On Sunday August 2, 2009, St. Elia Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Edmonton celebrated our Patron Saint’s Day – Khram. The day began with the youth scattering rose petals outside the Church to welcome His Grace Bishop Ilarion. His Grace was greeted at the doors of the Church by President of the Parish, Steve Tymchuk, with the traditional Kolach and salt. He was then greeted by Right Reverend Archpriest Georg Podtepa, the Parish Priest and other clergy present. Ivas Sabadash and Kateryna Shiyan, our church school children, welcomed His Grace with a short greeting and a presentation of flowers. Each person entering the Church was greeted and presented with a commemorative anniversary ribbon.

Divine Liturgy commenced at 9:30 celebrated by His Grace Bishop Ilarion with the assistance of Fr. Georg Podtepa, Parish Priest, Very Rev. Mykola Sawchenko from St. Michael’s Church and Fr. Peter Haugen. The Reverend Fathers were assisted by Deacons Gary Boychuk and Anton Lakusta, Subdeacons Roman Shiyan and Jim Kapustinski, Bishop’s Acolytes, St. Elia’s Acolytes Mark Ewanec, Oles Sabadash, Ivas Sabadash, along with the Church Elders. Choral responses were sung by members of our Church Choir, under the direction of Oksana Ostashevska.

The Divine Liturgy was immediately followed by a traditional Blessing of water, and procession around the Church. This was completed with the faithful being invited to venerate the Cross, be anointed with Holy Oil and receive some Holy Water. A Blessed icon of our Patron Saint – Elias the Prophet, was received by all the faithful.

After the procession everyone gathered in our Church auditorium to share in the communal feast. The meal was catered, and served with the assistance of our Church ladies. For this festive celebration live flowers adorned the tables, along with place cards and a commemorative program. The auditorium was also decorated with 50th anniversary theme.

Dinner commenced with the Lord’s Prayer and meal Blessing. His Grace Bishop Ilarion and President Steve Tymchuk made the first cut in the anniversary cake, which was served to all present. Following the meal there was a short program led by Master of Ceremonies, Steve Tymchuk. The President welcomed and gave his greetings to everyone on this joyous occasion. This was followed by greetings His Grace Bishop Ilarion. Anne Horn extended greetings on behalf of our UWAC local. Ivan Sawchuk, extended greetings from Club Trident. President Steve Tymchuk presented floral bouquets to George Elaschuk and Nancy Demchuk who have belonged to St. Elia Church Choir for 50 years. Choir director Oksana Ostashevska also received a bouquet for being a committed Choir director at St. Elia. We were all treated to a selection of a few songs by the choir.

The program continued with the presentation of the Metropolitan’s Hramota, to the 50-year members of St. Elia Church. His Grace Bishop Ilarion and Fr. Georg presented framed certificates to 21 members of our Church.

Steve and Mary Ann Tymchuk were presented with an Honorarium and floral bouquet by Mary Goshko, chairman of the anniversary committee. This was to show appreciation for all the time, research and commitment for having our Church history book, “The Church and Its’ People” published in time for our 50th Anniversary. After the presentation our parish priest, Very Rev. Fr. Georg Podtepa gave his remarks.

The program concluded with a Blessing by His Grace Bishop Ilarion, and a closing Prayer “Dostoyno” led by St. Elia Choir.

-Submitted by Mary Goshko, on behalf of the Khram Committee.