Calmar AB Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1927

Calmar, Alberta, Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Cemetery, 1927

Prehistory

The settlement by Slavs in the Calmar area west of Leduc and Nisku, Alberta, Canada, followed the previous settlement of the region by Scandinavians as early as the 1880s.

Because of the development of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada, differences between this diocese and the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in America ("Metropolia") about jurisdiction and language grew sharp. As a consequence, 2 different Orthodox Christian congregations were established in the same year and in the same region.

Founding the community, 1927

In early 1927, there were meetings amongst several families in order to discuss the essential need for baptism, marriages, and funerals in the Ukrainian language, which would involve the traditions that the Ukrainian settlers were accustomed to and comfortable with.

The Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Calmar was officially established on 13 February, 1927, at a meeting in the home of John Fitzowich. Steve Mryglod served as chairman, and Walter Shewkewich served as the secretary.

The founding members of the parish were :

 John Fitzowich ; Max Fitzowich ; Dan Karashowski ; John Kruk ; Serguis Lacz ; John Manchak ; Steve Mryglod ; 
 Steve Olekshy ; Bill Pawlyk ; John Pyrch ; Fred Sych ; George Wasuita.

The first executive was :

 Dan Karashowski, president ; John Fitzowich, treasurer ; Steve Mryglod, secretary

It was unanimously decided to construct a Temple. Pledges of $5.00 to $10.00 were taken from members ; however, John Fitzowich himself contributed $100.00.

Purchase of land for a Temple, 1927

The building committee sought to build a Temple in the town, but land prices were beyond the reach of the parishioners. Therefore, Dan Karashowski donated 2 acres of land, and on 24 February, 1927, Mr. W W Carrol of Carrol Agencies completed the legal transaction. All the construction tasks were shared out.

At a meeting in May, 1927, it was decided to apply to the Consistory (central office) of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada for membership and for the provision of regular Sunday services.

The first service was held in the home of John Fitzowich on 2 June, 1927, the Feast of the Ascension of Christ. The priest who served was the Priest Metro Senata. He named the parish “Holy Trinity Church”. He also blessed the cemetery and administered sacraments. Services continued to be provided at the Fitzowich residence until the construction of the building had proceeded far enough to allow services to be offered in that space.

Construction of the Temple, 1927

Construction of the Temple began on 29 August, 1927, with Peter Turetsky as the hired carpenter. The construction proceeded apace at first. Later in the year, Bishop John Theodorowych and Father Shewchuk visited the community from Winnipeg, Manitoba. However, the cost of construction was great and the resources were limited. It therefore took until 1936 to complete the construction and to clear any debt. The Cross on this Temple was made by a local blacksmith.

Ukrainian Women’s Association, 1931

The local “Lesia Ukrainka” branch of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada was founded in 1931 with 9 members, and it was recognised officially by the UWAC in 1935.

The first project of the women’s group was to help to raise funds in order to complete the construction of the Temple. Immediately, many fundraising projects were undertaken. As the group grew in numbers, the women successfully fulfilled their aim. They were further able to make contributions to national UWAC projects.

A chandelier was purchased for the Temple. It first burned candles, but later it was converted to use electricity and light bulbs. It has served the first Temple and the second as well.

In 1945, a parish hall was constructed on land which was purchased for the purpose. Again, all the construction work was done by the parishioners. The hall became the most convenient place for parish functions and meetings, and for fundraising activities. It was known as the Ukrainian National Home, the Parish Hall, and the Ukrainian Hall.

Canadian Ukrainian Youth Association (SYMK), 1948

In 1948, a local branch of the Canadian Ukrainian Youth Association was formed. These associations are typically associated with branches of the Ukrainian Women’s Association. At the beginning, there were 29 members, and in general they did work which supplemented the activities of the women’s organisation. When they grew older and pursued a higher education in Edmonton, many of them enrolled as students at Saint John’s Institute in Edmonton, Alberta.

Second Temple, 1958

The parish grew in numbers, which produced the awareness that more space was required in the Temple.

On 10 October, 1958, there was a general meeting which authorised the construction of a new and larger Temple.

The old Temple was dismantled, and a new and rather larger structure was constructed on the same site. The Crosses for this Temple were forged by a local blacksmith, as before.

In June, 1960, Archimandrite Alexander (Scherban) served the first Divine Liturgy in the new Temple.

Soon afterwards, a bell was purchased from the Leduc Fire Hall, and placed on a metal stand.

In 1964, an addition was made to the parish hall.

40 years : 1967

On 2 June, 1967, Holy Trinity parish celebrated its 40th anniversary. On this occasion, during an archpastoral visitation, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served in the Temple by Archbishop Andrew (Metiuk) of Edmonton.

50 years : 1976

On 1 August, 1976, Holy Trinity parish celebrated its 50th anniversary. On this occasion, during an archpastoral visitation, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served by Archbishop Boris (Yakovkevych) of Edmonton.

After the Divine Liturgy, a commemorative cairn which had been erected was blessed by Archbishop Boris, along with Archimandrite Alexander (Scherban). The cairn commemorates all the pioneers of the parish.

In 1976, the local "Lesia Ukrainka" branch decided to strengthen Ukrainian cultural heritage locally by establishing a Ukrainian dancingschool. The Calmar School of Ukrainian Dancing was formed, and the first 57 young people prepared the way for many more to follow.

60 years : 1987

In 1987, Holy Trinity parish celebrated its 60th anniversary. At this time, during an archpastoral visitation, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served by Bishop John (Stinka) of Edmonton. He was assisted by the Archpriest Victor Lakusta and Archimandrite Alexander (Scherban).

Re-naming of UGOCC ; Eucharistic union with the Patriarchate of Constantinople, 1990

In 1990, the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada was officially renamed “(UOCC) The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada” (UOCC) by an Act of the 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 Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople (Istanbul). This decision also changed the relationship with the other Orthodox dioceses and parishes in Canada in a positive way.

75 years : 2002

On 2 June, 2002, Holy Trinity parish celebrated its 75th anniversary. During an archpastoral visitation, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served by Archbishop John (Stinka) of Edmonton. He was assisted by the Priest Benny Ambrosie, the rector, by the Archpriest Alex Hupka, and by Subdeacon James Kapustinsky.

Rural depopulation

By this time, largely because of rural depopulation (the common affliction of rural communities), the size of the community had dwindled significantly.

Iconostas

Centennial of the UOCC, 2018

In 2018, the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and also of Holy Trinity Cathedral were marked at an extraordinary sobor (assembly) at the cathedral in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

The purpose of the sobor was to celebrate 100 years of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. The celebrations were attended by Ukrainian Orthodox faithful from across Canada and beyond.

The Sobor began on Thursday, 9 August, 2018, with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Chapel of Saint Petro Mohyla Institute, presided by Bishop Andriy (Peshko) of the Eastern Eparchy, with the responses sung by the Clergy led by Father Michael Lomaszkiewicz. This was followed by an All-Canada Clergy Conference.

Centennial Clergy Conference

All gathered for Vespers at the Mohyla Institute Chapel and this was followed by a wine and cheese reception as the delegates and guests registered for the Extraordinary National Council.

The celebrations continued for a year.

2020-2021 Coronavirus-19 virus restrictions on parishes

In early 2020, the Covid-19 virus made its appearance in Canada, and it quickly became a world-wide pandemic. Because of the rules governing gatherings that were laid down by the provincial and city governments, the parish stopped any further services after 8 March, 2020. Including the rules regarding social distancing, the decreasing numbers permitted for any gathering, and the considerations regarding the health of all concerned, this and other parishes were required to close for a time.

As elsewhere, there was some controversy about the legal requirements.

Election of Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk), 2022

Election of a nominee by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

On 15-19 June, 2022, the 24th Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox of Canada was convened "on-line". This conference-meeting was convened thus instead of convening physically (as customarily) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. There were 6 cathedrals in Canada where this meeting took place simultaneously through a computer-network : in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Holy Trinity Metropolitan Cathedral) ; Vancouver, British Columbia (Holy Trinity Cathedral) ; in Edmonton, Alberta (Saint John's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral) ; in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Holy Trinity Cathedral) ; in Toronto, Ontario (Saints Vladimir and Olga Cathedral) ; in Montréal, Québec (Saint Sophie Cathedral).

There was a total of 205 delegates, which was near the average attendance for such sobors.

In the course of the work of the Sobor, there was the necessary election in order to nominate to the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople a candidate for election as Archbishop of Winnipeg and Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, who would succeed the Retired Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk).

There were 3 candidates who were considered : Archbishop Job (Getcha), Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk), and Bishop Andriy (Peshko). The final choice of the members of the sobor was Archbishop Job (Getcha). He had received more than the minimum required 51% of the votes, and there was no subsequent voting required.

The election by the Sobor (Assembly) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada then had to be confirmed by the Holy Synod of Bishops of Constantinople (as is described in the Consistory By-laws).

Upon having received the nomination (with accompanying documents) from the Sobor of the UOCC, the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople elected Vladyka Ilarion (Rudnyk) to become Archbishop of Winnipeg and Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada.

The Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople elected Archbishop Job (Getcha) to become Metropolitan of Pisidia, in west-central Türkiye (Turkey), north of Lycia, and east of Ephesus.

Confirmation of election in Constantinople/Istanbul, 2022

On 29 August, 2022, Vladyka Ilarion (Rudnyk) was at the Phanar in Constantinople for the purpose of the first confirmation of the election in June, 2022. He co-served the Divine Liturgy with Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis) in the Cathedral of Saint George at the Phanar.

Enthronement as Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, 2022

On Saturday, 19 November, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., in Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Enthronement Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served. Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) presided at the Divine Liturgy. He was assisted by Bishop Andriy (Peshko), many priests, several deacons, subdeacons and Altar-servers. Present also were Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas), Exarch of Canada for the Patriarchate of Constantinople, and Retired Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk), Former Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.

Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) at the Phanar, Istanbul, 2023

On Sunday, 2 July, 2023, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis) was present and praying during the Divine Liturgy at Saint George's Cathedral in the Patriarchate compound. He gave the blessing that Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) preside ("horostasia") over the Divine Liturgy. Metropolitan Job (Getcha) of Pisidia, Bishop Athenagoras (Ziliaskopoulos) of Nazianzos, and the Honourable Roman Nedilskyi, General Consul of Ukraine in Constantinople were also present and praying with the congregation of the Faithful.

Change of calendar for the UOCC, 2023

On 1 December, 2023, in accordance with the resolutions of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk) announced that, effective that day, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada moved to use the New (Revised Julian) Calendar. He allowed that for a brief period of time, a parish might remain on the Old (Julian) Calendar.

It seems that subsequently, John's Cathedral in Edmonton, Alberta, was the first to adopt the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

However, a previously-existing group of persons began to encourage resistance to the immediacy of this change. It was their understanding that the process would be determined ultimately and finally at the next general sobor of the UOCC. Therefore, on 16 December, 2023, Metropolitan Ilarion issued a formal letter concerning the situation, together with a letter of support sent to him by his predecessor (Retired Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk)). He called the resisters to repentance

Aerial view of the Temple

Priests who have served the Holy Trinity Parish include :

 Priest D Senata 					1927
 Priest Wolohatiuk 					1927
 Priest Olendy 						1928
 Archpriest Dr. S Sawchuk			1928
 Priest Dmitriw 					1930-1932
 Archpriest Stratychuk 				1932
 Priest Horbay 						1933
 Priest Kisyliuk 					1933-1937
 Priest M Fyk 					1928-1951
 Priest Horbay 						1952
 Priest Seneshen 					1953-1954
 Archpriest P Blaziuk 				1955
 Protopresbyter H Wasyliw 			1956-1958
 Archimandrite Alexander (Scherban)	1958-1976
 Archpriest V Lakusta	 			1976-1980
 Archpriest S Semotiuk 				1981-1983
 Archpriest Dr. I Stus 				1984
 Archpriest V Lakusta 				1984-1987

Parishioners

Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, 1927

At the same time as the Temple was being constructed, the associated cemetery was also being organised. It was decided to situate it to the north of the Temple.

Cairn inscription at the cemetery

Aerial view of the Temple and the cemetery

View of the cemetery

Particular parish information

This parish is a part of the Western Eparchy (Smoky Lake-Willingdon District) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. The bishop of the eparchy is Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk).

This parish follows the Old (Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of Pentecost (Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Most Holy Trinity).

In 2024 the pastor of the parish is the Priest Benny Ambrosie.

Address :

Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church

The Temple is located on Highway #39, on Range Road #272 North, 3 km (2 mi) west of Calmar, Alberta.

Directions :

Calmar is a town 35 km (22 mi) southwest of Edmonton, in Leduc County.

From Edmonton, drive south on Highway #2, to Leduc. Follow the second exit for Highway #39. Turn right, and drive 17.5 km (11 mi) to Calmar.

From the south, follow Highway #2 to Leduc, and take the exit for Highway #39. Turn left and drive 17.5 km (11 mi) to Calmar.

From Calmar, drive 3 km (2 mi) westwards on Highway #39 to Range Road #272 North.

The Temple is located on Highway #39, on Range Road #272 North.

Mailing address :

Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Box 233

Calmar, Alberta

T0C 0V0

Priest Benny Ambrosie

Telephone : (780) 476-7014

Fax : (780) 476-3666

Mobile telephone : (780) 719-9619

E-mail : bambrosie@shaw.ca

Parish sign

References

Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, “Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Parish, Calmar, Alberta, Sixtieth Anniversary 1927-1987” (Calmar, Alberta : Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1987).

Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, “Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Parish, Calmar, Alberta, 75th Anniversary 1927-2002” (Calmar, Alberta : Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 2002).

Pioneer Churches on the Prairies

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

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

Additional information :

A Brief History of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

“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).

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

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, Calmar, Alberta parish listing

Orthodox World listing for Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Calmar, Alberta

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

Wikipedia article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

Western Eparchy of the UOCC web-site

Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople

Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)

Metropolitan John (Theodorovych)

Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko)