In early 1927, there were meetings amongst several families in order to discuss the essential need for baptism, marriages and funerals in the Ukrainian language. This would involve the traditions that the Ukrainian settlers were accustomed to, and comfortable with. The Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Calmar was officially established on 13 February, 1927, at a meeting in the home of John Fitzowich. Steve Mryglod served as chairman and Walter Shewkewich served as the secretary.
The founding members of the parish were: John Fitzowich, Max Fitzowich, Dan Karashowski, John Kruk, Serguis Lacz, John Manchak, Steve Mryglod, Steve Olekshy, Bill Pawlyk , John Pyrch, Fred Sych, and George Wasuita. The first executive was: Dan Karashowski, president; John Fitzowich, treasurer; Steve Mryglod, secretary.
It was unanimously decided to construct a Temple. Pledges of $5.00 to $10.00 were taken from members; however, John Fitzowich himself contributed $100.00.
The building committee sought to build a Temple in the town, but land prices were beyond the reach of the parishioners. Therefore, Dan Karashowski donated 2 acres of land, and on February 24, 1927, Mr. W W Carrol of Carrol Agencies completed the legal transaction. All the construction tasks were shared out.
At a meeting in May 1927, it was decided to apply to the Consistory (central office) of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada for membership and for the provision of regular Sunday services. The first service was held in the home of John Fitzowich on June 2, 1927, the Feast of the Ascension of Christ. The priest who served was the Priest Metro Senata. He named the parish “Holy Trinity Church”. He also blessed the cemetery and administered sacraments. Services continued to be provided at the Fitzowich residence until the construction of the building had proceeded far enough to allow services to be offered in that space.
Construction of the Temple began on August 29, 1927, with Peter Turetsky as the hired carpenter. The construction proceeded apace at first. Later in the year, Bishop John Theodorowych and Father Shewchuk visited the community from Winnipeg. However, the cost of construction was great, and the resources were limited. It therefore took until 1936 to complete the construction and to clear any debt. The Cross on this Temple was made by a local blacksmith.
The parish grew in numbers, which produced the awareness that more room was required in the Temple. On October 10, 1958, there was a general meeting which authorized the construction of a new and larger Temple. The old Temple was dismantled, and a new and rather larger structure was constructed on the same site. The Crosses for this Temple were forged by a local blacksmith, as before.
In June 1960, Archimandrite Alexander (Scherban) served the first Divine Liturgy in the new Temple.
Soon afterwards, a bell was purchased from the Leduc Fire Hall and placed on a metal stand.
See HERE for additional information and history of this parish. 
Play Memory Eternal Chant
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GPS Co-ordinates: 53.265485, -113.854082
Affiliation: Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
