Parish History

St. Athanasius Ukrainian Catholic Parish was established in Regina in 1966. During its first five years, the growing community celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the auditorium of Archbishop M.C. O’Neill High School. From the beginning, the parish was built through the faith, generosity, and volunteer work of families committed to creating a permanent spiritual home for future generations.

In 1971, the parish constructed a hall at 55 McMurchy Avenue. The building served as a temporary place of worship and as a centre for parish gatherings, catering, and fundraising. Income from these activities helped make the construction of a permanent church possible. Work on the present church and adjoining administrative areas began in June 1977, and the first Divine Liturgy in the new church was celebrated on February 26, 1978.

The Sacred Interior

The church’s distinctive sacred interior developed gradually. Beginning in 1991, a series of mosaic icons was installed, including the central image of Christ Enthroned behind the altar. A new altar, additional mosaics, and the iconostasis were added over the following years.

The iconostasis separates the sanctuary from the nave while also drawing the faithful into the mystery of salvation. Through its images of Christ, the Mother of God, the apostles, evangelists, Church Fathers, St. Athanasius, and other saints, it presents the Gospel visually and reminds worshippers that the whole Church, both in heaven and on earth, is united in prayer.

Large mosaics depicting the apostles receiving the Eucharistic bread and cup were later added on either side of the iconostasis. Further sanctuary furnishings included a processional cross, candelabra, liturgical fans, and sanctuary lights. The generous use of gold throughout the mosaics symbolizes the joy of Christ’s Resurrection and the gift of redemption. The completed iconography, altar, and iconostasis were solemnly blessed in 1996.

Fifty Years of Faith and Service

In 2006, St. Athanasius Parish marked its 40th anniversary and honoured the founding members whose faith and sacrifice established the community. By 2016, the parish had completed fifty years of worship, service, and fellowship in Regina.

Those five decades represented much more than the construction of buildings. They reflected generations of parishioners gathering for the Divine Liturgy, teaching the faith to their children, welcoming newcomers, supporting people in need, and preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Throughout its history, the parish has also cared for and improved its facilities. Major renovations to the parish auditorium were completed in 2002. The rectory, parish offices, and boardroom were renewed in 2011 through many hours of volunteer labour, and other repairs and improvements have continued as needed.

Parish Organizations and Volunteers

The life of St. Athanasius Parish has always depended upon the dedication of its parishioners. Over the years, many organizations and volunteer groups have contributed to the spiritual, social, and financial well-being of the community.

These have included the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada, the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada, the Knights of Columbus, parish seniors, youth groups, the Ladies’ Auxiliary, caterers, fundraising committees, and catechetical programmes. Their members have supported parish ministries, maintained cherished traditions, raised funds for parish needs, and assisted charitable causes beyond the parish.

Many other volunteers quietly serve as choir members, cantors, readers, sacristans, altar servers, ushers, catechists, greeters, cooks, event organizers, and members of parish committees. Their generous offering of time and talent continues to sustain the parish.

The parish has also been blessed by members who answered vocations to ordained ministry and religious life. Their service is part of the wider spiritual legacy that has grown from this community.

Worship, Formation, and Community Life

At the centre of parish life is the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and the Holy Mysteries. Through the years, the parish has also offered services and devotions such as the Akathist, Moleben, the Rosary, Lenten missions, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, services for the deceased, and the solemn celebrations of Holy Week, Pascha, and Christmas.

Faith formation has remained an important part of the parish mission. Children’s catechism, preparation for First Confession and Solemn Holy Communion, youth activities, and adult religious education help parishioners deepen their knowledge of the faith and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Parish fellowship has been strengthened through many annual traditions, including Theophany suppers, pre-Lenten perogy lunches, First Communion celebrations, Easter dinners, parish brunches, St. Nicholas programmes, fundraising events, and community meals. These gatherings bring generations together and create opportunities for friendship, service, and hospitality.

Today, St. Athanasius Parish continues the work begun by its founding members. Rooted in the Ukrainian Catholic tradition and enriched by more than half a century of prayer and service, the parish remains a welcoming spiritual home where people gather to worship God, grow in faith, care for one another, and pass the Gospel on to future generations.