View source for Winnipeg MB Saint Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor 1923


[[File:2009 mar 7 St Mary Protectress 1.jpg]]

'''Winnipeg, Manitoba, Saint Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor, 1923'''



Bukovina may be spelt Bukovyna, Bucovina.



==Prehistory==

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language Ukrainian-speakers] had begun to settle in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg Winnipeg], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba Manitoba], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada], since the late 19th century.  In part, this was because Winnipeg was the main westward stopping point on the railways for immigrants who travelled from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Canada Eastern Canada].   Some remained in Winnipeg, although most of them travelled farther to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Canada west].  According to the newspaper “[http://www.artsrn.ualberta.ca/MinorityMedia/items/show/16 Ukrainian Voice]” : 
  The nucleus of Winnipeg’s Ukrainian community consisted of ten families from the village of [https://mapcarta.com/13746460 Nebyliv], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalush,_Ukraine Kalush county], 
  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galicia_(Eastern_Europe) Galicia], who arrived in 1892-1893.  After 1896, the city’s Ukrainian population, made up overwhelmingly 
  of immigrants from Galicia and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukovina Bukovyna], grew steadily as some prospective [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/homesteading homesteaders] decided to stay in 
  Winnipeg.  It increased rapidly after 1905 when the [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/railway-history-in-canada-plain-language-summary boom in Canadian railway construction], mining, and 
  lumbering attracted large numbers of Ukrainian labourers to the city’s railway yards and shops, factories, and 
  road and sewer construction projects

During the period of the turn of the 20th century in Winnipeg, there was a considerable amount of confusion with regard to the religious expression of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine Ukrainian]-, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia Russian]-, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romania Romanian]-, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece Greek]-, and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbia Serbian]-speaking [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox Christian] immigrants ; but the main focus regarding this particular parish has to do with the early [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language Ukrainian-speaking] immigrants from the province of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galicia_(Eastern_Europe) Galicia] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria-Hungary Austro-Hungarian Empire] and their first descendants.  

The greater number of persons from this region were, because of their particular history in this empire and in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish–Lithuanian_Commonwealth Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth], and because of the 1596 [https://www.britannica.com/event/Union-of-Brest-Litovsk Union of Brest], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Greek_Catholic_Church Ukrainian Greek Catholics] (or “Uniats”).  Many of their ancestors either willingly or unwillingly were taken into this union with Rome (the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church Roman Catholic Church]).  Those who came from the more [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanian_language Romanian-speaking] province of Bukovina were usually [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox Christians], and they were generally fewer in number than those from Galicia.  The region of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukovina Bukovina] (or Bucovina) in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romania Romanian] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moldavia Moldavia] belonged in part to the same empire, but the Orthodox believers of that area were under the authority of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Serbia Serbian Orthodox Church] at the time.  The [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop#Archbishops_and_Metropolitans metropolitan's] headquarters were in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernivtsi Chernivtsi] (Cernăuţi), and he was the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_bishop metropolitan bishop] of that city.  

Many of the early newcomers to Canada arrived because of the successful advertising campaign in Ukraine by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Oleskiw Josif Oleskiw].  Although some of the newcomers to Canada were Orthodox Christians when they arrived, they were in a minority in Winnipeg.  This was because of the number of people who arrived from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Ukraine Western Ukraine], where the great majority at that time were [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Greek_Catholic_Church Ukrainian Catholics].  Although some of them wished in their new freedom to return to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Church], there was in the earliest times no organised [https://orthodoxwiki.org/What_is_Orthodoxy Orthodox Christian] community in Winnipeg.

==Roman Catholic or Orthodox Christian ?==

At the turn of the 20th century, the determined organisation of immigrants began at first under the [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/catholicism Roman Catholic Church], with the first missionaries to the [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Slav Slavs], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nestor_Dmytriw Priest Nestor Dmytriw], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congregation_of_the_Most_Holy_Redeemer Redemptorist] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achille_Delaere Priest Achille Delaere] (although neither worked principally in Winnipeg).  The Ukrainian Greek Catholics were served within the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Saint_Boniface Archdiocese of Saint Boniface] under [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adélard_Langevin Archbishop Adélard Langevin].  The clergy worked at keeping the Ukrainian Catholics together under Archbishop Adélard’s authority.  

With the construction of the small [https://www.stnicholaschurch.ca/content_pages/history/history.htm Saint Nicholas] church on McGregor Street in 1900, a focus was given to the immigrant community for the purpose of worship, but it remained vague as to whom they actually belonged.  The Orthodox wished to have their own place of worship, but there was a dire shortage of clergy.  Certain priests travelled north from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis Minneapolis], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota Minnesota], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States USA], in order to establish the Orthodox parishes of [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/stmichaelsukrainianorthodox2.shtml Saint Michael] (1899) and [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Gardenton_MB_Saint_Demetrius_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1899  Saint Demetrius] (1900) (the “South Church”) in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardenton,_Manitoba Gardenton] (near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuartburn,_Manitoba Stuartburn] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolstoi,_Manitoba Tolstoi]), and to meet the needs of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/What_is_Orthodoxy Orthodox Christian believers] elsewhere, and occasionally in Winnipeg.  

Finally, in 1902, through correspondence between Archbishop Langevin and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrey_Sheptytsky Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lviv Lviv], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congregation_of_St._Basil Basilian Order] was able to release 3 priests to Canada, who soon settled in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta].  They were followed by 2 Basilians, [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/stnicholasukrainiancatholicwinnipeg.shtml Father Matthew Hura] and Father Naucratius Kryzanowsky, who settled in Winnipeg.  However, it was not until 1904 that Father Matthew Hura was installed as the first permanent pastor. 

Also in 1902, a member of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legislative_Assembly_of_Manitoba Manitoba Legislature], [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/bernier_j.shtml Joseph Bernier], introduced a bill in this legislature, which would convey the properties of the Greek Ruthenian Church (Ukrainians were also known as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruthenians Ruthenians] amongst Roman Catholics) in communion with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_See Rome] into the control of corporations under control of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church Church of Rome].  In conjunction with this, Archbishop Langevin declared that the Ruthenians (Ukrainians) must prove themselves to be Roman Catholics by turning property over to the church.  However, many of the Ukrainians were unwilling to co-operate with the archbishop.  Many of them knew that their families had long ago been Orthodox Christians, and that they had been subjugated to the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th and 17th centuries.  Now that they were in Canada, they wished to take the opportunity to be free of the control of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Canada Roman Catholic Church].  

To establish the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox Christian Church] anywhere in Canada was not particularly easy or simple, but in Winnipeg it was more complicated than average.  

There were missionary efforts by various clergy from  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis Minneapolis], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota Minnesota] (735 km/457 mi to the south) in Southern Manitoba by the beginning of the 20th century.  This was aided by railway service which had already been established between Winnipeg and Minneapolis by 1890.  Many of these efforts included reaching out to the Ukrainian Orthodox, in the manner led by [[Saint Alexis Toth |Archpriest Alexis Toth]].  By 1904, their labours in Winnipeg became visible when the Orthodox Church of the [[Winnipeg MB Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral 1904 |Holy Trinity]] on the corner of Manitoba Avenue and McKenzie Street was constructed, and then sanctified by [[Saint Tikhon (Belavin) |Bishop Tikhon (Belavin)]].  However, this Temple was not large.  Moreover, although most of the priests who served this parish could speak [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language Ukrainian] and they were usually from the territory of Ukraine, the services were offered in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_Slavonic_language Church Slavonic language], and they continued to be so.  

Although this was satisfactory to the parishioners who came from [https://www.britannica.com/place/Kyiv Kyiv] and other more easterly and southerly parts of [https://www.britannica.com/place/Ukraine Ukraine], this was ultimately not satisfactory to those who had begun to desire and to demand the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language Ukrainian language] in [https://libguides.stthomas.edu/c.php?g=88707&p=571062 Divine Services].  

'''Saint Nicholas Temple constructed'''

In the very same year, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congregation_of_St._Basil Basilian Fathers] (a semi-[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monasticism monastic] order) of the Roman Catholic Church constructed a new and larger [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/stnicholasukrainiancatholicwinnipeg.shtml Saint Nicholas Church] at 612, Flora Avenue, opposite the old building (which became a reading hall and Ukrainian Heritage School).  Other attempts to expand were unsuccessful, and it was in 1966 that this parish moved to Bannerman Avenue.  

Soon, however, tensions began to emerge between the Basilians and some of the parishioners who had established and built the small church.  The dissident parishioners were suspicious of the austere Basilian [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hieromonk priest-monks].  This was not only because they were under the authority of Archbishop Langevin and they accepted financial aid from the Roman Catholic [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Primate primate], but also because the Basilians opposed everything that suggested [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secularism secularism] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberalism liberalism].  What the dissidents yearned for was secular, married Ukrainian Catholic nonmonastic clergy (or for some, Orthodox parish priests), like the ones they had known in the old country.  The Ukrainian Catholics also yearned for the immediate appointment of a Ukrainian Catholic [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop bishop], who, they believed, would guarantee the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Autonomy autonomy] and survival of their church in Canada.  Tensions continued.

==Confusing alternatives==

'''“Metropolitan Seraphim”'''

To add to this tension and confusion, there appeared in Winnipeg in 1903, the imposter-bishop [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Seraphim_(Ustvolsky)  Stefan Ustvolsky], who called himself “Metropolitan Seraphim”.  Presenting himself under forged documents as a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Russian Orthodox] bishop, he gathered a large following, and he spread illicitly ordained clergy across the prairies.  He was assisted by the monk [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makarii_Marchenko Makarii Marchenko].  The “bishop” also built a makeshift “[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tin_Can_Cathedral.jpg cathedral]” which became nicknamed the “[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tin_Can_Cathedral Tin Can Cathedral]”.  It was situated at the corner of King Street and Stella Avenue.  Much later, a play was written about this.  Another of his buildings, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Holy_Ghost_Church_and_the_Independent_Greek_Church_of_Our_Saviour.png Holy Ghost Church], was built beside the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Holy_Ghost_Church_and_the_Independent_Greek_Church_of_Our_Saviour.png Our Saviour Ukrainian Independent Church] (but in a more regular style) at McGregor Street and Pritchard Avenue.  In fact, the Orthodox and the Ukrainian Catholics alike suffered from itinerant immigrant clergy who sometimes appeared from abroad without blessing or permission from their bishops to emigrate, and without blessing or permission from any Canadian ecclesiastical authority to be in Canada.  

“Metropolitan” Seraphim ordained about 50 [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Seraphim_(Ustvolsky) priests] and numerous [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon deacons] (many of whom were semi-illiterate), who exercised priestly duties throughout the settlements.  Of course, their sacramental activities could not be recognised or accepted by canonical Orthodox clergy or bishops.  “Metropolitan” Seraphim was active from 1903 until 1908, after which he yielded to the exhortations of [[Saint Arseny (Chahovtsov) |Archimandrite Arseny (Chahovtsov)]] (of the “[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America Russian Mission]”), and he departed to [https://www.britannica.com/place/Russia Russia].  It was a long time before the remnants of his activity could be absorbed into one or another entity on the prairies.  

'''Independent Greek Orthodox Church'''

There was yet another complicating factor which made the early establishment of the Orthodox Church in Canada (and Winnipeg in particular) convoluted.  This was the introduction of the [https://umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/departments/ukrainian_canadian_studies/media/05_The_Seraphimite_Independent_Greek_Presbyterian_and_United_Churches.pdf Independent Greek Orthodox Church].  This entity had been organised in 1903-1904 by [https://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=en&sl=bg&u=https://bg.wikipedia.org/wiki/%25D0%259A%25D0%25B8%25D1%2580%25D0%25B8%25D0%25BB_%25D0%2593%25D0%25B5%25D0%25BD%25D0%25B8%25D0%25BA&prev=search Cyril Genik], a very popular person, in association with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyterian_Church_in_Canada Presbyterian Church in Winnipeg].  This entity introduced many congregations across the prairies which appeared to be Orthodox both in their worship and in their buildings, but which were, in fact, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestantism_in_Canada Protestant] communities.  

In Winnipeg, this entity, the Seraphimite entity and others also began to use both [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba_College Manitoba College] (the Presbyterian college) and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wesley_College_(Manitoba) Wesley College] (the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methodism Methodist] college) to try to provide some [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theology theological] education for their candidates for ordination.  A [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyterian_Church_in_Canada Presbyterian] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methodist_Church_(Canada) Methodist] influence on the students was inevitable.  

'''Saints Vladimir and Olga Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1907'''

Then, in September, 1907, the Ukrainian Catholic parish of [http://www.stsvladimirandolgacathedral.ca Saints Vladimir and Olga] was established at 115, McGregor Street.  This was achieved through the help of [https://umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/departments/ukrainian_canadian_studies/media/10_Ss_Vladimir_and_Olga_Ukrainian_Catholic_church.pdf Father Mykola Strutynsky], a Ukrainian-American secular (that is, not belonging to a monastic order) Ukrainian Catholic priest who was visiting Winnipeg.  

The incorporation of the building and property was through a parish committee, and the parish would not recognise the authority of the Roman Catholic archbishop.  This decision brought with it difficulties in finding a priest to serve the community.  In April,  1908, the committee brought Father Toma Vasylevych (from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terebovlia Terebovlia] county, eastern Galicia) to the city as an immigrant.  They used funds provided by the “[http://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CU%5CK%5CUkrainianMutualBenefitAssociationofSaintNicholas.htm Ukrainian Mutual Benefit Association of Saint Nicholas]”.  

However, they did not have the blessing or permission of the bishop in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lviv Lviv] or the bishop in Saint Boniface to do this.  He had come from the same town as the future [https://books.google.ca/books/about/My_Father_the_Priest.html?id=ZloSPQAACAAJ Father Peter Sametz] of the future [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church].  After Father Vasylevych’s departure some 6 months later, he was succeeded by Father Alexander Humecky (Humetsky), another itinerant priest who had come to Canada without the hierarchy’s permission.  He helped by overseeing the construction of a priest’s residence and a parish hall, before he abandoned the parish and the Ukrainian Catholic Church, and he moved to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Russian Orthodox Church].  It was only when the elderly Father Emyliian Krasicky (Krasitsky) arrived in 1910 that some stability came.  It was 2 years later that a Ukrainian Catholic bishop came on the scene ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nykyta_Budka Bishop Nykyta Budka]).

==“Ukrainian Voice” (“Ukrainskyi Holos”), 1910==

From the time of the first edition of the [http://www.artsrn.ualberta.ca/MinorityMedia/items/show/16 “Ukrainian Voice” (“Ukrainskyi Holos”)] newspaper was published on 16 March, 1910, this newspaper was a fixture of Ukrainian Canadian households across Canada.   The “Ukrainian Voice” was initially established as a vehicle for enlightenment.  It was also intended to enable this enlightenment to spread into school districts where there were no Ukrainian teachers.  The paper was fully dedicated to the interests of Ukrainian settlers.  The decision to publish such a paper was made at the Ukrainian teachers’ convention in 1908.  The publishing company, founded on shares sold only to Ukrainians, was founded in 1909.  The first edition of the “Ukrainian Voice” was printed in 1910.   The newspaper was published for more than a century, until its last issue in 2018.  

The paper became a mechanism for helping to organise the Ukrainian community, and in particular the Ukrainian Orthodox community. It also informed its readership about political, social, religious and other matters.  It also helped to reawaken the national consciousness of the Ukrainian Canadian community, and it provided leadership and encouragement for them to participate fully in Canadian politics and to take full advantage of the educational opportunities.  The influence of this newspaper was clearly underlined in the biography of the [http://www.worldcat.org/title/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/oclc/253822703 Mitred Archpriest Peter Sametz].

==Formation of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada, 1918==

The 1917 overthrow of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Empire Russian Empire] and the subsequent [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_Revolution Bolshevik Revolution] caused political and ecclesiastical upheaval, both on the former empire’s territory, and abroad.  All the missionary projects of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Russian Orthodox Church] outside that territory were cut adrift from their “parental” supports.  This, and the increasing rise in nationalistic sentiment, provided an opportunity in Canada as well.  Dissident Ukrainian Catholic laymen, who had been nurtured on the democratic and populist ideals of Ukrainian Radicalism and National Democracy, [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saskatoon_SK_Holy_Trinity_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Cathedral_1918#Founding_of_the_Ukrainian_Greek_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada,_1918 established the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada] at a convention in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatoon Saskatoon], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan Saskatchewan], in July, 1918.  

The movement towards this was led by young professionals, particularly teachers (amongst them was the young Peter Sametz) and small-business owners, who resented the domination and control of Catholic clergy, and who were convinced that foreign-dominated [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Canada Roman Catholic], Russian Orthodox and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestantism_in_Canada Protestant] churches were inimical to the interests of Ukrainians.  The movement has been described as being very assertive, and nationalistic in character.  The Church’s founders wanted a national (“narodna”) church free of foreign control and governed democratically by the local laity and the clergy.  They decided that the new church would enter into communion with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_Church Eastern Orthodox Churches] ; accept their dogma and rites ; elect bishops at a general council (“sobor”) of clergy and lay delegates ; ordain married men into the priesthood ; and allow the congregations to control their own property and to participate in the appointment and dismissal of pastors.  

In 1919, they were able to find a temporary bishop in the person of [[Metropolitan Germanos (Shehadi)]] (sometimes spelt Shegedi), of [https://www.britannica.com/place/New-York-City New York City], USA.  Although he was supposedly the American [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Exarch Exarch] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Antioch Antiochian (Syrian) Orthodox Church], there were difficulties between him and the patriarchate.  Nevertheless, he gave pastoral service and protection to the nascent church until 1924.  The day-to-day administration of the church was left in the hands of an elected consistory of 2 priests and 3 laymen.

==Winnipeg environment==

All this being the case, Winnipeg nevertheless lacked a Ukrainian Orthodox parish during the early 1920s, and there was no parish which used the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language Ukrainian language] in worship services.  This was despite the formation of the “independent” and “Bukovynian” [[Winnipeg MB Saint Michael Ukrainian (Bukovynian) Orthodox Church 1918  |Saint Michael’s Church]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Point_Douglas Point Douglas] in 1918.  

Winnipeg was the home of some of the Church’s most prominent founders — teacher [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/swystun_w.shtml Wasyl Swystun], lawyer [https://umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/departments/ukrainian_canadian_studies/media/19_ESSAY_Ukrainian_University_Students.pdf Jaroslaw W Arsenych], and politician [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/ferley_td.shtml Taras D Ferley].  It was also already the seat of the Church’s consistory and its young administrator, [https://uocceast.ca/eparchy/the-ukrainian-orthodox-church-of-canada/ Priest Semen Sawchuk].  However, it is an irony that the actual organisation of a Ukrainian Greek Orthodox congregation waited until the fall of 1923.  Contributing to this anomaly is the fact that by 1918, Winnipeg’s Ukrainians had available to them a possible choice of 2 large Ukrainian Catholic parishes, 1 Russian Orthodox, 1 independent (Bukovynian) Orthodox Christian congregation, and a Ukrainian Presbyterian congregation.  

The environment was confusing, since few people had an understanding of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecclesiology eccclesiology] and few understood clearly the difference between the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox Christian Church] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Greek_Catholic_Church Ukrainian Catholic Church].

==Forming the parish, 1923==

When efforts to establish a Ukrainian Greek Orthodox congregation around the independent  [[Winnipeg MB Saint Michael Ukrainian (Bukovynian) Orthodox Church 1918 |Saint Michael Bukovynian Orthodox Church]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Point_Douglas Point Douglas] (on Disraeli Street) failed, there was no alternative but to establish a new congregation.  That parish did not then perceive that it was Ukrainian, but it had certainly developed in reaction to the personality of [[Archbishop Adam (Philipovsky) |Bishop Adam (Philipowsky)]].  After the arrival in Winnipeg of [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/swystun_w.shtml Wasyl Swystun] and [https://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CS%5CT%5CStechishinJulian.htm Julian Stechishyn] (a Saskatoon lawyer), the pair started organising people who expressed an interest in forming a Ukrainian Orthodox parish.  They were joined by [https://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/kudryk_w.shtml Wasyl Kudryk] (the first editor of “[http://www.artsrn.ualberta.ca/MinorityMedia/items/show/16l Ukrainian Voice]”, a long-time teacher, a former independent Greek church [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon deacon]), who later became an [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter Orthodox priest]. 

In July, 1923, a small group of concerned and interested individuals met for the first time at the [https://umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/departments/ukrainian_canadian_studies/media/14_The_Ukrainian_National_Home_Association.pdf Ukrainian National Home] to discuss the situation and to explore the idea of starting a Ukrainian Orthodox parish. The foundation was laid by this group who included :
  Priest [https://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/kudryk_w.shtml Wasyl Kudryk] ; Stefan Basisty ; Hryhoriy Block ; [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/bohonos_j.shtml Joseph Bohonos] ; [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/ferley_td.shtml Taras Ferley] ; Apolinarij Novak ; 
  [https://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CS%5CT%5CStechishinJulian.htm Julian Stechyshyn] ; [https://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CS%5CT%5CStechishinMyroslaw.htm Myroslav Stechyshyn] ; [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/swystun_w.shtml Wasyl Swystun].  
Stefan Basisty was elected to be the acting chairman.  After 3 meetings, the committee expanded from approximately 12 to 30 people.  It included : 
  [https://archives.ukrfolk.ca/index.php/sawchuk-semen Priest S W Sawchuk] ; Victor Kupchenko ; Paul Popiel ; Manoly Mihaychuk ; Michael Skyba. 
Not all those who attended the initial meetings became members of the parish. 

Then a parish committee was organised and in addition to the above members, others joined, including :
  Wasyl Batycki ; Dmytro Danko ; Wasyl Kiziuk ; M  Komar ; Semen Kowbel ; Wasyl Novak. 

A new parish was thus formed, and it was decided to rent space for services at Saint Peter’s Anglican Church on Selkirk Avenue and Aikins Street, and to explore the possibility of purchasing the structure.  

It was in this same year, 1923, that [[Edmonton AB Saint John Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral 1923 |Saint John’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta], was organised.  

[https://uocceast.ca/eparchy/the-ukrainian-orthodox-church-of-canada Semen W Sawchuk] was invited to be the congregation’s first pastor.  He was also at that time the acting head of the UGOCC.  Temporary arrangements were made with [https://winnipegarchitecture.ca/755-elm-street/ Saint Peter’s Anglican Church], at the corner of Selkirk Avenue and Aikins Street, to hold Sunday services there.  Thus, on 7 January, 1924 (the Feast of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Nativity Nativity of Christ] according to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_calendar Julian calendar]), the first Ukrainian Greek Orthodox, Ukrainian-language liturgy was celebrated in Winnipeg.  [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/swystun_w.shtml Wasyl Swystun], one of the most prominent founders of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church in 1918, directed the choir.  His popularity and activity sometimes caused the whole UGOCC to be identified with him to such an extent that the church was labelled “the Swystunites”.  

For a time, services were held on alternate Sundays following the Anglican services ; however, it soon became obvious that the structure was not suitable for the new parish, and a new search was started.  The executive, under the presidency of Wasyl Novak, commenced a search for a parcel of land to build their own new church.

==Purchase of land ; beginning construction of the Temple, 1924==

It was envisioned immediately for the future, to construct a large Temple, which would serve as a cathedral.  As a result, in May, 1924, undeveloped land consisting of 10 lots was purchased where Burrows and Magnus Avenues intersect with Sinclair Street.  The cost was $2,600.  The cathedral was to be built in 2 stages, the first stage being the basement so that services could be offered sooner.  

The upper level would be built at a later date when funds would be available.  A national fundraising campaign was initiated with announcements in numerous Ukrainian language newspapers.  Donations were received from all parts of Canada from individuals sending in $1.00, $2.00, $5.00 and even less.  Collections were held at various functions across the west of Canada, at which people contributed to the building of the new Cathedral.  Initial members and supporters of the parish extended all across Canada.  Construction started in June, 1925, and by late November, 1925, the first part, the basement, had been completed.  


[[File:Saint Mary Protectress Cornerstone.jpg]] '''Cornerstone (northwest corner)'''


The parish was officially chartered on 12 October, 1925, under the [https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/reccsm/r070e.php Manitoba Church Lands Act].  The first trustees of the parish were :
  Hryhoriy Block ; [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/bohonos_j.shtml Joseph Bohonos] ;  Victor Kupchenko ;  Wasyl Novak ; [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/swystun_w.shtml Wasyl Swystun]. 
Thus, the first Ukrainian Orthodox parish in Winnipeg was fully organised and established. 

The chosen design of the cathedral had been prepared by [https://www.stmarytheprotectress.ca/historybyeugenehyworon Semen Kowbel], and based on the style of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Michael%27s_Golden-Domed_Monastery Saint Mykolaivska Sobor] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiev Kyiv], Ukraine.  Mr Kowbel was a master builder, an amateur stage director and playwright, and it was he who supervised the construction.  

Members of the parish volunteered thousands of hours of physical labour in order to hand-dig the basement and to pour and build the stone and concrete walls and floor.  As the men were digging, the women and youth helped with many chores by providing food, refreshments, and helping in any way they could.  In addition to the volunteer time, funds of $39,000.00 were required to pay for the construction and the furnishing of the structure.  Members generously donated funds, leaving only $15,000.00 which had to be provided by private loans and a mortgage.  The building committee, under the direction of Semen Kowbel, coordinated the construction of the structure. The initial president during the 1925 construction was Paul Popeil, and Wasyl Swystun served as president from the latter part of 1925 up to 1928. 

'''Archpastoral visit, 1925'''

On 16 August, 1925, [[Archbishop John (Theodorovych)]], who was in Winnipeg for [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_John_(Theodorovych)#Pastoral_service his annual visitation], blessed the cornerstone and then celebrated the liturgy assisted by 4 priests while the choir, conducted by [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/swystun_w.shtml Wasyl Swystun], sang liturgical pieces arranged by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dmitry_Bortniansky Bortniansky], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Koshetz Koshetz] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrylo_Stetsenko Stetsenko]. 


[[File:Archbishop Ivan (Theodorovych) Winnipeg, 1924 2.png]]  '''Archbishop John (Theodorovych) in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 1924'''


In January, 1926, the first marriage which was blessed in the new Temple was of 2 public school teachers.  This fact demonstrates the congregation’s upwardly mobile, lower-middle-class membership.

'''Various parish activities'''

Parish activities greatly flourished while attention was focussed on paying off the loans.  The membership was expanded from a small number to hundreds of families.  Prior to the building of the Temple, a choir was organised and directed by [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/swystun_w.shtml Wasyl Swystun].  Olha Swystun headed the first ladies’ organisation in the parish.  Anna (Hanka) Romanchych coordinated the first [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunday_school Sunday School], and Michael Demchuk headed the first [https://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CB%5CR%5CBrotherhoods.htm Brotherhood].  The “[https://umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/departments/ukrainian_canadian_studies/media/13_ESSAY_Ukrainian_Immigrant_Theatre.pdf Boyan Theatrical Choir]” under the direction of Maxym Pasichniak also flourished in the parish.  This fact illustrates well the origin of many of the early parishioners.  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boiany Boyan] (also spelt Boian) is a village to the east of the city of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernivtsi Chernivtsi] in the province of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukovina Bukovina].  It is a village of mostly [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanian_language Romanian-speakers], and some Ukrainian-speakers, to this day.  

Although the parish had a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunday_school Sunday school], attended by about 150 children in 1926, the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Protectress did not offer many devotional activities.  However, the parish soon became the hub of many cultural and educational activities.  A substantial number of congregation members had belonged to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Zankovetska Maria Zankovetska] Educational and Dramatic Society, and to the Boyan Society during the active period of the society a decade earlier.  

By the winter of 1925-1926, the [https://umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/departments/ukrainian_canadian_studies/media/14_The_Ukrainian_National_Home_Association.pdf Ukrainian National Home Choral and Dramatic Society] was staging popular plays and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operetta operettas] such as [https://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CS%5CT%5CStarytskyMykhailo.htm Mykhailo Starytsky’s] “Chornomortsi” (“The Black Sea Cossacks”) and “Oi ne khody Hrytsiu” (“Don’t Go to Parties, Hryts”) in the parish’s basement hall, in order to raise funds for further construction.  Concerts commemorating [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ukrainian-canadians Ukrainian cultural and political figures] and major historical events, lectures on topics ranging from popular science to [https://shevchenko.ca/taras-shevchenko/poetry.cfm Ukrainian poetry], and debates, including the first inter-provincial student debates, were also held on Sunday afternoons and evenings.  

In particular, congregation leaders had a strong commitment to preserving the memory of the “[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_People%27s_Republic Ukrainian People’s Republic] (“Ukrainska narodna respublyka”) that had existed briefly from 1918 to 1920.  


[[File:Saint Mary Protectress 1926 Visit Archbishop John TheodorovychS.jpg]] 

'''1926 visit of Archbishop John (Theodorovych)'''


When [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Koshetz Alexander Koshetz] and the internationally acclaimed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Republic_Capella Ukrainian National Chorus] performed at Winnipeg’s Walker Theatre for the second time in November 1926, the chorus members attended Sunday services at the cathedral, and the renowned “basso profundo” (contrabass singer), [https://www.russian-records.com/articles.php?article=zharoff-bernikov/member/chandrowsky&cat_id=367&l=english Hlib Shandrovsky (Glib Chandrowsky)], sang the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Nicene-Constantinopolitan_Creed Nicene Creed] (“Viruiu”). 

In order to endow cultural-educational work with direction and continuity, in October, 1927, the congregation (re-)established the Boyan Society ; and [https://umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/departments/ukrainian_canadian_studies/media/18_St_Mary_the_Protectress_Ukrainian_Greek_Orthodox_church.pdf Maksym Pasichniak, the first Boyan Society’s musical director], resumed his duties.  Members included veterans of older choral and dramatic societies, and young people drawn from the Sunday school classes.  The society maintained a library, and it held choir practices once a week, every week of the year.  Sunday afternoon lectures and choral concerts were also a weekly event during the fall and winter season, and 5 or 6 plays were staged annually.  By 1929, no Ukrainian parish or congregation in the city could rival this cathedral parish insofar as cultural activities were concerned.

==1930s==

Because of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression Great Depression] in the 1930s, funds became very limited as many of the parishioners lost their jobs.  During these difficult years, and under the leadership of 8 different presidents, the parish continued to flourish and expand its activities and membership, despite the lack of funds.  However, this period did not allow for further construction.  

[https://archives.ukrfolk.ca/index.php/sawchuk-semen Priest Semen W Sawchuk] served as the parish priest from its inception until 1932 (except for one year), when [https://www.stmarytheprotectress.ca/historybyeugenehyworon Priest Peter Mayevsky] arrived.  He then served the parish from 1932 until 1946.  At this time, membership expanded to number more than 500 families. 

A serious internal conflict broke out during 1935-1940, between the consistory and a group led by [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/swystun_w.shtmlWasyl Swystun], which was focussed on the church’s designated cathedral parish, Saint Mary the Protectress.  The group questioned the leadership of [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Andrew_(Metiuk) Archbishop John (Theodorovych)], and his desire for a closer relationship with other Orthodox Churches.  As a result, the parish seceded for a time.

==1940s==

In the early 1940s, the mortgage was paid off, and a mortgage retirement ceremony was celebrated.  In 1944, it was decided to start fundraising for the completion of the upper level.  By 1946, approximately $20,000.00 had been raised, but this was not sufficient to begin construction.  

In 1947, on the initiative of the executive headed by Hryhoriy Block as president, [[Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko)]] arrived in Winnipeg from [https://www.britannica.com/place/Poland Poland], in order to serve in this parish.  He was joined 1 year later, in 1948, by [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Andrew_(Metiuk) Priest Hryhorij Metiuk].  

The arrival of the metropolitan and the future metropolitan was a part of the arrival from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe] and elsewhere of a large number of [https://www.husj.harvard.edu/articles/the-nation-in-a-nutshell-ukrainian-displaced-persons-camps-in-postwar-germany displaced Ukrainians] following [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II World War II].  The majority of them settled in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Canada Eastern Canada], but some travelled to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Canada west].  


[[File:Vl Ilarion Great Blessing Water 1949 s.jpg]] '''Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko) Theophany blessing'''
 

In the same year, the first officially resident bishop to head the UGOCC was elected to be the Archbishop of Winnipeg.  This was [[Patriarch Mstyslav (Skrypnyk) |Bishop Mystyslav (Skrypnyk)]], who arrived from [https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany Germany].  However, after only 2 years of service in Canada, and because of differences with the UGOCC administration, [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Mstyslav_(Skrypnyk)#Exile_;_move_to_North_America,_1944 he departed for New York, USA].

==1950s==

Due to very generous donations by parishioners, member organisations and the timely contribution from the large estate of Michael Korzyk, sufficient funds became available, and the executive felt that construction of the upper level should begin.  In 1950, an additional appeal was made for funds.  

In 1951, the executive initiated the construction.  It was under the direction of Nicholas Kushniryk. The building committee was headed by [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/122712784/nicholashawryluk?_gl=1*yj6eny*_gcl_au*NDY3NjIyMDEwLjE3MDEwMzEyMTQ.*_ga*NDA5MTM3NjAyLjE3MDEwMzEyMTY.*_ga_4QT8FMEX30*Y2Y3YjM2NjAtMzU4NC00YmY5LWJiNzQtYThhYjYwYjczOTcyLjEuMS4xNzAxMDMxMjQ4LjI5LjAuMA..*_ga_QPQNV9XG1B*Y2Y3YjM2NjAtMzU4NC00YmY5LWJiNzQtYThhYjYwYjczOTcyLjEuMS4xNzAxMDMxMjQ5LjAuMC4w#source Nicholas Hawryluk], who was assisted by [https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-188134/GELMYCH_WALTER Walter Gelmych].  

'''Archbishop Ilarion (Ohienko), 1951'''

In 1951, [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ilarion_I_(Ohienko) Archbishop Ilarion (Ohienko)] became the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Primate primate] of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada, and its first [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop#Archbishops_and_Metropolitans metropolitan].  At a later date, Father Metiuk also would become the primate of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church  of Canada] as [[Metropolitan Andrew (Metiuk) |Metropolitan Andriy (Metiuk)]].   The parishioners understand that they were blessed to have been the source of 2 metropolitans of the UGOCC, the only parish in Canada to claim such an honour.

The construction of the upper level was completed, and the cathedral was blessed on 28 December, 1952.  In addition to the many thousands of hours of volunteer labour time donated, the cost of the upper level was almost $165,000.00.  The architect for the upper level was [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/stmaryprotectress.shtml Stephan Muensh].  At the beginning of the construction work, Metropolitan Ilarion was still in this parish.  Father H Metiuk continued to lead the parish until 1958, when he became a [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Andrew_(Metiuk)#Episcopal_service bishop] of the UGOCC.

==1960s==

After the completion of the upper cathedral structure, inside furnishings and the relocation of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconostasis iconostas] from the lower hall, attention was focussed on completing the interior of the upper part.  Painting and decorating of the walls and ceiling, and building a new iconostas was deemed to be a priority.  The parish executive, under the direction of Hrehory Babiak, began additional fundraising, with strong support from parishioners and member organisations.

'''Change from "cathedral" to "sobor"

When the cathedral seat of the metropolitan was moved from Saint Mary's to the [[Winnipeg MB Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral 1946 |Holy Trinity Metropolitan Cathedral]], this parish continued to be called a “sobor”.  This was so not only because it is a large Temple which can accommodate many people, but also because it had previously been the cathedral parish and the seat of the Metropolitan Archbishop of the UOGCC.  


[[File:Saint Mary Protectress Iconostas S.jpg]]  [[File:HolyProtectressIconnostas,Tetrapod 2.png]] 

'''Nave, interior''' (left) '''; Iconostas, tetrapod''' (right)


[[File:HolyProtectressSoborHighPlace 2.png]]  [[File:HolyProtectionSoborChanddlier 2.png]]

'''High Place in the Altar''' (left) '''; Central chandelier''' (right)


[[File:Saint Mary Protectress Baptismal Font S.jpg]]  [[File:Saint Mary Protectress westward view.jpg]] 

'''Baptismal font''' (left) '''; Westward view'''


[[File:HolyProtectionSoborPanoramaFromChoir 2.png]]  '''Panorama from the choir loft'''


Priest I Stus was the dean of the parish during this period.  The [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconostasis iconostas] and the [https://orthodoxwiki.org//Iconography wall-icons] were prepared by the artist [https://winnipegarchitecture.ca/820-burrows-avenue/ G S Hordynsky], who was assisted by [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/kowal_ri.shtml Roman Kowal].  They were completed at a cost of approx. $44,000.00, and they were blessed on 16 October, 1965.  During the following years, due to the generosity of many donors and the member organisations, the cathedral was completely finished under the executive leaderships of Jakym Gelmych and later [https://cropo.com/tribute/details/4827/DIMITRY-DUSCHAK/obituary.html Dmytro Duschak], with [https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-154454/KICIUK_RIGHT Priest Serhij Kiciuk] as the dean. 


[[File:Saint Mary Protectress Holy Table.jpg]] '''Holy Table'''

[[File:Saint Mary Protectress High Place.jpg]] '''High Place'''

[[File:Saint Mary Protectress Saints John and Basil S.jpg]] '''Saints John and Basil'''

==1970s==

The sobor parish celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1975 during the tenure of [https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-56476/Andrew_Teterenko Priest Andrew Teterenko].

==1980s==

By the early 1980s, it became obvious that some renovations were required.  The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dome domes] outside had to be repainted and the cathedral windows had to be replaced due to deterioration.  

In 1982, the executive under the leadership of John Kapty, embarked on the project.  Alex Surasky raised much of the $55,000.00 from the bingo activities of Saint Andrew’s Brotherhood, and he co-ordinated the design and installation of the new dual-pane windows.

Although minor repairs to the basement auditorium had been done in the 1970s, it was obvious that major renovations were required to modernise the basement auditorium.  There, everything had to be renovated and modernised, such as : a new boiler with a new heating system, the electrical supply, the ceiling, the floor, and other improvements.  The total project cost was about $110,000.00, and the parish embarked on the renovation in 1986.  The project was co-ordinated by Alex Surasky who also did most of the fundraising and construction co-ordination under the executive of which Mary Kushniryk was president.  The parish dean at this time was [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rt-rev-protopresbyter-stephan-semotiuk/ Priest Stephen Semotiuk], who served in the parish from 1983 to 1992.

The last remaining major work was the restoration and cleaning of the inside of the cathedral, and the replacement of the roof.  At a cost of almost $85,000.00, the restoration was completed in 1987.  The fundraising and project co-ordination were carried out by Alex Surasky from the executive under the presidency of [https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-91551/Kowalchuk_William William Kowalchuk].

==Expansion of the property ; Ukrainian Millennium Villa, 1989==

During the 1970s and 1980s, the bingo committee under the presidency of Michael Chaykowski, embarked on a programme of acquiring land for future development adjacent to the cathedral.  As homes came on the market, they were purchased by the parish for future expansion.  Construction started in 1988 on a 72-unit seniors’ housing complex at a cost of $4,200,000.00.  The [https://www.ukrainianmanitoba.com/item/st-mary-the-protectress-ukrainian-orthodox-millennium-villa/ Ukrainian Orthodox Millennium Villa] was completed in the summer of 1989.  A non-profit corporation was established, to which the parishioners elected 9 board members.  [https://cropo.com/tribute/details/4827/DIMITRY-DUSCHAK/obituary.html Dmytro Duschak] was elected by the board to serve as the chairman for more than 10 years after the Villa’s inception.  The parish provided a portion of the funds necessary, and the Board of Directors obtained a long-term mortgage for the balance.  They have successfully managed the property by maintaining a near zero vacancy, and by paying down a large portion of the mortgage.  The church executive, under the direction of William Kowalchuk, supported and encouraged fundraising and member involvement. The project design and construction was co-ordinated by the Board of Directors.  


[[File:Saint Mary Protectress Villa and GazeboS.jpg]]  '[[File:UkrainianMillenniumVillaWpgMB 2.jpg]] 

'''Views of Millennium Villa'''


[[File:HolyProtectressWpgWithUkranianMillenniumVilla 2.jpg]]  

'''Saint Mary Protectress from the Millennium Villa'''

==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.

==1990s==

In 1990, the [https://www.abebooks.com/CENTENNIAL-UKRAINIAN-SETTLEMENT-CANADA-1891-1991-Borowyk/119980718/bd centennial of Ukrainian settlement] in Canada was marked.

A second major project, in 1995, was the construction of a large 3-level elevator inside the Temple, in order to allow the elderly and the infirm easier access into the cathedral.  At a total project cost of $175,000.00, the fund-raising campaign was successful in raising the full amount required due to the generous support of our parishioners, supporters and member organisations.  [https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-306226/BALAN_VASYL%C2%92 Vasyl Balan], president, guided the executive and the project was coordinated by [https://cropo.com/tribute/details/4827/DIMITRY-DUSCHAK/obituary.html Dmytro Dushchak].  

During the early 1990s, under the direction of James Chimuk, this parish was one of the first to computerise the parish’s financial and accounting records.  This work continued and expanded.

==2000s ; 75 years==

The parish celebrated its [https://www.stmarytheprotectress.ca/historybyeugenehyworon 75th anniversary] in the year 2000.  In preparation for this event, the executive, under the direction of [https://www.charitydata.ca/charity/st-mary-the-protectress-ukrainian-orthodox-millennium-villa-inc/130534092RR0001/ Eugene Hyworon], president, embarked on several major renovation projects and celebration events for this anniversary.  Major renovations included modernising the men’s lavatories ; repainting the outside structure trim and domes ; repairing and venting the roof ; cleaning and restoring the inside walls and ceilings of the cathedral ; lighting the domes ; improving the roadway and sidewalks in front of the cathedral, and other works.  

The events for the celebration included a Spring Ball ; a Summer Reunion Festival ; a Fall Patron Feast Day ; and the commissioning of a plaque by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_Mol Leo Mol] commemorating Metropolitan Ilarion and others.  Included also was the support for and the fundraising for the publication of a book authored by [http://www.ucrdc.org/Archive-Oral-History-Ukrainian-Canada-Mykola_Shkandrij.html Prof. Mykola Timoshyk] about Metropolitan Ilarion’s life and work.  The project of researching and consolidating all historical information and artifacts about the parish began.  In addition, there was preparation for establishing a computerised data-base of all information as well as preparing all historical artifacts and photos for a permanent exhibition.  All the materials were also stored on computer CDs for future research, use, and publications about the parish.  The parish dean at that time was the [https://www.uocc.ca/falling-asleep-in-the-lord-of-father-michael-skrumeda-april-20-2023/ Archpriest Michael Skrumeda].  

Although the information provided above is only a brief summary of highlights and mentions only a few names, the growth and development of the parish includes many hundreds of devoted persons who have made this parish strong and lively over the years.  The parish is blessed with many persons and member organisations that, through the years, have continued to work diligently and to donate generously.  No one person nor any particular generation is responsible for what this parish has accomplished.  It has been a continuous and ongoing building process. 


[[File:Saint Mary Protectress Poster.jpg]] '''Poster'''

==75 years==

The year 2000 commemorated the [https://www.stmarytheprotectress.ca/historybyeugenehyworon 75th anniversary of the parish].  It observed the date of the formal incorporation of the parish, although the actual organisation had occurred 2 years previously.  From the founders of the 1920s, the pioneers of the 1930s and the subsequent builders of the 1940s to the 1990s, the parishioners have continued to make this parish grow, develop and flourish.  

Gratitude was extended by the president of the parish in 2000 to the previous executives and parish deans of 1927, 1952, 1965 and 1985, who ensured that qualified persons or committees documented major events in the parish over the years, and who published 3 souvenir booklets about specific events or celebrations as well as a book about the first 60 years of the parish’s history.

==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 [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.

==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. 

==Centennial anniversary, 2025==

On Saturday, 1 November, 2025, a Fundraising Gala Centennial Celebration and Support for Saint Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor was organised.

The spectacular evening, held at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg, was designed to be a major event to mark the long history of the parish, its many contributors, the many workers and supporters, singers, servers, and Faithful who have nurtured this community.  It was designed both to express gratitude for all those who have gone before from the beginnin, and all those who currently serve.  It was also organised in order to try to provide for the future growth and vitality of the parish.  The evening was organised to provide not only fine dining, but also live entertainment, and an opportunity for meaningful connections.

==Parish organisations==

Parish organisations include : the [https://stmarytheprotectress.wixsite.com/churchchoir cathedral choir] ; the "Bratchyky" ; the sisterhood ; Saint Mary’s Brotherhood ; [https://www.stmarytheprotectress.ca/post/kn-olha-branch-uwac-meeting-aug-30-2023-%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%80%D1%88%D0%B5-%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%96%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8F-%D1%81%D0%BE%D1%8E%D0%B7%D1%83-%D1%83%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%97%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BA-%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B8 The Ukrainian Women’s Association (Kniahynia Olha Branch)] ; the Saint Andrew’s Brotherhood ; the CYMK ; the "Boyan" ; the [https://www.stmarytheprotectress.ca/sunday-school Sunday school] ; the [https://www.stmarytheprotectress.ca/post/villa-s-agm Millennium Villa]. 

  '''Priests who served in this parish include :'''
  
  [https://archives.ukrfolk.ca/index.php/sawchuk-semen Priest Semen W Sawchuk] 		1923-1932 (except for one year)
  Priest Peter Mayevsky 			1932-1946 
  [[Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko)]] 	1947-1962
  [[Metropolitan Andrew (Metiuk) |Priest Hryhorij Metiuk]] 		1948-1958
  Priest I Stus 				
  [https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-56476/Andrew-Teterenko Priest Andrew Teterenko]		
  [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rt-rev-protopresbyter-stephan-semotiuk/ Priest Stephen Semotiuk]		1983-1992
  [https://www.uocc.ca/falling-asleep-in-the-lord-of-father-michael-skrumeda-april-20-2023/ Archpriest Michael Skrumeda]	
  [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rev-fr-alexander-harkavyj/ Priest Alexander Harkavyj]		


[[File:Saint Mary Protectress S.jpg]]  '''Saint Mary the Protectress from the south, autumn'''

==Particular parish information ==

This sobor is a parish of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Eparchy_of_Central_Canada Central Eparchy], in the Winnipeg Region.  The bishop of the eparchy is [http://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 Mother of God] (1/14 October).  

In 2024, the pastor of the parish is [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rev-fr-alexander-harkavyj/ Priest Alexander Harkavyj].   [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-very-rev-archpriest-gregory-mielnik/ Archpriest Gregory Mielnik] is attached.   


[[File:Saint Mary Protectress Sign S.jpg]] '''Exterior sign'''


Address :

[https://www.uocc.ca/parish/st-mary-the-protectress-sobor/ Saint Mary the Protectress Sobor]

820, Burrows Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba

R2X 0R2

Telephone : 204-586-5440

E-mail : stmaryprotectress@gmail.com 

[https://www.stmarytheprotectress.ca/ Parish web-site] 

[https://www.facebook.com/p/St-Mary-the-Protectress-Ukrainian-Orthodox-Church-100064467198769/ Facebook]  


Directions : 

[https://www.uocc.ca/parish/st-mary-the-protectress-sobor/ Saint Mary the Protectress Sobor] is located at the corner of [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Burrows+Ave,+Winnipeg,+MB/@49.928448,-97.173815,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x52ea723063bb8675:0x43abd97dc20d7f9!8m2!3d49.928448!4d-97.173815!16s%2Fg%2F1tgw9kmj?entry=ttu Burrows Avenue] and [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sinclair+St,+Winnipeg,+MB/@49.936246,-97.1466219,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x52ea718e21dbac31:0x44cc96ddb19e0ce3!8m2!3d49.936246!4d-97.1466219!16s%2Fg%2F1tctx6j9?entry=ttu Sinclair Street] in the “[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_End,_Winnipeg North End]” of Winnipeg.

By bus : 

[http://winnipegtransit.com/en/ Winnipeg Transit] Bus #71 stops at Arlington Street and Burrows Avenue.  Bus #16 stops at Selkirk Avenue and Sinclair Street.  Each stop requires some walking.  

By car :

From [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downtown_Winnipeg central Winnipeg], drive north on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portage_and_Main Main Street], past [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Selkirk+Ave,+Winnipeg,+MB/@49.9334775,-97.2427674,13.42z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x52ea724cfd9dfe5d:0x98d85ef60be1031!8m2!3d49.9307216!4d-97.2114415!16s%2Fg%2F1tvgt_cr?entry=ttu Selkirk Avenue], and turn left (west) at [https://www.waze.com/live-map/directions/ca/mb/winnipeg/burrows-avenue?to=place.EiFCdXJyb3dzIEF2ZSwgV2lubmlwZWcsIE1CLCBDYW5hZGEiLiosChQKEgl1hrtjMHLqUhH51yDcl706BBIUChIJESsa-ftz6lIRZMq5xvoaKis Burrows Avenue].  Drive past [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Arlington+St,+Winnipeg,+MB/@49.9102279,-97.1813794,14z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x52ea73d8e295b59b:0x19e1e5e899d9cb3d!8m2!3d49.9102279!4d-97.163355!16s%2Fg%2F1tdg7g45?entry=ttu Arlington Street] and turn left (south) at [https://www.mapquest.com/ca/manitoba/winnipeg/r2x/80-sinclair-st-49.91767,-97.1611 Sinclair Street].   Alternatively, drive north along Arlington Street, past Selkirk Avenue, and turn left (west) on Burrows Avenue.  Turn left (south) at Sinclair Street.  

Parking is available on the local streets.  


[https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rev-fr-alexander-harkavyj/ Priest Alexander Harkavyj]

Telephone : (204) 582-3412

E-mail : alexander_h@shaw.ca  


[https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-very-rev-archpriest-gregory-mielnik/ Archpriest Gregory Mielnik] (attached)

Telephones : (204) 415-3166 (Home) ; (204) 612-5078 

E-mail : gmielnik@shaw.ca

==References==

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

[https://www.stmarytheprotectress.ca/historybyeugenehyworon History of Saint Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral]  

Yereniuk, Professor Roman, “[https://diasporiana.org.ua/wp-content/uploads/books/2350/file.pdf Short Historical Outline of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada]” (UOCC)   

Yuzyk, Paul, “[https://books.google.ca/books/about/The_Ukrainians_in_Manitoba.html?id=wDcmvwEACAAJ&redir_esc=y The Ukrainians in Manitoba : a Social History]” (Toronto : University of Toronto Press, 1953)   


'''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). 

Klysh, Protopresbyter Mirone, “[http://www.cjoc.ca/pdf/Vol-3-F-1%20Orthodox%20Christians%20in%20Manitoba.pdf Orthodox Christians in Manitoba]”.   

Martynowych, Orest T, “Ukrainians in Canada : The Formative Years, 1891-1924” (Edmonton : Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies Press, University of Alberta, 1991). 

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. 

Tataryn, Miroslaw, “[https://www.academia.edu/2560318/Harvesting_Heritage_Seeds_in_Prairie_Soil_the_role_of_Ukrainskyi_holos_in_the_formation_of_the_identity_of_the_UGOC_in_Canada Harvesting Heritage Seeds in Prairie Soil : The Role of ‘Ukrainskyi holos’ in the Formation of the Identity of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada]” (Winnipeg : CCHA “Historical Studies”, 71 (2005)), pp. 94-109. 

[https://www.uocc.ca/parish/st-mary-the-protectress-sobor/ Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Mary the Protectress parish listing]    

[https://orthodox-world.org/en/i/24831/canada/manitoba/winnipeg/cathedral/saint-mary-the-protectress-orthodox-cathedral 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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Wikipedia article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada]   

[https://uocceast.ca/links/%d1%83%d0%bf%d1%86%d0%ba-%d1%81%d0%b5%d1%80%d0%b5%d0%b4%d0%bd%d1%8f-%d1%94%d0%bf%d0%b0%d1%80%d1%85%d1%96%d1%8f-%e2%80%a2-uocc-central-eparchy/ Central Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada web-site]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Eparchy_of_Central_Canada Wikipedia article about the Central Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada]   

[https://patriarchateofconstantinople.com/index.html Church of Constantinople web-site]   

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

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

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

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Mstyslav_(Skrypnyk) Bishop Mstyslav (Skrypnyk)]   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/stmaryprotectress.shtml Historic Sites of Manitoba : Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Mary the Protectress (820 Burrows Avenue, Winnipeg)]   

[https://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CW%5CI%5CWinnipeg.htm Encyclopaedia of Ukraine article about Winnipeg]

[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 Ukrainian Diaspora]

[http://wayback.archive-it.org/2217/20101208162026/http://www.edukits.ca/multiculturalism/student/immigration_ukrainian_e.html Ukrainian Immigration to Canada]

[https://www.stnicholaschurch.ca/content_pages/history/history.htm Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church history]

[http://www.stsvladimirandolgacathedral.ca/about-us/history/our-church/ Saints Vladimir and Olga Uniat Cathedral history]

[http://www.artsrn.ualberta.ca/MinorityMedia/items/show/16  Ukrainian Voice “Ukrainskiy Holos” foundation]

‘Ukrainians have established firm Roots in Canada’ in “Ukrainian Voice” (16 October, 2017)  

[http://www.korbanchapel.com/notices/RightReverendMitredHieromonk-DrVasileTPavenschi Obituary of Father V Pavenschi] (24 October, 2017)

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saskatoon_SK_Holy_Trinity_Ukrainian_Orthodox_Cathedral_1918#Centennial_of_the_UOCC,_2018 100th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada] (2018)  

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ilarion_(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/july-2-2023-at-the-phanar-in-ecumenical-patriarchate/ Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) at the Phanar in the Ecumenical Patriarchate] (2 July, 2023)  

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OOEew2Belw Video : 100th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada] (2018)   

[https://www.stmarytheprotectress.ca/post/st-mary-the-protectress-parish-executive-2023-christmas-message Saint Mary the Protectress Executive Christmas Message] (7 January, 2023) 

[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BB8KosTxQv-iJTETPfXr841_M-OyAeE9/view?pli=1 Church Bulletin] (26 November, 2023)  

[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:Manitoba]] [[Category:UGOCC]] [[Category:UOCC]]  [[Category:EP]]