View source for Edwand AB Saint Pokrova Ukrainian Orthodox Church 1903


[[File:20170222 St Pokrova Orthodox Church Edwand AB s.jpg]]

'''Edwand, Alberta, Saint Pokrova Orthodox Church, 1903'''


The title “Saint Pokrova” is a combined-language title ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language English] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language Ukrainian]), which is more clearly understood to be “Holy Protection”.  This title refers to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Protection_of_the_Mother_of_God Protecting Veil of the Mother of God].

There is another parish known as [https://pioneerchurches.ca/index.php/photo-galleries/ukrainian-orthodox-uoc/borowich-uocSaint Pokrova Greek Orthodox Church of Borovich] (Borowich, Boriwtzi), near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willingdon,_Alberta Willingdon], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada].   

It seems that many of the earliest parishioners of each community came from the same village in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukovina Bukovyna]. 

Although it is not germane to the 2 communities, it may be of interest that there is a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borova_Raion Borova] region of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kharkov_Governorate Kharkiv Governorate] in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Ukraine Ukraine], and also a village called [http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/nw/montana/berkovitsa/borovtsi Borovtsi] in northwest [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgaria Bulgaria].  


==Prehistory==

In 1900, the settlement and farming of the area around [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwand Edwand], [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alberta/ Alberta], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada], had begun.  It is in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake_County Smoky Lake County], east of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake Town of Smoky Lake], and about 104 km (65 mi) northeast of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], Alberta.   The name "Edwand" is that of an early post-office, named for an early post-master.

The settlers who established this parish were families whose origin was for the most part in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Romania Romanian]- and [https://www.britannica.com/place/Ukraine Ukrainian]-speaking villages in the northern [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukovina Bukovina] (also spelt Bukovyna, Bucovina) region of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romania Romania] around [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernivtsi Chernivtsi].  At that time, it was a part of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria-Hungary Austro-Hungarian Empire].  This particular region later was taken by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Stalin J Stalin] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Union USSR] with a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II World War II] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molotov–Ribbentrop_Pact treaty].

==Establishment of the community, 1903==

A [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America Russian Orthodox mission], with a small chapel, was initially established on land immediately south of the present-day Edwand Church around 1903, a few years after the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Smoky_Lake_AB_Holy_Trinity_Russo_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1900 Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox parish] was started in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake_County Smoky Lake].  This was at about the same time as another mission was being established south of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Saskatchewan_River North Saskatchewan River], a mission which had the same [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Name_day Name-day] (dedication, Altar Feast-day).     

Congregational life was initiated in 1903, in association with the death of a local homesteader.  This sudden death made a cemetery an urgent necessity.   This acquisition provided a concrete place and focus for the neighbouring people to pray.  

A site for the graveyard was chosen uphill from the first mission (which enjoyed a commanding view of the [https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/north/white-earth-valley-na/ White Earth Valley]). Designated trustees were then dispatched to the [http://waskatenau.ca/campground.html Pine Creek] Land Titles office ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waskatenau  Waskatenau]) to file a claim for a forty-acre subdivision of a quarter section, paid for with donations collected from area settlers.

==Construction of the Temple, 1906==

Construction of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Log_cabin log church] began the following year, when stones for a foundation, logs and other materials were assembled on the property by local supporters of the parish.  Then, volunteers worked slowly to erect a log structure.  They were under the direction of a head carpenter, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/115377294/todor-billey Todor Billey] (Billy) – a native of [https://mapcarta.com/13768868 Borivtsi], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukovina Bukovyna], who had homesteaded originally in the [https://mapcarta.com/24538158 Pakan district], but moved subsequently to the vicinity of Edwand. 

In 1906, a circuit [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hieromonk Hieromonk] is said to have held a service in the partially completed sanctuary. 

==Sanctification of the Temple, 1907==

The formal [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Consecration_of_a_church sanctification] of the Temple took place on 14 October 1907, the Feast-day of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Protection_of_the_Mother_of_God Saint Mary the Protectress] (usually called "Protection of the Theotokos").  

During the early years, priests from the "[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America Russian Orthodox Mission]" (and its successor, the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America#Diocese_of_the_Aleutian_Islands_and_North_America,_1900 Diocese of New York and the Aleutians]) provided pastoral care to the Bukovynian and other settlers of the district.  

==Continuing parish life==

During the 1920s and 1930s, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy  Divine Liturgy] was celebrated 2 or 3 times a month.  The services drew a large number of worshippers to Edwand.  They arrived on foot over rough trails, or they braved the elements and roads in wagons and buggies.  Regrettably, the records of these formative years of Saint Mary’s congregation were lost in the 1928 fire that destroyed [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Smoky_Lake_AB_Holy_Trinity_Russo_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1900 Holy Trinity Russo-Orthodox Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake Smoky Lake].

'''Years of service by the Diocese of Canada, and sometimes by the UGOC'''

It seems that between 1936 and 1943, Father Hryhori Wasyliw of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada UGOC] served periodically at Edwand during the years of his pastorate in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake_County Smoky Lake].  It is possible that he was called upon occasionally when a priest of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Diocese of Canada] in the "[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America Metropolia]" was unavailable ; or at the request of local sympathisers of the UGOC. 

In 1958, work began on a parish hall.  It was erected in part with donated material and volunteer labour.

==Move to the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada==

However, following the repose in Christ of the serving priest in the area at the age of 42, the Edwand Faithful were left without regular spiritual care.   Increasingly, the parishioners began to invite priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to take care of their religious needs.  This arrangement seems to have prevailed for many years, until the parishioners decided to join the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada] (largely because of the efforts of [https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/potopresbyter-satsevich-obituary?id=46053148 Father Peter Satsevich]). 

On 11 December, 1960, the decision was taken at an annual general parish meeting.  Although the [https://www.uocc.ca/contact/ UGOC Consistory] naturally welcomed this decision, and was willing quickly to issue Father Satsevich a document of acceptance, it was suggested that he wait awhile to ensure that the move was not actively opposed by anyone still loyal to the "[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America Metropolia]".

In fact, the decision to become part of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church had not been a unanimous one.   

The Pokrova Parish of Edwand had 35 members when it resolved to enter the jurisdiction of the [https://www.uocc.ca/contact/ Ukrainian Orthodox Consistory] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg Winnipeg], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba Manitoba].  The number increased to 52 during the following year (probably thanks to an influx of UGOC supporters from neighbouring communities).  However, by 1965, the congregation reported having just 15 members, according to correspondence relating to its budgetary assessment.  

Eventually, members who wanted to remain with the "Metropolia" joined the congregation of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Dickie_Bush_AB_Saints_Peter_and_Paul_Russo_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1906,_1909 Saints Peter and Paul at Dickie Bush], south of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellis,_Alberta Bellis], Alberta.

'''Structural details'''

There is distinctive [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_tower bell-house] with a square ground floor and octagonal second storey (the transition being achieved through the use of 4 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrahedron tetrahedrons] called "sails") immediately west of the Temple.  Topped by a conical roof, the structure was originally graced by sets of porthole-like openings on each of its sides.  However, these were replaced in 2005 by louvred openings that can be lowered to permit the sound of the bells to be heard more easily. 

A parish hall is also located between the Temple and the cemetery.

==Parish cemetery, 1903==

[https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2372403/saint-pokrova-orthodox-church-of-edwand-cemetery The cemetery] is adjacent to the church, having been established in 1903 upon the death of a 22-year-old settler, Wasyl Maskalyk. 

The builder of the church, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/115377294/todor-billey Todor Billey] (1870-1960), who emigrated to Canada with his wife and two children in 1899, is buried in the cemetery, which is thought to contain close to 700 graves. Unfortunately, some of the burials were never marked, and the wooden crosses on many other early graves have been lost due to fires. The church property and cemetery were enclosed with a fence in 2005.

==Organisation, 1903==

In 1902, a special Dominion land grant (No. 1179) was issued to the Russo-Greek Catholic Orthodox parish of [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Shandro,+AB+T0B+0C0/@53.9499995,-112.166667,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x53a0c32903a20b99:0x15421aa7272d6e3f!8m2!3d53.95!4d-112.166667!16s%2Fg%2F1tggnb5n?entry=ttu  Shandro], for the purpose of establishing a Temple and cemetery to serve the Borowich district.  A Russo-Orthodox congregation had been organised at Shandro in 1900, and it was then in the process of constructing its own place of worship : [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Shandro_AB_Holy_Assumption_(Dormition)_Russo_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1899 Saint Mary's Church].  

In 1903, 35 local settlers met in the home of [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/150400826/hryhory-kowalchuk Hryhory Kowalchuk] to discuss building a Temple on the 20 acres of land that had recently been acquired, as well as electing an executive and trustees to initiate this undertaking.

Because no large trees were available nearby, the parishioners had to obtain them from woods that were 20 miles away, north of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew,_Alberta Andrew] townsite.  During the winter of 1903-1904, suitable trees were harvested from this timber stand (northeast of the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Kysylew_AB_Nativity_of_the_Holy_Virgin_Russo_Orthodox_Church_1898 Kysylew Russo Orthodox Church]), after which the logs were hauled by sleigh to the old townsite of  [https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfAndrewAndArea/ Andrew] for squaring at the Oliver sawmill.

In 1903, the sudden death of Wasyl Maskalyk at the age of 22 made it urgent that the Orthodox believers of this region locate and agree on a location for a cemetery and for a Temple.  In the same year, 2 children of the Bozniak family were interred in the cemetery.  This was quickly done, and the land chosen was at SW26-59-16-W4.

==Construction of the Temple, 1904==

Construction began in the summer of 1904, with Oleksa Morris hired to supervise the project and Dionysy Lastiwka serving as his assistant.  The 26’ x 44’ log structure rose slowly on a stone foundation, the work proceeding whenever parishioners had some free time to help the builders. 

Many of the pioneers contributed money, and they volunteered their time towards the construction.  The following are known contributors :
  Gawrelo Billey, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/101177111/george-bozniak George Bozniak], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/101239862/semion-bozniak Simeon Bozniak], Wasyl Chipiniuk, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/113419901/stefan-danyluk Steve Danyliuk], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/101337415/dmetro-elaschuk Dmetro Elaschuk], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/113427155/nick-fedoriak Nick Fedorak], 
  Wasyl Franchuk, Mike Graganiuk, Metro Grekul, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/113506329/petro-halisky Petro Halisky], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/113509676/todor-harasem Teodor Harasem], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/113521483/philip-hryhirchuk Philip Hryhirchuk], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/113521730/andrew-hrynyk Andrew Hryhyk], 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/150400942/thomas-hunchak Tom Hunchiak], [http://www.prairiesouls.com/Edwand,%20AB%20-%20Edwand%20Cemetery/Mycemetery-162.htm Ivan Kokotilo], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/101255799/thomas-kokotilo Tom Kokotilo], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/113423795/nykolay-kostiuk Nykolay Kostiuk], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/115592522/georgij-krawchuk George Krawchuk], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/115935190/aksenty-makowichuk Azenty Makowichuk], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/115993072/wasyl-maskalyk Wasyl Maskalyk], 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/108978616/mike-melnyk Mike Melnyk], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/115996574/george-melnyk George Melnyk], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/116202975/onyfrey-mykituik Onufry Mykytiuk], John Mykytiuk, Mike Odenak, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/120191658/jacob-ottawa Jacob Ottawa], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/120346355/demian-panchuk Demnian Penchuk], 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/206944557/wasyl-prokopchuk Wasyl Prokopchuk], Alex Ratsoy, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134572730/mike-rechalski Metro Rechalsky], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/207477224/george-rechlo George Rechlo], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/81060516/simeon-rogoza Semion Rogoza], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/120490191/nykolay-rosychuk Nykolay Rosychuk],  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/120543959/wasyl-semeniuk Wasyl Semiuk], 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/120548034/john-senetza John Senetza], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134625445/wasyl-shupenia Wasyl Shupenia], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134626815/alexander-skoreyko Alex Skoreyko], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134664877/kerylo-skoreyko Kurylo Skoreyko], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134688650/metro-skoreyko Metro Skoreyko], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134626919/george-skoreyko George Skoreyko], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134686586/petro-skoreyko Peter Skoreyko], 
  Steve Skoreyko, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134689759/theodore-skoreyko Teodore Skoreyko], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134772849/jacob-slemko Jakob Slemko], Roman Slemko, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134818087/simeon-slemko Semion Slemko], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134819240/george-smetaniuk George Smetaniuk], 
  Nykolay Sokolotosky, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/116089148/axenty-watamaniuk Zxenty Wattamaniuk], Tanasko Witwisky, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/59555939/george-w-wolansky George Wolansky], Teodor Zetariuk.

Logs were cut, peeled and hauled to the construction site by horse and wagon.  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/115377294/todor-billey Teodor (Todor) Billey] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wostok Wostok] was hired to be the head carpenter.  Mr. Billey laid out the plans for the Temple and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_tower bell-house].  Volunteers brought stone for the foundation, as well as logs and some timber for the construction.  The rest of the timber was bought, and a craftsman was hired to make glass for the building.  

The structure can be characterised as [http://www.ukrainianchurchesofcanada.ca/architectural_styles/traditonal_bukovynian.html Bukovinian in style], with its steeply-sloped tripped roof, its small [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onion_dome domes] and its [https://www.christianityart.store/blogs/blog/the-parts-of-the-orthodox-church-and-their-use tripartite plan].  

In 1906, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/150400834/michael-demetro-zukiwskip Michael Zukiwski] put on siding to seal the exterior walls ; and that winter, he worked with Peter Gudsovaty and other members to finish the interior and build the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Altar Altar]. 

In the meantime, Priest Antony Pechinsky, assisted by Priests Kryskha, Gregory Soroka, and Alexander Peza of the "[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America Russian Orthodox Mission]" blessed the Temple at a service held on 14 October, 1906, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Protection_of_the_Mother_of_God Feast-day of Saint Mary the Protectress].  The [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Theotokos Mother of God] was adopted as the patron of the sanctuary.  

Subsequently, a series of Russian Orthodox priests provided pastoral care for the congregation in the decade that followed.

The first trustees of the parish were :
  Wasyl Chipiniuk, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/120490191/nykolay-rosychuk Nykolay Rosychuk] and [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/59555939/george-w-wolansky George Wolansky].
They rode by horse-and-wagon to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton] in order to purchase a registration for the Temple and cemetery.  The cost was $10.00. 

'''Billey family'''

The Billey family serve as an example of committed [https://orthodoxwiki.org/What_is_Orthodoxy Orthodox Christian] living.  Alexander Billey and his brothers were amongst those who constructed the Temple.  The whole life of the wife of Alexander, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/115376490/sanda-billey Sanda Billey], was focussed on caring for this Temple, and worshipping in it.  She cleaned the Temple regularly, and she polished everything.  She embroidered towels and other coverings for the Temple.  Alexander was a builder of coffins and he made cement Crosses for the cemetery.  Other families were not different in their love for [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Jesus_Christ the Lord] and for [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity His Church] and in their devotion to the care of the Lord's Temple.

==Sanctification of the Temple, 1906==

On 14 October, 1906, the Temple was [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Consecration_of_a_church sanctified] by a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hieromonk priestmonk] who belonged to the [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America "Russian Mission" in North America], and who travelled amongst the various communities he served in the region.  This day is the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Protection_of_the_Mother_of_God Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God].  

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bells Bells] were donated, and the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Epitaphios Shroud of Christ] was bought through donations of parishioners.

'''Life in 1920s-1930s'''

In the early 1920s and 1930s, services were offered every second or third Sunday, depending on how many services the priest had in other parishes.  The people in the Edwand community tended to be present in the Temple very often at that time, as compared with the 21st century.  Sometimes they would visit a neighbouring parish.  They most frequently travelled near and far by horse, wagon, or buggy.  Almost no-one had an automobile, and the roads were not very accommodating to them.  It was usual at a Sunday or festal service to see very few cars, but many wagons, [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/democrat%20wagon democrats] and buggies.

==New bells, and other improvements, 1950s==

In 1952-1953, 2 new bells were installed in the bell-house to replace the original ones which had become cracked.  The new bells were noticeably smaller than the original ones.  

In 1954, it was decided that a new oak floor be installed in the Temple, mainly because the original floor was suffering from mould.  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/115624481/george-masikewich George Masikewich (Moskowich)] was instrumental in this project, which was supervised by [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/244565623/john-meronek John Meronek].

==Move to the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada, 1956==

In 1956, the congregation voted to change the name from the Russo-Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Pokrova to the [http://uocc.ca/ Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church] of Saint Pokrova.  

This occurred when the serving priest in the area, Father Cependa, reposed in the Lord at the age of 42.  

At that time, it seemed that the only way for the parish to maintain services was to make this change.   At that time, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America] (usually called simply the "Metropolia")  was suffering from a severe shortage of clergy.  

Moreover, in those days, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Russian_Exarchate_of_North_America Russian Exarchate of North America's] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarchial_Parishes_in_Canada Diocese of Edmonton and Canada] (a possible alternative that was employed by some congregations) was not considered by this congregation to be acceptable because of the connexion of that diocese (under [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Panteleimon_(Rudyk) Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk)] of Edmonton) with the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Moscow Patriarchate].  

'''Funeral customs'''

By 1958, the use of these home-made coffins ceased, and only the commercially available ones came to be used.  Until this time, the body of a reposed person was washed by the family and dressed and prepared for the funeral.  The body remained in the coffin in the family home until it was time for the funeral.  

A candle (beeswax) was prepared which was the same length as the height of the departed person.  This candle was the thickness of a pencil and made into a coil.  It was placed in a plate of water, lit, and placed on top of the coffin.  Every hour, someone would uncoil more candle, until the candle burned to the point where there was no candle left to uncoil.  It was then that the body was buried.  Afterwards, the usual memorial dinner was prepared in the family home.  

This custom reflects what happened when there was no priest available.  

'''More modernisation of the Temple''' 

In 1958, after the donation of some gravel, lumber and labour, and with the purchase of some other materials, the parish hall began to be constructed.  The work was completed by 1961. 

In 1966, a parishioner donated the installation of electricity.

In 1969, the antique [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandelier  chandelier] had wiring installed, and candles were no longer needed.  

In 1972, a construction firm in Edmonton donated labour and materials to replace the windows which were rotting.

In 1976, natural gas was installed in the parish hall.

In 1977, an English gentleman attended the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Radonitsa blessing of the graves] (“[https://livingcultures.ualberta.ca/sanctuary/?page_id=2944 provody]”).  The following Sunday, he donated his time and machinery to install the natural gas service in the Temple.

==Re-naming 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].  

'''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 [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.

==Further repairs and improvements==

In 1993, when grants became available, a grant was procured which allowed for the installation of a new foundation under the Temple.  

In 1994, the Temple was repainted.

In 1995, new fencing was erected around the parish property.

From 1996, the parish executive made an extension to the hall, and enabled the construction of a new kitchen and the installation of indoor lavatories.

==Renaming of the parish, 2003==

In August, 2003, the Temple was officially renamed as Saint Pokrova Orthodox Church of Edwand, Alberta.  

In 2005, a chain-link fence was constructed around the cemetery.  New outdoor toilets were also added to the hall.  

The Temple as it had been originally constructed continued to be used for more than a century after its founding, with a few additions. 

'''Interior layout'''

An interesting feature of the interior is the wall between sanctuary and nave that serves as the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconostasis iconostas] ; in most churches, the iconostas is a partition instead of a full wall.  This duplicates construction techniques used in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Ukraine Ukraine], wherein the parts of a tripartite structure were built side by side, joined together, and then had holes cut in the walls to allow movement between them.  The walls of Saint Pokrova’s, including the iconostas, are adorned with [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography icons] hung upon them.  

Except for the placing of a commemorative plaque on the north interior elevation, the physical structure of the Temple has not been altered.

==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 Pokrova Cemetery, 1903==

The [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2372403/saint-pokrova-orthodox-church-of-edwand-cemetery Edwand Saint Pokrova Cemetery] is adjacent to the Temple, having been established in 1903 upon the death of a 22-year-old settler, Wasyl Maskalyk.  The builder of the Temple, Todor Billey (1870-1960), who emigrated to Canada with his wife and 2 children in 1899, is buried in the cemetery, which is thought to contain close to 700 graves.  However, some of the burials were never marked, and the wooden Crosses on many other early graves were lost due to fires.  

The cemetery is located at site description SW 26, 59, 16, W4. 

This portion of land was used also for the Temple which was constructed nearby.    

In 2016, the cemetery numbered more than 600 burials on its territory.  By 2024, the number had risen to 736.  

Many of these burials are of the original pioneers in the area.  There are burials also of members of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Army Royal Canadian Army], and of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Canadian_Air_Force Royal Canadian Air Force] who have been interred there after their repose.  

As is customary, there is an annual [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Memorial_Services memorial service] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Radonitsa blessing of graves] (“provody”) in the Paschal season.  


[[File:Cemetery Sign Edwand.jpg]]  '''Parish and cemetery sign'''


[[File:20170222 St Pokrova Orthodox Church Edwand AB Cemetery s.jpg]]  '''Cemetery'''


[[File:Cemetery View 1 Edwand.jpg]] '''Cemetery'''


[[File:Cemetery View 2 Edwand.jpg]] '''Cemetery'''


The priests who served in this parish included the Priest M N Cependa,  who served until 1960.  Priest John Rybalka served afterwards.  Then, [https://search.ancestry.ca/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=60527&h=3790545&new=1 Igumen Loren (Kubin)] served until 1987.

==Particular parish details==

The [https://www.uocc.ca/parish-location/alberta/edwand/ Saint Pokrova Parish] is a parish of the [http://uocc-we.ca Western Eparchy] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada 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/Protection_of_the_Mother_of_God Protection of the Theotokos], 1/14 October.

In 2024, the pastor of this parish is the [http://uocc.ca/en-ca/parishes/clergydetails.asp?ClergyID=8 Priest Benny Ambrosie]. 


Address :

[https://www.uocc.ca/parish-location/alberta/edwand/ Saint Pokrova Orthodox Church]

SW26-59-16-W4

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake_County Smoky Lake County], Alberta

T0A 0J0

Telephone : 780-656-3608


Directions :

From [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], drive on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_15 Highway #15] North to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_37 Highway #37] W in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturgeon_County Sturgeon County].  Then follow [https://ca.geoview.info/825_highway,31881908w Highway #825 ] North and Range Road #224 to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_28 Highway #28] East.  Turn right onto Highway #28 east, and continue until Range Road 161.  Turn left onto Range Road 161.  The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Drive on Highway #28 to Range Road #161 (18.5 km (11.5 mi) east of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake Smoky Lake]).  Turn north on Range Road #161.  Drive 4.3 km (2.7 mi) north.  


Mailing address :

[https://www.uocc.ca/parish-location/alberta/edwand/ Saint Pokrova Orthodox Church of Edwand, Alberta]

Box 516 

Smoky Lake, Alberta

T0A 3C0


[https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rev-fr-benny-ambrosie/ Priest Benny Ambrosie]

Telephone : 780-476-7014

Fax : 780-476-3666

Mobile : 780-719-9619

E-mail : bambrosie@shaw.ca

==References==

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/res/publications/TheOrthodoxChurchInCanadaChronology1980-1988.pdf Archdiocese of Canada — Orthodox Church in America, “The Orthodox Church in Canada : A Chronology” (Ottawa : Archdiocese of Canada, 1988).]

“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). 

Saint Pokrova Orthodox Church, “100th Anniversary : 1906-2006 St. Pokrova Ukrainian Orthodox Church Edwand, Alberta” (Edwand : Saint Pokrova Orthodox Church of Edwand, Alberta, 2006).

[http://www.artsrn.ualberta.ca/cius-sites/religion-culture/c-alberta/tour/p17.htm University of Alberta History] 

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]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/A_Chronological_History_of_the_Archdiocese_of_Canada,_Part_1 A Chronological History of the Archdiocese of Canada, Part I]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_“Russian_Mission”_in_North_America The “Russian Mission” in North America]  

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. 

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. 

[https://www.uocc.ca/parish-location/alberta/edwand/ Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Pokrova, Edwand, Alberta parish listing]  

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

[https://we-uocc.ca/ Western Eparchy 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]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church in America]    

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saint_Tikhon_(Belavin) Patriarch Saint Tikhon (Belavin)]   

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

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_(Saint)_Arseny_(Chahovtsov) Archbishop (Saint) Arseny (Chahovtsov)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Platon_(Rozhdestvensky) Metropolitan Platon (Rozhdestvensky)]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Theophilus_(Pashkovsky) Metropolitan Theophilus (Pashkovsky)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Leonty_(Turkevich) Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Alexander_(Nemolovsky) Archbishop Alexander (Nemolovsky)]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Benjamin_(Basalyga) Archbishop Benjamin (Basalyga)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Joasaph_(Skorodumov) Archbishop Joasaph (Skorodumov)]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Kiprian_(Borisevich) Archbishop Kiprian (Borisevich)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Nikon_(de_Gr%C3%A8ve) Archbishop Nikon (de Grève)] 

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

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Wasyly_(Fedak) Metropolitan Wasyly (Fedak)]   

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

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

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

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Andriy_(Peshko) Bishop Andrij (Peshko)]  

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

[http://www.prairiesouls.com/Edwand,%20AB%20-%20Edwand%20Cemetery/Mycemetery--Edwand-Cemetery-cem-index.htm St Pokrova Orthodox Church, Edwand Cemetery names (prairiesouls.com)]

[http://www.prairiesouls.com/Edwand,%20AB%20-%20Edwand%20Cemetery/Mycemetery--Edwand-Cemetery.htm St Pokrova Orthodox Church, Edwand Cemetery information (prairiesouls.com)] 

[https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2372403/saint-pokrova-orthodox-church-of-edwand-cemetery Findagrave reference to the Saint Pokrova Cemetery]  

[https://sites.ualberta.ca/~ukrville/Family_History_Portal/churches/EdwandStPokrova_RuGrOrth/Pokrova_EdwandRuGrOrth.pdf University of Alberta list of families at Pokrova Parish]  

[https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2405935/borowich-ukrainian-orthodox-cemetery Alternative Findagrave reference for Borowich Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery]

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

[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://library-archives.canada.ca/eng/collection/research-help/genealogy-family-history/ethno-cultural/Pages/ukrainian-canadians.aspx  Library and Archives of Canada article about the Ukrainians in Alberta]

[https://provincialarchives.alberta.ca/sites/default/files/2018-08/UkrainianGuide-English.pdf "Historical Overview" about immigration of Ukrainians to Alberta]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwand Wikipedia article about Edwand, Alberta]

[http://www.centraleastalberta.com/ChurchBrochure/ChurchPages/Churches_page10.htm Central East Alberta article] 

[https://pioneerchurches.ca/index.php/churches/ukr-orth-list/edwand-uoc Pioneer Churches on the Prairies : Saint Pokrova Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Edwand]     ([https://pioneerchurches.ca/index.php/photo-galleries/ukrainian-orthodox-uoc/edwand-uoc Photos])  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Alvena_SK_All_Saints_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_19#Election_of_Metropolitan_Ilarion_(Rudnyk),_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 & Northwest Territories]]  [[Category:RusM]]  [[Category:ROGCCNA]]  [[Category:UGOCC]]  [[Category:UOCCWE]] 
 [[Category:UOCC]]  [[Category:EP]]