View source for Edmonton AB Saint Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Orthodox Church 1959


[[File:Saint Michael UOC Edmonton 2.png]] 

'''Edmonton, AB, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, 1959'''


==Prehistory==

[https://www.uocc.ca/parish/st-michaels-parish/ Saint Michael the Archangel Church] is the fourth Ukrainian Orthodox parish established in [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/edmonton/ Edmonton], [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alberta/ Alberta], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada]. 

In the early 1950s, many Ukrainian families had settled in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calder,_Edmonton Calder] area of northern Edmonton.  Many people had by this time moved to the city from rural areas, and others had moved to the Calder district from other places.

==Formation of the parish, 1959==

Since there was no Ukrainian Orthodox Temple in the vicinity, 7 families met in the home of Hryhorij and Mary Sorochan on 19 April, 1959, in order to discuss the possibility of organising a parish in the area.  
  Wasyl Bereska, Steve Chornlesky, William Ketskalo, Dmytro Mycak, Steve Sokol, Harry Sorochan and Walter Tacey 
  attended this meeting.

A new parish was formed, which took the name, “[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archangel_Michael Saint Michael the Archangel]”.  The name was chosen in honour of the name-day of first pastor, the [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/233058068/michael-fyk Archpriest Michael Fyk].  This was the fourth parish to be established in Edmonton, and the third in 3 years. 

The first [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy] was celebrated by the Archpriest Michael Fyk on 29 May, 1959, in the [https://calder.epsb.ca/aboutourschool/schoolprofile/ Calder School].  That evening, 11 families gathered to elect an executive for the newly-formed Saint Michael the Archangel parish, as follows : 
  President, Hryhorij Sorochan ; secretary, Dmytro Mycak ; 
  treasurer, Wolodymyr Tacey. 
  The founding members at the meeting were : 
  Wasyl and Zenovia Bereska ; Stephan and Mary Chornolesky ; John and Mary Guglich ; Wasyl and Ann Ketskalo ; 
  Dmytro and Pauline Mycak ; Oleksander and Anna Olhousky ; Peter and Mary Popowich ; Victor and Mary Popowich ; 
  Stephan Sokol ; Hryhorij and Mary Sorochan ; Wolodymyr and Stella Tacey.
Shortly afterwards, more people joined the new parish :
  Joe Anhel, Michael Chizen, Paul Hrach, John Jacun, Steve Kostenko, Fred Krikun, Myron Panchyshyn, 
  George Pawliuk, Mike Pichotta, Victor Popowich, John Zacherniuk.
For the first 4 months, the parish continued to be served at the Calder School by a priest assigned by [[Edmonton AB Saint John Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral 1923 |Saint John’s Cathedral]] to serve the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy].

==First Temple, 1961==

At an annual meeting held on 15 January, 1961, a resolution was made to purchase an old [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Church_of_Canada United Church] building in the area, which was vacant and for sale.  However, money was scarce, so donations were solicited.  Then, 10 people co-signed for a bank-loan.  

On 15 April, 1961, Saint Michael’s parish purchased the United Church building.  The official blessing and opening of this Temple took place on 26 November, 1961.  John Belsek was the architect, and he managed the project of renovation.  

Divine Services were held in this building for 6 years.  

Saint Michael’s [http://uwac-national.ca/ Ukrainian Women’s Association] of Canada, the "[https://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CO%5CL%5COlhaPrincess.htm Kniahynia Olha]" [https://uocc-stmichael.ca/sample-page/organizations/ Branch], was organised in March, 1961.  It began with 10 members, and the membership continued to grow.  The women worked to support the parish through catering, fundraising and nurturing the youth.

=="CYMK" youth organisation formed, 1964==

The Saint Michael’s CYMK ([https://www.cymk.ca/our-history Canadian Ukrainian Youth Association]) was organised in December, 1964, with 22 members.  The branch was active until 1995.  The branch participated in the Dominion Queen contest, drama contest and CYMK Choir.  At the branch level they did their own fundraising ; writing "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_decorating_in_Slavic_culture pysanky]" (decorated eggs), making "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolach_(bread) kolachi]" (memorial breads), "[https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/all-things-ukrainian-babky-ukrainian-easter-breads--359162139005532551/ babky]" (festal breads), "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paska_(bread) pasky]" (Paschal breads) and doing [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_embroidery Ukrainian embroidery].

'''Formation of a choir, 1965'''

In 1965, Harry Pilowar organised a [https://uocc-stmichael.ca/sample-page/organizations/ choir], and a group of 20-30 singers regularly sang during the Sunday services.  There were several other choir directors, Boris Melnyk, Dobrodijka Hnatiw, Joanne Chizen and Mykhaylo Pozdyk.  

Also, during these years of development, boys had begun to serve in the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Altar Altar] to help the priests as they celebrated various services, and in particular at the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy].  One in particular of the youth who thus served and continued to serve for many decades was James Kapustinsky, who eventually was ordained to be a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Subdeacon subdeacon].  He continued to serve in this parish (and in many other places besides) at the request of the bishops.  

==Second Temple, 1965==

The number of parishioners continued to grow, and it became necessary to construct a new Temple.  In 1965, there were 3 meetings to decide whether to renovate the existing building or to construct a new Temple.  It was decided that constructing a completely new and larger Temple was preferable.  Once again, co-signers were required in order to secure the necessary funds, and 5 persons did so.  In 1967, the old Temple was demolished.  

The new Temple was then constructed, and in November, 1967, the Temple was blessed by [[Metropolitan Andrew (Metiuk) |Archbishop Andrew (Metiuk)]].

The "[https://www.waybase.com/programs/c24e2e72-78a4-4140-ae73-3d3a276831de Saint Michael’s Men’s Society]" was organised in 1968.  Its main function was and is to raise funds in order to support the parish.

The white oak [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconostasis iconostas] was installed in 1976.  [https://velykiukrainci-livejournal-com.translate.goog/25537.html?_x_tr_sl=uk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Professor Sviatoslaw (George) Hordynsky] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City  New York] completed painting the 26 [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography icons] for the iconostas in March, 1977. On 31 March, 1977, [[Archbishop Boris (Yakovkevych) |Bishop Boris (Yakovkevych)]] blessed the icons and the iconostas on 31 March, 1977. 


[[File:20180302 StMichael Edmonton.jpg]]  '''Iconostas, and "tetrapod"'''


'''Purchase of a house for the pastor'''

In 1977, there was a directive from the [https://www.dictionary.com/browse/consistory Consistory] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church] in [http://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/winnipeg/ Winnipeg], [http://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/manitoba/ Manitoba], that all parishes provide suitable housing for their clergy.  Therefore, a house was constructed for a rectory (parsonage, manse) on 121 Street, north from the Temple.  Later, the parish traded the house for a larger house with an office, which was built in 1989.  This second house was sold in May, 2004.

Also in 1979, [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bells bells] (chimes) were purchased for the Temple after Mrs. Anna Zworzdesky led a successful campaign to raise funds for them.  

In 1982, a committee was formed towards purchasing suitable [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandelier chandeliers] for the new Temple.  In 1984, 5 chandeliers were imported from [https://www.britannica.com/place/Athens Athens], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Greece Greece], and they were then installed.  They were blessed by [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Boris_(Yakovkevych) Bishop Boris (Yakovkevych)] on 25 November, 1984.  

==Millennium of the Baptism of Rus', 1988==

In 1988, in commemoration of the Millennium of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianization_of_Kievan_Rus%27 Baptism of Rus'] in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Kyiv Kyiv], the artist [https://kumfgallery.com/artists/contemporary/ostafiychuk-ivan/ Ivan Ostafiychuk] was commissioned to paint 2 large icons to be mounted on either side of the iconostas.  One icon depicts the celebration of the coming of Christianity to [https://www.britannica.com/place/Ukraine Ukraine].  The other icon portrays [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archangel_Michael Saint Michael the Archangel] surrounded by the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monastery_of_the_Kiev_Caves Kievo-Pecherska Lavra Monastery], the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Pochaev_Lavra_of_the_Dormition_of_the_Theotokos Pochaiv Dormition Monastery] and Saint Michael’s Church.  [https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/very-stus-obituary?id=44397694 Archpriest Dr. Ivan Stus] blessed the icons. 

The basement of the Temple was used for smaller social functions within the parish, and for smaller fundraisers.  For larger functions, the parish rented the Calder Community Hall.  As a result, it was decided that it would be necessary to build their own parish hall, dedicated to parish use.  A committee was appointed and a plan was formulated.  Land was purchased next to the Temple, and the existing buildings were demolished.  The land was blessed by [[Metropolitan John (Stinka) |Archbishop John (Stinka)]] on 20 November, 1990, and construction began.  The construction, which abuts the north wall of the Temple, was completed less than a year later.  Archbishop John blessed the building at its official opening on 28 September, 1991.

==Re-naming of the UGOCC ; entry to Eucharistic Communion with the Patriarchate of Constantinople, 1990==

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

==40 years : 1999==

A wheel-chair lift (elevator) was installed to make the Temple wheel-chair accessible.  Then, in 1999, the year of the 40th anniversary, an addition was added on the west side of the hall, which expanded the work area for the kitchen and created a comfortable recreation room. 

In 2005, a white metal Cross was donated by [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2327930/saint-stephen%27s-cemetery Saint Stephen’s Cemetery] and it was attached on the west outside wall of the Temple.  

==50 years : 2009==

On 21 November, 2009, the 50th anniversary of the parish was celebrated.  [[Metropolitan John (Stinka)]] and [[Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk)]] both participated, and the day consisted of a dinner and programme, which included honouring 2 founding members and a slide show of the parish history.  

On the 50th anniversary of the parish, a special collection was taken in order to purchase a new [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Candle 7-branched candle-holder] for the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Altar Altar].  

There were special events throughout the year, including a spiritual seminar and a food fair.


[[File:Saint Michael Edmonton parishioners.jpg]]  '''Parishioners'''

==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.


[[File:SaintMichaelUOCEdmonton FatherVictor2.png]]  '''Father Victor preaching'''

==Archpastoral visit, 2021==

On Sunday, 21 November, 2021, Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk), Bishop of Edmonton and the Western Eparchy, Locum Tenens of the Metropolitan Cathedral, celebrated The Divine Liturgy on the Temple Feast Day of Archangel Michael and all the Bodiless Hosts at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Michael, Edmonton, Alberta.  

Bishop Ilarion was assisted by Protopresbyter Victor Lakusta, Protodeacon Anton Lakusta, and Deacon Wasyl Maskal.


[[File:2F8EB7B4-3E44-4868-8197-7B5EB9BDF85D-1000x768_2.jpg]]  [[File:9126DD01-C140-4D3C-B7CD-36D9487A33FA-1000x768 2.jpg]]  

'''During the Divine Liturgy''' (left) '''; During the reception''' (right)

==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.



  '''The priests who have served in this parish are :'''
  
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/233058068/michael-fyk Archpriest Michael Fyk] 				1959-1963
  Archpriest Oleksander Chomiak	 		1959-1963
  Archpriest Hryhory Wasyliw 				1963-1972
  [https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/very-stus-obituary?id=44397694 Archpriest Dr. Ivan Stus] 				1972-1977, 1983-1989
  [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rt-rev-protopresbyter-stephan-semotiuk/ Archpriest Stephan Semotiuk] 			1977-1983
  Hieromonk Illya (Furgal) 					1989-1990
  [https://uocceast-ca.translate.goog/2014/10/29/%D0%B1%D0%BB-%D0%BF-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%96%D1%94%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B9-%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B2-%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%84%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%8E%D0%BA-%E2%80%A2-the-very/?_x_tr_sl=uk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Priest Myroslav Parfeniuk] 				1990-1993
  [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/rt-rev-protopresbyter-peter-hnatiw/ Archpriest Peter Hnatiw] 				1993-1995
  [http://www.stsophiemontreal.com/priest-en.php Priest Volodymyr Kouchnir] 				1995-1999
  Hieromonk Ioann (Konstant) 				1999-2000
  [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rt-rev-mitred-archpriest-mykola-sawchenko/ Mitred Archpriest Mykola Sawchenko] 		2000-2009
  [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rt-rev-protopresbyter-nicholas-orest-rauliuk/ Mitred Archpriest Nicholas Orest Rauliuk] 	2009-____
  [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rt-rev-protopresbyter-victor-lakusta/ Archpriest Victor Lakusta]

  '''The presidents of the parish administration have been :'''
  
  Hryhorij Sorochan 				1959-1960
  Stephan Chornolesky 			1960-1962
  Wasyl Bereska 				1962-1966
  Wolodymyr Tacey 				1966-1969, 1970-1973
  Myhailo Dmyterji 				1969-1970
  Metro Sawchuk 				1973-1984, 1988-1991, 1995-1996
  Michael Chizen 				1985-1987
  John Klimchuk 				1992-1994
  Mack Skoreyko 				1997-1998
  Myron Wozimirsky 				2001
  Ron Ewanchuk 				2008
  Andy Feniuk 					1999-2000, 2002-2007, 2009-____

==Particular parish information==

This parish is a part of the [http://uocc-we.ca/ Western Eparchy], in the Edmonton City District, of the [http://uocc.ca/ Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada].  The bishop of the eparchy is [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ilarion_II_(Rudnyk) Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk)].

This parish follows the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_calendar Old (Julian) Calendar].

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archangel_Michael Holy Archangel Michael], 8/21 November. 

In 2024, the pastor of the parish is [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rt-rev-protopresbyter-victor-lakusta/4 Archpriest Victor Lakusta].  


Address :

[https://uocc-stmichael.ca/ Saint Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Orthodox Church]

12104-129 Avenue

Edmonton, Alberta

T5L 3J1

Telephone : (780) 454-8385 

Fax : (780) 447-4768 

E-Mail : stmichaeluoc@shaw.ca

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

[https://www.facebook.com/groups/24692651102/about/ Facebook]


Directions :

[https://uocc-stmichael.ca Saint Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Orthodox Church] is situated in Northwest Edmonton, in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kensington,_Edmonton Kensington neighbourhood].  

By car : 

Use the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowhead_Trail Yellowhead Trail Corridor] east or west, and exit at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/97_Street 97 Street].  Turn north onto 97 Street, and drive to [https://www.waze.com/live-map/directions/ca/ab/edmonton/127-street-northwest-and-127-avenue-northwest?to=place.EjQxMjcgU3QgTlcgJiAxMjcgQXZlIE5XLCBFZG1vbnRvbiwgQUIgVDVMIDFBNSwgQ2FuYWRhImYiZAoUChIJexOTVosjoFMRCxof1nk_xMgSFAoSCXsTk1aLI6BTEQsaH9Z5P8TIGhQKEgmV37wWcSSgUxFxhbN_8m5XDBoUChIJsa6PsncjoFMR9hbDq5pOvLIiCg3Ha_AfFfj8Urw 127 Avenue].  Turn left (west) onto 127 Avenue, and drive to [https://www.google.com/maps/place/121+St+NW,+Edmonton,+AB/@53.5604006,-113.5316871,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x53a023c6710b4c49:0x19a812aefba60d79!8m2!3d53.5604006!4d-113.5316871!16s%2Fg%2F1tdr7wg_?entry=ttu 121 Street].  Turn right (north), and drive to [https://www.google.com/maps/place/129+Ave+NW,+Edmonton,+AB/@53.5873851,-113.4937449,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x53a02385f95d10b1:0x376b0cfcb77ee1ff!8m2!3d53.5873851!4d-113.4937449!16s%2Fg%2F1tg_94yk?entry=ttu 129 Avenue].  Turn left (west), and the Temple is on the right.  

From central Edmonton, drive north on 97 Street to 127 Avenue.   Turn left (west) onto 127 Avenue, and drive to 121 Street.  Turn right (north), and drive to 129 Avenue.  Turn left (west), and the Temple is on the right.  

From far north-central Edmonton, drive south on 97 Street to 127 Avenue.  Turn right (west) onto 127 Avenue, and drive to 121 Street.  Turn right (north), and drive to 129 Avenue.  Turn left (west), and the Temple is on the right.  

From other parts of Edmonton, drive on one of the expressways which connect with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowhead_Trail Yellowhead Trail Corridor].  Then drive east or west, and exit at 97 Street.  Turn north onto 97 Street, and drive to 127 Avenue.  Turn left (west) onto 127 Avenue, and drive to 121 Street.  Turn right (north), and drive to 129 Avenue.  Turn left (west), and the Temple is on the right. 

There is a parking-lot beside the Temple, and parking on the streets. 

By bus : 

The Edmonton Transit System provides bus service to the area.  Use the [https://www.edmonton.ca/ets/live-bus-finder Bus-finder] site to determine the needed routes.  

Edmonton is accessible by road, chiefly by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_16 Highway #16] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_2 Highway #2].  

It is accessible by bus through [https://www.busbud.com/en-ca/bus-edmonton/c/c3x29u 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 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton_International_Airport Edmonton International Aeroport] (near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nisku Nisku]).

It is accessible by railway through [https://www.viarail.ca/en VIARail]. 


[https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rt-rev-protopresbyter-victor-lakusta/ Protopresbyter Victor Lakusta]     

Telephones : (204) 219-8495 ; (204) 586-3093 ext. 227 ; (204) 997-9093 ; (204) 582-5241 

E-mail : vlakusta@telus.net


[[File:St Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church Edmonton AB.jpg]]

==References==

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel, “40th Anniversary Celebration 1959-1999" (Edmonton : Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel, 1999).

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel, “1959-2009 50th Anniversary St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Orthodox Parish" (Edmonton : Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel, 1999).

[http://www.uocc-stmichael.ca/sample-page/history/ Parish history]

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.  

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)]”.    


'''Additional information :'''

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

“Collection of Material Relating to the 50th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada, 1918-1968” (Winnipeg : Consistory of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada, 1968). 

Sametz, William, “[https://diasporiana.org.ua/wp-content/uploads/books/7079/file.pdf 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. 

[http://www.uocc-stmichael.ca Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Michael, Edmonton, Consistory listing]

[http://www.uocc-stmichael.ca Parish web-site] 

[https://orthodox-world.org/en/i/24690/canada/alberta/edmonton/church/saint-michael-orthodox-church Orthodox World listing]  

[https://uocc-we.ca/  Ukrainian Orthodox Western Eparchy web-site]   

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Eparchy_of_Western_Canada Wikipedia article about the Western Eparchy of the UOCC] 

[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 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]   

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople Wikipedia article about the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis) Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)]  

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

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

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_John_(Stinka) Metropolitan John (Stinka)] 

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

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

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Andriy_(Peshko) Bishop Andriy (Peshko)]    

[http://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CU%5CK%5CUkrainianOrthodoxChurchofCanada.htm Encyclopaedia of Ukraine article about UOCC history] 

[https://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CA%5CL%5CAlberta.htm Encyclopaedia of Ukraine History of Ukrainians in Alberta]  

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/List_of_parishes_in_Alberta_(Canada) Orthodoxwiki article about parishes in Alberta]  

[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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_diaspora Wikipedia article about the Ukrainian diaspora]

[http://wayback.archive-it.org/2217/20101208162026/http://www.edukits.ca/multiculturalism/student/immigration_ukrainian_e.html Ukrainian Immigration to Canada]

[https://www.ualberta.ca/canadian-institute-of-ukrainian-studies/centres-and-programs/kule-centre/ukrainians-in-alberta.html Early History of Ukrainians in Alberta] 

[https://www.ukrainianworldcongress.org/ukrainians-in-canada-from-the-first-wave-of-immigration-to-now/  Ukrainians in Canada : from the first Wave of Immigration to now]  

[https://www.uocc.ca/press-release-his-grace-bishop-ilarion-celebrated-the-divine-liturgy-at-the-ukrainian-orthodox-church-of-st-michael-edmonton-on-november-21-2021/ Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk) celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Michael, Edmonton] (21 November, 2021)    

[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)    

[https://uocc-stmichael.ca/parish-bulletin-jan-mar-2024/  Parish bulletin January-March] (2024)       







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