Later · Phase 4 · Exterior
Beautification
Cost to come
Siding, a cupola and belfry, a balcony, landscaping, parking, and a kitchen upgrade. If we raise more than the goal, the extra goes to Phase 4.
Our story
A permanent home for our parish
Our parish has long outgrown its current space. For nine years we have waited and prayed for a church building of our own. Now we have the opportunity to restore an 1880s church in St. Catharines as the permanent home of Our Lady of Pochaev Orthodox Church: a place to worship, gather, welcome others, and grow for generations to come.
When we began, years of water damage, mould, and rodents had taken their toll. Much of the interior had to be stripped back before rebuilding could start. But underneath it all was a church worth saving.
Over recent weeks, parishioners have given their time, skills, and labour. The building has been cleaned out, damaged materials removed, and a new roof put on. Little by little, an old church is coming back to life.
It is especially meaningful to restore an old church to be used again as a church: to care for its place in the cemetery and community, and to fill it once more with prayer, the Divine Liturgy, and Christian worship, a temple for the glory of God under the protection of the Theotokos.
We have done a great deal with volunteer labour and our own parish’s resources. Now we ask our families, friends, fellow Orthodox Christians, and wider community to help us take the next steps.
Someday the tools and scaffolding will be gone, and this old church will once again simply be a church, filled with prayer, worship, and people.
The plan and budget
$325,000 for the first three phases. Costs are estimates; we confirm each with contractor quotes before work begins.
Fundraising progress
$31,875
raised of $325,000 for Phases 1 to 3 (10%)
Thank you to everyone who has given.
Budget at a glance
| Phase | Scope | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Safe and Usable | Demolition and new roof (done); structural repairs, eavestrough, and temporary parking | $56,000 |
| 2. Worship Space | Power, heating, insulation, drywall, lighting, doors, and fire safety | $137,000 |
| 3. Community Space | Plumbing, washrooms, kitchen, hall windows, and finishing | $131,000 |
| 4. Beautification | Siding, cupola, balcony, landscaping, parking, and kitchen upgrade | To come |
| Goal for Phases 1 to 3 (rounded) | $325,000 | |
Our promise to you
- The building is secure. A formal long-term lease protects all the labour and donations put into it.
- Your gift goes to the work, one phase at a time.
- We’ll keep you posted. Each month we share what’s been raised, spent, and the work completed.
- We check costs first. We get contractor quotes before work begins.
- If we raise more, the extra goes to Phase 4.
Concept, not a final design
A look at what could come later
This drawing shows one idea for a future phase: a belfry topped with a cupola and cross. It is an artist's concept, not an approved plan. Any exterior work comes after the first three phases.