Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Holy Cross

Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church is the largest Ukrainian Catholic parish in Northwestern Ontario, established in the early 1960s within the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto. The community gathers for worship in English following the Ukrainian Byzantine Rite, welcoming individuals and families of diverse backgrounds. Learn more about our history.

Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church is the largest Ukrainian Catholic parish in Northwestern Ontario, established in the early 1960s within the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto. The community is an active congregation that strives to live and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Services are conducted primarily in English and follow the Ukrainian Byzantine Rite, welcoming individuals and families of diverse backgrounds who appreciate the beauty of this tradition. Learn more about our history.

The church was founded by Rev. B. G. Shumay, who envisioned a new church to serve the growing Ukrainian Catholic community in Fort William. The current church building was completed in 1967 after a fundraising campaign and construction efforts led by Father Shumay and other clergy. The church was dedicated as the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and has since served as a spiritual home for the community.

Services include weekday and feastday liturgies at 10:00am, Saturday liturgies at 5:00pm (English), Sunday liturgies at 10:00am (English & Ukrainian), and vespers at 5:00pm. Bible study sessions are held at 5:30pm, and administrative hours are available on Monday at 7:00pm. View service times.

The church offers various sacraments including baptism, confirmation, holy communion, marriage, and confession. Preparation for these sacraments requires advance notice, with specific guidelines provided on the website. Learn more about sacraments.

The church is led by Father Andriy Stetsyk, who joined the parish in 2024 with his wife and three sons. The team also includes a cantor, bookkeeper, and custodian, with many parishioners volunteering their time to support the community. Meet our team.

Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church is located at 415 Victoria Ave West in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The church is part of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and is supported by the Superior Shores Gaming Association. Contact us for more information or to get involved.

Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church in Thunder Bay, ON, offers a welcoming community rooted in the Ukrainian Byzantine Rite with English-language services. First-time visitors will appreciate the clear service schedule and active parish life led by Father Andriy Stetsyk, reflecting a blend of tradition and accessibility for diverse backgrounds.

Pros

• Clear, accessible website with detailed service times and sacrament preparation guidelines
• Welcomes individuals and families of diverse backgrounds with English-language liturgies
• Active congregation offering weekday, weekend, and feastday worship opportunities
• Historically significant as Northwestern Ontario's largest Ukrainian Catholic parish
• Leadership and contact information readily available online
• Comprehensive sacramental services including baptism, marriage, and confession preparation