Exaltation of the Holy Cross Parish – Skaro

Exaltation of the Holy Cross Parish in Skaro is one of the historic Ukrainian Catholic communities in Alberta, rooted in the organized Ukrainian settlement of 1898. The parish grew through faith, perseverance, and sacrifice, beginning with the blessing of land for a church and cemetery and continuing through the building of the first church in 1911 and the later brick church completed between 1945 and 1950. After years of struggle, division, and legal challenges, the Ukrainian Catholic faithful of Skaro preserved their place of worship and built a parish that reflects their courage and dedication.

The parish also became a place of strong spiritual and community life. Bishops visited the parish regularly, the faithful supported the building of the church and parish property, and the community gave the Church vocations, including Fr. Martyrius Vincentaylo, Fr. Basil Skubleny, and Sister Theophane Malowany, SSMI. Today, Exaltation of the Holy Cross Parish stands as a powerful witness to the faith, identity, and resilience of the Ukrainian Catholic people in Skaro.