The church of Ss. Peter and Paul in Canora was built between 1960 and 1964. It replaced an older structure which had been purchased by the parish in 1932. The present church was blessed by Bishop Andrew Roborecki in 1964.
This imposing church is dominated by a large central dome and four smaller domes. Each is surmounted by an impressive stylised iron cross. Its interior is beautifully decorated having been extensively painted by artists Ivan Denisenko and later by Peter and David Pshyk. On the grounds of the church stands a beautiful shrine to the Mother of God of Zarvanytsia which was built to honour the one thousandth anniversary of the conversion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian settlement in the area began in 1898. These first settlers were ministered to by the Redemptorists from Yorkton after 1905. Liturgy was celebrated in the town for first time by Fr. Achille Delaere, C.Ss.R., in the home of Ivan Livytsky. The church in town grew as people moved into Canora from the nearby rural parishes.
Canora is the seat of the Canora-Kamsack District. This district includes Canora, Kamsack, Norquay, Preeceville, Buchanan, Rama, Dobrowody, Invermay, Dnieper, Hudson Bay. The pastor of Canora also cares for Benito and Swan River in Manitoba.
The information provided here is taken in part from the work of Anna Maria Kowcz-Baran, Ukrainian Catholic Churches of Saskatchewan, published in 1977. This monumental historical survery can be found for sale at the Musée Ukraina Museum for $20.00.