On June 6, 2022, the Eparchy of Edmonton announced the development of a new free-to-download Ukrainian Catholic faith-based app. After running a survey in January 2022, the Eparchy received results from across Canada and other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and the United States. After hearing feedback, they discovered there was a very strong interest in developing a unique Ukrainian Catholic app and started the development in May 2022. 

On June 6, 2022, the Eparchy of Edmonton announced the development of a new free-to-download Ukrainian Catholic faith-based app. After running a survey in January 2022, the Eparchy received results from across Canada and other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and the United States. After hearing feedback, they discovered there was a very strong interest in developing a unique Ukrainian Catholic app and started the development in May 2022. 

After this announcement, in three days the initial 50 early access requests were filled from individuals from Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and other countries around the world. The iPraises team has expanded the limited number of early access requests to allow 250 individuals to download and submit their own feedback before the app officially launches. To sign up for the limited early access, visit the Eparchy of Edmonton’s webpage here. 

Overwhelmingly, there was a strong response to developing an app focused on prayer and presented in the English language. Some respondents suggested having the app available with Ukrainian and French resources would assist them. The purpose of this app is to be a resource for Ukrainian Catholics to deepen their faith through prayer. Another important key component of the app would be the availability of the Liturgical Calendar. 

Although many individuals, eparchies, and organizations from across the world will be involved in the development of iPraises, the eparchy formed an iPraises team comprised of Bishop David Motiuk (project manager), Deacon Cyril Kennedy (content lead), Fr. Michael Winn (content lead), and Ben Windsor (technical lead). 

Although the app is currently in development, the team estimates the app will officially launch in December 2022. For individuals who wish to contribute to the development and submit feedback, early access will be granted to download the app before the official launch date. This early access allows the Ukrainian Catholic faithful to have a sneak peek of the key functions of the app and submit further feedback on what more they’d like to see the app achieve. 

The Eparchy of Edmonton intends to post monthly updates and share photos of the progress the app is taking. To stay up to date on the progress, make sure to sign up for the Bishop’s mailing list. To view survey results, sign up for early access, and learn more about the app project, visit the Eparchy of Edmonton’s webpage here.