Vancouver BC Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral 1937

Vancouver, British Columbia, Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 1937

Prehistory

On 1 April, 1929, the Priest T Volochatiuk served the Divine Liturgy in the Ukrainian language in the building of the “Prosvita” Society in central Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Later in the year, Father Volochatiuk returned to serve once more. Then, in 1931, he returned a third time to serve. However, by this time, the Great Depression had begun, and from that time until 1936, there was not enough money available to request a visit of a priest. In a particular need, they called upon the Priest K Molchanski. Additionally, he prepared a lay choir to sing.

Founding the parish, 1937

On 9 May, 1937, the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Parish was organised and established in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, at a meeting in the Ukrainian National Home. At this founding meeting, 39 persons were present. At the end of the short meeting, 22 persons enrolled as members.

The first elected executive included :

 Joseph Yesenchuk, president ; John Shewchuk, secretary ; John Koldy, treasurer.

In addition to the elected executive, the founding members included :

 Bodgan Forwin, Maria Homeniuk, John Horudko, Maria Horudko, Demko Kit, Karl Lachowetski, Rosalia Lachowetski, 
 William Laka, Maria MacMillan, Peter Melnychuk, William Pelech, Anna Pelech, Anton Scherbak, Maria Scherbak, 
 Prokopy Scheretski, Stephen Senowski, Anna Shewchuk, Fred Siry, Sophia Yasenchuk.

The first Divine Liturgy was served on 18 July, 1937, also at the Ukrainian National Home, which had previously been established at 875, East Hastings Street. Priest Peter Sametz travelled from Edmonton, Alberta, for this service, which was attended by about 200 residents of Vancouver and nearby places.

Very early in the community’s history, there was formed a branch of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada (UWAC), and with it a branch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Youth of Canada (CYMK). The Ukrainian School was also formed early in the history of the parish. Because of difficult conditions, the school met under improvised circumstances in makeshift places until the construction of a Temple and suitable classrooms in the basement were completed.

In early 1938, the administrator of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada, Archpriest Semen Sawchuk was present to serve the Divine Liturgy in Vancouver. Later that year, at a meeting of the parishioners, a fund was established for the building of a Temple. The parishioners made a successful initial collection. This construction project was the pre-eminent goal of the parish members over the following decade.

In 1939, Priest Michael Fyk from Alberta visited once, and he served the Divine Liturgy. During this same year, at a meeting, a building committee was elected. These members included :

 Bill Belech, Peter Harasymchuk, John Herman, John Kolody, Prokopy Scheretski, Paul Turko and Joseph Yasenchuk.

In fact, they were greatly challenged by the intervention of World War II, federal government statutes and policies, and the sheer size of the project they had undertaken.

In early 1940, the Priest Dmytro Kirstiuk arrived in Vancouver, and from then on the Divine Liturgy was served more frequently. He greatly encouraged the parishioners to persevere in acquiring their own building for worship. On 15 September, 1940, Archbishop John (Theodorovych) made an official pastoral visitation, and this visitation was very encouraging to the parishioners.

First building, 1941

In 1941, the parish bought a building which the Canadian government had confiscated from a communist organisation. However, this acquisition was not without subsequent difficulties.

In 1943, Father Kirstiuk suffered from poor health, and he resigned from his responsibilities. Because of the war, it was not possible to find another priest to serve regularly.

On 9 January, 1944, the Priest Michael Fyk once again served the Divine Liturgy. At this time, he was a chaplain in the Canadian Army. He invited Ukrainian soldiers to attend, and 150 participated. In addition, many parishioners from the city and the nearby region also participated.

Later in the same year, Priest Stephen Symchych arrived in the city. He was a Canadian Army chaplain also, and he was able to serve the Divine Liturgy for both the servicemen and the parishioners on a frequent basis. He was sometimes assisted by Father Michael Fyk and Father Dmytro Kirstiuk. Also in this same year, Archbishop John Theodorovych made another pastoral visitation.

A move, 1945

The aforementioned building was used for worship until 1945. However, (because of Canadian government regulations) the building had to be sold back to the Canadian government at the end of the war.

In 1945, the parish began to rent a former Japanese church which the government had confiscated.

Regular pastoral service, 1946

In 1946, when a priest was assigned to serve the parish regularly, a Sunday school was established. This was the beginning of Christian education for the children, since until this time there was no priest constantly present to take the responsibility of teaching. At this time, the School Committee included the Sunday school.

In 1948, there was a pastoral visitation by Archbishop Mstyslav (Skrypnyk) who had recently immigrated to Canada. During his visit, he blessed the land on which the new Temple was to be constructed. Then, on 24 October, 1948, the Deputy Mayor of the City of Vancouver turned the sod for the construction. The president of the parish, Michael Homola, took up the responsibility of leading the ensuing construction. Through the deep commitment and perseverance of a small group of members, the structure was built according to the design of the famous architect Professor Serhyj Tymoshenko and the building project progressed, despite the great lack of money. However, a campaign to raise funds quickly was undertaken urgently. Ultimately, it was because enough parishioners co-signed for a loan that all could be completed. The Cross for the main cupola was blessed by Priest Stephen Symchych on 11 September, 1949.

Building the Temple, 1950

At Pascha in 1950, the first Divine Liturgy was served in the newly-built (but as yet unfinished) Temple. Later in the year, Father Symchych left Vancouver in order to pursue further studies. He was replaced by the Priest Stephen Zuzak. In the ensuing years, through much hard work and direct financial contributions by the members, along with fundraising projects, the Temple was eventually completed and decorated in accordance with Orthodox tradition.

In 1951, there were continuing financial stresses. However, during this year, Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko) made 2 pastoral visitations. The first was for the 15th anniversary of the parish, and the second was for the 35th anniversary of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada. Both visits helped to ease the financial stress because of increased contributions.

In 1952, the CYMK organisation decided to purchase a large crystal chandelier for the Temple. They had been saving towards this for some time.

In 1954, Father Zuzak requested that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Consistory in Winnipeg, Manitoba, transfer him to another parish, and he was replaced by Priest Stephen Symchych, a recent graduate from studies in New York, USA. During the same year, the basement of the Temple was completed, and it provided needed space for the Sunday and Ukrainian schools.

Interior

Archpastoral visitation, 1955

In 1955, Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko) made a third archpastoral visitation. Again, the visitation improved the economic situation of the parish, and a fund was established for the eventual purchase of an iconostas. During this year also, the debt of the parish was retired.

British Columbia Centennial, 40th Anniversary of the UOCC, 1958

In 1958, the parish celebrated the centennial of British Columbia, and the 40th anniversary of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada.

The interior of the Temple was freshly painted. Icons painted by Mr. P Cholodny, Jr., of New York, were installed in the iconostas. They had cost $3,500.00. During this year also, the parish purchased a house beside the Temple to serve as a residence for the pastors of the parish.

Archpastoral visitation, 1959

In 1959, an old house adjacent to the Temple was demolished in order to prepare for a larger parking-lot, and Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko) made again an archpastoral visitation. His visitations consistently reinforced the proper ecclesiology and Christ-centred focus of parish life. After this visitation, a new Gospel Book was donated to the Temple, and a microphone to the hall.

Educational, missionary, and construction projects, 1960

In 1960, the parishioners began to furnish the classrooms for the Sunday school and the Ukrainian language school, and to fund other projects. These included supporting communities in Victoria and Burnaby, British Columbia. There was an archpastoral visitation by Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko), and the newly-ordained Bishop Andrew (Metiuk).

In 1961, the parishioners decided to modernise the parish hall. The parish’s school of dance participated in Vancouver’s 75th anniversary. Also, Father Symchych’s 25th anniversary of priesthood was followed by a request for transfer. He was given a year’s leave of absence by Metropolitan Ilarion. He was succeeded by the Priest Peter Satsevich. Later in the year, Metropolitan Ilarion made another archpastoral visitation. As before, he encouraged unity and mutual forgiveness, peace, harmony and love amongst the parishioners. Various liturgical items were donated during this year.

In 1962, the Ukrainian Women’s Organisation purchased 2 coverings for the Holy Table. A new sepulchre was prepared for Paschal services by the painter John Pushka, who was painting the walls of the Temple. The previous plan to build a new parish hall had not yet been realised because the land that was purchased was too small. In this year, a fresh piece of land was purchased near West 46th Avenue and Oak Street.

The 25th anniversary of the parish was celebrated at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, led by Bishop Andrew (Metiuk) and Fathers Peter Satsevich, John Hykawy, Peter Blazuk and Leonid Diachyna of the Vancouver Mission District. A commemorative book was prepared.

Archpastoral visitation, 1963

In 1963, the construction of a new auditorium was being prepared for, and there was an archpastoral visitation by Archbishop Andrew (Metiuk).

In 1964, more items were presented to the Temple for use in the services.

In 1965, the parish decided to sell the property on West 46th Avenue because of its distance, and permission was sought to build next to the Temple. Father Peter Satsevich requested a leave of absence from his responsibilities, and Archpriest Ambrosie Chrustawka was assigned to replace him.

In 1966, the West 46th Avenue property was sold, and a building fund was established. Other attempts were made to find property for a hall. Father Ambrosie Chrustawka celebrated his 40th anniversary of priesthood.

30th anniversary, 1967

In 1967, the parish celebrated its 30th anniversary with the archpastoral visitation of Archbishop Andrew (Metiuk). He celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy along with the Archpriest Ambrosie Chrustawka and the Priest Nicolas Moroz. With the assistance of Father Peter Satsevich, a house at 120, East 10th Avenue, next to the Temple, was purchased with a view to building a hall.

In 1968, together with the parishes in Whalley and Burnaby, Holy Trinity Church celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada. The main celebration was the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, led by Archbishop Andrew (Metiuk).

In 1969, further studies were undertaken towards the construction of a parish hall. A new building committee was appointed. Then, when the Archpriest Ambrosie Chrustawka moved to Alberta, Priest Peter Bublyk was assigned to serve in the parish.

In 1970, the parish commenced planning and fundraising for another major project, the building of an auditorium and mezzanine immediately adjacent to the church property. In this year, “The Year of the Ukrainian Orthodox Youth” was celebrated in the Vancouver Mission District.

In 1971, more preparations were undertaken for construction. In September, the “Young Adults” club was organised in the parish.

Parish hall construction, 1972

On 15 March, 1972, the construction of the parish hall began. Contributions from the Adults Club and also from the “Lesia Ukrainka Branch” of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada contributed substantially towards the finishing of the hall.

On 29 March, Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko) fell asleep in the Lord.

On 17 June, 1973, the “Ukrainian Orthodox Auditorium” was officially opened by Archbishop Andrew (Metiuk). The hall was prepared so that it could receive the library of the Ukrainian Fraternal Society, Branch 20, and a room for the Museum Branch was prepared. Classrooms for the Sunday and language schools were also rebuilt.

Holy Trinity Auditorium, adjacent to the Temple

In 1974, renovations and repairs were undertaken on the Temple itself.

In 1975, the Temple was designated as a “sobor” by Archbishop Andrew (Metiuk) on behalf of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada (renamed “The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada” (UOCC) by an Act of The Parliament of Canada in 1990). “Sobor” is a Slavic word (sometimes translated “cathedral”) which indicates a prestigious or important Temple, which usually is large, and which will allow for greater assemblies of the Faithful. The interior of the Temple was painted, and a new residence for the pastor was purchased at 50, East 38th Avenue, and it was then furnished by parishioners. In this year, a “Seniors’ Club” was organised, and it soon numbered 100 members.

In 1976, the parish participated in a world conference, “Habitat”. In this year also, the iconostas was renewed.

Iconostas

40th anniversary, 1977

Heritage building status

In 1977, a new Holy Table, an Oblation Table and analoys were constructed from oak wood. In the pastor’s home, a room was remodelled to serve as an office. A scholarship fund was established for theology students. At Saint Andrew’s College in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Father Peter Bublyk celebrated his 25th anniversary of priesthood.

In December, 1977, the Vancouver City Council designated this Temple as an architectural “Heritage Building”, and an engraved plaque was placed on the exterior of the church building.

Archpastoral visit ; further developments, 1978, 1979

In 1978, a new “kivot” (tabernacle, or "artophorion") was purchased for the Holy Table, and bilingual service-books were purchased for liturgical use. Bishop Boris (Yakovkevych) made an archpastoral visitation.

60 years of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church

The 60th anniversary of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada was celebrated in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and then locally by the Vancouver Mission District, including the parishes in Burnaby, Whalley and Chilliwack.

It was decided to undertake the construction of a home for seniors, and it was hoped to be able to purchase land at East 11th Avenue and Prince Edward Street for that purpose. This was the last year of the annual parish picnics in public urban parks.

Archpastoral visitation

In 1979, Bishop Boris (Yakovkevych) made an archpastoral visitation which was participated in by the Vancouver Mission District parishes. More vestments were purchased for liturgical use, and new icons were painted for the iconostas. The parish was denied permission by the city authorities to the request to build a seniors’ home above the parish hall. This was the last year of annual bazaars which had competitions for “queen”.

In 1980, the parish purchased electric church bells, largely paid for by the local Ukrainian Women’s Association. Further attempts to purchase the property on East 11th Avenue failed, as did other proposals regarding other properties.

In 1981, preparations began for the celebration of the millennium of the Baptism of Rus’. There was also a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the CYMK (Ukrainian Orthodox Youth). During this year, Father Peter Bublyk asked to be transferred to Toronto, Ontario, and the Consistory Office (central office in Winnipeg) sent Archpriest George Turzansky to replace him.

In 1982, a new entrance door was installed in the Temple.

In 1983, the “Sobor” status was elevated more, and the Temple received the designation of “cathedral”. The term “cathedral” implies that this Temple is the seat of a bishop (“cathedral” comes from a Greek word, meaning “seat”).

By this time, this parish had been served by 14 priests, in addition to receiving visitations from bishops, archbishops and metropolitans of the UGOCC. On 25 September, to mark the 50th year since the great famine ("holodomor") in Ukraine, there was a joint celebration in the cathedral of a “requiem mass” with Bishop Wasyly (Fedak) and the Ukrainian Catholic Bishop Jerome Chimy and their clergy.

In December, 1983, Bishop Wasyly (Fedak) ordained Deacon Roman Szewczyk to the Holy Priesthood in this cathedral.

In 1984, more preparations were made for the celebration of the millennium of Orthodox Christianity in Ukraine. During this year, a joint anniversary choir was organised, and workshops were offered in Kelowna and Vancouver.

There was an archpastoral visitation by Bishop John (Stinka), and the cathedral choir sang at the Divine Liturgy in Victoria during a similar archpastoral visitation in that city. Discussions continued about the possible establishment of a seniors’ home.

In 1985, there was a major renovation of the entrance steps before the main door, and both the interior and the exterior of the Temple were painted.

In 1986, because “Expo 86” was occurring in Vancouver, it was decided to make the celebration of the Orthodox Christian Millennium in Ukraine at this time. From 31 July to 2 August, the celebrations were focussed on liturgical services, a concert and a banquet. Metropolitan Wasyly (Fedak), Bishop John (Stinka) and clergy and lay-persons from many parts of Canada participated in a Service of Thanksgiving, an All-night Vigil, and then an Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus. In addition to the Holy Trinity Cathedral choir which sang at the services, the choirs of Saint Andrew’s Church in Toronto and the British Columbia Jubilee Choir presented a choral concert.

50th anniversary, 1987

On 1 February, 1987, the Annual Meeting appointed a committee for the purchase of 3 houses at 10th Avenue and Quebec Street for the purpose of a future Seniors’ Home. With some help, the properties were quickly purchased, and a “Vancouver Ukrainian Orthodox Senior Citizens Society” was organised.

On 23 October, 1988, the 50th Anniversary of the Cathedral was marked and celebrated. This celebration coincided with the celebrations during the year commemorating the 1,000th Anniversary of the Baptism of Rus' in Kyiv, Ukraine, under Saint Prince Volodymyr.

Re-naming of the UGOCC, 1990

In 1990, the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada was officially renamed “The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada” (UOCC) by an Act of the Parliament of Canada.

The UOCC entered into Eucharistic union with the Patriarchate of Constantinople, 1990

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

Care of the Temple

The parish elders and the sisterhood have played and continue to play a prominent role in the care and maintenance of the Temple, along with their principal role of assisting with the conduct of church services. Altar boys received special instruction regarding their role during the Divine Liturgy and other services.

Religious instruction in the Orthodox Faith has been conducted from the early establishment of the parish. Many volunteers have contributed to the Sunday school programme. The classrooms in the lower level of the Temple have also been used for the Ukrainian Language School. This instructional programme has thrived as a direct result of the contribution of many volunteers. Both these programmes have been in operation from the very early days, with all the children participating in concerts to celebrate Saint Nicholas, Taras Shevchenko and Mother’s Day on an annual basis, in addition to other cultural events.

Parishioners

75th anniversary of the UOCC, 1993

In 1993, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada celebrated the 75th anniversary of its foundation.

In addition, the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada (Olha Kobylianska branch) marked its 60th anniversary.

Extraordinary Sobor in Saskatoon, 2008 (90th Anniversary of the UOCC)

In 2008, an extraordinary assembly (sobor) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada was convened at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. At this assembly (sobor), 2 bishops were elected to serve the UOCC.

Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk) was elected to become Bishop of Edmonton and the Western Eparchy.

Bishop Andriy (Peshko) was elected to become Bishop of Saskatoon, and Vicar-Bishop to the metropolitan (Metropolitan John (Stinka)) in the Central Eparchy.

During this anniversary year, Professor Roman Yereniuk of Winnipeg, Manitoba, published a special book "On the Occasion of the 90th Anniversary of the Church (1918-2008)".

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.

Cemetery section at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 1954

Near the end of 1954, a “Cemetery Land Committee” was appointed. As a result, a section of the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Burnaby, British Columbia, was purchased for the use of the parishioners.

 Priests who have served in Holy Trinity Cathedral include :
 
 Priest Peter Samets 	 	 	1938
 Archpriest Dr. Simon (Sam) Sawchuk  	____-____
 Priest Michael Fyk 	 	 	____-____  (chaplain in the Canadian Army)
 Priest Dmetro Irstiuk 	 	 	____-____
 Priest Stephen Symchych 	 	1946-1950, 1954-1961  (chaplain in the Canadian Army)
 Priest Stepan Zuzak 		 	1950-1954
 Archpriest Peter Satsevic 	 	1961-1965
 Priest Amvrosiy Chrustawka 	 	1965-1969
 Archpriest Peter Bublyk 	 	1969-1981
 Archpriest George Turzansky 	 	1981-____
 Priest Roman Tsaplan 	 	1990s-____

At Pascha

Particular parish information

The cathedral parish is a part of the Vancouver region of the Western Eparchy. 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 Pentecost (Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Most Holy Trinity).

In 2024, the pastor of the parish is the Priest Roman Tsaplan.

Address :

Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral

154, East 10th Avenue

Vancouver, British Columbia

V5T 1Z4

Telephone : 604-876-4747

Fax : 604-876-4757

Web-site : http://uocvancouver.com

E-mail : contactus@uocvancouver.com

Facebook

Directions :

The Temple is found in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, 1 block west of Main Street, on East 10th Avenue. It is 1 block south of Broadway Avenue.

By car :

From Highway #1 :

From Highway #1, take the exit for the Grandview Highway, and follow it westwards until after it becomes East 12th Avenue. Continue driving past Kingsway Avenue to Main Street. Turn right on Main Street. Drive north on Main Street to East 10th Avenue. Turn left on East 10th Avenue, and drive 1 block west.

From Marine Drive :

From Marine Drive, turn northwards at Main Street. Drive north on Main Street to East 10th Avenue. Turn left on East 10th Avenue, and drive 1 block west.

By bus :

There is BC Transit service on Main Street, on Broadway Avenue, and on East 12th Avenue.

By rail :

Vancouver is accessible by rail (and hence this parish) by VIARail from points to the east in Canada. It is accessible also by Amtrak from Seattle, Washington, and other connecting stations.

Vancouver is accessible by road, chiefly by Highway #1 from the west, and Highway #99 from the south.

It is accessible by various airline companies through the Vancouver International Aeroport.

It is accessible by ferry through BC Ferries at either Tsawassen or Horseshoe Bay.

Priest Roman Tsaplan

Telephones : 604-325-2639 (home) ; 604-876-4747 (office) ; 778-239-6252 (mobile)

Fax : 604-876-4745

E-mail : rttsaplan@yahoo.ca

References

A Brief History of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

Bogdan, Forwin, compiler, “Memory Bank of Ukrainians in British Columbia, 1979-1984” (pp. 30, 60 & 70).

Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, “A Brief History of the Holy Trinity Cathedral Parish in Vancouver 1937-1987” (Vancouver : Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 1988).

History of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Vancouver

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).

Gerus, Oleh W, ‘Metropolitan Ilarion Ohienko and the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada’ in O. Gerus and A. Baran, eds., “Millenium of Christianity in Ukraine, 988-1988”, O Gerus and A Baran, eds. (Winnipeg : UVAN, 1989), pp. 239-274.

Martynowych, Orest T. “Ukrainians in Canada : The Formative Period, 1891–1924” (Edmonton : Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, University of Alberta, 1991. ISBN10 : 0920862764. ISBN13 : 978-0920862766.

Sametz, William, “My father the priest : the life and times of the Very Reverend Dr. Peter Sametz : founding missionary priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada” (Toronto : Hypertex Plus, 2008). ISBN : 9780969670056.

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., “Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America” (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.

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

Yuzik, Paul, “The Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada, 1918-1951” (Ottawa, ON : University of Ottawa Press, 1981).

Weekly Bulletin for 10 September 2023

Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of Holy Trinity Parish web-site

UOCC Consistory listing

Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Church of Canada web-site

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC) web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

Church of Constantinople web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Constantinople

Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)

Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)