1915–1966
Prospect Cemetery
Section 30 Lot 868N
St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church at 30 Leeds Street, near Bloor Street West and Ossington Avenue, stands as one of Toronto’s most striking examples of Byzantine-inspired architecture. Its design echoes the grandeur of St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, a 10th-century masterpiece of Eastern Christianity. The parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, founded in 1925, purchased the Leeds Street site in 1960 to serve Toronto’s growing Ukrainian Catholic community.
On a cold October day in 1963, the first Mass was celebrated in the partially completed church, drawing an astonishing crowd of 3,000 worshippers. The liturgy was presided over by Most Reverend Peter Kaminecky, with Pastor Jaroslaw Benesh serving as master of ceremonies – a role that marked the beginning of his deep association with the parish. Known for his warmth and charisma, Benesh quickly became a beloved figure among parishioners.
In 1964, during the Feast of the Holy Protection, Benesh assisted Bishop Isidore Borecky, the first Eparchial Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada, in a solemn liturgy attended by clergy from across the region. Under their leadership, St. Mary’s became a spiritual and cultural hub for Ukrainian Canadians, hosting regular services and community events that endure to this day.
Pastor Benesh passed away on July 4, 1966, at the age of 51. His grave in Prospect Cemetery honours a man whose life bridged faith, tradition and community during a transformative era for Ukrainian Catholics in Toronto.
Source:
• Mount Pleasant Group – Pastor Jaroslaw Benesh
Photo: St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Leeds Street, northwest corner of Roblocke Avenue, Toronto, Toronto Public Library, Local History Collection, Palmerston branch, Public domain
