To kick off CYMK’s participation in the 57-th biennial convention of the Ukrainian Self Reliance League of Canada, 45 CYMKivtsi and advisors explored the “Kalyna Country” region of Alberta. There they saw various historical sites relevant to the beginnings of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.
CYMKivtsi began by visiting Star-Edna, where a beautiful panachyda was served by National CYMK chaplain, Fr. Cornell Zubritsky, at the grave of Iwan Pylypow. CYMKivtsi sang the responses. Here they also learned that Iwan Pylypow was one of the first Ukrainian immigrants in Canada, and one of the 4 founding families of the Star-Edna colony.
While traveling on the bus in between stops, Fr. Cornell, our interpreter for the day, told us of the history of the area and surrounding establishments, including interesting stories and facts. Our next stop was Old Wostok, which was the site of the first Orthodox liturgy served in Canada. Following this, we travelled to the church of St. John of Suchava. This is where the first Orthodox service was served in the Ukrainian language. We enjoyed a kubbie/pickles/cheese lunch in the church yard and even got to visit inside of the parish. At this stop, the National CYMK executive challenged each tour participant to “make 10 new friends” and learn something exciting about CYMKivtsi from other provinces. What a great idea to get us to mingle!
Next, we visited Szhipenitz church. This was a special stop, as we had the opportunity to visit Dr. Harry Hohol’s grave at the cemetery across the street. Here CYMKivtsi sang “Vichnaya Pam’yiat,” which was a very moving experience for some of our participants. Pani Lesia Pohoreski explained to the group of Dr. Hohol’s dedication to the CYC family and his strong support of CYMK.Our final stop on the tour was Kaleland, a church that is now built entirely out of locally found stones. It is so beautiful! We had the opportunity to explore the inside of the church as well, which serves as the Two Hills district parish.
On our way home to Edmonton, we made a quick stop in Vegreville to take a group photo under the world’s largest pysanka!! Very egg-citing!! CYMKivtsi and advisors easily passed the rest of the travel time by singing folk songs and catching up with long lost friends. A few quotes shared by CYMKivtsi who participated in the tour:
“The scenery is really nice. It looks very similar to Ukraine!” – Nadia Kodak, Saskatoon
“It was so cool. The history of our people and seeing what they did was exciting. Anyone can make connections through this history.” – Larysa Kowalenko, Toronto
“It’s so special when CYMKivtsi come together from all over to sing to someone who only a few of us have ever met, but is so important to our history.” (referring to singing “Vichnaya Pam’yiat at Dr. Hohol’s grave) – Talia Kowalchuk, Winnipeg
“St. Peter and Paul church in Kaleland was my favorite part because of the architecture and listening to Pan Steve tell us all about it.” – Stephan Maslo, Edmonton
This was a wonderful experience to gain a better understanding of the historical roots of our church and come together as a family before the official opening of the CYC convention. I look forward to learning more about the roots of our church with my fellow CYMKivtsi in the future!!
Reporting for CYMK (live on location),
Alexandra Maranchuk
Taras Shevchenko Branch, Vegreville