Listen to the story of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Demetrius. It is a beacon of faith and culture right here in Toronto. This church stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian community. It is located at 3338 Lake Shore Blvd West.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Demetrius is a magnificent example of Ukrainian Baroque style. The church was built in 1958. It quickly became a landmark. Tourists often stopped to capture its unique beauty.
Before we dive deeper let’s talk a bit about the broader context of Orthodox churches. Orthodox churches often serve as anchors for immigrant communities. They provide refuge and a sense of belonging. The domes are easily the most recognizable feature. They come in various shapes like onion and pear domes. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Demetrius has some stunning domes.
Inside Orthodox churches like St. Demetrius you will often find an iconostasis. This is a screen richly decorated with icons. It separates the sacred area from the mundane world. Orthodox churches generally do not have pews. Congregants stand during services. Services are rich in singing and incense.
Now let’s focus back on St. Demetrius. In June 1954 Vladyka Myhail blessed the land for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Demetrius. Construction cost about $150000. The Ontario Municipal Board and the Long Branch Municipal Council approved it. G Kodak was the architect. Bill Lapko was the Parish President. John Lenyk chaired the Building Committee. Rev. George Tsukornyk was the parish priest. Ivan Lenyk supervised the construction.
The steel and concrete structure was patterned after St. Andrew’s Church in Kyiv Ukraine. It is 70 feet wide and 100 feet long. At the main cupola it reaches 105 feet. There are four smaller cupolas at each corner. Ivan Wronski installed the four-tier iconostasis.
Today the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Demetrius is more than just a building. It’s a vibrant community hub. It is a place where faith tradition and culture intertwine. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Demetrius stands as a symbol of resilience beauty and the enduring power of community.