What We Are Currently Doing
The mission of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada (UWAC) is to support the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada, its members, and the Ukrainian community, including supporting children’s and youth programs, and helping Ukraine.
We ensure that the Cathedral looks at its best and is beautifully decorated with traditional Ukrainian embroidery. This is a great source of pride for the organization.
UWAC - Ottawa organizes the weekly Sunday fellowship refreshment table after the Divine Liturgy, lunches and dinners, including the Eve of the Feast of Jordan and the Parish Feast Day, as well as other events throughout the year. This often includes preparing the meals in our own kitchen by our members.
We also conduct Ukrainian master workshops, including pysankarstvo, the traditional art of decorating eggs. Many other workshops are held throughout the year, including making the traditional diduch (wheat sheafs) for Christmas, koliada (caroling) stars, the art of petrykivka decorative painting, straw pavuk (spider) mobiles and other traditional arts and crafts.
Although not a regular event, the Spivoche Kolo (Singing Circle) meets many times during the year for the sheer pleasure of singing. The repertoire includes traditional Ukrainian folk songs, contemporary Ukrainian songs as well as Christmas carols during the holiday season.
Two major events of the year are the Easter and Christmas markets, requiring many months of preparation. With the hands of many women as well as men, the church hall and kitchen are a whirlwind of activity with the making of varenyky / pyrohy, holubtsi, borsch, and many other traditional foods which will be sold at the markets and throughout the year based on availability.
The art of making varenyky / pyrohy takes many hours which provides companionship, interesting conversations, friendly banter, as well as opportunities for true friendships to develop. Ladies and gentlemen are both welcome to join in, lend a hand and make new friends. Follow our Facebook page for actual dates and information on what is scheduled.
The Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada, Lesia Ukrainka Branch Ottawa holds meetings once a month at 1000 Byron Avenue in Ottawa. For more information or how to join, email uwacottawabranch@gmail.com
Our sisterhood gladly welcomes you!