Parish of St. Kiryla of Turau

The Parish of St. Kiryla of Turau is a Canadian nonprofit organization and religious community located in Toronto, Ontario. It operates under the jurisdiction of the Belarusian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and serves primarily the Belarusian diaspora in Canada. The parish is registered as a charity with the Business Registration Number 119079002RR0001.

History and Background

The parish has its origins intertwined with the post-World War II wave of Belarusian immigration to Toronto. The organized Belarusian community life in the city began after this period, combining both civil and religious activities. Members of the Belarusian Canadian Alliance (BCA) in Toronto were instrumental in founding the parish under the Belarusian Autocephalous Orthodox Church.

St. Kiryla of Turau parish celebrated its first mass at 1000 Dundas Street and later purchased a dedicated building at 524 St. Clarens Avenue in Toronto, which has served as its community center since[5].

Activities and Mission

The Parish of St. Kiryla of Turau holds weekly worship services and offers pastoral care to its members. It also organizes a summer retreat to foster spiritual growth and community bonding. Beyond serving the local congregation, the parish supports their denomination headquarters overseas through financial contributions.

The parish plays a significant role in preserving Belarusian religious traditions and culture within the Canadian context, acting as a focal point for believers and members of the Belarusian diaspora[1][5].

Community and Cultural Impact

The parish is part of a broader network of Belarusian cultural and charitable organizations in Toronto. The Belarusian Canadian Alliance and its Toronto chapter have historically supported the parish, helping to organize Belarusian communities in the wider Ontario region, including cities like Oshawa, Hamilton, Kingston, and Sudbury.

The parish and its community have also been involved in cultural events, such as participating in Canada's 150th Anniversary Parade of Nations with the notable Belarusian stork model, symbolizing Belarusian heritage. More recently, in 2018, the Belarusian community in Toronto, including the parish, took part in cultural productions like Vulitsa Heniush, commemorating the Belarusian Democratic Republic's centennial[5].

Online Presence

The Parish of St. Kiryla of Turau maintains an online presence where it shares information about its activities and community life, promoting the Belarusian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Canada[3].

The Parish of St. Kiryla of Turau remains a vital institution for the religious, cultural, and social life of Belarusians in Canada, helping to maintain their distinct identity and spiritual traditions in the diaspora.