Blessing of Double Sunburst Finial at the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre

On Sunday, July 20, 2008, residents, caregivers, families and friends of the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre in Toronto’s West End -  Etobicoke witnessed the blessing of the 6-foot double sunburst finial.

Reverend Fathers John Tataryn, Peter Shumelda and Deacon Mal McErlain were all on hand to bless the finial and, in doing so, stood beneath coloured ribbons, a traditional custom used during the blessing of any religious article.

“(Volunteers) hold on to the ribbons during the ceremony and because Holy Water is used for the blessing, like at Christenings, the volunteers become Godparents or spiritual sponsors for the finial,” said Father John Tataryn.

Following the blessing, the ribbons were cut, and given to the volunteers who held them during the ceremony, as souvenir keep sakes of the event.

“While I can’t take all of the credit for this beautiful addition to the Care Centre, I do take some pride in being the author of the idea and the original design,” said Walter Daschko, B.Arch, OAA, volunteer Building Advisory Committee member.

Forged by Myros and Luba Trutiak of MST Bronze, the finial will top the Care Centre’s new four storey tower, a key component of the Home with a Heart Campaign expansion and enhancement construction project, which is nearing completion.