A church to call home: First Chaldean Catholic Church in Calgary

Traditional drums and flutes played as families danced outside the newly consecrated St. John the Apostle Chaldean Catholic Church in Calgary on June 18, 2025. This joyful sound marked the end of a long wait for Alberta’s Chaldean Catholic community.

Held on the Feast of St. Ephrem, the consecration was led by Bishop Robert Jarjis, Eparch of the Chaldean Eparchy of Mar Addai in Canada. He was joined by three Chaldean bishops and several priests from across the world. More than 300 Chaldean families in Calgary now have their own church home!

“Throughout the ceremony, traditional chants of joy were heard through the church,” said Fr. John Jwad, associate pastor of the parish.“There were tears in the eyes of many,” said Fr. John, “when the bishops solemnly consecrated the altar, the tabernacle, and other sacred objects in the sanctuary.”​

The celebration continued outside with music and dancing, something reserved in Chaldean culture for very special moments. 

“Some members of our community arrived in Calgary as early as the late 1970s, and ever since, the dream of having our own Chaldean Church has lived in the hearts of our people,” shared Fr. John. “Over the years, many bishops and priests supported and guided us through the many steps required to reach this day.”

Msgr. Noel Farman, the first pastor to serve the community, and Fr. Hanni Joro, who helped unite people around the goal, were part of that journey. After his ordination in 2023, Fr. John began working with family and friends to raise funds. “Together we were able to raise over $1 million.” 

The breakthrough came after a visit to Saskatoon’s Sacred Heart Chaldean Catholic Church. There, a parishioner shared how they had found their church by sending letters to churches across the city expressing interest in buying. Fr. John decided to try the same approach.

“I returned to Calgary and we sent letters to over 100 places of worship throughout the city,” he said. “Just a few weeks later, I received a response from Prince of Faith Lutheran Church. Within a few months, the purchase terms were finalized.” The agreement was signed on November 1, 2024, exactly one year after Fr. John’s ordination. From there, volunteers worked together to renovate the building.

“In the months that followed, many dedicated members of our community worked tirelessly, day and night,” Fr. John said. “To them, we are deeply grateful.”

Now, the community has a space to gather, worship, and grow.
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“For the Chaldean people, the Church is more than just a place of worship and prayer. It is truly a home for the entire community,” said Fr. John. “For many years, the Chaldean community in Calgary was without such ahome. But today, we are filled with joy and gratitude, as we finally have a Church where we can come together to worship, celebrate, and support one another through both joyful and difficult times.”

Fr. John Jwad, Associate Pastor

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Photos courtesy of St. John the Apostle Chaldean Church, Calgary.