Saskatoon – Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
of St. George

Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of St. George was constructed 1939-1943 at 206 Ave M So., Saskatoon.

SASKATOON — The Cathedral Church of St. George is the second church of the parish.

The first church was purchased in 1917, during th pastorate of Rev. Peter Kamenecky, and was moved t the present parish site m 1918. This was a small woode structure which had served the Roman Catholic paris of St. Paul on 22nd Street and Spadina Crescent i Saskatoon; the church was purchased for $500 and, afti relocation, it was remodelled to befit the requiremen of the Ukrainian Catholic Rite. Bishop Nicetas Bud! blessed the church on Easter Sunday, 1918. In 193 after serving the parish for 21 years, the church w sold. Construction of the present church was begun 1939 and completed in 1943. On June 16, 1957 t church was blessed by Metropolitan Maxime Herma iuk and Bishop Andrew Roborecki.

The cathedral church is a massive mason structure which stands on a high concrete basement a

measures 104 x 90 feet; the intersecting arms are 30 feet wide. Its architectural plan is a four column cruciform Byzantine domed basilica with north, south and east apses, and seven domes; the central dome contains electric church bells.

The church is east-west oriented with the sanctuary contained in the eastern apse; the north and south apses contain confessionals. Towering high above the main altar is an imposing and architecturally exquisite baldechin, or pidnebesne, which was designed by Stepan Meush. Behind the main altar is the cathedra, at the north side of the altar is the prothesis while at its south is the bishop’s throne. Two side altars, which are dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Christ Who Loves Mankind, are found on corresponding sides of the sanctuary along the eastern lateral walls of the cruciform structure; entries adjacent to these side altars lead to the sacristies which can also be entered from the sanctuary.

The central area of the church is dominated by a large octagonal dome which is reinforced by the arcades of the vaulted ceilings and is supported by four massive octagonal columns. Each side of the octagonal drum supporting the dome has two arched windows which collectively illuminate the dome.

The nave, also referred to as the body of the church, contains wooden pews seating approx. 500 persons. The church has a wooden floor, which is carpeted at the center aisle and sanctuary area with a luxurious red carpet, and is fully equipped with modern facilities; electricity, plumbing and central gas heating.

There are seven entrances into the church: the main entrance and two additional entries are found at the west side of the church; four entries are at the lateral extending arms of the cruciform structure with two at the west side and two at the east side, the latter leading into the sacristies. The narthex, or main entrance, has undergone some architectural changes: originally it was portico-like with two columns supporting the suspended choir gallery above. Between 1952 and 1953, during the pastorate of Rev. Myroslaw Kolodey and Rev. Julian Habrusevich, this area was enclosed and presently serves as the vestibule. The two side entrances on corresponding sides of the main entrance lead through a series of stairways to the nave, the choir loft and the church basement.

In 1948, during the pastorate of Rev. M. Pelech and Rev. Michael Kurylo, the church basement was finished; it contains a large central hall with an elevated stage, a furnace room, a club room, kitchen facilities and two classrooms which were used for Ukrainian language instruction, catechism classes and, later, sado-chok (kindergarten) classes. The church structure has undergone several periods of restoration made possible through the generous donations of the parishioners; the furnishings in the church were either constructed by or generously funded by: Jim Patrick, John Shudlik, Wasyi Bureny, John Shawchuk and the cathedral branches of the Ladies Church Auxiliary and the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada.

The artistic decoration of the church was done by Theodore Baran; the sanctuary was painted in 1950. Completion of the entire church took place in 1954-1955 and 1968. Representative of true Byzantine art, the art work complements the architectural style of the chi and inspires a spirit of contemplation and revere The ornamentation, done in carat gold leaf and enhances the richness and beauty of the church. Bel the main altar hangs a large framed oil on cai painting of the Mother of God representing Immaculate Conception; it is painted on a 23 carat leaf background. All remaining icons, the baldechin the ornamentation also have true gold leaf gilding. vaulted ceiling above the sanctuary is dominated b) Holy Trinity and four angels representing Toil, Enii enment, Creativity and Justice. The sanctuary \ have stately portraits of St. George, St. John Chn torn and St. Basil the Great.

The large central dome, which dominates the r was painted during the Marian Year, 1954, an dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. Varying sh of blue appear at the ceiling of the dome thus ere;

an endless heavenly canopy while the drum of the c contains murals of the most important events of M life. The four pendentives, which are the trian;  formations beneath the drum, contain symbolic p ings of the four Evangelists.

All reinforcing arcades are decorated with sym medallions and ornamentation; the main arcade a the sanctuary is decorated with a series of med< paintings depicting the most important even Christ’s life which are to be eventually incorporatec an iconostas. The north and south vaulted ce contain paintings of St. Anne with the Child Mar St. Joseph with the Christ Child; both painting surrounded by a circle of angels. The walls of the accommodate life size paintings of St. Olha Volodymyr, the Holy Apostle Andrew, St. lose and murals of the Resurrection, Christ at the Mount of Olives, Christ entrusting St. Peter with the Keys to His Church and the Transfiguration.

The vaulted ceiling above the main entrance portrays symbolic paintings of God the Father and Holy Mary the Protectress; the Mother of God extends her arms over the Sobor of St. Sophia in Kyiv (Kiev), the Sobor of St. George in Lviv, the maple leaf emblem of Canada and the trident emblem of Ukraine. Countless other paintings and symbolic ornamentation are found in the choir gallery, the vestibule and as decorative borders around all windows and other areas of the church.

Within the periphery of the parish property, just north of the church, is “The Museum of Ukrainian Culture” organized by the Eparchial Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada; the structure was constructed in 1920, during the pastorate of Rev. Roman Krupa, and served as a parish hall until the 1960’s. To the south of the church is the parish rectory which was constructed in 1950 during the pastorate of Rev. M. Pelech; it replaced the original rectory which was purchased in 1920. St. George’s “Youth Center”, located on the corner of Avenue M and 20th Street, is a dream realized through the tireless efforts of the cathedral’s long time pastors: Rev. Mitrat J. Olynyk and Rev. Canon W. Iwaszko. It was constructed in 1962-1963 and contains classrooms, a gymnasium, club-rooms, kitchen and banquet facilities; the “Youth Center” is the focal point of countless organizational and social functions of the parish and the Ukrainian community of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan.

Ukrainian settlers arrived in Saskatoon and outlying area in 1910. The founding members of the parish were: Stefan Wozniak, Ivan (John) Kmet, Yo. Melnyk, An. Shakh (Shach), Iv. (J.) Kolysher, A. Dushka, A. Witiuk, Dm. Romanow, Fedor Konowalchuk, Dm. Hnatiuk, Dm. Chobotiuk, N. Koshman, Lev. Burdey-ney, M. Kowbel, Iv. Kowbel, P. Badyk, F. (Teodore) Rygailo, N. Toporovsky, Iv. Bohonos, P. Matvichuk, Hr. Romanow, Hr. Shulhan, Mochulsky, V. Iwanicha. The settlers were initially served by the Basilian Fathers, later they were spiritually served by Rev. M. Kuzma, Rev. Emilian Andruchowicz, Rev. Ksenophont Rozdolski, Rev. Roman Cherepahiak, Rev. Nicholas Shumsky and Rev. Andrew Sarmatiuk.

The first parish meeting was held at the home of Toma Hawryliuk (T. Hagart) on September 29, 1912. At this meeting the first parish executive and a fund raising committee were selected consisting of: Toma Hawryliuk (T. Hagart), Teodore Rygailo, Hryhoriy Shulhan, Dmytro Romanow, Volodymyr Hrywnak, Maksym Small, Ivan Bohonos, Ivan (John) Kowbel, Yarema Demchuk, Stefan Wozniak, Semen Baliasewich, Semen Swystun, Ivan Feschuk, Yosef Melnyk, liko Kulpak, Yakiv Dubyk, Fedor Konowalchuk, Pavlo Shulhan, Adam Dushka, and Nykola Marchuk (Parish Register).

In 1912 the parish purchased two corner lots for $850; these lots were resold in 1918 and a seven lot site on Avenue M was purchased from the Separate Schools for the sum of $2,500. The first parish church was placed on this large site which the parishioners hoped would one day accommodate a beautiful stylistic church. Their plans for future construction were greatly supported by the pastors Rev. Peter Pasichnyk, Rev. Wolodymyr Zurawecki, Rev. Joseph Bala, CSSR., Rev. Paul Sula-tycki and Rev. Michael Olenchuk and were realized during the pastorate of Rev. Michael Pelech.

The parish meeting of February 7, 1937 approved the architectural plan of Rev. Philip Ruh, OMI, adopted methods for financing the construction and selected a fund raising committee; the members of this committee were: D. Chobotiuk, D. Rawliuk, P. Sawula, H. Seniuk, L. Burdeyney, T. Matvichuk and P. Kolysher. Two months later a construction committee was selected consisting of Rev. M. Pelech, J. Kmet, L. Burdeyney, J. Kolysher, H. Seniuk and J. Kalyn. To finalize the architectural details of the plan Osyp Pryma was selected to act as the liaison between the parish and the architect. Rev. Philip Ruh of Winnipeg.

These preparations culminated in the construction of the church in 1939 which became a cathedral in 1951. Construction was carried out by the parishioners under the foremanship of Michael Yanchynsky. The pastor at this time was Rev. Michael Pelech who not only provided a large interest free loan but also physically worked alongside his parishioners during the construction. This enthusiastic support was continued by Rev. Walter. Firman during Rev. Pelech’s service in the army.

The cathedral church, mother church of the Saskatchewan Eparchy, witnessed the installation of Bishop Andrew Roborecki by Archbishop Basil Lady-ka, the ordination into the priesthood of Rev. Andrew Muzyka of Saskatoon, Rev. Rudloph Luzney, Rev. Raymond Boyko, Rev. Richard Kubiak and Rev. Adam Pidwerbeski and the ordination to the deaconship of Rev. Stephan Kurywchak. In this cathedral. Bishop Andrew Roborecki bestowed high sacerdotal honors of Mitral upon Rev. John Olynyk and Canon upon Rev. Wolodymyr Iwaszko.

This cathedral has been visited by every Ukrainian Bishop in the world: Archbishop John Buchko from Rome; Archbishop Gabriel Bukatko from Yugoslavia;

Bishop John Prasko from Australia; Bishop Andrew Sapelak from Argentina; Bishop Jaroslav Gabro from Chicago; Metropolitan Maxime Hermaniuk of Winnipeg; Bishop Neil Savaryn and Bishop Demetrius M. Greschuk of Edmonton; Bishop Isidore Borecky of Toronto; and Bishop Jerome I. Chimy of New Westminster. On various occasions, the cathedral was also visited by eminent clergy of the Roman Catholic church and other Christian Churches; it is befitting to note the names of two Roman Catholic Bishops of the Saskatoon Diocese who often visited the cathedral and befriended the Ukrainian people: the late Bishop Francis J. Klein and Bishop James P. Mahoney who is the present Bishop of the Diocese. In 1972 Pontifical Divine Liturgy was celebrated here by Bishop-Confessor Wasyi We-lychkowskyj. His Beatitude Cardinal Patriarch Josyf Slipyj visited the cathedral and faithful on three occasions. The Patriarch celebrated Solemn Pontifical Holy Services in the cathedral church on July 9, 1968, , April 22, 1973 and November 6, 1976. In 1973 on Palm Sunday, the cathedral parish faithful had the exceptional fortune of receiving willow branches blessed by the Confessor of Faith Patriarch Joseph. In 1976, when the Eparchy celebrated its 25th anniversary, with joy the faithful received the Confessor’s holy blessing.

This holy place of worship provided the setting for the joyous as well as the solemn events of the Ukrainian Catholic community of Saskatchewan such as the funeral services for the Rev. Peter Pasichnyk, Rev. Nicholas Habak, Rev. Basil Sawchuk, DD, Rev. Nicholas Budz, Rev. Vladimir Flak, Rev. Gregory Mykoliw, DD Rev. Sister Olena Olynyk, SMI, and Rev. Sister Maria Petryshyn of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

The church is visited yearly by hundreds who are moved by its solemn and deeply spiritual atmosphere and marvel at the beauty of its architecture and artistic decoration. Visitors include community and political leaders, and children from the Saskatoon school systems including high school and university students. The cathedral, as architectural and artistic expression, equals other monumental buildings of Canada.

The Parish Registry Book records that the parish meeting of October 24, 1912, was attended by 40 persons; the financial report of the meeting held on February 3, 1924 states that $30 was collected for the monthly membership fees, which at that time was 50c a month. In 1941 the parish registered 80 members with 200 children (Prop. Knyha). The Jubilee Book of 1912 -1962 records that in 1962 there were 450 members, a total of approx. 2,300 souls in the parish. In 1975, the total parish membership consisted of 700 member families and 250 single members. The parish chronicle preserves for posterity the names of two cantors who served the parish for many years, Petro Badyk and Petro Yundak, and the names of two choir directors who directed the Cathedral Choir for many years, Osyp Pryma and Sviatoslav (Stan) Chepyha. In 1976 the parish was under the directorship of: Rt. Rev. J. Olynyk, Rt. Rev. W. Iwaszko, V. Rev. P. Kryworuchka, Rev. V. Mudri, Wilfred Barranoik, Michael Boychuk, Dmytro Boyko, Peter Chelak, Stan Chepyha, John Chrusch, Mike Chuhayoski, Ivan Duda, Elizabeth Gabruch, William Gurash, Katherine Hnatiuk, Paul Hnenny, Peter Kaminsky, Michael Kobzey, Peter Kolysher, John Kornylo, Wasyi Kowaluk, Peter Krawchuk, Wasyi Maschak, John Matwejko, Carl Melnyk, Mary Micha-luk, Peter Nowosad, John Olesko, Emily Panamaroff, George Panamaroff, Steve Patola, Mike Philipenko, George Pidskalny, Tonia Pidskalny, John Postey, Esa-dore Pozniak, Theodore Rybchynski, Fred Saranchuk, William Shinkaruk, Marion Shutiak, Peter Shutiak, William Smysniuk, Bill Sorba, John Taniuk, Sam Todos, Rev. Sister Victoria Hunchak, SMI, Mike Wasylenko, Anna Werbicki and Gloria Woytowich.

The Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of St. George in Saskatoon is the Episcopal See of the Most Rev. Bishop Andrew J. Roborecki, DD, Bishop of the Saskatoon Eparchy.

YEAR-AFTBR-YEAR

1912                First Parish Organizational Meeting

1913                Elected first Parish Committee

1913                Two Lots on Avenue M purchased

1916                Episcopal visitation by Bishop Nykyta Budka

1917                Additional Lots purchased from Separate Catholic School Board

1918                The First Church transferred to present location

1919                First Residence for a priest purchased

1919                Parish Women’s Organization of St. Olga

1920                Blessing of the Parish Hall “Prosvita”

1925                Opening of Parish Library

1929                Beginning of the Building Fund for new church

1933                Bishop Roborecki Branch of Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood

1936                Fr. Michael Pelech permanent parish priest

1937                Church Fund Raising & Building Committees formed

1939                Building of Present Church

1947                Branch of Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League

1948                First Assistant priest appointed Fr. Michael Kurylo

1950                Second Priest Residence built

1951                Enthronement of the First Eparch of Saskatoon

1952                New pastoral team Fr. M. Kolodey & Fr. J. Habrusewich

1953                Cathedral Pastor Fr. John Olynyk

1953                Parish Assistant Priest Fr. Wolodymyr Iwaszko

1954                Interior painting of the Cathedral by Theodore Baran

1955                The Cathedral News – Weekly Parish Bulletin

1956                Ordination to priesthood ofFr. Andrew Muzyka

1957                Solemn Blessing of the Cathedral

1962                50^ Anniversary of the St. George’s Parish

1962                St. George’s Youth Centre

1966                Museum relocated to former Parish Hall “Prosvita”

1968                Visit of His Beatitude Cardinal Josyf Slipyj

1970                New benches at Cathedral

1973                Second Visit of His Beatitude Cardinal Josyf Slipyj

1975                Assistant at Cathedral Fr. Vladimir Mudri

1978                Assistant at Cathedral Fr. Leonard Romanow

1981                Cathedral Pastor Fr. Wolodymyr Iwaszko

1982                Burial of Bishop Andrew Roborecki

1982                Official Opening of St. George’s Senior Citizens Residence

1982                Ordination to priesthood of Fr. John Melnyk

1984                Enthronement of the Second Eparch of Saskatoon

1984                Pastor Fr. Rudolph Luzney

1986                Blessing of the present Priest’s Residence

1986                Visit of His Beatitude Cardinal Myroslaw Lubachivskyj

1987                75th Anniversary of the St George’s Parish

1989                Ordination to priesthood ofFr. Ken Nowakowski

1991                Celebration of 100 years of Ukrainian Settlement in Canada

1991                Installation of Iconostas & New Boiler

1992                Cathedral Pastor Fr. Vladimir Mudri

1993                60th Anniversary of Bishop Roborecki Branch ofUCBC

1993                Cathedral major Roof Renovation

1993                Ordination to priesthood ofFr. Andrei Kachur

1994                Investiture ofFr. Vladimir Mudri as Protopresbyter & Mitrat

1995                Installation of Elevator at Parish Hall

1995                Parish Statutes approved

1996                Enthronement of me Third Eparch of Saskatoon

1997                50th Anniversary of Cathedral Branch of UCWLC

1997                Foundation dam-proofing & installation of basement windows

1999                Washrooms at church basement

2000                New Altar and Kyvot

2001                Visit of His Beatitude LubomyrHuzar

2001                Enthronement of the Forth Eparch of Saskatoon

2001               New roof at Parish Hall

Updated December 2020

The Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of St. George (210 Avenue M South) in Saskatoon is the Episcopal See of the Most Rev. Bishop Bryan Joseph Bayda, CSsR, Eparch of the Saskatoon Eparchy.

The Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of St. George, Saskatoon, falls under the Deanery of Saskatoon, under the pastoral charge of the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of St. George, which is included in the Saskatoon: St. George’s-North Battleford-Hafford District, with Very Reverend Janko Kolosnjaji as Rector, and served by Deacon Myron Yamniuk.