The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada: The Changing Identity (1990-2013)

Abstract

This research is dedicated to the modern history of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. Drawing on the analysis of the major events in the history of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and fieldwork at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral parish in Saskatoon, this research explores the institutional response to sociocultural change and examines how the institutional practices and strategies of adaptation impact the spiritual lives of church followers. To do so, I have addressed the following questions: how has the institutional identity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada changed over time and particularly in the period of 1990-2013; what are the features of this institutional identity change and how do these changes impact the regular Church members lives; how have the adherents of the UOCC defined for themselves the meaning of being the members of the Ukrainian Orthodox community in Canada? Looking at both the institutional development of the UOCC and then focusing on a particular parish and its experiences with institutional changes, I am presenting insights as to how religious and ethnic identities of the UOCC have been intersecting, reshaping, and evolving in the period of 1990-2013.