Dickie Bush AB Saints Peter and Paul Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1906, 1909
Dickie Bush, AB, Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery of Saints Peter and Paul, 1906, 1909
Dickie Bush may also be spelt Dickiebush.
Prehistory
The place name, “Dickie Bush” is a combination sort of name, a blend of Slavic and English. Dickie Bush is an area or region south of the hamlet of Bellis, Alberta, but still north of the North Saskatchewan River. It is simply a place-name. There is no town or village or post office by this name, and there never was. Other places nearby are called Irondale and Wasel. The Temple itself is situated within a few kilometres of the old Victoria Trail, which led to the Victora Settlement nearby, southeast of Smoky Lake.
In Belgium, there is a World War I military cemetery at West-Vlaanderen called “Dickebusch”, a similar-sounding name, which has historical and Canadian significance. However, this place is not in any way related to this particular place in Alberta. See the reference at : Dickiebush New Military Cemetery
Most of the settlers of this area had originated in villages near the city of Cernăuţi (Chernivtsi) in the Chernivtsi province of Ukraine, which is historically northern Bucovina. This part of Bucovina-Moldavia was of mixed Romanian and Russian-Ukrainian speakers, which before World War I, was a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In this environment, there was considerable pressure on Orthodox Christians to become united to the Roman Catholic Church, and employment opportunities were limited. These were reasons for people to accept the offers presented by Canadian agents who were persuading people to become farmers and workers in Canada. Some stopped in Eastern Canada, but most continued on to the west, to Canada.
It was this part of Bucovina that was severed as one result of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact between Mr. J Stalin and the western European powers before World War II. The whole province was then divided so that Romanian speakers were living within the Soviet Union (USSR), in Ukraine, and they were pressed to speak Ukrainian. There were also some Ukrainian speakers who then lived in Romania, and who were pressed to speak Romanian. Previously, they had all lived together without this pressure and division of families.
Founding the parish, 1906
The Temple of Saints Peter and Paul is situated on the far north bank of the North Saskatchewan River, not very far from Smoky Lake. Built by Bucovinian immigrants, this Temple has served a large flock of believers, including those of smaller nearby farm-site Temples. The community first organised itself in 1906, and then prepared to build a suitable Temple for worship.
The construction itself took several years. The whole project was led by Stephan Rosychuk, who was hired to lead the work. Mr. Rosychuk had earlier led in the building of the Temple of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Saint Mary's) in Shandro, on the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. Although he was illiterate, he was nevertheless able to make plans for this and other Temples based on his recollection of architecture in his homeland.
Completion of the Temple, 1909
Constructed from logs, it is one of the region's first cruciform Temples. Siding was first applied in 1915. It is also one of the first to have a completely open dome on an open drum. As well, the dome was not a cautious, small-scale experiment. The ceiling extends to a full 20 metres above the floor-level. There are other distinctive features. As with the Temple of the Dormition in Shandro, the belfry is positioned on top of the narthex, and it forms an integral part of the structure. Unlike most other cruciform Temples, the arms of the Cross (the north and south wings) are apsidal rather than rectangular in shape (not unlike the Romanian Temple in Dysart, Saskatchewan). This shape emphasises the height of the building ; however, in Romania, this shape is not uncommon. It is in these 2 north-and-south apses that the choir might normally stand and sing.
As were other communities, this one was registered under the incorporation of the Orthodox Bishop in the Statutes of the North-West Territories. The incorporation of the bishop-and-parishes had been accomplished in 1903 by Bishop Tikhon (Belavin). Thus, the beginning of the history of this parish was within the “Russian Mission”. This was the popular name for what was at that time called the Diocese of the Aleutians and North America. It was Saint Tikhon who began using the term “Russo-Greek Orthodox” to describe the majority of Canadian parishes under his omophor.
The Temple building itself was constructed from logs, without blueprints, and by local farmers. It is a recognised, historical site nowadays, and it can be seen from a great distance, because of its position on the elevated bank.
Architecturally, it is an excellent example of the Byzantine Revival style brought to Canada by Ukrainian immigrants. Built between 1909 and 1912, under the direction of Stephan Rosychuck, the design of the church includes features characteristic of the style such as vertical emphasis, tiered log construction, octagonal onion domes clad in silver-painted metal sheeting ; and it has a cruciform plan. The interior contains decorations, furnishings, fittings and fixtures typical of the period and style.
Historically, this community has been a central focus for other farm communities nearby (such as Holy Ascension, Wasel), and some monastic communities were long ago established on and near the present Temple site.
In 1924, the Priest Nicholas Lewko painted the interior and the exterior of the Temple. Since then, the congregation has maintained the appearance faithfully. The 2-tiered iconostas is itself a demonstration of the love and care taken by the faithful parishioners in adorning the worship of the Lord. As with other Temples, there are no pews. There are, however, benches along the sides for the elderly and others who may need them.
Photo of Saints Peter and Paul Temple
In more recent years, a parish hall was constructed to the north of the Temple.
In 2001, at the conclusion of the Archdiocesan Assembly Meeting in Edmonton, Alberta, buses of representatives and clergy visited various historical rural parishes, including the Church of Saints Peter and Paul at Dickie Bush. The parishioners warmly greeted their guests. At each stop, the visitors learnt a considerable amount about the history of our Orthodox Church in Canada.
Perhaps the 'pearl' of Orthodox church buildings in Alberta, Saints Peter and Paul, Dickie Bush, which also
was blessed by Saint Tikhon, sits high atop a hill on 80 acres of land which once held monastic cells deep
within the bush ('dickie' is the Ukrainian word for 'wild'), now full of saskatoon berries, mushrooms and
choke cherries. The central dome of this Temple reaches 80 feet.
From the 'Canadian Orthodox Messenger' (Autumn, 2001), p. 8.
In 2003, there was a Clergy Synaxis (gathering) in Calgary, Alberta. After its conclusion, the visiting members of the OCA chancery staff were given a tour of the rural Temples in the Edmonton area by the Archpriest Dennis Pihach. These persons included the Protopresbyter Robert Kondratick, David Wagschal and John Mendala. They visited most of the rural Temples, including this landmark Temple, as well as the Holy Trinity Temple in Edmonton on this tour.
100 years, 2009
On 11 July, 2009, the Archpriest Dennis Pihach was tonsured to be a monk in the Lesser Schema, and he was given the name Alexander. He was assigned to the Saint Elias Skete at Dickie Bush. (See ‘The Making of a Monk’ in “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” (Autumn, 2009), p. 4.)
On 12 July, 2009, this parish celebrated its centennial anniversary. Archbishop Seraphim (Storheim) led the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, the blessing of water, and the blessing of the Temple in the procession which followed. During the Divine Liturgy, the Igumen Alexander (Pihach) was installed as the abbot of the Saint Elias Skete at Dickie Bush.
Photo of the Temple, cemetery and surroundings to the northwest
(photo by www.aerialphoto.ru)
View to the south from the Temple (photo by www.aerialphoto.ru)
Archpastoral visit by Bishop Irénée (Rochon) to part of the Alberta Deanery, 2014
From 7-10 June, 2014, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) made an archpastoral visitation to the Alberta Deanery of the Archdiocese of Canada (including the Saint Elias parish at Pakan).
On 7 June, 2014, on the Feast of Penecost, Vladyka Irénée presided at the Vigil service for Pentecost at Saint Herman of Alaska's Sobor in Edmonton.
Serving together with Bishop Irénée at the vigil were were Archpriest Phillip Eriksson (Dean of Alberta) ; Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) (OCA Representative to the Patriarch of Russia) ; Archimandrite Philip (Speranza) (Rector of Holy Trinity Church in Edmonton) ; Igumen Gerasim (Power) (Rector of Saint Elias Church at Pakan) ; Priest Vincent Lehr (Priest-in-Charge of Saint Herman of Alaska's Sobor) ; Priest Daniel Friesen (Priest-in-Charge of Saints Peter and Paul Church at Dickie Bush), along with other local and guest clergy from around the deanery.
At Saint Herman of Alaska's Sobor
At this time, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) presented several clerics with the Paschal awards of that year. Priest Vincent Lehr was awarded the Gold Cross ; Priest Michael Schaplowsky was awarded the Purple Kamilavka.
Awarding the Gold Cross
On 8 June, the Feast of Pentecost, Vladyka Irénée presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Church in Edmonton.
On 9 June, Holy Spirit Day, Vladyka Irénée presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Saints Peter and Paul Church at Dickie Bush. Serving together with him were Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) ; Archimandrite Philip (Speranza) ; Archimandrite Gerasim (Power) ; Archpriest Phillip Eriksson ; Priest Daniel Friesen ; Priest Alexy (Surayev) ; Protodeacon Jesse Isaac ; Subdeacon Andrey Boldireff ; Reader Timofiy Hawrish. During the Divine Liturgy, the Priest Daniel Friesen was awarded the Purple Kamilavka.
At Saints Peter and Paul, Dickie Bush (left) ; awarding the kamilavka (right)
On 10 June, Vladyka Irénée presided at a Moleben and Memorial Litiya at Saint Elias' Temple at Pakan. Following these services, there was a reception in the parish hall.
At Saint Elias, Pakan
Other archpastoral visitations
On 20 June, 2016, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) visited the parish of Saints Peter and Paul on Holy Spirit Day (Monday after Pentecost). At the Divine Liturgy, Vladyka Irénée elevated the Igumen Gerasim (Power) to the dignity of archimandrite.
On 5 June, 2017, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) made a pastoral visit to the parish and he served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Serving together with Vladyka Irénée were : Archimandrite Gerasim (Power), Priest Daniel Friesen, Priest Tikhon Ryan Bishop, Protodeacon Jesse Isaac, Deacon Nicolas Svetlovsky, Subdeacon Mark Petasky, and Subdeacon Tymofiy Hawrysh. Micah Friesen from Edmonton led the singers.
Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) visits, 2017
On 28 July, 2017, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) led a group of visitors from the recent Archdiocesan Assembly in Edmonton, Alberta, as they visited this and many other rural parishes in central Alberta.
Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard) was amongst those in this group who visited.
2017 Assembly visit
Father Daniel Friesen welcomes visitors
Priests who have served at Saints Peter and Paul Temple include :
Archpriest John Kowalchuk
Priest Evan Lowig
Other archpastoral visitations
On 20 June, 2016, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) visited the parish of Saints Peter and Paul on Holy Spirit Day (Monday after Pentecost). At the Divine Liturgy, Vladyka Irénée elevated the Igumen Gerasim (Power) to the dignity of archimandrite.
On 5 June, 2017, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) made a pastoral visit to the parish and he served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Serving together with Vladyka Irénée were : Archimandrite Gerasim (Power), Priest Daniel Friesen, Priest Tikhon Ryan Bishop, Protodeacon Jesse Isaac, Deacon Nicolas Svetlovsky, Subdeacon Mark Petasky, and Subdeacon Tymofiy Hawrysh. Micah Friesen from Edmonton led the singers.
Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) visits, 2017
On 28 July, 2017, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) led a group of visitors from the recent Archdiocesan Assembly in Edmonton, Alberta, as they visited this and many other rural parishes in central Alberta.
Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard) was amongst those in this group who visited.
2017 Assembly visit
Father Daniel Friesen welcomes visitors
Priests who have served at Saints Peter and Paul Temple include :
Archpriest John Kowalchuk
Priest Evan Lowig
Cemetery of Saints Peter and Paul, 1906
The Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery is located at land description site NE27 58 15 W4 on Township Road #584 and Highway #587, Bellis, Alberta. In fact, the cemetery is on a portion of the property which is just to the northwest of the Temple.
Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery
Parish particular details
This parish is a part of the Deanery of Alberta & Northwest Territories, of the Archdiocese of Canada, of The Orthodox Church in America. The dean is Archpriest Vincent B Lehr. The bishop is Archbishop Irénée (Rochon).
This parish follows the Old (Julian) Calendar.
The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, 29 June/12 July.
In 2025, the pastor is the Priest Kolin Berglund.
Address :
Peter and Paul Russo Orthodox Church
The Temple is situated on the southeast corner of the northeast section of section 27, township 58, range 15, west of the 4th meridian (NE27-58-15-W4) in the County of Smoky Lake.
Directions :
Dickie Bush is a small locality about 140 km (87 mi) northeast of Edmonton.
From Edmonton, drive on Highway #16 to Mundare. At Mundare, turn left (north) on Highway #855, and drive northwards to Highway #29. At Highway #29, turn right (east) on Highway #29 and drive until Highway #857. Turn left (north) and continue driving past Highway #45, and cross over the North Saskatchewan River. Continue on this highway, and the Temple can be seen at the top of the hill ahead. It is situated approximately 15 km (10 mi) north of Willingdon.
From Smoky Lake and north, drive 23.3 km (14.5 mi) eastwards on Highway #28 ; turn right onto Highway #857 and drive southwards for 8.7 km (5.5 mi) ; turn right onto Township Road #584 and drive westwards for 1.7 km (1 mi).
4517 Maria Drive East
Smoky Lake, Alberta
T0A 3C0
Telephone : 780-656-3697
E-mail : albumen2000@yahoo.com
Reflections
Poem by K Szalaszhnyj :
At Saints Peter and Paul Church,
Dickie Bush, Alberta, 2001
When we are not there
The birds outside the eastern windows sing
Then light upon the bells
And clouds above the domes bring rain
Tapping down steep roofs
Running down the hill.
When we are not there
Day by day the sun
Rises, sets
Lights holy things
A blaze of silent light
Then shadow.
When we are not there
Fall is smoky
Busy fields
Combines circling near
The temple majestic
Above swaths of gold.
When we are not there
Winter passes slowly
Whitely, blowly
Warm the south wall
Shaded, cold the north
Snow-crystals crisp
And distant line of hills.
When we are not there
Spring comes bit by bit
Quiet beauty vigorate
Soft the grass and air
As fast gives way to feast
Khristos Voskres
Flowers peep amidst the graves
The birds return
The revered ages sleep.
But yesterday,
Buoyant, blessed summer
Yesterday, uchora
We were there.
Incense a green scent upon the breeze.
Feet whispered past its floors.
We kissed its beauty, breathed its truth
Unending sacramental love was there
On faces, raised in song, in prayer
Joined as one
Shepherd, flock and temple, one
Three in One.
Where love is, God is also.
God lives at Dickie Bush.
References
“The Russian Mission in North America”
“St. Peter and Paul Russo Orthodox Church Dickibush, Alberta, 1999-2001” (Dickiebush : Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 2001). Anniversary folder.
“Sts. Peter and Paul Russo-Greek Orthodox Parish Dickiebush, Alberta, 100th Anniversary, 12 July, 2009” (Smoky Lake County : Saints Peter and Paul Church, 2009). 100th Anniversary folder.
Tarasar, Constance J, ed., “Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America” (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.
Additional information :
Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada
Archbishop Alexander (Nemolovsky)
Archbishop Evdokim (Meschersky)
Archbishop Joasaph (Skorodumov)
Metropolitan Platon (Rozhdestvensky)
Metropolitan Theophilus (Pashkovsky)
Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich)
Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor)
Metropolitan Jonah (Pauffhausen)
Archdiocese of Canada web-site
Archdiocese of Canada Facebook
Canada's Historic Places - Saints Peter and Paul Russo-Greek Orthodox Church
Pioneer Churches on the Prairies
Findagrave reference to the Cemetery of Saints Peter and Paul, Dickie Bush, Alberta
Photos of Orthodox Temples in Alberta
"Fr Gerasim elevated to archimandrite" (20 June 2016)
"Vladyka visits Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Dickie Bush, Alberta" (5 June, 2017)
"Tour of the 'Holy Land' Country Parishes" Photo Gallery (28 July, 2017)
‘Churches of Rural Alberta’ in “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” (July, 1993), pp. 4-5.
'Reflections on Dickie Bush's 90th Anniversary' in "Canadian Orthodox Messenger" (Autumn 1999), pp. 3-4.
‘Missionary theme inspires Canadian Assembly’ in “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” (Autumn, 2001), pp. 1-6.
‘Assembly pilgrims visit heritage churches’ in “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” (Autumn, 2001), pp. 7-8.
Poem : 'At Dickie Bush' in “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” (Autumn, 2001), p. 8.
‘OCA chancery staff visit historic Alberta churches’ in “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” (Autumn, 2003), pp. 2-3.
‘The Making of a Monk’ in “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” (Autumn, 2009), p. 4.