From 1898 to 1915 about forty immigrant families settled in the area now known as Krakow. Most of them were from the Western Ukrainian villages of Brody and Chortkiv and were devout Catholics. In 1911 a group of families resolved to purchase four acres of land to be used as a cemetery. In 1917 this land was incorporated as the “Ruthenian Catholic Church of Zawale”, named after the nearest rural post office, and was blessed by the Basilian Fathers that same year.
A chytalnia (cultural centre or hall), built in 1915 four miles away from this cemetery, was sold to the newly formed church group and moved to its present location, where alterations were made to convert it into a place of worship.
The Basilian Fathers conducted services in this sanctuary for an annual payment of $15.00. The church was expanded in 1924 and a cupola added. The following year Peter Lipinski and Phillip Matiash painted the interior and exterior. A stainless steel cross was erected in 1981 and a monument to the original founders and pioneers was also dedicated.
See HERE for more information on Peter Lipinski.
Play Memory Eternal Chant
GPS Co-ordinates: 53.766753, -112.405571
Cemetery Co-ordinates: 53.766531, -112.404649
Affiliation: Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton
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