Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish – Athabasca

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Athabasca began in the early 1950s, when Fr. Stephen Chabursky invited nearby parishes and parishioners to help establish a Ukrainian Catholic presence in town. Through the generosity of local families, surrounding parishes, Bishop Neil Savaryn, and the Basilian Fathers, the community was able to purchase a home with land in Athabasca and later build a new church for the growing faithful. The parish was officially incorporated under the Ukrainian Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Western Canada and became a lasting spiritual home for Ukrainian Catholics in the area.

In 1963, the parish council chose to build a new church rather than purchase an existing building. Construction moved forward under the direction of local builders, the cornerstone was blessed in 1964, and the church was solemnly blessed by Bishop Neil Savaryn in 1967. Founded by devoted families and supported by many donors, the parish stands as a sign of faith, perseverance, and commitment to keeping a Ukrainian Catholic church in the town of Athabasca.