Cathédrale orthodoxe ukrainienne Sainte-Sophie

Why did architect Vladimir Sichynsky choose the Cathedral of St. Volodymyr in Kyiv as his model? We’re standing before the Cathédrale orthodoxe ukrainienne Sainte-Sophie, a testament to faith and resilience. Its very existence speaks volumes about the Ukrainian community’s journey in Montreal. The Cathédrale orthodoxe ukrainienne Sainte-Sophie’s story begins in 1925 with a small group of just fifteen individuals forming a Ukrainian Orthodox Brotherhood. They initially held services at the Syrian Orthodox Church on Notre Dame St. East. Their first liturgy, performed in Ukrainian, was led by Fr. Semen Sawchuk, a pivotal figure in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. Soon, the burgeoning community acquired a building on de Lorimier Street. This marked a significant step, a place they could call their own. It was consecrated in 1929. However, as the community grew, a larger space became necessary. In 1954, the community purchased land at the corner of Bellechasse and Saint-Michel Boulevard, a location that would become the site of their magnificent cathedral. The Cathédrale orthodoxe ukrainienne Sainte-Sophie, completed in 1962, stands as a tribute to Byzantine Revival architecture. Its imposing structure, with its stone facade, brick walls, and copper roof, mirrors the grandeur of its Kyiv inspiration. It was consecrated by Metropolitan Ilarion and Archbishop Michael. Originally designated a “sobor,” Sainte-Sophie’s status was elevated to “cathedral” in 1988. The cathedral continues to serve as a spiritual and cultural center for Montreal’s Ukrainian community. Its doors remain open, a beacon of faith and tradition in the heart of the city.