Athabasca AB Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church 1951

Athabasca, Alberta, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saints Peter and Paul, 1951

See also the Church of Saints Peter and Paul at Sarrail (Donatville).

In 2022, there is no more information on the internet about Saint Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church besides the name, address, and the name of the priest. However, the following information was found in an anniversary book.

Prehistory

As early as 1912, Ukrainian-speaking families began to settle in the Athabasca region of Alberta, Canada, 152 km north of Edmonton. It was then that the family of Matvij Kowalchuk settled near Greyville, northwest of Athabasca. The families who settled at this time were very isolated, and they had no means of gathering together for Orthodox Christian worship. They would visit other places of worship which were available. After World War I and the arrival of more immigrants from Ukraine, along with their greater resources, those who were able to do so began to organise cultural and religious groups.

In the late 1940s, Father Wasyl Seneshen began to visit Athabasca and to hold services. For several years, these services were offered in an Anglican log chapel in Athabasca. Father Seneschen slowly increased the frequency of services, and the congregation began to organise itself more and it became possible to pay rent for the chapel and to pay a stipend for the priest.

Organisation of the community

On 24 June, 1951, the first meeting of the congregation was convened for the purpose of beginning the organisation.

On 1 November, 1951, a special meeting of 12 persons established a committee to find a suitable location for a church building.

On 2 December, 1951, a special meeting was convened which established a building fund, and requested a donation of $5.00 per family.

On 30 December, 1951, the first annual meeting added 4 new members to the previous 21. A new executive was elected for the following year.

Naming the parish, 1952

On 3 February, 1952, there was a further support for finding and purchasing a lot for a building. It was also agreed that the name would be the “Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Saints Peter and Paul”.

Purchasing land, 1952

At a meeting of the congregation on 14 July, 1952, a motion was passed to purchase lots 13, 14, 15 of Block 38, plan 7241AH from the Town of Athabasca. During this year, the congregation consisted of 23 families and 17 single persons.

In 1953, the congregation made an official application to become officially affiliated with the “Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada” (UGOCC). At the annual meeting on 20 December, 1953, the congregation requested that they be given one Divine Liturgy per month, preferably on the second Sunday. During the same meeting, it was decided to purchase insurance for the Temple. During these years, this congregation belonged to the Westlock "Parish District". (In the UOGCC polity, a parish is an organisation which can support and provide a residence for a priest. A parish may be one, or many congregations together. In this case, the Athabasca congregation was a part of a parish which was at that time centred on Westlock.)

Development of the community, initial construction of the Temple

In 1954, Athabasca Utilities installed a natural gas line to the basement of the Temple-to-be. The basement was the only portion of the structure which at that time had been completed. In August, the first marriage was solemnised in the Temple. Later in the summer, Radio Electric Service installed the electrical wiring in the basement.

In 1955, the furnace was installed in the basement.

On 29 April, 1956, a motion was passed that requested that the congregation would be a part of the Lac La Biche "Parish District", and that priests from Lac La Biche would serve this community. However, the Ukrainian Orthodox Consistory in Winnipeg, Manitoba, ruled that the community remain in the Westlock "Parish District".

"Orthodox Ladies", 1956

Soon after 1956, the women of the congregation organised themselves into a group called “Orthodox Ladies”. They had separate meetings, and they undertook various sewing and baking projects in order to raise funds towards the finishing of the interior of the Temple. Amongst these women were :

 Mary Asciuch, Annie Fodchuk, Lucy Fotty, Mary Fotty, Katie Ropchan and Katherine Zaskewich.

On 2 February, 1957, at the general meeting, it was decided to replace the barrel-heater and to buy a wood-burning stove for the kitchen. This stove was later converted to use natural gas. Twelve chairs were purchased, and Ukrainian language classes were begun.

Purchase of new liturgical items, 1957

In July, 1957, a chalice, discos, asterisk, lance, spoon and censer were purchased for the Temple's liturgical use from the Ukrainian Orthodox Consistory Church Goods Store at the Consistory Office in Winnipeg, Manitoba. At the December general meeting, a contribution was approved to be paid towards the house of the priest in Westlock. Father Peter Blazuk expressed his concern about the need for a Sunday school and for Ukrainian classes. He also urged the members to think about building the main structure of the Temple.

In 1959, some timber and other materials were purchased for the Altar partition in the basement.

At the 4 January, 1960, annual meeting, Father Hryhory Udod urged the congregation to forge on towards completing the upper level of the Temple. Although various contributions and improvements were made, there was as yet no progress towards the completion of the Temple. In this year, the community began to pay taxes to the Town of Athabasca.

Construction of the upper portion of the Temple, 1961

At the 19 February, 1961, annual meeting, it was agreed that the construction of the Temple portion of the building would commence as soon as the weather would permit in the spring. On 22 March, 1961, the parishioners settled on the bid of one of the contractors, and the necessary permits were acquired. During the remainder of this year, much of the needed work was accomplished. At the 20 December, 1961, general meeting, the request was repeated for affiliation with the Lac La Biche "Parish District". This time, the request was granted.

Completion of the Temple, 1962

In 1962, further work was done towards the completion of the Temple, and steps were constructed at the entrance. The exterior walls were covered with stucco, and the interior received dry-wall sheeting. Further work was done in stages until all was completed in 1967.

On 1 June, 1967, the final Vespers service was offered in the basement, and then all the articles pertaining to the Holy Altar area were taken to the completed Altar in the Temple itself. There, a moleben was served.

First services in the completed Temple, 1967

On 16 July, 1967, the first Divine Liturgy was served in the completed Temple. This coincided with the last service of Father Stefaniuk and his family, who were to be transferred to Winnipeg, Manitoba. A festal “Hram” (Altar Feast-day) dinner was served afterwards.

On 21 September, 1967, pews were purchased from the Roman Catholic church.

In 1969, several items were purchased for use in liturgical services. It was also agreed that a request be made that the Ukrainian language be added to the local high school curriculum.

Secular incorporation, 1969

On 9 November, 1969, the congregation was incorporated under the Alberta Societies Act.

Further refinements and modernisation

At the 12 April, 1970, general meeting, it was decided to install running water in the basement, and to construct proper kitchen and lavatory facilities.

In 1970 and 1971, chandeliers were purchased and installed in the Temple.

On 5 April, 1974, it was agreed to complete the finishing work in the basement.

Sanctification of the Temple, 1975

On 12 July, 1975, the Temple of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul was sanctified (on the name-day) by Archbishop Andrew (Metiuk) of Edmonton, Alberta.

By 1978, bingos had become a substantial source of income for the congregation.

By 1982, the community was encountering difficulties because of ageing parishioners and reduced membership. For several years, the membership was in the 20s.

Millennium of the Baptism of Rus’, 1988

By 1988, however, the membership had doubled, and a “plashchanitsa” (holy shroud) was donated to the Temple. Also in this year, because of local difficulties, it was agreed that the Athabasca congregation would purchase the Richmond Park Temple for $1.00. This event accounts in part for the increase in membership. Because of the celebration of the Millennium of the Baptism of Rus’, the parishioners decided to undertake a major renovation of the structure.

At the 29 January, 1989, general meeting, it was agreed that the community would accept an increase in the number of services per year. Also during this year, an annual fall supper was instituted as a fundraiser.

In 1990, the community decided to add kitchen and lavatory facilities to the existing structure, but an appeal against it delayed the development for a year. Meanwhile, maintenance of the existing structure continued. The east and north sides of the lot were paved. Also during this year, a combined effort between the Ukrainian Orthodox and the Ukrainian Catholic communities enabled the eventual erection of a commemorative cairn regarding the centennial anniversary of Ukrainian settlement in Alberta.

Change in status 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.

Acceptance into the Patriarchate of Constantinople

In 1990, the 18th Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada in Winnipeg decided to enter into Eucharistic Union with the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople (Istanbul). This decision also changed the relationship with the other Orthodox dioceses and parishes in Canada in a positive way.

Centennial of Ukrainian settlement in Alberta, 1991

In 1991, the year of the centennial anniversary of the beginning of the Ukrainian settlement in Alberta, more work was undertaken to mark the anniversary. The extension was finally completed, and many interior renovations as well.

Renewing and completing of the iconostas

In 1992, Marvin Dzenkiw was asked to paint the icons of the 12 apostles for the iconostas in the Temple. They were completed and installed in 1993.

In 1994, contributions were made towards publishing parish histories, and improvements were made to the heating system.

In 1995, the “tetrapod” (a table with 4 feet) in the centre of the Temple was painted and gold trim was also applied.

A brick sign was constructed, and the congregation co-operated with the local Ukrainian Catholic church in constructing a memorial cairn and Cross at the Town of Athabasca Cemetery. It was dedicated on 11 June, 1995.

Ukrainian immigration memorial cairn, Athabasca cemetery

In 1996, the deacon doors of the iconostas were renovated and refinished. Processional icon stands were also prepared. On 21 December, 1996, a Community Facilities Enhancement grant was applied for.

In 1997, a new Oblation Table was constructed and installed. In addition, 50 new chairs were purchased for the basement, and a second stove was purchased for the kitchen. The processional icon stands were installed.

In 1998, more improvements were made. The basement hall was further developed, and more cupboards were installed. In the Temple, 4 more pews were purchased and installed.

In 1999, new storm windows were installed, and 1 was repaired. The parish paid to have its name added to the town’s “Church Welcome” sign. During this year, it was remarked that the membership had decreased noticeably.

The year 2000 was entered with anticipation and hope for the future.

Centennial of the UOCC, 2018

In 2018, the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and also of Holy Trinity Cathedral were marked at an extraordinary sobor (assembly) at the cathedral in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

The purpose of the sobor was to celebrate 100 years of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. The celebrations were attended by Ukrainian Orthodox faithful from across Canada and beyond.

The Sobor began on Thursday, 9 August, 2018, with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Chapel of Saint Petro Mohyla Institute, presided by Bishop Andriy (Peshko) of the Eastern Eparchy, with the responses sung by the Clergy led by Father Michael Lomaszkiewicz. This was followed by an All-Canada Clergy Conference.

Centennial Clergy Conference

All gathered for Vespers at the Mohyla Institute Chapel and this was followed by a wine and cheese reception as the delegates and guests registered for the Extraordinary National Council.

The celebrations continued for a year.

2020-2021 Coronavirus-19 virus restrictions on parishes

In early 2020, the Covid-19 virus made its appearance in Canada, and it quickly became a world-wide pandemic. Because of the rules governing gatherings that were laid down by the provincial and city governments, the parish stopped any further services after 8 March, 2020. Including the rules regarding social distancing, the decreasing numbers permitted for any gathering, and the considerations regarding the health of all concerned, this and other parishes were required to close for a time.

As elsewhere, there was some controversy about the legal requirements.

Election of Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk), 2022

Election of a nominee by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

On 15-19 June, 2022, the 24th Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox of Canada was convened "on-line". This conference-meeting was convened thus instead of convening physically (as customarily) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. There were 6 cathedrals in Canada where this meeting took place simultaneously through a computer-network : in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Holy Trinity Metropolitan Cathedral) ; Vancouver, British Columbia (Holy Trinity Cathedral) ; in Edmonton, Alberta (Saint John's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral) ; in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Holy Trinity Cathedral) ; in Toronto, Ontario (Saints Vladimir and Olga Cathedral) ; in Montréal, Québec (Saint Sophie Cathedral).

There was a total of 205 delegates, which was near the average attendance for such sobors.

In the course of the work of the Sobor, there was the necessary election in order to nominate to the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople a candidate for election as Archbishop of Winnipeg and Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, who would succeed the Retired Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk).

There were 3 candidates who were considered : Archbishop Job (Getcha), Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk), and Bishop Andriy (Peshko). The final choice of the members of the sobor was Archbishop Job (Getcha). He had received more than the minimum required 51% of the votes, and there was no subsequent voting required.

The election by the Sobor (Assembly) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada then had to be confirmed by the Holy Synod of Bishops of Constantinople (as is described in the Consistory By-laws).

Upon having received the nomination (with accompanying documents) from the Sobor of the UOCC, the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople elected Vladyka Ilarion (Rudnyk) to become Archbishop of Winnipeg and Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada.

The Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople elected Archbishop Job (Getcha) to become Metropolitan of Pisidia, in west-central Türkiye (Turkey), north of Lycia, and east of Ephesus.

Confirmation of election in Constantinople/Istanbul, 2022

On 29 August, 2022, Vladyka Ilarion (Rudnyk) was at the Phanar in Constantinople for the purpose of the first confirmation of the election in June, 2022. He co-served the Divine Liturgy with Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis) in the Cathedral of Saint George at the Phanar.

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

On Saturday, 19 November, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., in Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Enthronement Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served. Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) presided at the Divine Liturgy. He was assisted by Bishop Andriy (Peshko), many priests, several deacons, subdeacons and Altar-servers. Present also were Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas), Exarch of Canada for the Patriarchate of Constantinople, and Retired Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk), Former Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.

Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) at the Phanar, Istanbul, 2023

On Sunday, 2 July, 2023, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis) was present and praying during the Divine Liturgy at Saint George's Cathedral in the Patriarchate compound. He gave the blessing that Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) preside ("horostasia") over the Divine Liturgy. Metropolitan Job (Getcha) of Pisidia, Bishop Athenagoras (Ziliaskopoulos) of Nazianzos, and the Honourable Roman Nedilskyi, General Consul of Ukraine in Constantinople were also present and praying with the congregation of the Faithful.

Change of calendar for the UOCC, 2023

On 1 December, 2023, in accordance with the resolutions of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk) announced that, effective that day, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada moved to use the New (Revised Julian) Calendar. He allowed that for a brief period of time, a parish might remain on the Old (Julian) Calendar.

It seems that subsequently, John's Cathedral in Edmonton, Alberta, was the first to adopt the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

However, a previously-existing group of persons began to encourage resistance to the immediacy of this change. It was their understanding that the process would be determined ultimately and finally at the next general sobor of the UOCC. Therefore, on 16 December, 2023, Metropolitan Ilarion issued a formal letter concerning the situation, together with a letter of support sent to him by his predecessor (Retired Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk)). He called the resisters to repentance.

 Priests who have served in this congregation include :
 Priest Wasyl Seneshen 		1950-1955
 Priest John H Horbay 		7 June, 1953
 Priest Thomas Kowalishen 	7 November, 1954
 Priest Peter Zubrytsky 		14 February, 1955
 Priest Hryhory Wasyliw 		1955-1957
 Priest Peter Blazuk 			1957-1959
 Priest Mykola Stretzenko 	11 October, 1959
 Priest Hryhory Udod 		1959-1960
 Priest Dmetro Denesiuk 		1960-1962
 Priest Peter Zubrytsky 		1 August, 1962
 Priest Eugene Stefaniuk 		1962-1967
 Priest Stefab Hredil 		1967-1970
 Priestmonk Lorne (Kubin) 	1970-1975
 Priest Leonid W Diachina 	1975-1978
 Priest Daniel Maceluch 		1979-1981
 Priestmonk Lorne (Kubin) 	1981-1982
 Priest Stephan Soroka 		1982-1986
 Priest Hryhorij Fil’ 			1986-2000
 
 Founding members of the congregation include :
 Stephan and Mary Berezan ; Joseph Berezowski ; Peter and Barbara Doroshenk ; Russell and Olia Fodchuk ; 
 Stephan and Anna Fodchuk ; George and Luch Fotty ; Metro and Maria Fotty ; Michael Kachalaba ; 
 Kondrat and Ahafia Kapitanchuk p Dmitro Kowalchuk ; Matvij and Varvara Kowalchuk ; Olia Kowalchuk ; 
 Peter Kowalchuk ; Nicholas Litvenetz ; Fedor and Maria Mabera ; Maksim Marchuk ; Julia Masciuch ; 
 Volodymyr and Maria Masciuch ; John and Anna Molofy ; Mrs. Pakush ; Ivan and Maria Prokopchuk ; 
 Konrand Radomsky ; Ivan and Lena Ropchan ; Wasyl and Kateherine Ropchan ; George Rosychuk ; 
 Harry and Verna Rosychuk ; Ivan and Janet Rosychuk ; Stephan Rosychuk ; George and Sandra Rupchan ; Anna Saley ; 
 Mike and Anna Saley ; Nickola and Maria Saley ; Sam Solomon ; Nick and Anna Symyrozum ; 
 Charles and Zinnia Timchuk ; Andrey and Elana Wasylyk ; Volodymyr and Katherine Zaskewich.
 
 Presidents of this parish include :
 George Rosychuk 		1951-1963 ; 
 Steve Fodchuk 		1964-1970 ; 
 Mike Saley 			1971-1972 ; 
 Lionel Cherniwchan 	1984-1987 ; 
 Alex Krawec 			1988-1993 ; 
 Lionel Cherniwchan 	1973 ; 
 Russel Fodchuk 		1974-1978 ; 
 Annie Symyrozum 		1979-1983 ; 
 Lionel Cherniwchan 	1994-2001

Particular parish information

This parish is part of the Western Eparchy (Lac La Biche District) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. The bishop of the eparchy is Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk).

This parish follows the Old (Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, 29 June/12 July.

In 2024, the pastor of this parish is Priest (Dr.) Roman Shiyan.

Address :

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul

4302-50 Avenue

Athabasca, Alberta

T9S 1P6

Telephone : (780) 675-3208

Directions :

The town of Athabasca is situated on south bank of the Athabasca River, about 152 km (95 mi) north of Edmonton.

From Edmonton, drive north on Highway #2 towards Peace River. After about 50 km (31 mi), turn right onto Range Road #253 and continue for 367 metres (.25 mi). Continue on Highway #2/Highway #18 for 73 km (45 mi). Turn right on Highway #55 (50 Avenue). From Edmonton, the time required is about 2 hours.

From Athabasca, drive on Highway #55 until 43 Street. Turn south. Drive 1 block. Turn right on 50 Avenue.

Call the priest for specific information.

Priest (Dr.) Roman Shiyan

Telephone : (780) 439 7217

Parish sign

References

Lac La Biche Parish District of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, “Svatkyvannya 2000, a Celebration of our Faith” (Quebecor Jasper, Edmonton : Lac La Biche Parish District, 2000). ISBN 0-9687654-0-8.

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.

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

Additional information :

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saints Peter and Paul, 1951 parish listing

Orthodox World listing

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada web-site

Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople web-site

Ecumenical Wikipedia article about the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople

Orthodoxwiki article about the Patriarchate of Constantinople

Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)

Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko)