Monday, October 21, 2013

Holy Protection of the BVM 60th Anniversary

This lovely detail of the church's domes is sourced from
http://sooniagara.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/cupolas-of-st-marys/
The Holy Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Burlington celebrated its 60th anniversary with a special liturgical service and a banquet. The church is located in the downtown core of Burlington on Pearl Street, just off of the Lakeshore Boulevard near Brant Street.

A bit of history of the church from the commemorative booklet:

In the late 1940s, post-war political refugees from Ukraine arrived in Burlington, Ontario and began to settle the aptly named neighbourhood called "Freeman". A group of eighteen determined families comprised of these new arrivals and Canadian-born residents of the "Ukrainian Catholic Faith" with the Very Reverend Archpriest Anthony Simbalist made plans to purchase the 'century old' St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church located on the corner of Pearl and Pine Streets. Through the generosity of the Roman Catholic Church and their wish that the former edifice continue to serve the "Catholic Faithful", and through the negotiation skills of our Founders and Clergy, an agreement was reached.
On Sunday May 31st, 1953, the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Very Reverend Anthony Simbalist in the newly formed community of the Holy Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church. On Sunday October 25th 1953, a day close to the Feast Day of the Holy Protection, His Excellency Bishop Isidore Borecky, Apostolic Exarch of Toronto and Eastern Canada, consecrated our church temple and blessed our community. We honour our founders! Without their tenacity and love of God, our community would not be what it is today.

Children of the Tyrsa Dance Group performed for the guests
The banquet was very well attended by parishioners both current and those who have since moved to other towns (such as your correspondent) as well as many guests. The church hall was filled to capacity!

For many more pictures of this event please visit the Holy Protection of the BVM UCC 60th Anniversary album on our Facebook page.

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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 8, 2014 at 5:45 PM

    My wife and I over look your beautiful church and especially enjoy the ceiling lights at night. We also enjoyed your playing of carols in Dec/Jan along with bells chiming at certain hours.
    Would you consider playing the bells daily at say 9/12/3/6 hours through out the year. Adds to the community feeling. Reminds us of Europe where church bells ring out all day all year long
    appreciate your comments

    Thanks JMateer Elizabeth St

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yuriy DiakunchakMarch 10, 2014 at 10:22 AM

    Hi JMateer,

    Your request would best be directed to the parish itself. I am sure they will be thrilled to hear your positive comments. The contact info for the church's pastor is provided below:

    Rev. Zenon Walnyckyj - Pastor

    Phone: 905-634-6598
    Fax: 905-681-6758
    E-mail: zwalnyckyj@cogeco.ca

    ReplyDelete

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