'''

In 1990, the 18th Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/winnipeg Winnipeg], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/manitoba Manitoba], decided to enter into Eucharistic Union with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarch_of_Constantinople Ecumenical Patriarchate] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantinople Constantinople] (Istanbul).  This decision also changed the relationship with the other Orthodox dioceses and parishes in Canada in a positive way.


[[File:Saint Elia's UOC Bonnyville AB.jpg]] 

==Centennial of the UOCC, 2018==

In 2018, the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OOEew2Belw 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada] and also of [https://www.uocc.ca/parish/holy-trinity-cathedral-2/ Holy Trinity Cathedral] were marked at an extraordinary sobor (assembly) at the cathedral in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatoon Saskatoon], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan Saskatchewan].

The purpose of the sobor was to [https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGxRwxvkcXcZDBxWbrrKQfPcchP?projector=1 celebrate 100 years] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada 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 [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saskatoon_SK_Saint_Petro_Mohyla_Institute_1916 Saint Petro Mohyla Institute], presided by [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Andriy_(Peshko) Bishop Andriy (Peshko)] of the [https://uocceast.ca/ Eastern Eparchy], with the responses sung by the Clergy led by [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rev-fr-michael-lomaszkiewicz/ Father Michael Lomaszkiewicz].  This was followed by an All-Canada Clergy Conference.  


[[File:CentennialConferenceSaskatoon 2.png]]  '''Centennial Clergy Conference'''


All gathered for [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Vespers 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 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19 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 "[https://www.dictionary.com/browse/online on-line]".  This conference-meeting was convened thus instead of convening physically (as customarily) in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg Winnipeg], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba Manitoba].  There were 6 cathedrals in Canada where this meeting took place simultaneously through a computer-network :  in Winnipeg, Manitoba ([https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Winnipeg_MB_Holy_Trinity_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Metropolitan_Cathedral_1946 Holy Trinity Metropolitan Cathedral]) ; Vancouver, British Columbia ([https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Vancouver_BC_Holy_Trinity_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Cathedral_1937 Holy Trinity Cathedral]) ; in Edmonton, Alberta ([http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Edmonton_AB_Saint_John_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Cathedral_1923 Saint John's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral]) ; in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ([https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saskatoon_SK_Holy_Trinity_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Cathedral_1918 Holy Trinity Cathedral]) ; in Toronto, Ontario ([https://www.stsvladimirandolgacathedral.ca/ Saints Vladimir and Olga Cathedral]) ;  in Montréal, Québec ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Sophie_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Cathedral 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 [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Synod Holy Synod] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople 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 [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Yurij_(Kalistchuk) Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk)].  

There were 3 candidates who were considered :  [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Job_(Getcha) Archbishop Job (Getcha)], [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ilarion_II_(Rudnyk) Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk)], and [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Andriy_(Peshko) 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 [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Synod_of_Constantinople Holy Synod of Bishops of Constantinople] (as is described in the [https://uocc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/UOCC-Bylaws.Amended.July-15.2010.pdf 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 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg  Winnipeg] and Metropolitan of the [https://www.uocc.ca/about/ Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada].  

The Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople elected [https://orthodoxia.ch/en/name/736/show Archbishop Job (Getcha)] to become Metropolitan of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pisidia Pisidia], in west-central [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkey Türkiye] (Turkey), north of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lycia Lycia], and east of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus Ephesus].    

'''Confirmation of election in Constantinople/Istanbul, 2022'''

On 29 August, 2022, Vladyka Ilarion (Rudnyk) was at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fener Phanar] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantinople Constantinople] for the purpose of the first confirmation of the election in June, 2022.  He co-served the Divine Liturgy with [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis) Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)] in the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Patriarchal_Church_of_Saint_George_(Phanar) Cathedral of Saint George] at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fener Phanar].

'''Enthronement as Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, 2022'''

On Saturday, 19 November, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., in [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Winnipeg_MB_Holy_Trinity_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Metropolitan_Cathedral_1946 Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral] in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the [https://www.facebook.com/HTUOMC/videos/469634775273077/ Enthronement Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served].  Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) presided at the Divine Liturgy.  He was assisted by [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Andriy_(Peshko) Bishop Andriy (Peshko)], many [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter priests], several [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon deacons], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Subdeacon subdeacons] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Acolyte Altar-servers].  Present also were [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Exarch Exarch] of Canada for the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Patriarchate of Constantinople], and Retired [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Yurij_(Kalistchuk) 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 [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis) Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)] was present and praying during the Divine Liturgy at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._George%27s_Cathedral,_Istanbul Saint George's Cathedral] in the Patriarchate compound. He gave the blessing that Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) preside ("horostasia") over the Divine Liturgy. [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Job_(Getcha) Metropolitan Job (Getcha)] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pisidia Pisidia], [https://www.goarch.org/-/bishop-athenagoras-of-nazianzos Bishop Athenagoras (Ziliaskopoulos)] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazianzus Nazianzos], and the Honourable [https://uk-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9D%D0%B5%D0%B4%D1%96%D0%BB%D1%8C%D1%81%D1%8C%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D0%A0%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BD_%D0%91%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%87?_x_tr_sl=uk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Roman Nedilskyi], [https://orthodoxtimes.com/ecumenical-patriarch-met-new-consul-general-of-ukraine-in-constantinople/ 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, [https://www.uocc.ca/primatial-encyclical-annoucement-of-the-adoption-of-the-revised-julian-calendar-by-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 [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Revised_Julian_Calendar New (Revised Julian) Calendar].   He allowed that for a brief period of time, a parish might remain on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_calendar Old (Julian) Calendar].  

It seems that subsequently, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Edmonton_AB_Saint_John_Saint John's Cathedral] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta], was the first to adopt the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revised_Julian_calendar 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 [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sobor general sobor of the UOCC].  Therefore, on 16 December, 2023, Metropolitan Ilarion [https://www.uocc.ca/communique-from-the-office-of-the-metropolitan/ issued a formal letter] concerning the situation, together with a letter of support sent to him by his predecessor (Retired [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Yurij_(Kalistchuk) Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk)]).  He called the resisters to repentance

==Saint Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, at Ardmore==

The [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2718603/st-elias-ukrainian-orthodox-church-cemetery cemetery of the parish] is situated approximately 18 km (11 mi) east of Bonnyville, at the land description site SE 02-62-04 W4 at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardmore,_Alberta Ardmore], Alberta.  

In 2021, there were 5 recorded interments.  


[[File:Saint Elias Cemetery Bonnyvill-Arcmore entrance 2.png]]  [[File:Saint Elias Cemetery Bonnyville-Ardmore entrance road address 2.png]]

'''Saint Elias, Bonnyville, Cemetery at Ardmore, Alberta : entrance, address-sign'''


In 2024, the Church of Saint Elias in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonnyville Bonnyville], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta], is the centre from which the following communities are served by [http://www.bonnyvilleanddistrictuoc.ca/fr-peter-haugen.html  Father Peter Haugen] :
  [https://www.uocc.ca/parish/descent-of-the-holy-spirit-parish-2/ Descent Of The Holy Spirit Parish] ; [https://www.uocc.ca/parish/all-saints-parish-6/ ; All Saints Parish, Sandy Rapids] ; [https://www.uocc.ca/parish/st-mary-parish/ Saint Mary’s Parish, Hamlin] ; 
  [https://www.uocc.ca/parish/holy-trinity-parish-2/ Holy Trinity Parish, Glendon] ; [https://www.uocc.ca/parish/sts-peter-and-paul-parish-5/ Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Gifford] ; [https://orthodox-world.org/en/i/24693/Canada/Alberta/Elk-Point/Church/Saint-Volodymyr-Orthodox-Church Saint Volodymyr Parish, Elk Point] ;
  [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Big_Meadow_AB_Saint_John_the_Baptist_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_and_CemeterSaint John The Baptist Parish, Big Meadow] ; [https://www.uocc.ca/parish/all-saints-parish-7/ All Saints Parish, Saint Paul].

==Particular parish information==

The parish of Saint Elias in Bonnyville, Alberta, is in the [http://uocc-we.ca Western Eparchy] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipal_District_of_Bonnyville_No._87 Bonnyville District].  The bishop of the eparchy is [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ilarion_II_(Rudnyk) Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk)].

This parish follows the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Julian_Calendar Old (Julian) Calendar].

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the [https://oca.org/saints/lives/2018/07/20/102060-holy-glorious-prophet-elijah Prophet Elias (Elijah)], 20 July (2 August).

In 2024, the pastor of this parish is [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rev-fr-peter-haugen/ Priest Peter Haugen].


Address :

[https://www.uocc.ca/parish/st-elias-parish/ Saint Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church]

4801-46 Street

Bonnyville, Alberta

T9N 1G8

Telephone : (587)-252-2715

[https://www.facebook.com/BonnyvilleDistrict/ Bonnyville District Facebook]


[[File:BonnyvilleABStEliasUOC 1.png]]


Directions :

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonnyville Bonnyville] is about 260 km (165 mi) northeast of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], and the driving time is about 2 hours and 50 minutes.

From Edmonton : Drive east on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_16 Highway #16 (Yellowhead)] as far as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mundare  Mundare].  Turn left (north) on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan_Highway_955 Highway #955], and drive north to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew,_Alberta  Andrew].   After passing through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew,_Alberta Andrew], turn right (east) on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_45  Highway #45].  On Highway #45, veer to the left on [https://cartographic.info/ca_street/map.php?p=ab&id=22306 Highway #645] East.  Drive eastwards until [https://www.transportation.alberta.ca/projects/assets/Area_5_East/Hwy_857/ExecutiveSummary.pdf Highway #857].  Turn left (north) and continue driving north until [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_28 Highway #28].  At Highway #28, turn right (east) and drive to Bonnyville.  Keep to the right when Highway #28 veers to the left, and continue on [https://www.mapquest.com/ca/alberta/secure-energy-services-359575255 Highway #659 (50 Avenue)].   At 46 Street, turn right (south).


[https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rev-fr-peter-haugen/ Priest Peter Haugen] (Pastor)

Telephone : (587) 252-2715

E-mail : pmthaugen@hotmail.com

==References==

[https://pioneerchurches.ca/index.php/churches/ukr-orth-list/bonnyville-uoc Pioneer Churches on the Prairies : Saint Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Bonnyville] 

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., “[https://archive.org/details/orthodoxamerica10000unse/page/n3/mode/2up  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. 


'''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). 

Yereniuk, Prof. Roman, “[https://uocc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Short-History-of-the-UOCC.pdf  A Short Historical Outline of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada] (UOCC)”.   

[http://www.bonnyvilleanddistrictuoc.ca/st-elias---bonnyville.html Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Elias, Bonnyville, Alberta, parish listing]

[http://www.bonnyvilleanddistrictuoc.ca/ UOC Bonnyville district listing] 

[https://town.bonnyville.ab.ca/directory/ukrainian-orthodox-church-of-st-elias/ Town of Bonnyville listing]  

[https://orthodox-world.org/en/i/24677/canada/alberta/bonnyville/church/saint-elias-orthodox-church Orthodox World listing]  

[http://uocc-we.ca Western Eparchy of the UOCC web-site] 

[https://uocc.ca Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada web-site]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Orthodoxwiki article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada]   

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Wikipedia article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada]  

[https://www.patriarchateofconstantinople.com/index.html Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople web-site]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Orthodoxwiki article about the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople]   

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_John_(Theodorovych) Metropolitan John (Theodorovych)] 

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ilarion_(Ohienko) Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko)]   

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Andrew_(Metiuk) Metropolitan Andrew (Metiuk)]  

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Boris_(Yakovkevych) Archbishop Boris (Yakovkevych)] 

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_John_(Stinka) Archbishop John (Stinka)]    

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Yurij_(Kalistchuk) Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ilarion_II_(Rudnyk) Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk)] 

[https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2718603/st-elias-ukrainian-orthodox-church-cemetery Findagrave listing for Saint Elias Cemetery, Ardmore, Alberta]  

[http://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CU%5CK%5CUkrainianOrthodoxChurchofCanada.htm Encyclopaedia of Ukraine history of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada]

[https://www.uocc.ca/about/history/ A Brief History of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada]

[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ukrainian-canadians/ Canadian Encyclopaedia article about Ukrainian Canadians]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Canadians Wikipedia article about Ukrainian Canadians]

[https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/immigration/history-ethnic-cultural/Pages/ukrainian.aspx "Historical Overview" about immigration of Ukrainians to Alberta] 

[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ukrainians-homesteading-in-the-parkland-feature Canadian Encyclopaedia article about Ukrainian settlement in the Canadian prairies]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonnyville Wikipedia article about Bonnyville]

[https://pioneerchurches.ca/index.php Pioneer Churches on the Prairies web-site]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ilarion_II_(Rudnyk)#Enthronement_as_Metropolitan_of_the_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada,_2022  Enthronement of Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk) as Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada] (19 November, 2022)   

[https://www.uocc.ca/primatial-encyclical-annoucement-of-the-adoption-of-the-revised-julian-calendar-by-the-ukrainian-orthodox-church-of-canada/ Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) announces Change of Calendar] (1 December, 2023)   







[[Category:Parish Communities]] [[Category:Alberta]] [[Category:UGOCC]] [[Category:UOCC]] [[Category:UOCCWE]] [[Category:EP]]