| UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, HALIFAX |
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The Ukrainian Catholic community bought a
former Methodist church in the late 1970s. They have converted the building into the style
of their traditional church buildings.
Prince Volodymyr led the Ukrainian people to Christianity.
This plaque is on the outside wall of the church near to the entrance.
This plaque, also on the outside wall, reminds us of events in World War II.
The tour starts at the outside entrance.
The outer door leads into a lobby and a further door leads into the church.
Anti-clockwise tour - The original wooden pews remain. Paintings are hung on the walls. These are painted in the Byzantine style - people have long bodies. This church is not finished. There is only a small community of about 90 families and no one has the expertise to complete the painting work. The community think they will have to ask an icon painter to come out from the Ukraine. When the church is finished no section of wall will be unpainted. The spaces between the large paintings will be filled with painted mosaic tiles. For further information on seating click here (link to Windows file)
The banners are decorated with traditional embroidery.
Anti-clockwise tour - The front of the church is dominated by the iconostasis which is an ornate screen separating the icons from the rest of the church. In the past, the priest performed his duties behind the iconostasis but in modern times, the doors are opened and the priest is visible to the congregation. There are icons and banners situated in front of the front pew. They are decorated with traditional embroidery.
Anti-clockwise tour - There is a very large painting which is painted directly onto the wall behind the iconostasis. Mary, the Mother of God, has St Nicholas on her right and St Michael, the Defender, on her left. St Nicholas brings Christmas presents to Ukrainian children on 17 December.
Anti-clockwise tour: Below the figures in the sky are Prince Volodymyr and his wife, the Empress Anna. Volodymyr fought his half-brother Yaropolk for control of the realm and he then looked for a single state religion. He chose Christianity and the Ukraine became a Christian Realm.
Anti-clockwise tour - The area behind the iconostasis including the Altar. It has the tabernacle on it. For further information on Altars and Communion Tables click here (link to Windows file)
Anti-clockwise tour - Behind the iconostasis - to the left. This painting is an icon and it shows Mary and Jesus. An icon is a painting of a sacred person and is thought to be sacred itself. It is actually worshipped.
Anti-clockwise tour - To the right of the iconostasis - there are more paintings on the wall.
Anti-clockwise tour - The final corner - note the door leading to the entrance hall. For further information on stained glass windows click here (link to Windows file)
Father Mykola leads the congregation. He conducts his services in the Ukrainian language. For further information on Leaders click here (Link to Leaders file) To go back to the Tour index click here |