On the weekend of the 7th Sunday after Pentecost, Bishop Michael (Kwiatkowski), accompanied by Sr. Angelica (Hodowanska), SSMI and Volodymyr Mykhalyshyn, made the trip to Kelowna, BC to visit the Parish of the Dormition of the Mother of God.
Kelowna first had a Catholic mission established by the now famous Oblate Missionary, Fr. Pandosy. Ukrainian immigration probably started with the settler influx in the 1920s. It wasn’t until 1948, however, that a Basilian missionary priest from Vernon, Fr. George Zydan, OSBM, founded a mission in Kelowna. They soon had plans to build toward their future and so they set the annual parish membership fee at a whopping $2 (no misprint). The parish was soon entrusted to the pastoral care of a Fr. Wasyl Chopey, and they had their first Parish meeting on 24 January 1949. They decided to start exploring the possibility of building their own church and so they raised the parish membership fee to (are you sitting down?) - $5.
Things moved very fast. Fr. Bohdan Hanushevsky was appointed parish priest of Kelowna (and Vernon) and the mission began to bloom. He even organized a 35 member choir that sang at the world famous Power of Praying the Rosary Crusade led by the Venerable Father Patrick Peyton. [Some will remember his motto, “The Family that Prays together, stays together!”]
The first church was eventually bult by 1954 and the congregation was thrilled to celebrate Easter for the first time in the new building. There were many ups and downs in the history of the parish. Several priests served the people with dedication – and, in some cases, heroically (like a Monsignor Myroslaw Kolodey who retired in 1982, but kept in serving the parish for another five years, because they needed him). A new church was built and officially opened in 1988.
The parish has a rich history of growth and activity. It is truly worth the read.
Today the parish is as active as ever. The Parish Priest, Fr. Pavlo Myts has been pleased to lead the parish through many exciting ventures, including the blessing of many “newcomers” to Kelowna – which the parish do so much to help. The parish hall just underwent a remodeling that brought it to a bright and new standard that makes it a sought-after venue for many events. (and, especially – a place for parishioners to gather for fellowship and parish dinners and events).
On the Seventh Sunday after Easter, 27 July 2025, which was also the world day for Grandparents and the Elderly as well as the Feast of holy Great-martyr and Healer, St. Panteleimon, Bishop Michael made the trip to visit the parish. The parish has two Sunday Divine Liturgies – an earlier one in English and a later one, at 11:00 AM, in Ukrainian. Both liturgies are preceded by a prayerful half-hour of meditational music and the Rosary.
Bishop Michael, with Pastor Fr. Myts concelebrating, served and preached at both services. He presented the highlights of Pope Leo XIV’s message for the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. He also invited the congregations to remember to take full advantage of the grace of the JUBILEE YEAR of HOPE and even led them in the Jubilee Year Indulgence prayers.
Being the Feast of St. Panteleimon the Healer, Bishop Michael invited all those present who sought healing for illnesses and wounds – be they spiritual, physical or emotional, be they personal or affecting their marriages or families or their wider circle of associates – to come forward for an anointing of healing. To impress upon the community the significance of the blessing, he even first prayed the prayer of healing from the trebnyk for the sacrament of healing. It was a powerful experience as everyone came forward.
God bless the parish community of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Kelowna! May the grace of the Jubilee Year be a source of Renewal to them and to all who visit their church this year! (The church in Kelowna is one of three designated Jubilee Pilgrimage destinations!)