The Eparchy of Edmonton
Exploring the structure, history, and pastoral mission of a significant Ukrainian Greek Catholic jurisdiction in Canada.
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Eparchy Overview
Canonical Structure
The Eparchy of Edmonton is an ecclesiastical territory of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, a particular church in full communion with the Pope. It governs parishes within the Canadian province of Alberta, utilizing the Byzantine Rite liturgy primarily in the Ukrainian and English languages. The Eparchy functions as a suffragan see within the ecclesiastical province of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg.
Geographic Scope
Centrally located in Alberta, Canada, the Eparchy's episcopal see is established in Edmonton. Its jurisdiction encompasses the geographical boundaries of the province, serving the spiritual needs of Ukrainian Greek Catholics residing there. The Eparchy's headquarters and primary administrative functions are based in Edmonton.
Historical Context
Established initially as an Apostolic Exarchate in 1948 and later renamed and promoted to an Eparchy in 1956, its history reflects the growth and organization of the Ukrainian Catholic diaspora in Western Canada. It has undergone territorial adjustments, including the establishment of other eparchies from its territory.
Historical Trajectory
Foundational Years
The Eparchy's origins trace back to January 19, 1948, when it was established as the Ukrainian Catholic Apostolic Exarchate of Western Canada. This jurisdiction was carved out from the existing Ukrainian Catholic Apostolic Exarchate of Canada. Its initial purpose was to serve the growing Ukrainian Catholic population in the region.
Renaming and Elevation
By March 10, 1951, the Exarchate was renamed the Ukrainian Catholic Apostolic Exarchate of Edmonton, reflecting its central see. A significant elevation occurred on November 3, 1956, when it was promoted to the status of an Eparchy (a diocese in the Eastern Church tradition). This transition also placed it as a suffragan see under the Metropolitan Archeparchy of Winnipeg.
Territorial Evolution
The Eparchy's administrative boundaries have evolved over time. On June 27, 1974, a portion of its territory was separated to form the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster, indicating the ongoing development and restructuring of ecclesiastical jurisdictions to better serve the faithful.
Leadership Transitions
Notable leadership changes include the appointment of Bishop David Motiuk as the head of the Eparchy on January 26, 2007, by Pope Benedict XVI. Bishop Motiuk had previously served as an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archeparchy of Winnipeg.
Ecclesiastical Framework
Place within the Hierarchy
The Eparchy of Edmonton is a constituent part of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, one of the largest Eastern Catholic Churches. It operates under the jurisdiction of the Major Archbishop of Kyiv-Galicia. Within Canada, it is a suffragan eparchy to the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg, forming part of the Metropolia of Winnipeg.
Relationship with Roman Catholic Structures
While distinct in rite and governance, the Eparchy exists within the broader Catholic landscape of Canada. It is situated within the ecclesiastical province of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton, highlighting a unique coexistence of different rites within the same geographical region.
Statistical Overview
Faithful and Parishes
As of recent data, the Eparchy encompasses approximately 25,000 faithful. This community is served by 81 parishes distributed throughout Alberta. The pastoral care is provided by a dedicated clergy, including 35 active diocesan and religious priests, and 8 permanent deacons.
Religious Personnel
In addition to the ordained clergy, the Eparchy benefits from the service of 11 women religious and 4 religious brothers. This diverse group contributes significantly to the spiritual and administrative life of the Eparchy's parishes and institutions.
Episcopal Leadership
Current Eparch
The current Eparch of Edmonton is His Excellency Most Reverend David Motiuk. Appointed in 2007, he oversees the spiritual and administrative affairs of the Eparchy. He also holds the titular see of Mathara in Numidia.
Historical Ordinaries
The Eparchy has been led by several distinguished bishops throughout its history:
- Neil Savaryn (O.S.B.M.): Served as Apostolic Exarch and later Eparch from 1948 to 1986.
- Demetrius Greschuk: Served from 1986 to 1990, previously as Auxiliary Bishop.
- Myron Daciuk (O.S.B.M.): Served from 1991 to 1996.
- Lawrence Huculak (O.S.B.M.): Served from 1996 to 2006, later becoming Metropolitan Archeparch of Winnipeg.
Auxiliary Bishops
The Eparchy has also been supported by auxiliary bishops, such as Demetrius Martin Greschuk, who served from 1974 to 1986 before becoming the Eparch.
Assigned Clergy
The following table details the clergy assigned to various churches within the Eparchy. This list reflects the pastoral outreach and distribution of ministry across the Eparchy's territory.
| Location | Church | Pastor |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary | Assumption of the BVM | Rev. Roman Planchak |
| Calgary | St. Stephen Protomartyr | Rev. Janko Herbut |
| Camrose District | Protection of the BVM | Very Rev. Mark Bayrock |
| Calmar | Holy Trinity | |
| Calmar (Farms) | Immaculate Conception | |
| Daysland | Assumption of the BVM | |
| Hay Lakes | Exaltation of the Holy Cross | |
| Holden (Farms) | Presentation of the BVM | |
| Holden | Descent of the Holy Spirit | |
| Leduc | Holy Trinity | |
| Roundhill | Transfiguration of Our Lord | |
| Thorsby | St. John the Baptist | |
| Edmonton | Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God | Rev. Peter Babej |
| Edmonton | Exaltation of the Holy Cross | Rev. Janko Herbut |
| Edmonton | Holy Eucharist | Very Rev. Mihajlo Planchak |
| Edmonton | Protection of BVM | Rev. Serhiy Harahuc |
| Edmonton | St. Basil the Great | Rev. Josaphat Tyrkalo, O.S.B.M (Pastor & Rector) Rev. Thomas Kobak, O.S.B.M (1st Assistant) Rev. Mark Zazula, O.S.B.M (2nd Assistant) |
| Edmonton | St. George | Rev. Anton Tarasenko, Rev. Stanislav Bjeli (Assistant) |
| Edmonton | St. Josaphat Cathedral | Rev. Mykhaylo Bohun, Pastor |
| Edmonton | St. Nicholas | Rev. Julian Bilyj |
| Edmonton | St. Vladimir | Rev. Ivan Nykyforuk |
| Grande Prairie District | Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God | Rev. Mark Sych |
| High Prairie | Christ the King | |
| Hines Creek | All Saints | |
| Manning | Ascension of Our Lord | |
| Reno | Descent of the Holy Spirit | |
| Lethbridge | St. Peter and Paul | Rev. Gary Sedgwick |
| Mundare District | Sts. Peter and Paul | (Served by the Basilian Fathers) |
| Vegreville | Holy Trinity | |
| Lamont | St. John the Baptist | |
| Borshchiw | St. John the Baptist | |
| Krakow | Protection of the BVM | |
| St. Michael | St. Nicholas | |
| Skaro | Exaltation of the Holy Cross | |
| Star-Peno | Assumption of the BVM | |
| Chipman | Nativity of BVM | |
| Delph | Presentation of the BVM | |
| Hilliard | St. Dymytro | |
| Leeshore | Nativity of the BVM | |
| Limestone | St. Michael the Archangel | |
| Red Deer | St. Vladimir | Rev. Jim Nakonechny |
| Redwater District | Sts. Borys and Hlib | Rev. Slavko Dumec |
| Athabasca | Assumption of the BVM | |
| Carvel | St. Nicholas | |
| Darling | Descent of the Holy Spirit | |
| Rossington | St. Michael the Archangel | |
| Thorhild | Holy Eucharist | |
| Waskatenau | Descent of the Holy Spirit | |
| Waugh | Assumption of the BVM | |
| Cherhill | Holy Eucharist | |
| Eldorena | Protection of the BVM | |
| Fedorah | Ascension of Our Lord | |
| Frains | Holy Eucharist | |
| Manly | St. George | |
| New Pine Creek | St. Anthony | |
| Prosperity | Holy Trinity | |
| Radway | Assumption of the BVM | |
| Rochfort Bridge | St. John the Baptist | |
| Smoky Lake District | Rev. Don Bodnar | |
| Smoky Lake | Sts. Volodymyr and Olga | |
| Buchach | St. Nicholas | |
| Lac la Biche (Craigend) | Protection of the BVM | |
| Innisfree | St. Josaphat | |
| New Kiew | Ascension of Our Lord | |
| Plain Lake | Holy Trinity | |
| Spedden | Holy Trinity | |
| Stry | Holy Eucharist | |
| Two Hills | Sts. Volodymyr and Olga | |
| Smoky Lake (Farms) | St. Paraskevia | |
| Vilna | Descent of the Holy Spirit | |
| St. Paul District | Protection of the BVM | Rev. Andrij Nykyforuk |
| Bonnyville | Descent of the Holy Spirit | |
| Derwent | Descent of the Holy Spirit | |
| Derwent(Farms) | Ascension of Our Lord | |
| Myrnam | Assumption of the BVM | |
| Elk Point | Holy Eucharist | |
| Glendon | Assumption of the BVM | |
| Iron River | St. John the Baptist | |
| Angle Lake | Nativity of BVM | |
| Northern Valley | St. John the Baptist | |
| Sherwood Park | St. Sophia | Rev. Rendall Yackimec |
| Vermilion/Lloydminster District | Rev. Mike Bombak | |
| Vermilion | St. Olha | |
| Lloydminster | Descent of the Holy Spirit | |
| Fidelity | St. John the Evangelist |
Eparchial Emblem
Symbolism and Meaning
The Eparchial logo features a golden church dome set against a blue sky, symbolizing faith and hope for Ukrainian Greek Catholics in the New World. This imagery is familiar and welcoming to all Albertans. The dome's design, inspired by St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Waugh, Alberta, depicts two paths converging at a pinnacle, holding a cross. This represents Eastern Catholics in full communion with Rome, united within the one Catholic Church. The upward-reaching arms symbolize the aspiration for communion with God through Christ's sacrificial love.
The color blue signifies divinity, with darker shades representing deeper entry into the life of the Holy Trinity. The circle embodies God's eternal nature and His unending love. The golden dome reflects God's glory and the Divine Light, while its shape evokes the vault of heaven, where believers experience God's embrace, particularly through the Eucharist.
The logo also carries an invitation: "Come follow me," echoing Christ's call to discipleship. It encapsulates the Church's mission to evangelize and share the Gospel with all individuals, regardless of their faith journey.
Official Information
Website and Contact
The official website for the Eparchy of Edmonton provides comprehensive information regarding its ministries, parishes, news, and pastoral activities. It serves as the primary digital resource for the faithful and interested parties.
Official Website: www.eeparchy.com
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Academic Disclaimer
Important Notice
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence for educational and informational purposes, drawing exclusively from the provided source material. It is intended for an audience pursuing higher education and aims to present complex information in a structured and accessible manner.
This is not an official publication of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton or the Catholic Church. The content is based on a specific snapshot of data and may not reflect the most current information or official positions. It is not intended to substitute for direct consultation with ecclesiastical authorities or official church documents.
The creators of this content are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or interpretations derived from this AI-generated text. Users are encouraged to consult official sources for definitive information.