The Ukrainian Orthodox Parish of St. Mary the Protectress was formed in 1952 primarily by people from Eastern Ukraine who had undergone the horrors of the famine-genocide of 1932-33, the brutal occupation by the Communist regime, the terrors of war and the uncertainties of emigration to a new land whose official languages were unknown to them.

Led by Fr. Petro Arkhanhelsky, a fellow-émigré, they celebrated their first Service, Vespers, on May 10, 1952 in a hall rented from St. George Anglican Church on Atwater Street in downtown Montreal. They eventually acquired the property on the current location on Rosemount Boulevard and built the lovely Temple.

We have endured many difficulties and dealt with many challenges. Our Lord Jesus has been with us. His Mother Mary, under whose protection the Parish was placed from its beginning, continues to look after us. We have a full liturgical life with Sunday Divine Liturgies sung by a lovely choir, as well as Vespers, Matins and Akathists.

Suffering and uncertainty have led us to place our hope in Divine Providence and we have never been disappointed. Come and see that the Lord is good.