St. Josaphat Cathedral, Ukrainian Catholic cathedral in McCauley, Edmonton, Canada
St. Josaphat Cathedral is a Ukrainian Catholic cathedral in McCauley, Edmonton, built from 1939 to 1947 to a design by the Reverend Philip Ruh. Seven octagonal copper domes, each topped by a cross, rise above red brick walls with darker brick pilasters and inlaid cream crosses. A columned entry portico fronts the building, which occupies 18 city lots.
The parish was founded by the Order of Saint Basil the Great in 1902, and a log church blessed on 27 November 1904, the feast of Saint Josaphat, served it first. The present building was designed in 1938 by the Belgian Oblate Philip Ruh, its cornerstone laid on 1 October 1939 and the domed crosses blessed in 1941. It was consecrated in 1947 and became a cathedral on 3 May 1948 with the creation of the Edmonton exarchate.
The interior displays traditional Byzantine iconography created by Professor Julian Bucmaniuk in the 1950s, featuring bright colors and realistic artistic approaches. These artworks shape the religious and cultural experience for visitors and worshippers who enter the space.
The building serves as the main religious center for the Ukrainian Catholic community in Edmonton, offering regular services and celebrations throughout the year for visitors. The McCauley location provides easy access via public transit or personal vehicles.
Each of the seven domes represents a different sacrament and gift of the Holy Spirit, according to Eastern Christian architectural symbolism. This theological design makes the building a visual representation of religious faith.
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