UCWLC - St Demetrius

May 31, 2026. Lviv. Ivan Franko Park near the University.
Opening of a memorial bench of blessed memory of Iryna Senyk, on the occasion of her 100th anniversary.

Monuments and memorial plaques are erected to prominent people, and the League of Ukrainian Women of Canada, Toronto branch, put up a bench in the park, and, as Lviv residents noted, it was the first time, the first time a named bench was opened.
Iryna Senyk - Madonna of the Ukrainian Resistance - member of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, plastunka, member of the Union of Ukrainian Women and the All-Ukrainian League of Ukrainian Women, Hero of the World, poet, embroiderer, honorary resident of Boryslav and Lviv.
Iryna Senyk was in captivity for 34 years for wanting to see Ukraine free, to write poems and embroider freely...

The opening of the bench was extremely family-like and emotional. Iryna Senyk wrote “I unfold life like a scroll of canvas…”. So did we, unfolding the program like patterns or lace: Iryna Senyk’s biography, memories, poems and songs.

The Iryna Senyk Memorial Bench is not just a place to rest. It is a place to meet history. There is a QR code on the bench, by scanning which, every passerby will be able to take a moment to look into Iryna’s fate and learn about a woman who could not be broken by any regimes or decades of camps. The world of a poetess who carried the bright colors of the Ukrainian soul through the grayness of the Gulag will open to you.

Sincere gratitude to everyone who joined, who knew Iryna Senyk and shared poignant stories, who read her poems and memories, who sang songs.
We thank the City Council, Lubov Fito, Halyna Mykitchak, Roman Lobay, and the Kalyna Volunteer Center for organizational assistance,

It is important to come and honor Iryna Senyk for all that she has done for Ukraine through her tireless work.
The St. Demetrius ​​branch of the Ukrainian Catholic Womens League of Canada had the pleasure of working with Ms. Iryna Senyk to translate her sketches into embroidered dresses. Her poems have been translated into English and published together in the book "White Aster of Love". Everything was presented at a grand premiere in September 1992 with the participation of Ms. Iryna who flew in from Ukraine for the gala event. There will be "White Aster" books for sale at the event on August 14th.

Важливо прийти вшанувати Ірину Сеник за все що вона зробила для України через іі невтомну працю.
Свято-димитріівський відділ ЛУКЖК мав приємність працювати з п. Іриною Сеник, щоб втілити іі екзкізи в вишивані сукні. Іі вірші переложені в ангійську мову і друковані разом в книжці «Біла айстра любови». Все було презентовано на величавій премʼєрі у вересні 1992 з участю пані Ірини яка прилетіла з Украіни на торчественну подію. Будуть книжки «Біла Айстра” на продаж на подіі 14-го серпня.

Happy Birthday to our wonderful and beyond dedicated Costume Mistress, Pani Lida!! ❤️✨

Yavir would not be what it is without you. Thank you for always making every dancer look their absolute best, and THANK YOU for spending part of your birthday at Yavir working on costumes. Your love and dedication mean the world to us.

Многая літа!! 🎉

Ділимося сумною вісткою, що св. пам. Келсі Борак, членкиня Св. Димитріївського відділу ЛУКЖК в минулих роках, відійшла у вічність 12-го травня 2026 року на 102-ому році життя.

With great sadness Calsie Borack, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the age of 102. She was one of our very active St. Demetrius UCWLC members prior to retiring at the UCCC.

Calsie was born in Brantford, Ontario on July 4, 1924 to Wasyl and Tekla Manulak. She married Michael Habuda in 1954 and together they welcomed their children Jerry and Patricia Habuda. Sadly, Michael passed away in 1973. Calsie later found love and companionship and married Harry Borack in 1978. He later passed away in 1985.

Calsie was devoted to St. Demetrius Church and spent many days and nights surrounded by parish life.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and friends.
Visitation will be held at Newediuk Funeral Home - Kipling Chapel, 2058 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke (north of Rexdale Blvd.) on Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Panachyda at 6:30pm.

A Funeral Service will take place in the Newediuk Chapel on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 10am. Interment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Toronto.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church or the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre would be appreciated by the family.

May She rest in peace. Vichnaya Pamyat!
Вічная Пам’ять і Царство Небесне.

Jan 25, 2026: Sunday of Pharisee and Publican — prep for Lent. Liturgy and Panachyda for the 40th day of our member, Sophia Wayda’s, passing. Our St. Demetrius UCWLC Coffee Sunday on a very snowy day. Thank you to all who came, prayed and helped! Blessings!

25 січня 2026 р.: Неділя фарисея і митаря — підготовка до Великого посту. Літургія та Панахида на 40-й день смерті нашої довголітньоі членкині ЛУКЖК, Софії Вайди. Нині припала неділя коли готуємо каву, канапки і смаколики в дуже сніжний день. Дякуємо всім, хто прийшов, помолився та допоміг! Благословенного дня!

Photo credits: Maria Rypan

UPDATE: 40th Day Liturgy and Panachyda Memorial Service for the repose of Sophia Wayda's soul will be celebrated Sunday,
January 25, 2026, 10:00 at St Demetrius the Great Martyr Church.

Vichnaya Pamyat!
May Her Memory Be Eternal!

Ділимося сумною вісткою, що св. пам. Софія Вайда, членкиня Св. Димитріївського відділу ЛУКЖК в минулих роках, відійшла у вічність 5-го грудня 2025 року на 97-ому році життя.

With great sadness our UCWLC St. Demetrius branch member, Sophia Wayda, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the age of 97. She leaves behind by her many nieces and nephews across Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

A devoted member of St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church and an active participant in the Women’s League, Sophie dedicated countless hours to her community. Her commitment, kindness, and generous spirit touched the lives of many.

The Panakhyda for Sophia Wayda (40th day after passing) will be held at St. Demetrius the Great Martyr Church on Sunday, January 18, following the 8:30 AM liturgy.

Funeral services and a Celebration of Life for Sophia will be held at a later date.

Please pray for the repose of Sophia's soul.
Vichnaya pamyat! May Her Memory Be Eternal!

Вічная Пам’ять і Царство Небесне.