Newman Theological College is pleased to announce the appointment of two new faculty members focused on teaching Eastern Christian Theology, effective July 1, 2025.

These positions are made possible through an agreement signed last year between NTC and the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton. This includes a legacy gift from Drs. Peter and Doris Kule, two outstanding Canadian philanthropists, visionaries, and community leaders.

Deacon Dr. Cyril Kennedy and Dr. Melanie Turgeon will began teaching in the 2025-2026 academic year.

Dr. Melanie Turgeon is an internationally renowned professor of music and choral director. She is a  professor of music at The King’s University in Edmonton and an adjunct professor at Cape Breton University in Sydney, N.S. From 2002-2018, Dr. Turgeon served as music director and cantor at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Edmonton

Dr. Turgeon began studying conducting at the age of 16 under the tutelage of Wolodymyr Kolesnyk, former conductor of Kyiv State Opera and Ballet Theatre. She completed her post-secondary education at the University of Alberta and her doctorate in music at University of Illinois.

Dr. Turgeon has published various musical resources for the Ukrainian Catholic Church, including a hymnal and five-CD set entitled Sing to Our God. Dr. Turgeon’s current project is an extensive anthology of liturgical music. Her research includes a study of sacred music in Russia.

Deacon Dr. Cyril Kennedy is the director of liturgy for the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton. He is also a sessional instructor at NTC, as well as St. Joseph’s College (University of Alberta) and the Sheptytsky Institute at the University of Toronto.

Deacon Kennedy was raised in Brampton, Ont. He entered Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Seminary in 2010 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Eastern Christian Studies and a master’s degree in theology.

During his seminary formation, Deacon Kennedy spent three summers working for the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton, including in youth ministry. He also had the opportunity to spend a summer studying Ukrainian in Lviv. He was ordained to the diaconate in 2019.