Archpriest Cornell Zubritsky of the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Edmonton often hears the air raid sirens from the cellphones of congregants, reminding them of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Most of the 150-person congregation are immigrants from Ukraine, and many have family members still living in the war-torn country. The church’s membership declined during the COVID-19 pandemic but has grown again with families from Ukraine seeking solace in their community. This year marks three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths.
Since 2022, about 300,000 Ukrainians have come to Canada on emergency visas. Zubritsky has noticed that some of those attending his church services have been losing hope and are tired of hearing about the situation in their homeland. He believes the church provides them with a few hours of reprieve from the daily stress of dealing with the ongoing conflict. Some individuals prefer not to be reminded of the situation, as they receive constant updates through texts and phone calls. One such individual is Snizhana Kshetska, who has been in Canada with her three children since the start of the war. Her husband, who was in the Ukrainian army, joined the family in Edmonton last year.
Kshetska admitted that she doesn’t pay much attention to the anniversary of the war, as for her, the struggle is a daily reality rather than a specific date. She expressed a desire to return to Ukraine someday and reunite with the friends and family she left behind, although she understands that her children may have a different perspective on the matter. Zubritsky has expanded his role beyond providing emotional support to immigrants from Ukraine by helping them navigate employment, housing, and immigration issues. He shared his concerns about the reduced immigration quotas, which have caused panic among those fearing deportation from Canada.
The challenges faced by Ukrainian immigrants have taken an emotional toll on Zubritsky, who sometimes finds himself overwhelmed with the weight of their struggles. He acknowledged the resilience of the Ukrainian community in Edmonton and their determination to build a new life in Canada while remaining connected to their homeland. Despite the hardships, Zubritsky remains committed to supporting and advocating for those affected by the war in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral serves as a sanctuary where individuals can find comfort and community amidst the ongoing conflict and uncertainty.
