Image: St. Demetrius has served as a Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Chilliwack since 1970 but has fallen into disrepair over the last several years without a parish priest to lead the congregation. / Mike Vanden Bosch / Fraser Valley Today

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

St. Demetrius

Chilliwack Ukrainian church up for sale despite local efforts to reinvigorate the parish

Jan 11, 2025 | 7:51 AM

CHILLIWACK — Ukrainian Orthodox parishioners are expressing confusion and disappointment over the pending loss of their spiritual home, St. Demetrius Church on Victor Street.

Once a thriving cultural and spiritual center for Ukrainians in Chilliwack, the church has been left to deteriorate for years without a parish priest or an active congregation.

The property was recently listed for sale, catching many parishioners off guard. A newly formed group of parishioners, dedicated to revitalizing the church, expressed dismay over the decision.

One member of the group told Fraser Valley Today that plans had been developed in collaboration with community members to build support for the church. Fundraising and membership drives had been discussed with commitments from individuals to support the effort.

An MLS listing for the church sets the asking price at $750,000. Exterior images show a temporary metal fence surrounding the building, while interior photos depict the empty nave, with rows of pews facing the lectern. Images of the basement banquet facility and large kitchen are also included.

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The group fears an offer to purchase the church may be made as early as Saturday (Jan. 11). In response, they launched an online petition with a goal of collecting 500 signatures to stop the sale of the building, which has served Chilliwack’s Ukrainian community since 1970.

The petition argues that losing the church would deal another cruel blow to the local Ukrainian population, which has grown in recent years with the arrival of newcomers fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago. Ironically, St. Demetrius is considered one of the most important Orthodox military saints.