In the charming town of Ituna, Saskatchewan, stands the impressive Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church, a prominent landmark for visitors. Constructed in the 1960s during a time when the church attracted a large congregation, it holds nostalgic memories for long-time parishioners like Nettie Lutz, 85 years old, who vividly recalls the packed church during Easter and Christmas celebrations.
Over two decades ago, as the number of parishioners decreased and the church needed financial support for repairs, the community turned to the tradition of making and selling perogies. Nettie Lutz and other residents united to produce thousands of these beloved Ukrainian dumplings, with the proceeds going towards the maintenance of not only the Ukrainian Catholic church but also the local Roman Catholic church.
The popularity of their perogies has extended beyond Ituna, with people traveling long distances to purchase them from the small town of around 700 residents. The dedicated volunteers estimate that they have crafted up to a million perogies since the initiative began.
The commitment to sustaining the churches through perogy sales reflects a profound respect and affection for Ukrainian culture within the community, as expressed by Nettie Lutz and fellow parishioner Taras Korchinski. Korchinski emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage, recognizing the connection to Ukraine even from afar, especially during the challenging times following Russia’s invasion in 2022.
As both Korchinski and Lutz, nearing 80 years old, acknowledge the eventual end of their perogy-making efforts, they contemplate the uncertain future of their cherished church. Despite the inevitable changes ahead, they believe that the legacy of their volunteer work and the churches will endure in Ituna’s history.
With a sense of pride and camaraderie, Lutz observes the dedicated volunteers laboring together to create the iconic perogies, a labor of love that binds them as a community. While the future remains uncertain, she finds solace in being a part of something truly special, surrounded by the “best perogies in the world” made by the best people.
