From Foundation to Faithful Community
A Journey of Faith, Community, and Tradition
From the first Liturgies in the 1980s to the blessing of our purpose-built church in 1990, the parish of St. Vladimir has grown through prayer, service, and dedication. Volunteers, clergy, and families worked together to build not just a church, but a vibrant spiritual home rooted in the Byzantine Catholic tradition.
Origins and Foundation
In August 1977, the Eparchy purchased two properties on 39th Street and 46 Avenue in Red Deer with the intention of founding a new parish — one of which included a small church rented to a Baptist congregation until late 1985. Monthly Divine Liturgies began at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in October 1983.
On December 4, 1983, the founding members met with Bishop Demetrius Greschuk, and at a general meeting on March 4, 1984, the parish was officially named St. Vladimir and its first parish council was elected. The name was chosen in anticipation of the Millennium of Christianity in Ukraine (988 AD – 1988 AD), honoring St. Vladimir the Great, the Baptizer of Kyivan Rus’, whose conversion brought Christianity to the Ukrainian people.
Early Parish Development
Fr. Mark Bayrock began serving from Calgary in 1985 and was appointed resident pastor in February 1986. Furnishings and liturgical items arrived from the recently closed Ukrainian Catholic parish in Drumheller; volunteers renovated the small church and rectory, and Bishop Greschuk blessed St. Vladimir Church at the first Divine Liturgy in the church in 1986. Soon after, Cardinal Myroslav Lubachivsky and Bishop Greschuk visited the parish. Early “firsts” followed: parish picnic, baptism, praznyk, parish mission, funeral, and wedding.
New Church Construction Era
Encouraged by the newly installed Knights of Columbus Council #9559, a Building Committee was formed in February 1988. After preliminary designs and costs were reviewed, Bishop Greschuk approved building a single-level church in the Hutzul style with a sanctuary and hall each seating about 150, with the guidance that costs not exceed $500,000. The site was blessed on June 25, 1989; construction began August 28, 1989. A final inspection took place April 25, 1990; the project finished under budget. The first Divine Liturgy in the new church was May 13, 1990.
Church Completion and Sacred Furnishings
Following the untimely passing of Bishop Greschuk (July 8, 1990), the church was consecrated on August 2, 1992 by Bishop Myron Daciuk. The iconostasis and church furniture were crafted by Magna Woodcraft (Eugene Stefaniw); iconographer Mariana Savaryn wrote 25 icons for the iconostasis (completed and installed by 1995). A hand-carved chandelier was installed and blessed in 1999.
Pastors Who Guided Our Parish
Since its foundation, St. Vladimir Parish has been blessed with dedicated clergy who have nurtured our faith, led our liturgies, and supported the growth of our community. This timeline highlights the priests and deacons who have served in Red Deer, shaping parish life across the decades.
Fr. Mark Bayrock serves from Calgary; Feb 1986 appointed resident pastor.
Fr. Philip Shinduke serves
Deacon Walter Bialobzyski
Fr. Ron Hollohan serves
Fr. Mark transferred
Fr. Mark Bayrock returns as pastor
Fr. Myron Pyszcz serves
Julian Bilyj ordained deacon in St. Vladimir; Dec 8, 2002 welcomed to the parish.
Fr. Julian Bilyj ordained priest in St. Vladimir; Sept 17, 2005 he and family move to Red Deer.
Fr. Danylo Kuc
Fr. Ivan Bykov
Fr. Serhiy Harchuc
Fr. Jim Nakonechny
Fr. Mark Bayrock serves from Calgary; Feb 1986 appointed resident pastor.
Fr. Philip Shinduke serves
Fr. Mark Bayrock returns as pastor
Deacon Walter Bialobzyski
Fr. Myron Pyszcz serves
Fr. Ron Hollohan serves
Julian Bilyj ordained deacon in St. Vladimir; Dec 8, 2002 welcomed to the parish.
Fr. Julian Bilyj ordained priest in St. Vladimir; Sept 17, 2005 he and family move to Red Deer.
Fr. Serhiy Harchuc
Fr. Danylo Kuc
Fr. Jim Nakonechny
Fr. Ivan Bykov
A Timeline of Faith and Growth
From the first property purchase in 1977 to the 25th anniversary in 2009, these milestones trace the journey of St. Vladimir Parish. Each date reflects the dedication of clergy, families, and volunteers who built not only a church but a lasting spiritual community in Red Deer.
Eparchy purchases properties on 39 St & 46 Ave (one with a small church, rented to a Baptist congregation until late 1985).
Monthly Divine Liturgies begin at Sacred Heart RC Church.
Founders meet Bishop Greschuk to prepare for parish establishment.
The name St. Vladimir was chosen to celebrate the Millennium of Christianity in Ukraine in 988 AD.
Parish named St. Vladimir; first parish council elected.
Fr. Mark Bayrock begins serving from Calgary.
Fr. Bayrock appointed resident pastor; Drumheller furnishings arrive; renovations completed.
Bishop Greschuk blesses St. Vladimir at the first Divine Liturgy in the church; soon after, Cardinal Lubachivsky and Bishop Greschuk visit.
First funeral
First parish picnic
First baptism
First parish praznyk
First visit of St. Nicholas
First parish mission
First wedding
Building Committee formed; parameters set (single-level Hutzul style; sanctuary & hall ~150 each; ≤$500,000).
Bishop Greschuk approves plans and financing guidance.
Site blessing.
Construction begins.
Final inspection of new church; project under budget.
Final inspection of new church; project under budget.
First Divine Liturgy in the new church.
Passing of Bishop Greschuk.
Church consecrated by Bishop Myron Daciuk.
Iconostasis icons by Mariana Savaryn; iconostasis/church furniture by Magna Woodcraft (E. Stefaniw).
Hand-carved chandelier installed and blessed.
Svaichene instituted; parish Christmas charity for the Bilyj family.
Fr. Julian Bilyj ordained priest in St. Vladimir (deacon: Nov 2002; welcomed Dec 8, 2002).
Parish welcomes and supports 100+ Ukrainian temporary workers.
25th Anniversary with Bishop David Motiuk and parish banquet.