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The administration of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada is based on democratic principles. The supreme authority is based in "SOBOR", which convenes every five (5) years and to which parishes send delegates. The clergy also participate in "SOBOR". The members of the parishes are owners of their property and they are responsible for the well being of their parish. All parishes of course belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.
Upon the request of a few men, the Very Reverend Theodore Kisiliuk, who served parishes in Hamilton, Waterford and Preston, came to Brantford in May, 1947, and held the first service in St. James Anglican Church (at the corner of Dublin and Grand Streets.)
This service was held entirely in the Ukrainian language. The beginning was difficult and the pioneer work in Brantford was slow to take root since there was a lot of opposition. However, the torch was lit and kept burning in the hearts of the Ukrainian people of Orthodox Faith. It helped to mould the ground work for the leading men and their priest towards the first serious contemplation and meeting of ten (10) people:
The first organizational meeting was held in a private home and the following members were elected as the first board of directors:
A major player in forming the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada was a weekly paper called the "Ukrainian Voice". Their help also filtered down to assist our parish.
Traditionally, the Ukrainian Divine Liturgy was recited in the old Slovonic language which made it difficult to understand. In the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the Divine Liturgy was recited in the Ukrainian language which made it more easily understood and readily accepted by the people.
There were many years soul searching and financial hardships. In June, 1950, the small congregation was able to pool its resources and buy an old brick house with four and a half (4 1/2) acres of land. The house was rebuilt into a church and was redecorated with various icons and an ikonostas.
The house and the land were all purchased for the princely sum of $5,500.00. Many thanks to the major donors who contributed various amounts of money from $50.00 to $250.00 totaling $3,000.00. Special thanks go to the late Mr. Joseph Horbul, who in a most critical moment, granted us a $500.00 interest free loan. His name shall be remembered and cherished in the hearts of the parishioners.
One of the key objectives of the congregation was to teach their young children to read, write and speak Ukrainian, to maintain their rich heritage and celebrate their ancient culture. It was also important to learn the ways of our new home land which our fathers came to and accepted as their own. They wanted to be able to live up to the words of Lord Tweedsmuir, Governor General of Canada, who, while visiting Ukrainian settlements in Manitoba, stated that, "To be a good Canadian, be a good Ukrainian."
Ukrainian traditions have always been family oriented. The church, school and society of which a child is a part can only act as an auxiliary to help polish the formation of their character which will assist them in becoming useful citizens. The uniqueness and promotion of our Ukrainian culture has made it a focal point of interest for others. Our Ukrainian Christmas Eve with its twelve (12) lenten dishes, our colourful Ukrainian Easter with its "paskas" and "pysanky" and our constant love for song and dance have all contributed to the richness of Canada's own culture.
In the words of our great Poet - Taras Shevchenko, "Learn the ways of others, do not forget your own."
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