Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ Ukrainian Catholic Church
The following are the original pioneer founders, beginning in 1898 – 1899:
- ANDREJ BOWKOWYJ
- PAUL BAZOWSKI
- NIKOLA DZIVOLYK
- ROMAN FYDORUM
- ELKO GABRUCH
- KYRYLO HALABYRYK
- WASYL HLOUBEC
- OLEXA HNATIW
- JOSYF HRYCAK
- JOSYF KISIL
- OLEXA KONDRA
- ELKO KORPAN
- MICHAL KORPAN
- SEMKO KORPAN
- PETRO KURMEJ
- STEFAN LOZINSKI
- DANGLO MAJSYJUK
- HRYNKO MAJSYJUM
- JOSYF MICHASIW
- NIKOLA OWCZAR
- NIKOLA PARCZESKI
- SEMKO REMANDA
- FRED SCZERBINE
- JOSEPH SIKORSKI
- MICHAL SLYUKA
- HRYNKO STADNYK
- MICHAL SYDLOSKI
- ELKO STASIUK
- MICHALL SWIDZINSKI
- MICHAL WASYLSIW
- OLEXA WASYLSIW
- OLEXA WIZNIUK
- JAKIU WOZNIAK
- PROKIP ZARYJ
- FEDOR YURKIW
The following are the original establishing Laniwci Church Founding Members:
- A BANKOWY
- PAUL BAZOWSKI
- NIKOLA DZIVOLYK
- ROMAN FYDORUM
- ELKO GABRUCH
- KYRYLO HALABYRUK
- IL. HNATIW
- OLEXA HNATIW
- VAS. HOLUBETZ
- JOSYF HRYCAK
- JOSYF KISIL
- OLEXA KONDRA
- ELKO KORPAN
- MICHAL KORPAN
- SEMKO KORPAN
- PETRO KURMEJ
- N. LOZINSKI
- STEFAN LOZINSKI
- JOSYF MICHASIW
- D. MOYSIUK
- HR. MOYSIUK
- NIKOLA OWCHAR
- N. PARCHEWSKY
- SEMKO REMANDA
- FRED SCZERBINE
- JOSEPH SIKORSKI
- ELKO STGASIUK
- M. SCHYGLOVSKY
- MICHAL SLYUKA
- HRYNKO STADNYK
- PETRO STADNYK
- MICHALL SWIDZINSKI
- MICHAL WASYLSIW
- OLEXA WASYLCIW
- JAKIU WOZNIAK
- OLEXA WIZNIUK
- FEDOR YURKIW
- PROJIP ZARYJ
LANIWCI HISTORY
The “Laniwci” name originated from the Ternopil County in Ukraine and is derived from the word ‘lany’ meaning grainfields.
In 1902, these founding members purchased the 160 acre site which was fully paid for by 1908. Part of the site was used for the church, various parish buildings, the cemetery and the remainder was cultivated and cropped to provide revenue for the maintenance of the church. Created in 1931, a formal constitution was enacted, to which we adhere to today and serves as our guidance for the future parish preservation.
The first church was a log and clay structure constructed by the founders of the parish in 1906 on a site eight miles west of Alvena, Saskatchewan. In 1918, it was converted into a parish hall and the second church was constructed [ see picture ].
The parish cemetery was blessed in 1904 by Rev. Sozont Dydyk, OSBM .
The 1918 church was a cruciform structure with one central dome. Later in 1931-1932, Mr. Stephan Meush hand carved an iconostas to adorn the alter area [see picture below].
The icon paintings were drawn by Mr. Isadore Hrytzak [1912-1995]. For the community hall, he also created nature and Ukrainian village scenes on canvas murals used for stage scene backdrops. On August 19, 1932, Archbishop Basil Ladyka blessed the church.
In 1948, Mr. Nick Zary constructed the beautiful masonry bell tower. The parishioners purchased 2 of the bells for the belfry and the third was donated by Mr. Ilko Hrytzak.
More recently, 2 of the bells were stolen and the remaining bell was positioned to the center arch.
Tragedy struck on August 19, 1964, when a lightning strike caused an ensuing fire which completely destroyed the church. In 1965, the parishioners constructed the present church as seen on the opening webpage. There were well more than 100 parishioners at the time.
Their generous donations and voluntary labor made for quick reconstruction. Led by foreman Mr. Nick Zary, the construction committee included Michael Lozinsky, Walter Lozinsky, Harry Slywka, Michael Harasymchuk & John Mialkowsky. The pastor at the time was Rev. Andrew Choronzy. On August 4, 1974, Bishop Andrew Roborecki blessed the church.
Behind the main alter hangs the large patron icon. On corresponding sides of the sanctuary are icons of the Holy Mother of God with the Christ Child on the left and Christ the Redeemer on the right. These are oil on canvas paintings and the frames are finished in gold leaf. The artist was Mr. Theodore Baran painted in 1976.
Historical Membership Records:
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In 1941, the parish membership list included 57 members and 100 children.
- In 1961, the parish rose to 135 members.
- In 1975, the parish had 60 members.
Recent Donations by Parishioners:
- The Communion Chalice & plate used in the Liturgy were donated by Mary Lozinsky Family and was brought from Greece.
- The Mass Missals were donated by Joe and Angela Lozinsky Family.
- The Incenser was donated by Eugene & Natalie Slywka Family.
- The Procession Cross was purchased by Albin & Sally Dziadyk Family.
- Situated on the Offertory Table in the church is an icon donated by Ron & Iris Lozinsky Family, brought from the region of Laniwci, Ukraine and dedicated to this church in 2004 and serves to honor the founding pioneers journey, settlement and enduring faith.
- Situated at the back of the church is a round sawblade mural depicting the church exterior donated in 2005 by the artist Mr. Ernie Sawitsky of Alvena.
Acknowledgments and Grateful Thanks:
- (A). LAINWCI CEMETARY PLOTS : pages 24 thru 27
Our Ukrainian Catholic Heritage in Central Saskatchewan
By Walter Pustey [ Rostern,Sk – Kamloops , BC ] - (B). UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF SASKATCHEWAN
By Anna Maria Baran 1977 ; Published by Ukrainian Catholic Council of Saskatchewan
printed by Modern Press, Saskatoon, Canada