View source for Athabasca AB Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church 1951


[[File:Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church 4302 50 Ave Athabasca 1.jpg]]

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


See also the [[Sarrail AB Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1929 |Church of Saints Peter and Paul]] at Sarrail (Donatville).  

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

==Prehistory==

As early as 1912, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language Ukrainian-speaking] families began to settle in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athabasca,_Alberta Athabasca] region of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada], 152 km north of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton].  It was then that the family of Matvij Kowalchuk settled near [http://digicon.athabascau.ca/cdm/ref/collection/AthaArch/id/883 Greyville], northwest of Athabasca.  The families who settled at this time were very isolated, and they had no means of gathering together for [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian worship].  They would visit other places of worship which were available.  After [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I World War I] and the [https://www.umanitoba.ca/libraries/units/archives/prairie_immigration/educational_site/illhist/09a.shtml arrival of more immigrants] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine Ukraine], along with their greater resources, those who were able to do so began to organise cultural and religious groups.  

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

==Organisation of the community==

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

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

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

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

'''Naming the parish, 1952'''

On 3 February, 1952, there was a further support for finding and purchasing a lot for a building.  It was also agreed that the name would be the “Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feast_of_Saints_Peter_and_Paul Saints Peter and Paul]”. 

'''Purchasing land, 1952'''

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

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

==Development of the community, initial construction of the Temple==

In 1954, [https://athabascacounty.com/athabasca-region-utility-services/ Athabasca Utilities] installed a natural gas line to the basement of the Temple-to-be.  The basement was the only portion of the structure which at that time had been completed.  In August, the first marriage was solemnised in the Temple.  Later in the summer, Radio Electric Service installed the electrical wiring in the basement.  

In 1955, the furnace was installed in the basement.

On 29 April, 1956, a motion was passed that requested that the congregation would be a part of the [https://www.uocc.ca/eparchy/western-eparchy/lac-la-biche-region/ Lac La Biche "Parish District"], and that priests from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lac_La_Biche,_Alberta Lac La Biche] would serve this community.  However, the [http://uocc.ca Ukrainian Orthodox Consistory] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg  Winnipeg], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba  Manitoba], ruled that the community remain in the Westlock "Parish District". 

'''"Orthodox Ladies", 1956'''

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

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

'''Purchase of new liturgical items, 1957'''

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

In 1959, some timber and other materials were purchased for the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Altar Altar] partition in the basement.

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

'''Construction of the upper portion of the Temple, 1961'''

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

'''Completion of the Temple, 1962'''

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

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

'''First services in the completed Temple, 1967'''

On 16 July, 1967, the first Divine Liturgy was served in the completed Temple.  This coincided with the last service of Father Stefaniuk and his family, who were to be transferred to [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/winnipeg/ Winnipeg], [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/manitoba/ Manitoba].  A festal “[https://ro-orthodoxwiki-org.translate.goog/Hram?_x_tr_sl=ro&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Hram]” (Altar Feast-day) dinner was served afterwards.  

On 21 September, 1967, pews were purchased from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Canada Roman Catholic church].  

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

==Secular incorporation, 1969==

On 9 November, 1969, the congregation was incorporated under the [https://www.saa.gsacrd.ab.ca/download/156159 Alberta Societies Act].  

'''Further refinements and modernisation'''

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

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

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

==Sanctification of the Temple, 1975==

On 12 July, 1975, the [https://www.uocc.ca/parish/sts-peter-and-paul-parish-3/ Temple of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul] was [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Consecration_of_a_church sanctified] (on the name-day) by [[Metropolitan Andrew (Metiuk) |Archbishop Andrew (Metiuk)]] of [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/edmonton Edmonton], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alberta Alberta]. 

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

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

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

By 1988, however, the membership had doubled, and a “[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Epitaphios plashchanitsa]” (holy shroud) was donated to the Temple.  Also in this year, because of local difficulties, it was agreed that the Athabasca congregation would purchase the Richmond Park Temple for $1.00.  This event accounts in part for the increase in membership.  Because of the celebration of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1000th_anniversary_of_the_Christianization_of_Rus' Millennium] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Christianization_of_Kievan_Rus%27 Baptism of Rus’], the parishioners decided to undertake a major renovation of the structure.  

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

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

==Change in status of the UGOCC, 1990==

In 1990, the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada was officially renamed “[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].

'''Acceptance into the Patriarchate of Constantinople'''

In 1990, the 18th Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada in Winnipeg decided to enter into Eucharistic Union with the [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. 

==Centennial of Ukrainian settlement in Alberta, 1991==

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

'''Renewing and completing of the iconostas'''

In 1992, Marvin Dzenkiw was asked to paint the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography icons] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostles 12 apostles] for the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconostasis iconostas] in the Temple.  They were completed and installed in 1993.

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

In 1995, the “[https://ro-orthodoxwiki-org.translate.goog/Analog?_x_tr_sl=ro&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc tetrapod]” (a table with 4 feet) in the centre of the Temple was painted and gold trim was also applied.  

A brick sign was constructed, and the congregation co-operated with the local [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Greek_Catholic_Church Ukrainian Catholic] church in constructing a [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2264589/athabasca-cemetery memorial cairn] and Cross at the [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2264589/athabasca-cemetery Town of Athabasca Cemetery].  It was dedicated on 11 June, 1995. 


[[File:Memorial Cairn, Athabasca cemetery 2.png]]  '''Ukrainian immigration memorial cairn, Athabasca cemetery''' 


In 1996, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon%27s_Doors deacon doors] of the iconostas were renovated and refinished.  Processional icon stands were also prepared.  On 21 December, 1996, a Community Facilities Enhancement grant was applied for.  

In 1997, a new [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Table_of_oblation Oblation Table] was constructed and installed.  In addition, 50 new chairs were purchased for the basement, and a second stove was purchased for the kitchen.  The processional icon stands were installed.

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

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

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

==Centennial of the UOCC, 2018==

In 2018, the [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.


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

==Particular parish information ==

This parish is part of the [http://uocc-we.ca Western Eparchy] ([https://uocc-we.ca/events/lac-la-biche-district/ Lac La Biche District]) of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/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://orthodoxwiki.org/Julian_Calendar Old (Julian) Calendar].

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feast_of_Saints_Peter_and_Paul Apostles Peter and Paul], 29 June/12 July.

In 2024, the pastor of this parish is [https://uocc.ca/clergy/the-rev-fr-deacon-dr-roman-shiyan/ Priest (Dr.) Roman Shiyan].


Address :

[https://www.uocc.ca/parish/sts-peter-and-paul-parish-3/ Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul]

4302-50 Avenue 

Athabasca, Alberta

T9S 1P6

Telephone : (780) 675-3208


[[File:AthabaskaAB 1.png]]


Directions :

The town of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athabasca,_Alberta Athabasca] is situated on south bank of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athabasca_River Athabasca River], about 152 km (95 mi) north of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton].  

From Edmonton, drive north on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_2 Highway #2] towards [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_River,_Alberta Peace River].  After about 50 km (31 mi), turn right onto Range Road #253 and continue for 367 metres (.25 mi).  Continue on Highway #2/[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_18 Highway #18] for 73 km (45 mi).  Turn right on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_55 Highway #55] (50 Avenue).  From Edmonton, the time required is about 2 hours.

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


Call the priest for specific information. 


[https://uocc.ca/clergy/the-rev-fr-deacon-dr-roman-shiyan/ Priest (Dr.) Roman Shiyan]

Telephone : (780) 439 7217 


[[File:Parish sign Athabasca 1.png]]  '''Parish sign'''



[[File:Athabasca-stpeterandpaul.jpg]]

==References==

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

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., “[https://archive.org/details/orthodoxamerica10000unse/page/n3/mode/2up  Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America]” (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE. 

Yereniuk, Prof. Roman, “[https://uocc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Short-History-of-the-UOCC.pdf A Short Historical Outline of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC)]”.   


'''Additional information :'''

[https://www.uocc.ca/parish/sts-peter-and-paul-parish-3/ Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saints Peter and Paul, 1951 parish listing]

[https://orthodox-world.org/ru/i/24674/Canada/Alberta/Athabasca/%D0%A6%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8C/Saints-Peter-and-Paul-Orthodox-Church Orthodox World listing] 

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

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Orthodoxwiki article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada]   

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

[https://www.patriarchateofconstantinople.com/index.html Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople web-site]  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/athabasca/ Canadian Encyclopaedia article about Athabasca, Alberta]

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

[http://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CH%5CI%5CHistoryofUkraine.htm Ukrainian Encyclopedia History of Ukraine]   

[http://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CA%5CL%5CAlberta.htm Encyclopaedia of Ukraine article about Alberta] 

[http://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CU%5CK%5CUkrainianCanadianArchivesandMuseumofAlberta.htm Encyclopaedia of Ukraine article about the Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta] 

[https://pioneerchurches.ca/index.php Pioneer Churches on the Prairies web-site]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ilarion_II_(Rudnyk)#Enthronement_as_Metropolitan_of_the_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada,_2022  Enthronement of Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk) as Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada] (19 November, 2022)  

[https://www.uocc.ca/primatial-encyclical-annoucement-of-the-adoption-of-the-revised-julian-calendar-by-the-ukrainian-orthodox-church-of-canada/  Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) announces Change of Calendar] (1 December, 2023)  








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