More than 20 years ago my husband Boris Derow, then a monastic brother, founded Axios Men's Ensemble, a niche male ensemble specializing in eastern liturgical music of the Byzantine rite.

Boris is a purist, deeply rooted in his faith and in music that inspires prayer.

When he decided to spread his wings and embark on a path to opera that led him abroad in 2017, one of the early members of the choir, Damein Zakordonski, picked up the reins: “Axios must carry on.”

Damein became a driving force, resulting in more collaborations that had begun with the men of ProCoro in 2015.

As they say, the rest in history. The project grew into visionary concerts and recordings involving artists from Ukraine and members of other choirs across Canada.

Fast forward to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. By this time, Boris and I had relocated to New York City in the midst of the global pandemic, to fulfill a long-held dream.

Back in Edmonton, plans were set in motion by Damein, to commission a Ukrainian War Requiem by American composer Benedict Sheehan. Boris sang in the concert premiering the work and as a soloist on the recording.

By the end of summer 2025, Boris and I had come home to Edmonton.

In February 2026, an announcement was made regarding the Juno nomination. It was touch and go whether or not I’d be able to snag a seat as Boris’ plus one, but I knew that I wanted to be by his side in Hamilton, Ontario. By the time I had adjusted my schedule, the event was sold out. I was determined. I booked a flight not knowing whether or not there would be room at the inn.

At 11 p.m. Friday, March 27th, after arriving in Hamilton, I checked my email. One ticket had been released for me. It was my lucky day.

On Saturday I was on site watching and cheering for my husband and his choir mates in their shining moment.

Boris had lost his Aunty Pat a few weeks earlier and her celebration of life took place before the Juno Gala on Saturday in Hamilton. The two events coinciding made it easy for us to attend and gave us an opportunity to honour her and spend time with extended family. A fitting omen, in hindsight.

The energy was incredible and we were whisked through security, and into a series of photo ops in a huge space with a massive central open bar.

When the cocktail reception had ended we were guided upstairs into what had been transformed into a grand ballroom. As I was a late entry to the party, Boris and I sat not side-by-side, but back-to-back at separate tables. My dining neighbours: the CEO of Massey Hall on my left and an artist agent on my right.

As the evening wore on, it became more and more apparent that the venue was filled with around 1500 strangers who interacted like old friends. There was warmth.

By the time of the announcement for Classical Album of the Year Large Ensemble, I had migrated from my table to sharing Boris’ banquet chair.

A clue was provided to anyone who was paying attention as four television cameras moved like amphibians toward the Axios table. Yet I was fixated, waiting with baited breath as they went through the list of nominees read by Julie Nezrallah.

When she announced Axios, we all jumped up. It was an unbelievable moment.

The competition was stiff with other entries like the Toronto Symphony, and Tafelmusik. Yet, this “little engine that could” Axios Men’s Ensemble from Edmonton with their sincerity and project commemorating those whose lives have been lost due to the war in Ukraine, had won.

Tears flowed as the men accepted their award, and were escorted by a team to be photographed and to field questions by the press.

The evening wrapped up shortly thereafter and we all convened at the Airbnb where most of the nine choir members were staying. Over a nightcap and pizza we pressed rewind on the events of the day with joy and incredulity.

On Sunday morning, we gathered at the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Hamilton, a stunning house of worship where the choir lent their voices to the 10 a.m. service.

While Boris, Damein, and I boarded flights back home, the others stayed behind for the live telecast. We scrolled CBC's Juno updates in flight, sorry that we’d missed seeing Prime Minister Carney fête Joni Mitchell.

At the same time, we were, in hockey terms, bagged. We were also proud to call ourselves Canadian, proud of Axios bringing light to darkness through the power of music, and proud of this huge moment with its deeper meaning.

Axios defied the odds and won.

Darcia Parada is a writer, director, producer and performer. A former McCauley resident who moved to Brooklyn, NY during the pandemic, she has recently returned to Edmonton and now lives in Boyle Street.