UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC RELIGION IN NANAIMO

   To celebrate Liturgy in the Ukrainian Catholic Byzantine Rite, the parish priest traveled from Victoria 1966 until 1980. Having no church, Mass was celebrated at individual homes. The Sharanowski home in Cassidy was one such home. Chemainus and Port Alberni were served in the same fashion.

   As years went by, a little church in Nanaimo on 1 04th Street (which was not in use at the time) became available, so in 1980 a few families got together and with a lot of energy and sweat proceeded to clean and re-open this little church. It was shared with the Croatians twice a month. Rev. Proto-Deacon Paul Stephaniuk was then living in Nanaimo and was designated to serve Nanaimo, Port Alberni and Chemainus.

   In 1983, facilities on Victoria Avenue were purchased by the Eparchy. After major renovations and a lot of hard work, we now have St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church and Parish Hall side by side. A residence was later purchased across the street.

   St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church became a parish in 1986 with Father Yaroslav Dowbush residing as our first parish priest. He also served Port Alberni and Chemainus.   Currently, Chemainus no longer has services due to lack of parishioners. At present our parish is under the direction of our Parish Priest, Father Volodymyr Bilous who serves also Port Alberni parish.

Respectively submitted by Leona Osowetski - Year 2000

Top        Home