The Story of Ukrainian Catholic Education in Toronto and Beyond
1960s – The First Ukrainian Catholic School in Toronto
In 1960, under the leadership of Rev. Prelate Vasyl Filevych, construction began at St. Josaphat Cathedral on what would become the first full-time Ukrainian Catholic school in Toronto. On August 27, 1961, Bishop Isidore Borecky blessed and officially opened the school —a monumental achievement for the Ukrainian community.
Initially a private institution, St. Josaphat school was staffed by the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate (SSMI). In 1962, thanks to Father Filevych’s efforts, the school joined what was at that time the Metropolitan Separate School Board, ensuring its long-term sustainability and growth.
Students caroling at the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre
1970s – The Birth of St. Demetrius Catholic School
In 1975, the Ukrainian Catholic community recognized the urgent need for a school that reflected their Eastern Rite faith and cultural identity. At the time, many parents were hesitant to send their children to Catholic schools due to a lack of understanding of the Eastern Rite. Saturday classes in Ukrainian language and religion were not enough.
With the help of two visionary trustees—one a priest familiar with the Eastern Rite, and the other from the Italian immigrant community who understood the importance of cultural preservation—the community successfully lobbied for a school. The availability of parish-owned land helped secure approval for a portable school. Later, in cooperation with the school board, a permanent school was built on parish grounds.
Students learn about ancient traditions
1980s – Josyf Cardinal Slipyj Catholic School and St. Sofia
Founded by the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Parish, Josyf Cardinal Slipyj School became a vibrant center of learning, rooted in Eastern Rite traditions and Ukrainian heritage. From Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, students are immersed in faith, language, and culture through formal Ukrainian instruction, cultural celebrations, and parish support.
Opening its doors on September 2, 1980, St. Sofia Catholic School was the culmination of a dream for the vibrant parish community of St. Mary’s Dormition Ukrainian Catholic Church in Mississauga. Today, several hundred students from Mississauga and surrounding communities attend St. Sofia, and continue living the vision of their school’s founders in an authentic Ukrainian-Catholic tradition.
Today: Growth, Partnership, and Resilience
The Ukrainian Catholic Heritage Education Program is a model of Catholic education in an Eastern Rite environment. Over the years, the parishes and school boards worked hand-in-hand to support the schools’ growth—renovating facilities, providing busing and heritage language programming.
In 2022, with the arrival of Ukrainian refugees fleeing war, the schools and parish communities came together to double enrollment, provide lunch programs, and ensure every child felt safe, welcomed, and supported.
St. Demetrius, St. Josaphat, Josyf Cardinal Slipyj and St. Sofia Catholic Schools stand as a living example of what can be achieved when faith, education, and community unite. They are a place where students grow academically, spiritually, and culturally—guided by the values of the Dufferin-Peel and Toronto Catholic District School Boards and the traditions of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.
The Future: Passing on the Gifts of Faith, Language, Culture and Tradition
Provincial funding for all International Language Programs in the TCDSB, including the Ukrainian Heritage program, was eliminated for the 2026-27 school year. It is now up to us to once again support these programs, and ensure that we pass on the gifts of our faith, language, culture and Ukrainian-Catholic tradition to the next generation of children. The Ukrainian Catholic Heritage Education Fund has been established by the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada to support these programs at St. Josaphat, St. Demetrius and Josyf Cardinal Slipyj Catholic Schools, to continue helping children grow in their love for Christ, our Church and their Ukrainian heritage.
Please consider making a donation and sharing this campaign with family and friends, so that together, we can preserve what has been entrusted to us, and pass it on to the next generation!