View source for Toronto ON Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral 1926



[[File:StVolodymyrUOCCathedralTO 2.jpg]]

'''Toronto, Ontario, Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral'''


'''Oakville, Ontario, All Saints of Ukraine Chapel, and the Saint Volodymyr Cultural Centre, 2011'''


Volodymyr may be spelt Vladimir, Valdemar, Waldemar, Uladzimir.  The etymological history (world ruler) makes a relationship with the name Robert.  


==Prehistory==

The seed of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian Faith] was sown on [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canadian land], not by missionaries (they came afterwards, at the request of the newcomers) but by simple peasants who came from [https://www.britannica.com/place/Ukraine Ukraine], who were searching for a better life, and who established themselves for the most part on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Prairies Canadian prairies].  It is indeed on this simple but, at the same time, deep faith of the Ukrainian [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ukrainians-homesteading-in-the-parkland-feature peasant-pioneers] that the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox Christian Faith] began to be established in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada].

It is to be kept in mind that in the process of the immigration of the newcomers to Canada, they landed first in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax,_Nova_Scotia, Halifax], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nova_Scotia Nova Scotia], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_City Québec City], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec Québec], or in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal   Montréal], Québec.  Any travellers who passed to the western parts of Canada, would very likely have passed through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto Toronto], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario], en route, since the railway route there passed through Toronto.  Of course, as in Montréal, some of the newcomers found work in Toronto, and they stayed. 

Most of the first Ukrainian settlers came to Canada from 2 regions in [https://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CW%5CE%5CWesternUkraine.htm Western Ukraine].  Many were from “[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galicia_(Eastern_Europe) Halychyna]” (Galicia).  There, they belonged to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Catholic_Churches Greek Catholic church]).  Others were from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukovina Bukovyna] (where they belonged to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Romania Romanian Orthodox Church]).  The “Halychany” (Galicians), settling in Canada, were visited occasionally by priests of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Canada Roman Catholic Church].  However, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_City the Vatican] ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church Roman Catholic Church] headquarters) wished to attach these new Canadians to the western form of the Roman Catholic church already in existence in Canada.  This would simply assimilate them.  The “Bukovinians” arriving in [https://www.britannica.com/place/North-America North America] usually incorporated themselves into the “[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America Russian Orthodox Mission]” which was already in existence.  There arose amongst the Ukrainian immigrants a desire to have the possibility of using the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language Ukrainian language].  This desire would have been understood by the “Bukovynians” who had been raised with worship in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanian_language Romanian language].  At that time in Canada, the language available in the “Russian Mission” was [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_Slavonic Church Slavonic].  

The first 2 Orthodox Christian temples that were established in Toronto were [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Saint_George%E2%80%99s_Greek_Orthodox_Church_of_Toronto_1909 Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church (1909)], and [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Christ_the_Saviour_Russian_Orthodox_Sobor_1915 Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Church (1915)].  At first, any Ukrainian newcomers were able to attend one of these parishes.  

==Establishment of the parish==

After [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I World War I], a larger number of Ukrainian immigrants arrived in Toronto, and a movement began to establish a Ukrainian Orthodox congregation in the city.  

On 31 October, 1926, the parish was founded as a legal entity.  The community began to meet in various places.   

In 1935, the congregation bought the site at 400, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathurst_Street_(Toronto) Bathurst Street], on which to build the church.  They also acquired the large building at 404, Bathurst Street, to be used until the church itself was completed.  Soon, the parish choir had been established.


[[File:SVC+1940+Choir 2.jpg]]  '''The choir, 1940'''


The construction took some time to accomplish.  The commencement of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II World War II] in 1939 caused further delays.  However, after its conclusion, more refugees arrived from Ukraine, and this enabled the construction to proceed towards completion.  

The design of the new building, in “[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-Byzantine_architecture Byzantine Revival]” style, was prepared by the architect [http://dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org/node/1501 James Harold Haffa, Jr.]  

In 1947, the construction was under way.   It was [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Mstyslav_(Skrypnyk) Archbishop Mstislav (Skrypnyk)] who laid the foundation stone of the new building in central Toronto.  In that year, he was [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Mstyslav_(Skrypnyk)#Exile_;_move_to_North_America,_1944 newly-arrived in Canada], where he briefly led the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada.  


[[File:AbpMstislavCornerstone1947 2.jpg]]    '''Laying of the corner-stone'''

==Opening the new temple==

In November, 1948, the new church was officially opened as Saint Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church. 

'''Archpriest P Fotiy'''

The Archpriest P Fotiy was the first priest to serve this parish, and he continued to serve the parish for nearly 30 years. 

==Elevation to cathedral==

In 1951, the parish was chosen as the seat for the ruling Archbishop of Toronto and Eastern Canada, and thus, elevated to the rank of cathedral.  The first archbishop to serve was [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Michael_(Khoroshy) Archbishop Michael (Khoroshy)], who had recently arrived in Canada from Europe. 


[[File:13+SVC+Street+View+1966+3bldgA 2.jpg]]  '''The cathedral, 1956'''

==Saint Vladimir Institute==

In 1951, the Saint Vladimir Institute (later, [https://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CS%5CA%5CSaintVladimirInstitute.htm Saint Volodymyr Institute]) was established in Toronto.  This community and complex houses a student residence, museum, library, theatre, as well as meeting and reception rooms.  It includes the offices of the "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Canadian_Research_and_Documentation_Centre Ukrainian Canadian Research and Documentation Centre]".  The institute offers a variety of cultural and educational programs and makes space available for other associations to sponsor events. It is affiliated with the [https://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CU%5CK%5CUkrainianSelf6RelianceLeague.htm Ukrainian Self-Reliance League].

The Saint Volodymyr Institute is located at 620 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spadina_Avenue Spadina Avenue], Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2H4.


[[File:SaintVladimirInstituteToronto 2.png]]  '''Saint Volodymyr Institute, Toronto'''

==Visit of Metropolitan Ilarion I (Ohienko)==

In 1957, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ilarion_I_(Ohienko) Metropolitan I (Ohienko)] visited the cathedral parish as part of the celebration of his 75th birthday, and in recognition of the completion of his translation of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Scripture Holy Bible] in the modern [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language Ukrainian language].  On this occasion, there was a gathering of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Eparchy_of_Eastern_Canada Eastern Eparchy] at the cathedral.


[[File:SVC+1957+Mtr+Ilarion+75th+Birthday+Hierarchs+entrance+156-7+ 2.jpg]] 

'''Entrance of Metropolitan Ilarion and Archbishop Michael'''


[[File:SVC+1957+T+Shevchenko+memorial+litia+copy 2.jpg]]  

'''Litiya for Taras Shevchenko'''


[[File:SVC+1957+Mtr+Ilarion+Abp+Mykhail+Eparchy+Clergy+153-2 2.jpg]]

'''Metropolitan Ilarion, Archbishop Michael, and clergy'''



'''Archpriest Yurij Ferentsiv'''

In 1976, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Volodymyr%27s_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Cathedral_(Toronto)#Clergy Archpriest Yurij Ferentsiv] began his long period of service, which was in the midst of the second term of service in Toronto of (by then) Metropolitan Michael (Khoroshy). 

'''Archbishop Nikolai (Debryin)'''

In 1978, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Nicholas_(Debryn) Archbishop Nikolai (Debryn)] began his service in the Eastern Eparchy in Toronto. 

'''Archbishop Wasyly (Fedak)'''

In 1982, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Wasyly_(Fedak) Archbishop Wasyly (Fedak)] succeeded Vladyka Nikolai as Archbishop.  He served as archbishop until 1985, when he was chosen to serve as Metropolitan of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg Winnipeg], ]https://www.uocc.ca/eparchy/central-eparchy/winnipeg-region/ the Central Eparchy], and Canada.  

However, he continued to hold the responsibility of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Eparchy_of_Eastern_Canada Eastern Eparchy] until the election of his successor in Toronto.  

'''Archpriest Roman Bozhyk'''

In 1984, the [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-very-rev-archpriest-roman-bozyk/ Priest Roman Bozhyk] began his 11 years of pastoral service in the Cathedral.

==Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Cemetery, Oakville, Ontario, 1984==

In 1984, Saint Volodymyr Cathedral established the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Volodymyr_Ukrainian_Cemetery Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Cemetery] (also known as [https://westoakmemorialgardens.ca West Oak Memorial Gardens]) in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakville,_Ontario Oakville], Ontario.  

[https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/1972132/saint-volodymyr-ukrainian-cemetery Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Cemetery] is located at 1280 Dundas Street West, Oakville, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_Municipality_of_Halton Halton Regional Municipality], Ontario, L6M 4H9.


[[File:SaintVladimirInstituteToronto 2.png]]  

'''Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Cemetery, Oakville'''

==Renaming of the cathedral, 1988==

In 1988, as part of the celebration of the [https://diasporiana.org.ua/wp-content/uploads/books/13942/file.pdf Millennium of Christianity in Ukraine], the cathedral was renamed Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. In general, it is referred to as "Saint Volodymyr Cathedral of Toronto".

The change from "Vladimir" to "Volodymyr" was in accord with the currently accepted Ukrainian spelling of the name.

==Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Oakville, Ontario, 1988==

In 1988, as a further celebration of the Millennium, the cathedral parish completed construction of a new Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Oakville, Ontario.  Also known as the [https://sveventcentre.com/ Saint Volodymyr Event Centre], it served as a site for weddings, corporate functions, social banquets, and other gatherings, 

It is located at 1280 Dundas Street West, Oakville, Ontario, L6M 4H9.


[[File:UkrainianCulturalCentreOakville 2.png]]  '''Ukrainian Cultural Centre'''

==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.

'''Archbishop Yurij (Kalistchuk)'''

In 1991, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Yurij_(Kalistchuk) Archbishop Yurij (Kalistchuk)] was given the responsibility of serving the Eastern Eparchy. 

'''Archpriest Bohdan Sencio'''

In 1996, [https://www.stvolodymyr.ca/clergy Archpriest Bohdan Sencio] was given the responsibility of the pastorate of the cathedral parish.

'''Visit of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, 1998'''

On 31 May, 1998, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis) Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)] [https://goarchdiocese.ca/bartholomew-in-canada-a-twenty-year-celebration/ visited Canada], and in Toronto, he served a pan-Orthodox Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maple_Leaf_Gardens  Maple Leaf Gardens] (with 17 bishops, 70 priests, and 19,000 faithful).  The cathedral parish was part of the preparation of this historic visit.

In 2010, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Yurij_(Kalistchuk) Archbishop Yurij (Kalistchuk)] was elected to serve as Metropolitan of Winnipeg and Canada.  

In 2011, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Andriy_(Peshko) Bishop Andriy (Peshko)] was given the responsibility of serving as bishop of the Eastern Eparchy.

==All Saints of Ukraine Chapel, Oakville, Ontario, 2011==

Built in 2011 by the parishioners of the Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Toronto, the [https://www.stvolodymyr.ca/parish-news-updates/category/All+Saints+of+Ukraine+Chapel Chapel of All Saints of Ukraine] began to serve many parishioners in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississauga Mississauga], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burlington,_Ontario Burlington], Oakville, and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milton,_Ontario Milton] communities.

The Chapel is located in the [https://sveventcentre.com Saint Volodymyr Cultural Centre] in Oakville, Ontario.


[[File:AllSaintsOakvilleChapelInterior 2.jpg]]  

'''All Saints of Ukraine Chapel Interior'''

==Centennial of the UOCC, 2018==

In 2018, the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OOEew2Belw 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada] was 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 [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy 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.

'''Archpriest Jaroslaw S. Buciora'''

In 2020, [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rt-rev-mitred-archpriest-jaroslaw-d-buciora/  Archpriest Jaroslaw S. Buciora] was given the responsibility of serving as [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Dean dean] of the cathedral parish.

He came to be assisted by [https://www.stvolodymyr.ca/clergy Priest Vasyl Kobrii], and [https://www.stvolodymyr.ca/clergy Deacon Kostyantyn Yastreb].  

==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 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandemic 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.

==Parking-lot 2020-2021==

By 2021, the original building at 404 Bathurst Street had been demolished, and the space transformed into a parking-lot for the cathedral.

==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.


[[File:SaintVolodymyrCathedralToronto 2.jpg]]  '''Saint Volodymyr Cathedral'''


[[File:SaintVlolodymyrTorontoInterior 1.png]] '''Cathedral interior'''

==Particular parish information==

The Cathedral Parish of Saint Volodymyr is part of the [https://www.uocc.ca/eparchy/eastern-eparchy/toronto-region/ Toronto Region] of the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Category:UOCCEE  Eastern Eparchy] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canda].  The bishop is [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Andriy_(Peshko) Bishop Andriy (Peshkov)]. 

This parish follows the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Revised_Julian_Calendar Revised Julian (New) Calendar]. 

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Vladimir_of_Kiev  Saint Volodymyr of Kyiv] (15 July).  

In 2026, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Dean dean] of the cathedral parish was [https://www.stvolodymyr.ca/clergy Archpriest Dr. Jaroslaw S. Buciora] 

The second priest was [https://www.stvolodymyr.ca/clergy Priest Vasyl Kobrii]. 

The dean emeritus (retired) was [https://www.stvolodymyr.ca/clergy Protopresbyter Bohdan Sencio], attached.  

The deacon was [https://www.stvolodymyr.ca/clergy Deacon Kostyantyn Yastreb].  


Address :

Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral

400, Bathurst Street 

Toronto, Ontario

M5T 2S6

Telephones : (416) 603-3224 ;  (416) 603-1443

E-mail :   office@stvolodymyr.ca 

Web-site :   https://www.stvolodymyr.ca/ 

[https://www.facebook.com/stvolodymyr.ca/ Facebook] 

[https://www.youtube.com/c/stvolodymyrcathedraloftoronto Youtube] 




Mailing address :  

Saint Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral

406 Bathurst Street 

Toronto, Ontario 

M5T 2S6



The Chapel of All Saints of Ukraine in Oakville, Ontario (1988), is an extension of the cathedral parish. 

Address : 

1280 Dundas Street West

Oakville Ontario

L6M 4H9 

Event Centre Web-site : https://sveventcentre.com/


Directions :

Toronto is accessible by various domestic and airlines through [https://www.torontoairport.com/ Pearson International Aeroport] in Mississauga.

Toronto is accessible from within Canada by [https://www.viarail.ca/en VIARail], and from the USA by [https://www.amtrak.com/home Amtrac]. 

Saint Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral is accessible by the [https://www.ttc.ca/ Toronto Transit Commission], and street-cars (trams) and buses stop along Bathurst Street.

Saint Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral is accessible by car, and there is some parking available adjacent to the cathedral.

From Highway #401 :

From the east :

Take the exit for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Valley_Parkway Highway #404/Don Valley Parkway], and follow the directions for the Don Valley Parkway south (do not go north).  Follow the Don Valley Parkway to and through its merge with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardiner_Expressway Gardener Expressway West].  Take Exit #146 from the expressway for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathurst_Street_(Toronto) Bathurst Street].  Turn left from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Shore_Boulevard Lakeshore Boulevard] onto Bathurst Street northwards, and drive past [https://www.mapquest.com/ca/ontario/toronto/m6k/dundas-st-w-43.64997,-79.4368 Dundas Street] West.  The cathedral is on the left, before [https://www.walkscore.com/score/21-nassau-st-toronto-on-canada Nassau Street]. 

From the west :

Take the exit for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario_Highway_427 Highway #427] South (do not take the exit for north), and follow this route southwards until the merge with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardiner_Expressway Gardener Expressway] East and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Shore_Boulevard Lakeshore Boulevard].  Do not follow the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Elizabeth_Way QEW] westwards.  Take exit #153 from the expressway for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathurst_Street_(Toronto) Bathurst Street].  Turn right from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Shore_Boulevard Lakeshore Boulevard] onto Bathurst Street northwards, and drive past [https://www.walkscore.com/score/21-nassau-st-toronto-on-canada Dundas Street] West.  The cathedral is on the left, before Nassau Street. 


[https://www.stvolodymyr.ca/clergy Archpriest Dr. Jaroslaw S. Buciora], Dean 

[https://www.stvolodymyr.ca/clergy Priest Vasyl Kobrii] 

[https://www.stvolodymyr.ca/clergy Protopresbyter Bohdan Sencio]

[https://www.stvolodymyr.ca/clergy Deacon Kostyantyn Yastreb].

==References==

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Volodymyr%27s_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Cathedral_(Toronto) Wikipedia article about Saint Volodymyr’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Toronto, Ontario]

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/St._Volodymyr's_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Cathedral_(Toronto,_Ontario) Orthodoxwiki article about Saint Volodymyr’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Toronto, Ontario] 


'''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). 

Perin, Roberto, “[https://books.openedition.org/psn/8403?lang=en Toronto Churches and Immigrant Integration in the Postwar Period]”.      

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 : [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/index.php?title=Special%3ABookSources&isbn=9780969670056 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.   

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)]”  

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

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Volodymyr%27s_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Cathedral_(Toronto) Wikipedia article about Saint Volodymyr’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Toronto, Ontario]

[https://www.stvolodymyr.ca/ Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral web-site]

[https://sveventcentre.com/ Saint Volodymyr Event Centre, Oakville, Ontario, web-site]  

[https://orthodox-world.org/en/i/24892/canada/ontario/toronto/cathedral/saint-volodymyr-orthodox-cathedral Orthodox World reference for Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Toronto, Ontario] 

]https://uocceast.ca/parishes/toronto/st-volodymyr-cathedral/ UOCC Eastern Eparchy Parishes listing] 

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

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/St._Volodymyr%27s_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Cathedral_(Toronto,_Ontario) Orthodoxwiki article about Saint Volodymyr’s Cathedral, Toronto, Ontario] 

[https://www.uocc.ca/eparchy/eastern-eparchy/toronto-region/ UOCC Eastern Eparchy Toronto Region Web-site] 

[https://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CT%5CO%5CToronto.htm Internet Encyclopaedia of Ukraine article about Ukrainians in Toronto, and about Saint Volodymyr Cathedral]

[https://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CT%5CO%5CToronto.htm Internet Encyclopaedia of Ukraine article about Ukrainians in Toronto, and about Saint Volodymyr Cathedral Ukrainian Museum of Canada Toronto Branch] 

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

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

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

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

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ilarion_I_(Ohienko) Metropolitan Ilarion I (Ohienko)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Michael_(Khoroshy) Metropolitan Michael (Khoroshy)] 

[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)]   

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

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Job_(Getcha) Archbishop Job (Getcha)]   

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

[https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/1972132/saint-volodymyr-ukrainian-cemetery Findagrave reference to Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Cemetery, Oakville, Ontario] 

[https://westoakmemorialgardens.ca/ West Oak Memorial Gardens (owned and operated by Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Cemetery), Oakville, Ontario] 

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Eastern_Orthodox_churches_in_Toronto Wikipedia list of Orthodox Churches in Toronto]  

[https://www.stvolodymyr.ca/parish-news-updates/nativity-epistle-from-the-uocc-episcopate-2025  UOCC : St Volodymyr Cathedral's Nativity Epistle from the Episcopate 2025/2026]   

[https://www.uocc.ca/press-release-january-4-2026-his-eminence-metropolitan-ilarion-celebrated-the-30th-sunday-after-pentecost-the-sunday-before-holy-theophany-of-our-lord-and-saviour-jesus-christ-at-the-ukrainian-or/ Great Blessing of Water at St Elia Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Edmonton, Alberta] (4 January, 2026)  




[[Category:Parish Communities]]  [[Category:Ontario]]  [[Category:UOCCEE]]  [[Category:UOCC]]  [[Category:EP]]