A Shared Legacy: The Ukrainian Museum of Canada and St. Volodymyr Cathedral
The history of the Ontario Branch of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada is closely intertwined with that of St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Toronto. For more than eighty years, both institutions have worked together to preserve and celebrate Ukrainian faith, history, art, and cultural traditions in Canada.
Established in 1944 by the Kn. Olha Branch of the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada (UWAC), the Ontario Branch of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada was originally housed within St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral premises. For the next 35 years, the Cathedral provided a home where the Museum's growing collection of embroidered textiles, pysanky, hand-carved woodwork, ceramics and sacred objects could be preserved and shared with the community.
As its collection expanded, the Museum relocated to larger facilities within St. Volodymyr Institute, where it continues its mission today. Although the Museum moved, its historic bond with St. Volodymyr Cathedral has remained strong—a partnership built on a shared commitment to preserving Ukrainian heritage for future generations.
Honouring a Shared Heritage
On July 24, 2026, this historic relationship was celebrated through a meaningful gesture of appreciation. Representing St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Council Member John Holuk officially presented a Centennial Commemorative Pysanka to the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch. The presentation recognized the Museum's decades-long dedication to preserving and sharing Ukrainian cultural heritage and honoured the profound historical connection between the two institutions.
The Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch was represented at this occasion by Tamara Ivanochko – Executive Administrator, Marta Bozdek – Treasurer, and Claudia Mykytiuk – Past-President.
The commemorative gift symbolizes not only the Cathedral's Centennial celebration but also the shared mission of both organizations. It stands as a reminder that while their paths have evolved over the decades, their commitment to preserving and celebrating Ukrainian identity in Canada remains as strong as ever.
The Centennial Pysanka: A Gift of Art and Generosity
This enduring relationship is beautifully reflected in the Centennial Commemorative Pysanka, created to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of St. Volodymyr Cathedral (1926–2026).
Designed and handcrafted by renowned Ukrainian-Canadian pysanka artist and Cathedral parishioner Irene Chewchuk, the Centennial Pysanka has become part of the Museum's permanent collection as a contemporary artifact representing one of Ukraine's most treasured artistic traditions. Visitors also have the opportunity to purchase this limited-edition work, directly supporting the Cathedral's Centennial initiatives.
A Labour of Love
The Centennial Pysanka is remarkable not only for its beauty but also for its exceptional craftsmanship and scale. Created on large turkey eggs, each pysanka was decorated using the traditional batik (beeswax resist) method, one of Ukraine's oldest and most respected folk art techniques.
Irene Chewchuk used twelve different dyes, carefully applying layers of beeswax and colour to build the intricate design. Every pysanka required approximately 12 hours of meticulous handwork, demanding extraordinary patience, precision, and artistic skill.
Only 100 Centennial Pysanky were created to commemorate the Cathedral's 100th Anniversary, making each one a unique collector's piece and a lasting symbol of faith, heritage, and community.
In an extraordinary act of generosity, Irene Chewchuk donated all of her time, talent, and materials to this project. As a result, 100% of every Centennial Pysanka sale directly supports St. Volodymyr Cathedral, helping preserve its history, celebrate its Centennial, and strengthen its future.
Preserving Heritage Together
The Centennial Pysanka represents far more than a commemorative keepsake. It is a symbol of the enduring partnership between the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch, and St. Volodymyr Cathedral—two institutions dedicated to safeguarding Ukrainian culture, faith, and identity in Canada.
By preserving one Centennial Pysanka in its permanent collection and making this remarkable work available to the public, the Museum continues its mission of connecting visitors with the living traditions of Ukrainian culture. Every purchased pysanka becomes both a cherished work of art and a meaningful contribution to the Cathedral's next century of service, ensuring that this shared legacy will inspire future generations.
The presentation of the Centennial Pysanka on July 24, 2026, serves as a lasting symbol of gratitude and partnership, reaffirming that the Cathedral and the Museum remain united in their commitment to preserving, celebrating, and passing on the rich legacy of Ukrainian culture in Canada for generations to come.
