Calgary Prays for Ukraine

As so many of you may already be connected in one way or another with Ukraine and the diaspora, it is also possible you are paying attention to the travesty that is their government of late. Months of peaceful public protests that have been ignored or derided by the Yanukovich led government have galvanized people's resolve across Ukraine, the largest country in Europe. Good diaspora, citizens of free nations everywhere in the world, it is time to take up the issue of Ukraine's future. Sourcing information on public media one cannot help but recognize how recent events in Ukraine are unfolding. Since November, and into the last few evenings, the response of "power" to Kyiv's Maidan movement has been horrifying, but Black Tuesday revealed to the world the regime's open, active military action against the people of Ukraine. Numbers vary but thousands appear to have been treated for serious injuries and the sad reality that 30 souls have departed this earth as a result of their government's brutality towards citizens. Escalating tensions are indeed receiving public attention, at huge cost to Ukrainian society it is true. But truth must prevail.

If you haven't yet contacted your elected officials, asking for personal contact to confirm they are actively engaged in representing Canadian values in Ukraine, then please do. Contact the television stations, radio, media and share information. But here in Calgary the community will meet again on Thursday, February 20th to pray together for the fallen, and for wisdom and moral strength to prevail over the next pivotal events in the ancestral homeland of so many Canadians of Ukrainian ancestry. A service is set for 7 p.m.this Thursday in Calgary at Our Lady of the Assumption church on 6th Street N.E.

As a long time Canadian, I am assured by my elected official that Canada is doing everything in its power to affect positive change in Ukraine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhiGA-fqmQY   But if everyone you and I know applied pressure on our elected officials, there would come a tipping point when efforts may grow. And there will be a tipping point.

Time is short and the events in Ukraine are pressing. Please take active part as citizens of free and democratic nations everywhere. Slava Ukraini!

Ukrainian expats plan vigil in Calgary following deadly protests
http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/calgary/Ukrainian+expats+plan+vigil+Calgary+following+deadly/9527639/story.html

Kyivan Rus' Sovereign, Saint and Hero

Monuments to great heroes, to champions of the good, monuments to mark sad moments that teach us never to forget, and then there are monuments which speak to the spirit. Calgary is home to a special monument, a type of structure explicitly created to commemorate a real person, and an extraordinary historical, cultural and spiritual event.

The Ukrainian Church closest to the Langevin Bridge off Memorial Drive adds some Eastern European flare to our Western Canadian cityscape.  While the hopeful start of the first Ukrainian Catholic Church in Calgary in 1912 was shortlived noteably because of Canada's First World War Internment Operations, the end of the war brought a resurgence of spirit.  The changing political climate in the ancestral homeland meant new Ukrainian Canadians would have to be self-reliant, so they forged ahead embracing the legacy of Kyivan Rus' Sovereign, Saint and Hero -Volodymyr. 


Baptism of Volodymyr-public domain

From the Feast Day in his honor on July 28th to August 14th marking Volodymyr's official Baptism and acceptance of Orthodox Christianity as the State Religion of Kyivan Rus', these are heady, legacy days for Ukrainians.  Interestingly enough,  The Primary Chronicle names Anna, the sister of Byzantine Emperors Basil and Constantine, and records that her brothers agreed to her marriage to Volodymyr upon his receipt of Christian Baptism, in Kherson.  It looks like Volodymyr married into the faith!  Heady times for me too since the the location of these events, the Ruins of the Basilica and Saint Volodymyr Cathedral in National Preserve of Tauric Chersonesos, Sevastopol, Crimea, Ukraine will be part of my summer tour this month. 

Ukrainian-Calgarians, thankful for their huge Canadian inheritance, and emulating their ancestral Sovereign pressed forward with a vision of a people united by a common spiritual culture that transcended the parochial loyalties of their village past.  The church standing on Meredith Road looking over the river to downtown Calgary would welcome all those of Ukrainian ancestry.

St. Vlad's is a great community for Ukrainian-Calgarian hospitality.  On Sunday, July 28th the church marks its Temple Patron Feast Day with Divine Liturgy, followed by prayers and procession around the temple to honor Kyivan Rus' Sovereign and Saint, Volodymyr's  Baptism of Ukraine 1025 years ago. Come and contribute your favorite dish to the pot-luck luncheon, and you will be sure to meet friends, renew aquaintance and be spiritually uplifted!

http://www.ukrainian-orthodoxy.org/saints/otherSaints/volodymyr.htm

http://ukrainiancalgary.blogspot.ca/2013/03/988-2013-makes-1025-years.html

National Congress of Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada 2013

The fabric of the  Ukrainian Canadian community is a tapestry of many, many special  individuals who generously volunteer their time, talents and treasure in meritorious organizations that benefit all Canadians. One such group is the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada, whose open arms welcome all newcomers!

With a commitment to the Church, nurturing cultural heritage, and providing resources for living an authentic Christian life, the UCWLC does good work.

They will be holding their 2013 National Convention  in Saskatoon this spring on June 27-30, 2013.   For more information contact your local Ukrainian Catholic church.

Growing Interest in Ukrainian Language Classes

With all the recent political discussions around Ukraine's new language policy, it is interesting to me when people pop little discussion issues on your lap.  Just as recently as Sunday, a person asked whether Calgary is hosting Ukrainian language classes for Adults again.  Then another person sent me information about one Alberta community's Ukrainian Language Classes - and wow was I floored.  Can you imagine that there are (to date) 59 adults registered in their Ukrainian language program?  With that number of people registering, they are now needing a few more teachers!

So, what is happening?  Well, I have a theory.  When I was studying language acquisition theory in university (yes there was such a course in the olden days), one of the points that caught my attention was the issue of assimilation.  Turns out that the first new Canadians try so hard to acclimatize themselves to the new English language and culture that there is scant time to think.  Then their children get the notion that their ancestral language is of less value (and I suppose it is for a short time when you need to speak English well at work and school).  So the children are not encouraged to maintain the language, they grow up and then they are in a quandry.  With "old" people modeling the "old" language, and the "younger" people developing less fluency, the "youngest" people almost have no options.  Either they look for a community of language models, or they lose their opportunities to acquire their ancestral language.  (Well at least that is the theory in shorthand.)

So, now I understand.  The generations of Canadians who worked hard to establish themselves, gain employment,"fit in" in Canadian society, did their best.  Then their children tried to respect their "elder" tongue.  But their grandchildren, upon their early retirement years, who probably never had a chance to better their linguistic fluency, now have the time and desire to "catch up".  Bravo for them!  Bravo for programs which foster ancestral languages!  Bravo for leaders who recognize and honor this "pent up" desire to reconnect with "home" (including geneology).

Our most tender feelings, our earliest prayers, our folklore, traditions and our subconscious-most vulnerable selves are captured in the language of our earliest homelife.  The "net" of understandings creates who we are, at the very beginnings of who we are.  It is said, that there is no sweeter sound than the "mother's tongue".

http://ukrainiancalgary.blogspot.ca/2012/06/adult-ukrainian-language-classes.html

Soyuz Ukrainok Kanadi - UWAC-Calgary

uwac-national.ca

Calgary's Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada is celebrating its 80 anniversary!  Since before 1932-33 UWAC Calgary has been an essential partner in service at St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Congregation, but oh, so much more.  Through their community work,  the women of UWAC have helped celebrate Ukrainian culture here in Calgary, share it with fellow Canadians, and promote the Ukrainian idea to many generations. 

Viewing the amazingly organized UWAC Calgary Archives, one can appreciate the lively and stimulating core of activity in UWAC Calgary over these 80 plus years. And UWAC Calgary is continuing to develop its enduring legacy.  Honoring this special anniversary, UWAC Calgary has initiated an innovative social media project by which to capture these rich and diverse perspectives.

Images of UWAC Calgary, its relationships in Calgary, its Ukrainian community, and its spiritual home at St. Vladimir's Congregation capture part of the story.  However a picture tells a thousand words - or perhaps more.  And though each image tells an exciting chapter, and each chapter contains multiple characters, and each character has a point of view, these stories are yet to be written. 

Calgary's Soyuzianky encourage you to visit the website, view the images, and comment, contribute stories, memories, anecdotes connected with the images.  Visit often as the site develops over time.  Take the opportunity to "flesh out" the background story, the laughter, tears, faith, love and friendships! 

So many stories to tell, and little opportunity?  Welcome to an innovative collaboration in writing the story of Calgary's Soyuz Ukrainok Kanadi.   www.uwac-Calgary.ca



Adult Ukrainian Language Classes

How fortunate I have been to have the ability to speak in Ukrainian!  I am one of those Ukrainian Canadians with several generations of family born on Canadian soil, yet my family was able, because of great community programs, to ensure that I could speak well in Ukrainian.  I have to admit, my language is not contemporary Kievan, however most people from Ukraine know Canadian Ukrainians are doing a good job when they try to speak.  It has been a priority for my family.  It has also been important for my children, both of whom speak well.  Thank heavens for Sadohock, Ukrainian School, at both Assumption and St. Vladimir's (ridna shkola) and Plast Ukrainian Scouts in Calgary!

Having said that, I know that many families have not been so blessed with opportunities for themselves and their children.  Thank heavens the mind continues to be flexible, eager for new challenges, no matter what age a person may be!  That is why it is so fortunate for Calgarians that St. Stephen's Ukrainian Catholic Church is offering these language classes for adults and young people this coming year. 

If you need basics, if you need conversational language, if you are growing your confidence, this is the program for you! 

Other similar Ukrainian language programs have been offered in Calgary before.  Several years ago the UWAC at St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Church had Adult Ukrainian classes.  Also, did you know that in Edmonton, St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the UWAC there has sponsored Ukrainian language learning for adults for many, many years!!  I understand that there were 40 students registered last year, in several classes!  With folk singing, discussions about interesting historical artifacts, and the opportunity to build community using Ukrainian language, it has been, and continues to provide great instruction for all their students.

So, Calgarians, your time is now!  I hope you take the opportunity to improve your Ukrainian language - our Ukrainian educational leaders at St. Stephen's can help!!





2012 Ukie Stampede Stomp

Hey Calgarians!  It's almost time to get your cowboy boots on again for the Calgary Stampede!!

Remember to put the 2012 Ukie Stampede Stomp on your calendar!  On Saturday, July 7th, 2012 from 6-12 PM the Knights of Columbus is holding a Fundraiser BBQ Steak Dinner and Dance at St. Stephen's Cultural Centre (4903-45 St. SW). 




You can call Terry for tickets ($40/p) at 403-540-0411.  Supper is at 7pm and the Dance at 9 pm.  Yahoo!!

A Century of Faith 1912-2012 Ukrainian Catholic Church Celebrates

The Calgary Ukrainian community, whether newer immgrants, or those of pioneer stock have a wonderful way to celebrate our common heritage this weekend.  In the early years of our Calgary Ukrianian Community, there was a unified community, striving for identity, support and blessings on their work in the new homeland, Canada.  So, if you read the blog from yesterday about the Bridgeland Churches, you will hear how the original Ukrainian church in Calgary was built by joint efforts of all faithful - up in the Tuxedo area.  The church structure still stands, and celebrates it 100th birthday too this year.  More important though is the visit of an important guest to Calgary - this weekend.

The Ukrainian Catholic Church of Calgary is celebrating a Century of Faith on the June 2-3, 2012 weekend with a special Patriarchal Visit.  There will be a Pontifical Liturgy celebrated by His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Ukraine, and a Banquet and Reception- surely a worthy celebration of the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Ukrainian Bishop to Canada - Bishop Budka.  His arrival to Canada was greeted with the building of many churches, and Calgary's Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (at 704-6th Street NE) will celebrate their 100th year of Faith and Prayer.  For more information contact www.abvmcalgary.com or call 403-230-7013.

Ukrainian Churches in Bridgeland

Did you know in the early years of Calgary's growth, there was a huge influx of people to Calgary from the Ukrainian immigration group - the railway made it possible for people to come here for the important jobs involved in creating our National Park - Banff.  Logging, construction, and other physical jobs were opportunities for people who didn't have the language, yet needed employment.  So, many people moved to the Calgary area, and settled on the homesteads in the area.  Their "downtown"  was Bridgeland, but their first church was built way up the hill in Tuxedo.  Read a great blog about the two Ukrainian churches in Bridgeland that contains a lot of valuable historical information - stuff that not too many people take the time to know. 

http://churchesinbridgeland.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/hello-world/

Roots of Calgary's Ukrainian Spiritual Community 1912-2012

There is an interesting story about Calgary's Ukrainian community and its spirituality.  Complicated, at best.  But very resilient.  I was just listening to an audio clip from CBC's Calgary Eyeopener, and heard Danielle Suchet interviewing Calgary's resident historian Harry Sanders about the Century Old Church in Calgary on 1st Avenue NE.  So way back in 1912, there was an active, growing Ukrainian community in Calgary, with dreams and aspirations that became a reality. With the arrival of the first Ukrainian heirarch - Bishop Budka of the Ukraine's Greek Catholic Church to Canada (to Winnipeg), the spiritual community felt confident in building their own local parish church.  With the combined efforts of all the then recent immigrants, a new structure was built in 1912 and sanctified for this purpose.  Turns out this first Ukrainian prairie church structure was built to last, and it certainly has.  It was originally built to serve the Ukrainian Catholic Community of the time, and in anticipation of a population boom, built in Tuxedo - way up the hill at 23 Avenue and 1St. NE.  With the First World War, and the Internment camps, Ukrainians (those holding Austrian papers) were considered enemy aliens, and essentially removed from activity in the Ukrainian community.  Over time, the changing political and social climate in Calgary, the community decided to move the building to its current location on 1st Avenue NE just east of Edmonton Trail.   Well, if the walls of that church could speak, they would tell an interesting story about Calgary, the hopes and dreams of the earliest Ukrainians to this lovely city of Calgary, and the changing social, economic, political and spiritual landscape over the years.  I hope you have a listen!  Enjoy!

http://www.cbc.ca/eyeopener/episode/2011/08/11/hidden-calgary---a-century-old-church-in-bridgeland/