Bishop Motiuk, Premier Stelmach and Mayor Mandel to Open
Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church in Edmonton

On Saturday, September 15, Bishop David Motiuk, Premier Ed Stelmach and Mayor Stephen Mandel will be among the dignitaries on hand to officially open the new spiritual and cultural home of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Parish at 90 Street and 153 Avenue. The new 12,000 square foot building, an impressively contemporary landmark for the City of Edmonton and its Ukrainian Catholic community, will also welcome MLA Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA Bill Bonko, and Councillors Kim Krushell, Ron Hayter, as well as clergy and representatives of several Ukrainian and other churches during the opening celebrations.

The day’s events, which also mark the parish’s 30th anniversary, will include the following:

9:45 am Procession and Blessing of Cornerstone by Most Reverend David Motiuk, Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton
10:00 am Divine Liturgy and Blessing of new church
11:30 am Presentations and Greetings from dignitaries, including Premier Stelmach and Mayor Mandel
12:15 pm Public Open House, Luncheon, and Entertainment - beginning with traditional Ukrainian greeting of bread and salt - other entertainment includes Holy Cross Zorianka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Holy Cross singers, St. Nicholas Mandolin Ensemble, and a violin duet.

Construction on the new 450-seat facility began in May of 2006, and was brought to completion this month. The facilities incorporate the former church building built in 1988, now redesigned as a 400-person banquet hall with dance floor, plus community meeting rooms and a kitchen. The church itself features a large choir loft and balcony, a traditional Byzantine ikonostasis, and stained glass windows.