Parish: Descent of the Holy Spirit

Location: Vilna, Alberta

HOLY SPIRIT [Holy Ghost ] Parish – Парафія Зіслання Святого Духа

The beginnings of the Parish go back to 1920 when Fr. Ksenofont Rozdolsky had the first services. From 1934 Fr. George Zydan, OSBM, had the responsibility for the community. The land for the church was purchased on September 20, 1936 and in 1939 and the church (50’ x 30’) was finally built. The contractor was Frank Wanat costing the Parish $1,800.00. The cemetery is located 3 km. north from the town and it was donated by Maria Barabash. A very active UCWL was a visible part of the community. In 1944 a church hall was also built. In 1965 a bell tower was added.

Basilian Fathers who served the community: Fr. Ksenofont Rozdolsky, Fr. Josaphat Tymochko, Fr. Basil Kamenetsky, Fr. George Zydan, Fr. Dionisius Dzygolyk, Fr. Athanasius Chimy, Fr. Lawrence Dzygolyk, Fr. Martyrius Vincentaylo, Fr. Bessarion Andreychuk, Fr. Markian Pasichnyk, Fr. Ireneus Procenty, Fr. Isidore Kohut and Fr. Theodozy Dobko.

Later the Eparchial clergy continued the work: Fr. Volodymyr Zholkewych, Fr. Yaroslaw Fedunyk (1949- ), Fr. Omilian Nakonechny, Fr. Volodymyr Slaby, Fr. Constantine Stangret (1957- ), Fr. Peter Lytwyn (1983- ), Fr. Anton Tarasenko (1986-1990), Fr. Mihajlo Planchak (1991-1992), Fr. Myron Pyszcz (1993-1996), Fr. Ron Hollohan (1997-1998), Fr. Roman Dobrianski (1993-2008), Fr. Mark Sych (2008-2013).