Saskatoon SK Holy Resurrection Orthodox Sobor 1975

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Holy Resurrection Orthodox Sobor, 1975

Prehistory

Petro Mohyla Institute

In early 1975, Holy Resurrection Church was established in order to meet the needs of Orthodox Christians living in the area of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, who desired an English-speaking parish which would enable them to grow in the Orthodox Christian Faith in an active, Christ-centred and caring community.

Many of its original members were university students with Ukrainian Orthodox roots who were living at the Petro Mohyla Institute residence. There, they were listening to the inspiring sermons of Father Orest Olekshy, the priest of the Mohyla Chapel. At that time, Mohyla was the location of the All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Mission which was in the process of establishing its permanent Temple on Louise Avenue and becoming a parish. Not only did they listen to the sermons, but they also had personal contact with Father Orest, who was included in conversations in the student lounge. He listened to them.

Meanwhile, a group of young adults, in their 20s and 30s, began to gather in a private home, because they were eager to have serious conversations. Then an Orthodox hieromonk (priest-monk) spoke on the Sunday of Orthodoxy. He was "burning with the love of God', and his words and his personal presence were inspiring.

Father Orest Olekshy, who had moved to Saskatoon from Alberta, was imbued with missionary zeal to preach the Gospel. He and his wife Oksana were together an effective mission team. “Dobrodijka” and “Matushka” were titles for her role that neither of them liked because of the often unrealistic expectations that accompany the terms. Oksana was artistically and musically gifted, and she was outgoing and hospitable. She worked at the University of Saskatchewan campus in the Main Library and the Law Library, and eventually at the Library of the Catholic Board of Education. This work also enabled her to be even more hospitable than she already was by her nature. Father Orest took time to be with students, as he answered their personal questions on his Saturday visits to the Mohyla Institute. The Olekshy home became a welcoming place for prayer and spiritual discussion.

The Olekshys’ zeal and concern for spiritual things also were expressed in a desire to reach out to non-Slavic people with the gifts of the Orthodox Christian Faith. Such an outreach would necessarily mean using the English language in services. Father Orest and Dobrodijka Oksana were the appropriate persons to foster such a community.

In the context of this, many people renewed their baptismal vows, as they dedicated their lives anew to the Lord. The foundation of a unique community was being laid. English was used now in services, since many of the youth were 3rd generation Ukrainian Canadians.

From 1973 on, a Flame burned, and lives are changed in repentance, and for service. This did not develop without many trials ; but through the testing, there were many reminders to rejoice in the Lord always ; to accept everyone who would come through the church door, and always to value earnest conversation.

Father Orest and Matushka (Dobrodijka) Oksana

Forming the parish, 1975

The first meeting for the purpose of forming a parish took place in the home of the Olekshys shortly after the Feast of Pascha in 1975, hence the name “Holy Resurrection” for the parish. The nucleus of founding members included :

 Savelia Curniski ; Kathy Danyluk (Szalasznyj) ; Betty Gulutzan (Rohr) ; Barbara Kolibab (Eriksson) ; Raya (Szalasznyj) Lewicki ; Rodney Luciuk ; 
 Harvey Oystryk ; Dennis Pihach ; Vasil Szalasznyj ; John Syrnick ; together with the parents of some of the 
 young members, including Joe and Lydia Curniski ; Alexander and Elizabeth Pihach ; and 
 Pavlo and Evdokia Szalashny.

Very soon after the initial foundation of the parish, others joined, thus forming the lasting foundation of the parish family :

 Nicholas and Evelyn Kozmeniuk ; Taras Papish (a theological student at 
 Saint Andrew’s College, Winnipeg) ; Elizabeth and Morris Rachey ; Martin and Gloria Zip.

They were followed by many others, especially Orthodox families, who needed the English language as a medium of worship and instruction. These included Nick and Evelyn Kozmeniuk ; Morris and Elizabeth Rachey ; Taras Papish (newly returned from Saint Andrew’s College, Winnipeg, Manitoba) ; Phillip Eriksson ; Leonard Herrem ; Denise McLean (the last 3, Lutheran students in the city).

Later, in the 1980s, Father Peter and Matushka Cynthia Bodnar were part of the parish when they lived in Saskatoon.

A significant influence on the nature of the parish community was a particular visit, lecture and prayers by Archimandrite Eusebius (Stephanou) from Chicago, Illinois, of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America. His contributions fostered a strong spiritual refreshment and an evangelical disposition in the community, and a great concern for serving the Lord in love.

First Temple

In the early years, the parish met wherever space was available : in various homes (the first Divine Liturgy was served in the Olekshys’ mobile home which was then in Sutherland), at Mr. Zip’s Instant Printing shop, and for a longer time in the auditorium of the Howard Coad Public School. Eventually, it became possible to purchase a small former Baptist church on 25th Street and Avenue C. All the while, there were regular weekly prayer-meetings at the home of Father Orest and Oksana.

From the beginning, it has been the characteristic of this community that worship is done through congregational singing. The people have been led either by a cantor ("dyak"), or by a small group of prepared singers and a conductor (a cantor).

From its beginning, the commitment of the community has been to embrace and minister to any and every person that the Lord brought to it. As a result, it quickly became a diverse community. Although the original participants were members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, the use of the English language as the principal language of worship (in those days) became an unresolvable difference, and the community and their priest soon transferred to the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA, under Metropolitan Andrey (Kuschak) of New York.

In its earliest days, the parish was strengthened by involvement with other local Christian bodies, including the local Roman Catholic charismatic renewal prayer group, and the Mount Zion and Church of the Way communities. The parish co-supported “Jericho House” located just west of Saskatoon, a halfway house for men.

By the late 1970s, the parish was involved in helping refugees from Iraq and Russian refugees coming via Israel. Several significant persons in the Lord deserve special thanks in the early days of the parish : first, Father Eusebius Stephanou who made several visits to Saskatoon (prior to and after the parish formation, and for its 10th anniversary).

Archpriest Eusebius Stephanou, 1976

Father Eusebius preached about full commitment to the Lord, and the need to renounce so-called 'Age of Aquarius' practices : astrology, horoscopes, fortune-telling, Ouija boards, and the like.

There were also Pastor Dave Roberts and Bill Kellers of Saskatoon ; Father Boris Zabrodsky (at that time in Chicago, Illinois, USA) ; and Dr. Eugene Weisner), a Montana psychologist, with his memorable, “in Christ, you can do hard things”).

Parishioners, 1985

Transfer to The Orthodox Church in America, 1986

In 1986, on the initiative of Deacon Dennis Pihach, the parish requested to be received into The Orthodox Church in America, and it was accepted. The parish thus became a part of the Archdiocese of Canada.

Dennis Pihach of this parish had been ordained to the Holy Diaconate on 20 July, 1986, by Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor). The ordination took place in Saint Nicholas' Orthodox Church at Narol, Manitoba.

In this year also, Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) of New York arrived in Saskatoon in order personally to effect the official reception of the parish into The Orthodox Church in America. During this visit, on 16 November, 1986, he also ordained Deacon Dennis Pihach to the Holy Priesthood.

In that same year, Father Orest was blessed to wear the gold Cross, and he was elevated to the dignity of archpriest.

Soon afterwards, Father Orest was given a brief leave of absence to renew his health and strength, and Father Dennis Pihach cared for the parish in the interim.

Second Temple, 1987

In 1987, during this interim, the first Temple was sold to the Antiochian Orthodox Mission of Saint Vincent of Lerins, and a new, larger building was purchased. This former Baptist church was at the corner of Lorne Avenue and Hilliard Street in the “Exhibition” area of the city on the south side of the South Saskatchewan River.

Second Temple

On Father Orest’s return, the life of the parish continued as before. However, Oksana, who had already suffered for many years from ill health (associated with renal failure), continued to require more treatments and attention. Despite this, neither was “stoppable”. It was written of Oksana that during all these years, she worked together with her husband, and she supported the extended spiritual family in any way necessary. Her home was truly an open and healing home, and she a loving mother.

 Who from the early years does not recall when a person in need was taken into the Olekshy home not for a 
 night, not for a week, but for whatever time it took, even months if necessary, to live in a real home, and 
 come forth a real person ? Indeed, she (Oksana) always had time to listen to those in need, to address and 
 encourage the person, not the issue.  
 (‘Canadian Orthodox Messenger’ (Summer, 1997), pp. 3-4.)

During these years, the parish continued to grow. People came to the parish family both from non- Orthodox backgrounds, and from traditional Orthodox ancestry : Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Egyptian, Eritrean, Sudanese.

Hosting the Archdiocese of Canada Assembly in Saskatoon, 1990

On 28-30 June, 1990, at the Queens House of Retreats in Saskatoon, the Triennial Archdiocesan Assembly met. The assembly was hosted by Holy Resurrection Church under the leadership of Father Orest.

Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor), the Locum Tenens of the Archdiocese of Canada chaired the meetings, and he led the Primatial Divine Liturgy on its conclusion. Present also was Bishop Seraphim (Storheim), the Vicar-Bishop of the Archdiocese of Canada.

This meeting was very much concerned with the election of a nominee to the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America regarding having a ruling diocesan bishop for the archdiocese. It had been 9 years since the retirement of Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns) of Montréal and Canada.

This assembly elected Bishop Seraphim to be the nominee. Later, at its autumn meeting at the central chancellory at Syosset, New York, the Synod of Bishops elected Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) to become the Diocesan Bishop of Ottawa and Canada. The enthronement took place later, on 28 October, 1990, in Ottawa, Ontario.

Other concerns addressed by this assembly included the steps following the recent purchase of a suitable property and residence for the bishop : the development of the organisation of the administration of the archdiocese ; the development of the offices of the archdiocese ; the manner of educating both the Faithful and candidates for ordination ; the development of methods for the improvement of the financial support of the archdiocese and its life.

After this time, for many years, many parishioners served on the Archdiocesan Council.

Priest Phillip Eriksson (1990-2003)

On 1 July, 1990, the Subdeacon Phillip Eriksson was ordained to the Holy Diaconate, and he was assigned to serve in this parish. Matushka Barbara was a principal leader of the singing for very many years.

Although he was working in order to sustain his family, Deacon Phillip was very much involved in the pastoral support of the parish and of the work of Father Orest.

Deacon Phillip Eriksson was then ordained to the Holy Priesthood on 14 May, 2000. After this, he was assigned to serve in the Holy Resurrection parish as a priest.

At the end of September, 2003, the Priest Phillip Eriksson and his family were transferred to serve at Saint Herman of Alaska's Sobor in Edmonton, Alberta.

Windows to the East lectures, 1994

Father Orest was instrumental in establishing “Windows to the East”, an annual lecture series in Saskatoon that began in 1994. For many years thereafter, it brought together leaders of Eastern Rite and Roman Catholic churches, the OCA and the Ukrainian Orthodox Churches for the purpose of giving talks, and reflecting on their content.

He also participated in local ministerial groups where he represented the Orthodox Faith in the neighbourhood of his parish, and in the city.

Either through organisation, attendance, or both, Father Orest was also a supporter of the local Saint Vladimir’s Seminary Institute in Saskatoon each year. This annual institute (in association with Saint Vladimir's Seminary in New York) furthered the Orthodox education of a large number of persons for many years.

In 1995, Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) participated in "Windows to the East" by giving 2 presentations. The other presenter was the Melkite Bishop Nicholas Samra of Boston, Massachusetts.

1995 Windows to the East : Bishop Seraphim, Bishop Nicholas

Ordination of Deacon R John Polson to the Holy Priesthood, 1996

On 1 July, 1996, Deacon R John Polson (a long-time parishioner of this parish and then student at Saint Herman's Seminary in Kodiak, Alaska) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) during an Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in this parish. He was then attached to Holy Resurrection Church at Kodiak, Alaska, as a student at the seminary.

In 2004, after he had faced many challenges (mostly technical), he was transferred to the Diocese of Alaska of The Orthodox Church in America.

Bereavement, Dobrodijka Oksana, 1997

On Sunday, 2 March, 1997, Dobrodijka-Matushka Oksana reposed in Christ. Her blessed memory is etched on many hearts.

A literary vignette of her, written by Katya Szalasznyj of the parish in 2008, is found in “Northern Lights : An Anthology of Contemporary Christian Writing in Canada” (Byron Rempel-Burkholder, editor).

Such was the foundation. The membership of the parish came to include many from non-Orthodox backgrounds as well as many from traditional Orthodox backgrounds : Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Egyptian, Eritrean and Sudanese. There were many from mixed backgrounds as well. Amongst them, there were those who had some Orthodox or Uniat family history. David Grier and his wife Lorraine, and James Nicholas Davis and his wife Karen may represent those with a mixed background. In addition, the parish community has cared for a larger community of immigrants who are struggling to put down roots and find direction in this new land. The parish has spawned a great number of priests and other clergy who have gone on to serve in many parts of Canada and in the USA. Some of them devoted themselves to ecclesiastical administrative service in Canada and abroad.

Visit of the Archpriest Basil Summer of the central office

Deacon Phillip Eriksson, Archpriest Basil Summer from the Syosset offices, Archpriest Orest Olekshy

One of the pastoral vehicles developed by Father Orest was an informal consultative council of those who served in various active ways in the parish. This council included priests, deacons, subdeacons, readers and others. They met with Father Orest frequently, often over breakfast or coffee, and they would discuss the pastoral condition of the parish and the parishioners, and particular needs that were perceived in particular situations. These meetings very much helped people to support one another and to pray for one another. In particular, the priest more quickly became aware of pastoral needs amongst the parishioners.

Clergy council breakfast with Bishop Seraphim (Storheim)

Visit of Bishop Paul (Lebedev) of the Kyiv Monastery of the Caves to Saskatoon, 1998

In June, 1998, Bishop Paul (Lebedev) of Trahia visited Saskatoon during his 3-week visit to the Archdiocese of Canada in accordance with the invitation of Bishop Seraphim (Storheim). As the Vicar-Abbot of the Kyiv Caves Lavra ("Kyivo-Pecherska Lavra") Monastery in Kyiv, Ukraine, he brought with him the holy relics of several of the best-known 11th-century saints of the monastery for the Faithful in Canada to venerate. He was also raising funds for the purpose of helping the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in its rebuilding and revival work in Ukraine.

Bishop Paul, Father Orest, Father Phillip and a deacon

Father Orest served for a long time on the Archdiocesan Council of the Archdiocese of Canada, and he likewise served as the Dean of the Manitoba/Saskatchewan/Nunavut Deanery. In the autumn of 2003, he was once more elected and assigned to be the Dean of Saskatchewan, and he again therefore served on the Archdiocesan Council (he had previously served in this responsibility until 1996) for what was to be the last term.

Under his leadership, the Holy Resurrection Sobor hosted the triennial assembly of the Archdiocese of Canada twice : in July, 1990, and in July, 2004.

After the departure of the family of Father Phillip Eriksson to Edmonton, Alberta, in 2003, several persons took up the responsibility of leading the singing. Gail Papish and Lorraine Grier were the main leaders, and in time Lorraine Grier became the principal leader.

The winter issue of the “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” in 1991-1992 reported that Father Orest’s vision of the future was based on the experience of the previous 25 years, a walk at times frightening and lonely, yet one that proves the faithfulness of God, who opened doors of blessing and stability. His continuing concern was, as he said, the brokenness of people which is caused by sin. They must come to health through God the Healer, so that the members of Christ’s Body, the Church, can relate to one another properly.

Saint Vladimir's Institute in Saskatoon (1999- )

It is important to keep in mind that Father Daniel Guenther had been greatly instrumental (together with Father Orest Olekshy) in the establishment and continuance of the "Saint Vladimir's Institute of Saskatoon", which began its offerings in 1999. Its development was a part of the continuing attempts to provide ways of preparing potential seminary students for one or another seminary by providing intensive courses for credit. Any such provision also included opportunities for "regular parishioners" to deepen their knowledge and understanding of their Faith. They could attend as auditors, and many did so. The institute was first announced in the summer issue of the "Canadian Orthodox Messenger" of 1998 for May, 1999. Through his great efforts, the annual institute experience brought professors from Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York. They offered classes for credit to clergy and lay-persons all across Western Canada, and they offered public lectures and engaged Christian Saskatoon as well. As long as this institute could be perpetuated, it provided a very valuable service.

In the first session of May, 1999, the Institute was well-attended, and the presenters were the Archpriests Thomas Hopko and John Behr. There were participants and auditors from both Alberta and Saskatchewan.

During that week, the Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, Dean of Saint Vladimir's Seminary in New York, gave a presentation in the Temple at the annual "Windows to the East" conference. Copies of that talk were made by Mrs. Karen Davis. The other session of this conference took place at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at the University of Saskatchewan.

May, 1999 : Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko gives a lecture at "Windows to the East", 1999

Holy Resurrection Temple becomes a “Sobor”, 2000

In 2000 AD, Holy Resurrection parish in Saskatoon marked its 25th anniversary of service and witness for Jesus Christ in the city. This “milestone” in history was marked in the parish itself.

However, in 2002, the Holy Synod of Bishop of The Orthodox Church in America decided to elevate the parish to the status of “sobor” during its spring, 2002, regular session. This event was reported by Katya Szalasznyj in the autumn, 2002, issue of the “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” (on pp. 7-8). Katya explained that the word “sobor” has several meanings, with some derivative implications. It can mean “council”, “synod”, “convention", “assembly”. It can imply “gathering”, “together”. It can mean “an assembly of persons summoned or convened for consultation, deliberation, or advice” ; “a place of assembly” ; “parliament” ; “an ecclesiastical assembly for deciding matters of doctrine or discipline”. All these suggest a gathering-together of people in a place of sufficient size to accommodate such an assembly. Katya clarified also that a “sobor” is usually a sort of “mother church” that nurtures missions, and supports older communities round about it. She also drew attention to the related word “sobornost”, which itself means “spiritual community of many jointly-living people”, or “a mystical union of believers : those departed ; those still on earth ; those yet to come”.

These considerations lie behind the decision to designate Holy Resurrection Church as a "sobor". In its comparatively brief existence, this parish has nurtured new communities, supported older communities, and it has provided leadership in a self-emptying manner of loving, Christian service. This parish was the first community in the province to use the English language solely in its worship as a testimony that it is a truly Canadian missionary parish. It has served many times as a vehicle for providing spiritual and theological education to the Faithful ; it has provided candidates to serve in the Holy Priesthood of the Church ; it has embraced people of all ethnic backgrounds, the poor, and the homeless. It exemplifies the purpose and way-of-life of the first Orthodox Christian missionaries who came to the North American continent.

Parishioners, 2000

Deacon Taras Papish (2000-2024)

On 14 May, 2000, the Subdeacon Taras (Terry) Papish was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) in and for this Temple.

Despite many health obstacles in later years, Deacon Taras continued to serve in every way in a truly diaconal manner, both in the parish, and in the deanery. He had already been a long-serving parishioner, and his wife Gail has been one of the active leaders of singing in the parish community. Deacon Taras was very much "behind the scenes" as he took care of a great many pastoral details while he supported the priests who led the parish.

Deacon Taras Papish was elevated to the dignity of protodeacon.

Because of his propensity for photography, he was nicknamed by the bishop as "photodeacon".

Second hosting of Archdiocese of Canada Assembly, 2004

Under the leadership of Father Orest (Olekshy), Holy Resurrection Sobor hosted (for the second time in 14 years) the Triennial Assembly of the Archdiocese of Canada in July of 2004. The assembly met at the "Queen’s House of Retreats", beside the South Saskatchewan River.

One of the main concerns of this assembly was the process of trying to find a Vicar-Bishop for the Archdiocese. At this meeting, Archbishop Mark (Petrovtsiy) of the Moscow Patriarchate Parishes in Canada was present. Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko) arrived in time for the last part of the meeting, and he addressed the assembly on Thursday morning. Protopresbyter Robert (“Fr Bob”) Kondratick, Chancellor of the OCA, gave a lengthy, upbeat report on the many challenges facing the Church today. Archpriest John Jillions spoke about the beginning of plans to meet the need for a truly national cathedral in Ottawa, Ontario, one which would be large enough to allow for other hierarchs to visit and concelebrate with Vladyka Seraphim.

Over the 3 days, Vespers was served each evening, and the Divine Liturgy was served each morning. The Primatial Divine Liturgy on Friday morning was served by Metropolitan Herman, celebrating with Bishop Seraphim of Ottawa, Archbishop Mark of Kashira, retired Archbishop Lazar (Puhalo) of Ottawa, and retired Bishop Varlaam (Novakshonoff) of Vancouver, British Columbia. They were assisted by Protopresbyter Robert Kondratick, Archpriest Dennis Pihach, Archpriest Lawrence Farley, Archpriest Cyprian R A Hutcheon, and Archdeacon Alexei Klimitchev (of the OCA Chancellory). The main reason why Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko) attended this assembly (and many others) was that he considered it a personal priority to participate in numerous diocesan assemblies. By doing so, his presence not only afforded an opportunity for the Faithful to interact personally with their Primate, but it also emphasised the unity of the Orthodox Church on the whole continent.

Retirement of Father Orest Olekshy, 2005

Even after retirement on 1 September, 2005, Father Orest Olekshy never ceased loving the parish and parishioners of Saskatoon. He resided for some years in Melville, Saskatchewan, near his daughter Ilaria, and son-in-law Louis, and their family, before they moved to Yorkton. It was his intention eventually to move to a separate section of their house. Preaching with the same loving zeal, attuned to current issues, and exhibiting the same good humour, as he approached his 80s in 2016, Father Orest continued to serve parishes near the Manitoba border (particularly at Saint Elijah in Lennard, Manitoba).

So many words have been devoted to Father Orest and Dobrodijka Oksana Olekshy simply because they have remained at the very heart and foundation of this community. Their example, their love and their prayers have formed the “personality” of the parish family. The present lack of description of the various gifts, love and service of the several priests and families who have followed them in their service in this community in no way minimises their valuable and positive contributions to the continued development of the parish family. There is sincere gratitude amongst the parishioners for the work of the love of Jesus Christ in each of them, and for Protodeacon Wilhelm Friesen (†2011) and Protodeacon Taras Papish as well. It may be said that a significant and positive recent element of life in the parish has been the steady growth of the Church-school.

Before his retirement, Father Orest visited his longtime parishioner Pavlo Szalaszny in hospital (not long before his repose in 2006 at age 102), who was still very alert, albeit feeble.

Visiting Pavel Szalaszny

Archpriest Daniel Guenther (2005-2006, 2009-2010)

In 2004, the Priest Daniel Guenther had begun to serve as Second Priest in the Holy Resurrection Sobor parish. Father Daniel with his wife Wendy and their family had been living in or near this parish since 1995, while he held civilian employment, and at the same time served various parishes in rural Saskatchewan (Prince Albert, Kayville and others). This required a great amount of driving. He has always been a beloved, respected and serious pastor as he balanced his various responsibilities.

Service as rector, 2005-2010

After the retirement of Father Orest in 2005, the Archpriest Daniel Guenther was assigned to serve as the rector of the sobor. The communities which he served in southern Saskatchewan particularly experienced a spiritual awakening and renewal, together with a fresh acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures, and they were grateful for the pastoral leadership that Father Daniel had given. This was to be the general response of Holy Resurrection Sobor also. When he took the responsibility of leading this community, he did so while retaining his employment (for various reasons).

In order to maintain the pastoral support of the sobor parish, he made considerable use of the "clergy council" which had been instituted by the founding pastor. Nevertheless, because of the circumstances of the parish and of his life, it eventually became necessary that another priest succeed him. The parish council felt the need of the focussed leadership of a full-time pastor. Father Daniel continued to live in the city and to serve in this parish.

In October, 2009, the Archpriest Daniel Guenther was assigned again to serve as Interim Rector of the sobor. However, during his time of service, it became clear that he was able only to serve the parish on a part-time basis.

In August, 2010, the Archpriest Daniel Guenther was released from his responsibility as Interim Rector. He continued to live in the city and to participate as much as possible in the midst of his other pastoral responsibilities.

Archpriest Daniel Guenther

Protodeacon Wilhelm Friesen (2004-2011)

In 2004, Deacon Wilhelm Friesen was received into the Archdiocese of Canada. He was assigned to the Holy Resurrection Sobor parish where he served faithfully. His wife Agnes and their children with him became an integral part of the parish family.

In 2005, Deacon Wilhelm was elevated to the dignity of protodeacon.

As the first of the deacons serving at the sobor, and as the senior deacon of the Province of Saskatchewan, he was a steady resource and support for the other clergy serving at the sobor, and in the province. Protodeacon Wilhelm was usually and affectionately called "Willy" by many. A truly loving husband and father, he was a good example of how a Christian lives, and this bore fruit both in his own family and in the parish family.

Protodeacon Wilhelm serving with Archpriest Cyprian Hutcheon

Bereavement, 2011

Rather suddenly, Protodeacon Wilhelm fell asleep in the Lord in the afternoon of Wednesday, 11 May, 2011, in Saskatoon. This was the consequence of an embolism, which was a complication of the leukemia from which he had suffered for some years. He was at the time in the midst of another treatment.

Protodeacon Willy reposed during the week of the Holy Myrrh-bearers (the third Sunday of Pascha).

Archpriest Cyprian R Hutcheon (2006-2009)

On 15 August, 2006, Archpriest Cyprian Hutcheon was assigned to be Rector of Holy Resurrection Sobor in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He had been the expressed preference of the parish council, and he had been given the responsibility to continue the transition following the long pastorate of the founder, the Archpriest Orest Olekshy. He would help the parish to develop on the basis of the past experiences.

Archpriest Cyprian R Hutcheon

Father Cyprian had previously served in the parish of the Sign of the Theotokos in Montréal, Québec. He had recently retired from medical practice there as a greatly-respected physician, a paediatric specialist. He had further served as the first medical director of the paediatric palliative care programme in the Montréal Children's Hospital.

Since Father Cyprian had grown up in Saskatchewan, and his aged mother still lived in Saskatoon (she reposed in the Lord later in 2006), and since he was now retired as a physician, it seemed to be appropriate that he move nearer to his mother. He alone of the children in the family had such a possibility.

During an archpastoral visit, on Sunday, 27 August, 2007, Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) officially installed Archpriest Cyprian (Hutheon) as rector of the parish.

During this visit, Bishop Seraphim elevated Deacon Wilhelm Friesen to the dignity of protodeacon ; Deacon Taras Papish was blessed to wear the double orar ; Priest Daniel Guenther was elevated to the dignity of archpriest ; retired Archpriest Orest Olekshy was given the title "Rector Emeritus".

On 30 September, 2009, upon his request, the Archpriest Cyprian Hutcheon was granted release from his responsibilities as Rector of Holy Resurrection Sobor in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He remained assigned to the Sobor as Associate Priest. Father Cyprian eventually found a suitable apartment in a retirement residence in Saskatoon, and he took up permanent residence there. He continued to serve along with the clergy of this sobor.

Priest Juan Pablo Ruiz-Gomar (2010-2016)

In August, 2010, the Priest Juan Pablo Ruiz Gomar was assigned to serve as the rector of the Holy Resurrection Sobor parish. He came to Saskatoon from Rawdon, Québec, with his wife Catherine and one of their sons. The other remained in Montréal, where he was studying. "Father Pau", as he was generally called (Pau being short for Pablo or Paul), undertook to strengthen the spiritual life and the liturgical worship of the parish, to visit, and to strengthen the Church school of the parish. Being originally from Catalonia in Spain, and having had a long experience in France, where he worked in "L'Arche" (as had his wife), he provided a very broad experience regarding the many ways in which Orthodox Christians may serve, care for, and nurture one another. During his time of service, many more amongst the Ethiopian and Eritrean families became part of the parish family.

Priest Juan Pablo Ruiz-Gomar

On 23 May, 2013, as part of his visit to the Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nunavut Deanery, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) made a pastoral visit to Holy Resurrection Sobor. He was welcomed by the rector of the parish, the Priest Juan Pablo Ruiz-Gomar, along with the Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach), the OCA Representative in Moscow ; the Archpriest Phillip Eriksson, Dean of Alberta and Rector of the Holy Martyr Peter the Aleut Church in Calgary, Alberta ; the Priest Bernard Funk, Rector of Saint Vincent of Lerins Antiochian Orthodox Church in Saskatoon ; the Priest Roman Kocur of All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Saskatoon ; the Igumen Gerasim (Power), Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Smoky Lake, Alberta ; the Protodeacon Nazari Polataiko, Secretary of the Archdiocese of Canada ; the Deacon Taras Papish of Holy Resurrection Sobor, and others. Bishop Irénée (Rochon) then celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with the clergy.

Bishop Irénée had brought with him for veneration by the Faithful, the wonder-working icon of Saint Nicholas of Myra and relics from the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Ottawa, Ontario.

Archpastoral visit of Bishop Irénée (Rochon), 2014

During the 2014 archpastoral visit to Holy Resurrection Sobor in Saskatoon, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) once again celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Temple.

On this occasion, he tonsured Gregory Rychlo to be a reader, and he also awarded Protodeacon Taras Papish the right to wear a kamilavka while he was serving.

Vladka Irénée (Rochon) with Protodeacon Taras Papish

Archpastoral visitation by Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), 2015

On 26 April, 2015, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) made an archpastoral visit to Holy Resurrection Sobor in Saskatoon.

Although there was a heavy snow-storm that day, the Sunday of the Holy Myrrh-bearers in the Paschal season, Archbishop Irénée was received with joy and thanksgiving at Holy Resurrection Sobor. Serving together with him were Father Juan Pablo Ruiz Gomar, the Archpriest Daniel Guenther, the Priest Leonard Herrem, Protodeacon Taras Papish, and Deacon Jesse Isaac. On this occasion, the Priest Leonard Herrem was awarded the right to wear the kamilavka, and Deacon Jesse Isaac was elevated to the dignity of protodeacon.

In addition to the parishioners of Holy Resurrection Sobor, there were parishioners attending from both Saint Vincent of Lerins Orthodox Church in Saskatoon, and from All Saints Orthodox Church in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan.

Later that year, a group photo was taken of all the parishioners who could be present on that day. The photographer was, as usual, the Subdeacon James Nicholas Davis (on the far right of the photo).

Parishioners, 2015

Father Pau served in this parish family until 2016, when he was released from this responsibility by the bishop.

He remained living in Saskatoon while his wife continued to work until 2018, at which time he was transferred.

Priest Leonard Herrem (2016-__)

On 23 May, 2013, during the Divine Liturgy of his archpastoral visit to Saskatoon, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) ordained Deacon Leonard Herrem to the Holy Priesthood. The Priest Leonard Herrem was attached to Holy Resurrection Sobor.

He and his wife Chrystal and their family, who had long been active parishioners, continued to serve along with the other clergy.

Clergy present at the ordination

Later in that year, the Priest Leonard Herrem was released from his attachment in this parish, and he was assigned to serve as the rector of All Saints Orthodox Church in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan.

He fulfilled his pastoral responsibilities in Meadow Lake by driving there frequently. Because he had his own practice as a marriage and family therapist, he remained at work in Saskatoon.

In 2016, the Priest Leonard Herrem was transferred with his wife Chrystal to Holy Resurrection Sobor in Saskatoon, and he was assigned to serve as the rector. During this year, Father Leonard and Chrystal marked their 33rd anniversary of marriage.

Priest Leonard and Matushka Chrystal

Father Leonard had a very long-standing familiarity with the parish, since he had long been a parishioner, and he had served as a reader and then as a subdeacon under the guidance of the founding rector, the Archpriest Orest Olekshy. He had been a part of the "clergy council" instituted by Father Orest.

By this time, their children were adults.

Priest Leonard Herrem

25 September, 2016 : Youth Pilgrimage in Honour of Saint Sergius of Radonezh

For the Feast-day of Saint Sergius of Radonezh in September, 2016, parishioners of Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church visited Diefenbaker Park, and they participated in a small pilgrimage in honour of Saint Sergius of Radonezh.

Pilgrimage group, Fathers Leonard Herrem, Cyrpian Hutcheon

Bereavement twice more : 2016, 2017

Repose of Archimandrite Alexander, 2016

Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) had been away from the parish of Holy Resurrection for many years, although he had frequently returned to visit. He had gone on from Edmonton to serve for several years in Moscow, Russia, as the OCA's representative to the Moscow Patriarchate. He had just finished visiting his family, and he was returning towards Moscow, when he fell asleep in the Lord suddenly and unexpectedly in Toronto, Ontario, on 7 October, 2016. He had just arrived at the home of the Archpriest Vasyl and Matushka Oksana Kolega, the rector of Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Sobor in Toronto. It is reported that the reason for the sudden repose was a massive heart-attack.

The first funeral services were presided over by Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard), at Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Cathedral at 823, Manning Avenue, Toronto, Ontario. The Order for the Burial of a Priest was served on Wednesday, 12 October, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. in the cathedral. The Hierarchical Memorial Divine Liturgy was served on Thursday, 13 October, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Afterwards, letters of condolence were read which had been received from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and from the Canadian and American ambassadors to Russia. A message of condolence from Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was read by his chancellor, Protopresbyter Panagiotis Avgeropoulos. After the service, the body of Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) was transferred to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where there were served several panikhidas (memorial services) at Holy Resurrection Sobor, where his body rested briefly.

Because Holy Resurrection Sobor was too small for the large number of people expected, the second funeral services were held at the rented Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family (123, Nelson Road, in Saskatoon). On Monday, 17 October, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., the Order for the Burial of a Priest was served. On Tuesday, 18 October, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., the Hierarchical Memorial Divine Liturgy was presided over by Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), together with the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, the Mitred Archpriest Anatoliy Mel’nyk, one of the first clergy who was helped to immigrate to Canada by Father Alexander, and with many other clergy. Interment followed in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Saskatoon, where members of his family repose.

Repose of the Archpriest Orest Olekshy, 2017

On 28 March, 2017, the Archpriest Orest Olekshy, the founding pastor of the parish, suddenly fell asleep in Christ in Melville, Saskatchewan. He suffered a heart-attack at home, and he reposed soon after he had been taken to the hospital.

On Monday, 3 April, 2017, a panikhida was served at Saint Elijah’s Romanian Orthodox Parish at Lennard, Manitoba, followed by a the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Priest on Tuesday, 4 April.

On Thursday, 6 April, a panikhida was served at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Sobor (2202 Lorne Avenue, Saskatoon), followed by a Memorial Divine Liturgy on Friday, 7 April. This was followed by the interment of the Archpriest Orest Olekshy beside his wife in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Saskatoon.

Holy Fire from Jerusalem, 2017

It was an historic moment when The "Holy Fire" was brought to Holy Resurrection Sobor on Wednesday evening, 27 May, 2017. It was brought by Subdeacon Vasil Maskal via Edmonton, Alberta. There were visitors from Saint Vincent's Orthodox Church also present, along with Father Leonard Herrem and the Faithful of Holy Resurrection.

Father Leonard lights a candle from the Holy Fire

Father Leonard explains about the Holy Fire before sharing the Fire with the Faithful

On this joyful occasion, a Moleben of Thanksgiving was offered, and everyone received a lit candle, which many attempted to take home in order to illuminate their homes. At the close, Lorraine Grier led the congregation in the singing of "Christ is Risen", the Tropar that is sung on the Feast of Pascha, and during the whole of Paschaltide. With these words, the Faithful greet each other during the whole of this season, as well.

Other activities

The parish continued to make itself known and approachable through participation in various activities, such as the Broadway Street Fair.

Broadway Street Fair, 2019

2018 Archpastoral visit

On Saturday, 2 June, 2018, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) made a pastoral visit to the sobor. This visit included 2 ordinations.

At the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Irénée ordained the Reader Gregory Rychlo to the Holy Subdiaconate, and he ordained the Subdeacon Maximus Ferguson to the Holy Diaconate. Serving together with Archbishop Irénée were the Rector of the Holy Resurrection, the Priest Leonard Herrem ; the Archpriest Daniel Guenther ; the Priest Dorin-Călin Marincaş ; Protodeacon Jesse Isaac of Saint Herman's Sobor in Edmonton ; Deacon John Youchezin from Saint Vincent of Lerins Antiochian Orthodox Church. Taras Papish was present.

It was a bright, sunny day for the visit, and since it had been longer than a year since Vladyka Irénée had been able to visit, there were many in attendance. The parishioners were excited to see him and have him in their midst. There were many friends and family members in attendance for the ordinations, and some that had never attended an Orthodox Divine Liturgy, nor had they ever seen the vesting of a bishop or an ordination. A sense of awe was present during the proceedings, and the people were aware that the blessing of the Lord was upon them. Deacon Maximus Ferguson and his wife Betty have been long-time parishioners in the sobor parish, as have Subdeacon Gregory Rychlo and his wife Carol.

Subdeacon Gregory, Deacon-to-be Maximus

Clergy serving at the ordination

Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)

2020 Coronavirus-19 closure of parishes

Because of the rules governing gatherings that were laid down by the provincial and city governments with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic, the sobor stopped any further services after 8 March, 2020. Including the rules regarding social distancing, the decreasing numbers permitted for any gathering, the considerations regarding the health of all concerned, and the directions of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) that the civilian rules be obeyed, this parish was unable to have any more of the usual services in the Temple until the lifting of the restrictions. These measures are similar to those that were taken in the past, in various parts of the Orthodox world, during the time of a plague. The parish was able to resume liturgical services in the summertime, but with the conditions of social-distancing, mask-wearing and hand-sanitising, and the conditions surrounding the virus affected the parish, parishioners and all society for the remainder of the year.

Archpastoral visit of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), 2022

On Saturday, 27 August, 2022, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) made an archpastoral visitation to Holy Resurrection Sobor. He was in the midst of a visit to the deanery parishes, and he served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the sobor.

Archpastoral visit of Vladyka Irénée, 2022

Pre-Lenten Retreat, 2023

On Friday, 26 January, 2023, Holy Resurrection Sobor presented an "on-line" Pre-Lenten Retreat about "Time and Trauma".

The presenter was Nicole M Roccas, an author and certified trauma-informed coach. Through writing, speaking, and work with clients, she seeks to help others to locate meaning from within the toughest issues of life and faith, such as despondency, grief, and trauma. The retreat sessions were presented through "Zoom" technology.

Bereavement, 2024

On Sunday, 18 February, 2024, Protodeacon Taras (Terry) David Papish fell asleep in the Lord in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Protodeacon Taras Papish (1951-2024)

Protodeacon Taras, one of the excellent photographers in the parish (he was nicknamed “Photodeacon” as a consequence), had served as a deacon in the fullest sense of the earliest deacons (see Acts 6). This means that not only did he serve liturgically, but also he served with heartfelt care for parishioners, for the clergy, for the bishops, for anyone in need. Indeed, he had behaved in such a diaconal manner from even before his ordination to be a subdeacon, and even before he was tonsured to be a reader. Protodeacon Taras had suffered from failing health for a long time, and it came to involve frequent visits to hospital for dialysis. Even there, he ministered to those who were caring for him. Ultimately, his body was unable to persist. He remained at home until the last 2 weeks of his earthly life. Then, he was taken to hospital, which included a very brief time in palliative care.

On Thursday, 22 February, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Deacon was offered at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Saskatoon. It was presided over by Mitred Archpriest Phillip Eriksson (Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Canada). He was assisted by Priest Leonard Herrem (rector of the parish), Priest Herman Fields (Rector of Saint Vincent's Antiochian Orthodox Church, Saskatoon) ; Deacon Maximus Ferguson (Holy Resurrection Sobor) ; and Deacon John Youchezin (Saint Vincent's Antiochian Orthodox Church).

At the funeral service

Father Leonard Herrem gave a homily ; and later, Father Phillip Eriksson spoke. Both these priests had known and served with Protodeacon Taras for decades.

At the homily

The Funeral Service was transmitted on the internet here.

On Friday, 23 February, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., the Memorial Divine Liturgy was offered at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Saskatoon, presided over by Mitred Archpriest Phillip Eriksson (Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Canada), who was assisted by Priest Leonard Herrem (Rector of this parish) ; Archpriest Rodion Luciuk (Rector of Saint Mark's Orthodox Church, Yorkton) ; Archpriest Andrew Piasta (Rector of Saint Andrew's Orthodox Church, Canora) ; Priest Herman Fields (Rector of Saint Vincent's Antiochian Orthodox Church, Saskatoon) ; Deacon Maximus Ferguson (Holy Resurrection Sobor) ; Deacon John Youchezin (Saint Vincent's Antiochian Orthodox Church, Saskatoon) ; and Deacon Micah Friesen (Saint Herman of Alaska Sobor, Edmonton, Alberta). Archpriest Cyprian Hutcheon (former rector, Holy Resurrection Sobor) was present, but not serving.

After the Gospel reading, Father Phillip Eriksson gave a homily.

Preparing for Holy Communion

Distributing the Holy Mysteries

After the Divine Liturgy

Following the Divine Liturgy, a final Memorial Litiya was offered. Following this, Father Phillip Eriksson asked each priest (including Father Cyprian Hutcheon) to speak briefly about the newly-departed Protodeacon Taras. Afterwards, those present approached the coffin in order to give the Last Kiss to Protodeacon Taras Papish.

The Memorial Divine Liturgy was transmitted on the internet here.

When the funeral obsequies were completed, a Memorial Meal was offered in the parish hall. It was offered at this time because of the distance between the Temple and the cemetery. It was a particularly abundant meal which was organised and prepared by parishioners, and particularly Ukrainian in character. As it was pointed out at the time, the meal expressed the Orthodox Christian virtue of hospitality with love (reminiscent of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk). Even with the more-than-anticipated number who remained for the repast, there was enough for all.

After this, there was a procession to Vanscoy, Saskatchewan (about 30 km (18 mi) southwest of Saskatoon, on Highway #7), and to the Vanscoy Community Cemetery where the body of Protodeacon Taras Papish was interred.

Protodeacon Taras Papish was survived by his wife, Gail, their 3 children, and their grandchildren.

A remarkable number of children of the parish (now adults), many who have not been seen in years, returned for his funeral. This speaks to his approachability, and his friendly, kindly ways.

Katya and Vasil Szalasznyj provided this recollection :

 From the earliest days, we remember him as a black-haired man with
 sparkling dark eyes, always full of humour.  He had returned from seminary 
 in Winnipeg, and often was at Mohyla Institute where I was living.  
 
 He shouldered the tragedy of his childhood in that big accident.  The church 
 became his haven, and provided for him a community, a respected and well 
 carried out diaconate and a beautiful closeness with Father Orest, of 
 spiritual and emotional benefit, and which resulted in many funny 
 anecdotes.
 
 His interest and respect for Ukrainian culture helped to bring him to the 
 church.  I remember at Mohyla Institute on Saturday nights while others 
 were going out carousing, he and Zenovia Semenuk would be sitting 
 downstairs practising the Galician tones for next day, which he would sing 
 at All Saints Church which met at Mohyla for many years.
 
 The joy of meeting the love of his life, Gail, which I believe, was somehow 
 connected with a visit to Humboldt with one of the Rachey boys (also 
 members of the parish), which resulted in a beautiful home life and the 
 raising of three lovely children.
 
 God provided and we rejoice ! What a brother in Christ !
 We are left with many happy stories, including him arriving on the doorstep 
 of Baba and Deedo Shalashny with cottage cheese or yoghurt from the 
 Dairy, which had somehow perhaps been mislabelled and could not be sold. 
 They would say, ‘Taras was here’, and so he brightened their days ! He 
 complimented our cabbage rolls many times over [...].  He appreciated 
 people !
 
 This was the gist of our memorial coffee today and in remembering him we are 
 filled with joy.  His earthly sufferings are over, his confession of the truth of 
 the Resurrection was solid.

There was a later addendum :

 He valued people and stayed connected.  As his longtime friend and fellow 
 seminarian, Father Andrew Piasta, put it, ‘when he was your friend, he was
 your friend for life !’  
 
 He remembered birthdays with a phone calls, reminiscing about the  
 relationship over the years.  He took time for young and old, a precious 
 commodity in an impatient world.

It is helpful to be aware of details regarding the childhood of Protodeacon Taras Papish. It was a heavy burden in his life that he had, at age 8, been the sole survivor of a car-train collision that took the lives of everyone including his father, brother, uncle, and others (they had been on their way to a ballgame). It seems that Taras survived because he hadn’t shut his car door quite correctly. The force of the train’s impact blew the door open, and he was found in a tree, by God’s Grace and mercy. His mother suffered a mental collapse that lasted the rest of her life. As a consequence, Taras spent some time in foster-homes (not the best experiences), and then with family members. It was a burden for Taras, not only because children tend to blame themselves under such circumstances, but others also (often adults) sometimes blame a person for surviving (which is not logical nor correct). However, the Lord's love heals ; and in Taras, this love was evident.

With regard to this historical detail, Matushka Krista (born Eriksson) Francis noticed that Protodeacon Taras had reposed in Christ on the Sunday of Zacchaeus, in which day's Gospel reading (Luke 19:1-10), Zacchaeus and the tree are central elements. She noticed the co-relation of the fundamental elements, and she understood the activity of the Providence of God in the situation.

Savelia Curniski’s parents used to give Mrs. Papish a ride to church, as they lived in the same part of Saskatoon. Taras grew up amongst various relatives, including the prominent Ukrainian family, the Cipywnyks, who kept him in Ukrainian culture, and seem to have encouraged him to go to seminary.

An example of his natural pastoral behaviour was presented in a comment by Ilaria Olekshy, daughter of Father Orest and Oksana Oleksy. She said that from her childhood until his repose, Protodeacon Taras had called her every year on her birthday. He would sing "Happy Birthday", "Many Years", and then repeat some anecdotes.

Diaconal ordination

On 10 April, 2024, Subdeacon Gregory Rychlo was ordained by Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) to the Holy Diaconate at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church at Narol, Manitoba. This occurred during the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts during a meeting of the Archdiocesan Council in that parish.

Before the ordination, Gregory Rychlo had been a longtime active parishioner at Holy Resurrection Sobor. He served in many capacities also on the Archdiocesan Council for about 10 years. In the previous year, he had completed the Diaconal Vocations Programme. Vladyka Irénée had wanted to do the ordination in Saskatoon, but schedule conflicts had not permitted it, so he took this opportunity when he was at least somewhat near Saskatoon.

"The voices that proclaimed 'Axios' at the ordination, were not from one parish alone, but from many parishes from across the country. The priests, deacons, and lay members of the council, and the faithful of St Nicholas and Holy Trinity Sobor, who in surrounding their Archpastor and Bishop Irénée at this ordination, bore witness to the catholicity of our faith, and a manifestation of the Lord serving us, beyond the scope of our own parishes.

"Truly, Deacon Greg is now woven into the fabric of those who have served the Lord, and His Body the Church, throughout the ages and across this country ; and this is a consolation".

Ordination Deacon Gregory Rychlo

50 years, 2025

On Saturday and Sunday, 13-14 September, 2025, the Holy Resurrection Sobor celebrated its 50th anniversary.

There were 2 Hierarchical Divine Liturgies on this occasion.

On Saturday, 13 September, at 10:00 a.m., Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the actual day of the Altar-Feast of the parish. He was assisted by Mitred Archpriest Phillip Eriksson, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Canada ; Archpriest Leonard Herrem, Rector of the Sobor parish ; Archpriest Gregory Scratch, Dean of the Manitoba-Saskatchewan Deanery ; Archpriest Serhiy Kashyrets ; Archpriest Bernard Funk ; Priest Matthew Francis ; Priest Herman Fields ; Priest Matthew Beynon ; Archpriest Edward Jordan. Protodeacon Jesse Isaac ; Deacon Denis Letunovsky ; Deacon Kevin Wigglesworth ; Deacon Ioann Bioshko ; Deacon Maximus Ferguson ; Deacon Gregory Rychlo ; Deacon Jonathan Goossen. Archpriest Andrew Piasta was present. Deacon Micah Friesen was amongst the singers.

During the Divine Liturgy, Deacon Jonathan Goussen was ordained to the Holy Priesthood, and Subdeacon C Edwin Hay was ordained to the Holy Diaconate.

Clergy serving with Vladyka Irénée (Rochon)

Priest Jonathan Goossen

Deacon Edwin Hay, Priest Matthew Beynon, Deacon Ioann Bioshko

In the evening, Great Vespers of Sunday was served.

On Sunday, 14 September, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served by Archbishop Irénée (Rochon). He was assisted by Mitred Archpriest Phillip Eriksson ; Archpriest Leonard Herrem ; Archpriest Gregory Scratch ; Archpriest Vincent Lehr ; Archpriest Serhiy Kashyrets ; Priest Matthew Francis ; Priest Matthew Beynon ; Priest Edward Jordan ; Priest Jonathan Goossen ; Protodeacon Jesse Isaac ; Deacon Denis Letunovsky ; Deacon Kevin Wigglesworth ; Deacon Maximus Ferguson ; Deacon Gregory Rychlo ; Deacon Ioann Bioshko ; Deacon Edwin Hay. Archpriest Cyprian Hutcheon, and Archpriest Andrew Piasta were present. Deacon Micah Friesen was amongst the singers.

This was the day of the official anniversary celebration.

In the evening, a formal anniversary dinner with speeches and memorabilia was offered at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, in a building which overlooks a valley. It gave a beautiful panoramic view. In the distance, there must have been rain, since throughout most of the time during the proceedings, there was a rainbow in the sky, easily visible through the many windows.

Vladyka Irénée watching the rainbow (seated with Father Leonard and Deacon Denis)

Matushka Barbara Eriksson, with her daughters, and their husbands

A donor made it possible that each person attending take home a diptych icon of The Saviour and of the Theotokos :

Anniversary memento

During the proceedings, Mrs. Katya Szalasznyj presented an outline of the history of the parish :

The Wind Blows Where It Will

Beloved Vladyka, Reverend Clergy, Brothers and Sisters…and for those here for 50 years, Babas and Deedos !

To be asked to say some words about our 50-year history is more than an honour. It is a gift.
Since February last, the days and years of Holy Resurrection have been before my eyes. I have
examined them and turned them, as one might look at the various pieces and colours of a
Rubric’s Cube. And they have spoken to me of the mystery and wonder of it all, calling to mind,
'This is the Lord’s doing ; it is marvellous in our eyes'. A curious slip – rather than Rubric’s Cube
for a while, I had it down as a Rubric’s Cube – until a friend noticed it ! One reason I am up here
is because I am an old fossil of the Holy Resurrection Sobor. So is my husband. We were the first
wedding in the young parish in 1976. As fossils we can only say we carbon-dated ! You will have
to bear with me as I take you around, or perhaps one might say, swing you around, some key
experiences in our past. Experiences and events. But also perhaps how the light came through
the window.

Recalling a passage from Dostoevsky --- 'he looked up at the cupola of the church and as the
smoke rose from the censer and reached the light, at that moment, he believed'. It is a mystery
how the beauty of light is blended with truth as it unfolds. If I swing you around too fast with
events, hold on to the table !

We are going to delve into the mystery of the beauty. Or perhaps it is the beauty of the mystery.
Let us have the freedom to fly a little on the past. Let us begin….
It is 1973. It is a winter day. The snow glistens. Two Orthodox men, both 30-ish, are walking
together, their footsteps crunching on a sea of white in the crisp air. Good friends. They have
been for coffee at a little Chinese café near the Petro Mohyla Institute on Temperance Street
catching up on things. That café, incidentally, is still there. Yars Lozowchuk is one of the men.
Serious, working on a graduate degree in sociology at York University, back in Saskatoon for a bit.
From a Ukrainian farm family near Hafford. The other young man is Martin Zip, who has
completed his university studies and is practicing his teaching profession -- a prolific reader,
serious about life. From a Ukrainian farm family around Yellow Creek. They have been friends,
both involved for years in the national Orthodox Youth group, CYMK, and have worked on many
projects together over the years. They are quite used to having reflective conversations with each
other. Yars asks Martin, 'You know that prayer book, Dobrii Paster ?' (translated it means, The
Good Shepherd) Do we really know what is in that?”

The Dobrii Paster’ they were referring to is a Ukrainian Orthodox prayer book that was found in
most Ukrainian Orthodox homes. The edition I have is 464 pages long, published in 1952 by the
Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. Nevertheless, the compact size of
this tome shows it is meant to be carried. Carry it to church, as it has the full liturgy. Use it at
home for daily and other prayers. You want to read the Tropar of a Feast day, or the various
Sundays it’s there. It touches on marriage and funerals. It includes carols and the yearly church
calendar. Dates of Pascha. In plain words, the volume packed a lot of punch. At that time, it
was available only in Ukrainian. (Now an edited version is available, no longer called Dobri Paster’
but Molitovnik, Prayer Book. Today’s version is bilingual and 237 pages long). But back to the
men as they trudged along. That good and deep question was raised, and they did not forget it.
Their earnest conversation sparked their resolve to meet again to discuss further what was in that
book. Let us not forget the value of earnest conversation....

Now, it is around New Year’s, 1973. Old Calendar so mid-January, with its festive Malanka
dances and fun. But this is in a home : a gathering of young Ukrainian Orthodox, what might be
called 'College and Career' in today’s language. But no ordinary party : the conversation takes a
serious turn as each one talks about their summer. The conversation turns to a spiritual
dimension of what summer held -- whether it was a visit to Ukraine, an experience in Toronto, or
a trip to Venezuela and Colombia, encountering praying people and communities. They leave
with a stirring resolve to meet again and continue the conversation. Thus, the Tkachuk Home
meetings began. We call them Tkachuk because they were meeting at the Tkachuk family home
on Bottomley Avenue. The parents of our Dennis Tkachuk, blessed memory. The senior
Tkachuks, Paul and Mary, were away for the winter. Yars was married to the daughter in the
family and they are house-sitting.

The small group gathered in all seriousness to talk about spiritual things. Yars and Martin, and
others, including Vasil Szalasznyj. They were all from Orthodox homes where the Gospel was
believed. They had seen Orthodoxy practiced but not much explained ; not articulated much.
Remember back then, there wasn’t the wealth of Orthodox published material there is today !
But as they say, Orthodoxy is caught, not taught ! They observed and absorbed the attitudes and
habits, and wanted to experience still more.

The group met through the winter of 1973 in free and easy discussions, always centered on God
even if their words were somewhat naïve and simple. The atmosphere was free and accepting.
Fertile ground as they explored each other’s thoughts. They had only met a few times before
Martin presented an idea : 'Why don’t we invite our young priest from All Saints parish to these
meetings ? Maybe he can tell us something'. And so Father Orest Olekshy and his wife,
Dobrodika Oksana, began to attend these meetings. A new corner was turned, still holding the
excitement of discovery. The wind was stirring.

In the meantime, Father Orest was involved in earnest conversations of his own. His were
happening at the Petro Mohyla Institute residence for students at 1240 Temperance Street, also
the place where the young All Saints parish was meeting for services in a chapel. Fr Orest was
spending Saturday afternoons sitting in the student lounge. If anyone wanted to talk about
anything, he was available. Not to preach but to listen and to encourage. I’m sure he could have
spent his Saturday afternoon doing other things, but there he was. We must remember that, at
that time, the students living there were largely baptised, chrismated Orthodox young people from
right across Saskatchewan. And Fr Orest had previous experience working with Orthodox youth.
Shortly after his ordination, he had been assigned to Youth Missions of the Ukrainian church. He
was interested in young people. And thus, the wind stirred a little more ! And Then Came The
Power of the Wind.

That spring, a visitor arrived. His name was Archimandrite Eusebius Stephanou, who was
relatively unknown in Canada, a prominent Orthodox theologian who had taught at Holy Cross
Seminary in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was from a devout family, the son and grandson of a
priest. He was a Greek American, and at one point, a candidate to be an Orthodox bishop. Fr
Stephanou’s heart had been stirred for Orthodox renewal. A small aside, his baptismal name was
Agamemnon, meaning resolute, brave, unbending. And he was born in 1924 on the Great Feast
of Pentecost. Martin had the idea to invite him to Saskatoon. He had been reading his books,
including 'Pathway to Orthodox Renewal'. He heard that St Andrew’s College had invited Fr
Stephanou to speak at their Sunday of Orthodoxy. And as we know distances in Canada,
Winnipeg is just a hop-skip-and-jump from Saskatoon, isn’t it ? So it was planned to piggyback Fr
Stephanou to Saskatoon for a service and Monday evening presentation. Fr Stephanou agreed to
come, the evening was set, with a full turnout. No one present really knew him and they were in
for a surprise ! Figuratively speaking, the wind blew so strongly that the pillars shook ! Fr
Eusebius was preaching fervent commitment to the Lord, calling people to renew their baptismal
vows and dedicate themselves to serving the Resurrected Lord Jesus. Fr. Eusebius Stephanou
spoke with signs following. It was no ordinary lecture ! Something happened as many can testify,
and people were never the same. It cannot be denied. The Lord was at work via this fasting and
praying, fully Orthodox, if somewhat unusual, hieromonk.

The rest, as they say, is history. Years of ups and some downs. The continued meetings now at
the priest’s manse. A deeply committed group, still of Orthodox mainly young people. Early
morning liturgies with the sunlight streaming through the window and rising from the censer.
The use of English language was novel and rich, and very much needed, as these were by and
large, 3rd generation Ukrainian youth. Fr Orest and the little group would use the 'Service Book
of the Holy Greco-Russian Church' translated by Isabel Hapgood, 1906. The language included
words like 'entereth' and 'lighting of the tapers'. But it was marvellous and eye-opening for our
understanding. (By the way, the book is 622 pages long ! God bless Isabel Hapgood, friend of St
Tikhon Patriarch, Wonderworker and Apostle to America. she worked on it for 11 years.)

But back to the little group in Saskatoon. Wednesday evening was for songs of praise, prayers
and discussion. One can describe it as real God-centered fellowship. There were wibbles and
wobbles, the group was misunderstood, perhaps at times naively over-exuberant in its attempts
to articulate what this was. The priest was assigned to a parish in Manitoba but he said, 'I have a
flock here and they need care too'. To which there was no response. For a time, the services
moved to Martin’s printshop, Mr Zip Instant Printing, among the photocopy machines. A new
jurisdiction was found (the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America and Canada) allowing services
in English. We were rather broke being young students mainly ; the priest had to work. Mr Zip
Instant Printing became a great place of employment for many. We began to relate to other
Christians in the city seeking a deeper walk.

But Lord had us firmly in His hand, and that means He fixes our wibbles and wobbles. Pulls us
to sound theology, to soberness of mind, shows us how far ecumenism can go before underlining
to us, build your own house, drink water from your own well. We entered the fold of the Orthodox
Church in America in 1986.

From the blowing of the early winds, it can be said we never became an institution. Our worship
moved to a school, to a first church building and then to a second. Our numbers grew, and now
it wasn’t young Orthodox kids so much, but people of various backgrounds filling the pews, some
fresh off the street. There was a core of serious people from other churches who came to
experience the shelter, the stability and comfort of the Orthodox church. Fr Stephanou visited us
in 1976, in 1981 and for our 10 th Anniversary in 1985. Our oldest parishioner over the years
was 102. We’ve had waves of immigrants and exported many people.

The earnest conversations did not stop. For 30 years, Fr Orest gave generously of his time to
whoever needed it, and so did the priests that followed him. Each person, each family on our
membership list of 50 years represents an earnest conversation. Likely many conversations. Fr
Orest’s sermons often centered on what was perplexing us today but always from the viewpoint of
the Gospel. I remember one especially – it was in reference to an extremist suicide bomber who
had caused great grief. Fr Orest said, 'As Christians let us strap on our bombs ! Let us go forth
and let the love of God explode from us to the world !'

Was our parish perfect ? A model for others ? Hmmm. Let’s not answer that. We were eager for
learning, with St Vladimir’s Summer Institutes, a Mother Oksana Memorial Lecture for a time,
and Windows to the East at the University and many retreats in the early years. Was our priest
perfect ? Well, his gift was preaching. Not administration. But God raises up those that are good
at administration. Have our people been perfect ? Let’s not go there. The personal struggles, the
wibbles and wobbles were there, and we can focus on them but there is no reason to. The bottom
line is that through it all, in it all, over it all, was the Life-Giving Resurrection for which our
parish is named and great, great mercy.

And after 50 years, we can say God is faithful. The wind continues to blow and refresh. Maybe at
times a gentle breeze. The wonder of the wind remains, as we realize our departed list of
members is moving toward at least 75 souls. This parish thing is serious business. People go
from HolyResurrection to eternity. We have had our share of storms. Remember the Scripture at
the beginning : 'this is the Lord’s doing ; it is marvellous in our eyes' ? What does it continue
with ? (Excuse the poor grammar : a preposition is not a good thing to end a sentence with.) It
continues with 'This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it'. Today
is the day of celebration, of rejoicing. The day in which to be glad.

A little more poor grammar : it ain’t over. Maybe our parish has the wonder of the bumblebee
which anatomically ought not to be able to fly, but does. We’re still flying -- sustained by
committed, hard-working, often behind-the-scenes people who just keep on 'keeping on'. Joined
by new people coming in. Just last week a saintly man we knew us all for some time reflected on
the fact that 'the parish still nurtures people in Christ'. We hope those whom we exported here
and there, or those called to other places, will remember us fondly. In a bow to our Ukrainian
origins of our parish, let us take the words of the famous poet, Taras Shevchenko. 'Ne
zabudte pomyanute, ne zlim tikhim slovom'. 'Do not forget to remember us with a good and quiet
word'.

May the tradition of earnest conversations continue. Let’s not be shy to talk about the deeper
things, the ways of the Lord in our lives, today, face to face, not just standing shoulder to
shoulder in church. I am reminded of our late Protodeacon Taras, who related so easily to the
youth of our parish. 'Listen', he told the kids : 'If you have any problem, if you get into trouble,
maybe it’s something you can’t even tell your parents ---you come to me ! I’m here'. How much is
contained in three simple words : I hear you. In all earnestness. Hope endures. Let us welcome
the winds of hope. Refreshing, enlivening, lifting us as we continue onward. Is there hope ?
Absolutely ! 'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power
of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope'. By His power, not ours.

Now the schoolteacher in me comes out. Let’s end with a little interactive exercise. Everyone,
turn to the person on your right and say, 'I have hope !' And hope brings a smile of joy !
Last of all, I would like to show you a priceless parish artefact. This one has survived many
decades of our past. These are Jordan Eriksson’s toddler pants ! We were a community that
shared, and these pants went around the parish, long before there were TRAVELLING PANTS
movies ! They ended up with our son, Alexander, in his KEEP box. The French seams on the
inside show the talents of Baba Kolibab, who made them with such care ! If you don’t mind,
Jordan, these pants will stay with us. We will lend them out as needed, just inquire at the
church office !

Finally, as our parish is named for the Bright and Holy Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ, let us pray that daily 'we might know Him and the power of His Resurrection'… Yes,
there is the fellowship of His sufferings, but remember what you just said to the person beside
you : WE HAVE HOPE because it doesn’t come from us, but from the God of Hope.

Thank you, all.

Photos of Holy Resurrection Orthodox Sobor

Subdeacon James Nicholas Davis provided more recent photos of the exterior and of the interior of the sobor :

"Coffee, Chores, and Chat"

During the first decades of the 21st century, a group was formed, known as "Coffee, Chores, and Chat". This is a group of dedicated, faithful parishioners who meet weekly, of a Tuesday, at the Sobor. This group meets for practical fellowship. After a time of coffee and chatting, the participants take up the work of doing whatever chores are required (as listed by the deacons) for the maintenance and care of the building. Some drive a considerable distance.

Coffee, Chores, and Chat group

The priests who have served in this parish include :

 Archpriest Orest Olekshy  
 Priest Dennis Pihach  
 Archpriest Daniel Guenther 
 Archpriest Cyprian R A Hutcheon  
 Priest Phillip Eriksson  
 Priest Juan Pablo Ruiz-Gomar  
 Priest Leonard Herrem

The deacons who have served in this parish include :

 Deacon Dennis Pihach  
 Deacon Phillip Eriksson  
 Deacon Robert Polson  
 Deacon Leonard Herrem  
 Protodeacon Wilhelm Friesen  
 Protodeacon Taras Papish

Parish particular information

This parish is a part of the Deanery of Saskatchewan-Manitoba-Nunavut, of the Archdiocese of Canada, of The Orthodox Church in America. The dean is the Archpriest Gregory Scratch. The bishop is Archbishop Irénée (Rochon).

The parish uses the English language for worship and other functions.

This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the Dedication of the Temple of the Holy Resurrection in Jerusalem, 13 September.

In 2025, the rector of the parish is the Priest Leonard Herrem.

The first deacon of the parish is the Deacon Maximus Ferguson.

The second deacon of the parish is the Deacon Gregory Rychlo.

The Retired Archpriest Cyprian Hutcheon is attached.

Address :

Holy Resurrection Orthodox Sobor

2202, Lorne Avenue

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

S7J 0R9

Telephone : 306-665-3155

Web-site : http://www.hrochurch.ca

Facebook page

E-mail : HROC@shaw.ca

Parish live-streams

Directions :

Saskatoon is located 259 km (161 mi) north of Regina, Saskatchewan via Highway #11. It is 525 km (326 mi) east of Edmonton, Alberta (the driving time is 5 hours via Highway #16), and it is 782 km (486 mi) northwest of Winnipeg, Manitoba (the driving time is 8 hours via Highway #16).

Holy Resurrection Church is situated at the corner of Lorne Avenue and Hilliard Street, 2 blocks north of Ruth Street.

For travellers from out of town, there are exits from the Circle Drive Freeway at Ruth Street and Lorne Avenue, which is 2 blocks south of the Temple.

Saskatoon Transit provides bus service, which stops at Lorne Avenue and Hilliard Street. Buses #19 and #20 pass along Lorne Avenue.

Saskatoon may be accessed by various airlines through the John G Diefenbaker Saskatoon International Aeroport.

Saskatoon may be accessed by railway through VIARail.

There is interurban bus service available within Saskatchewan, and with service to Edmonton, Alberta.

Priest Leonard Herrem

Telephone : 306-652-2847

E-mail : fr.leonard@sasktel.net

Deacon Maximus Ferguson

Vanscoy, Saskatchewan

S0L 3J0

Deacon Gregory Rychlo

PO Box 943