Victoria BC All Saints of Alaska and Saint Arseny Orthodox Church 1972, 2002

Victoria, British Columbia, Church of All Saints of Alaska, and Saint Arseny, 1972, 2002

Prehistory : 1972, 2002

The mission in Victoria, British Columbia, was originally established by Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 1972, but with a different name.

Annunciation Orthodox Mission, 1972

In 1972, the Archpriest John Karateyev (†1976) retired to Vancouver, and he often served with Bishop Joasaph (Antoniuk). He helped to establish the “Annunciation Orthodox Mission” in Victoria. Bishop Joasaph visited the mission many times before his repose in 1978, and he was accompanied often by Deacon Andrey Somow.

During that time, a priest, Gleb Jensen, had been ordained by Vladyka Joasaph to foster this mission. However, after the repose of Vladyka Joasaph, because of certain controversies, this priest took the majority of parishioners out of The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) and into the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), and he founded the Church of Saint Sophia in Victoria.

Also during that time, the Greek Orthodox Church and Community of the Presentation of the Lord was established in Victoria. Likewise, it began with support from Vancouver, (from Saint George's Greek Orthodox Church).

Priest Andrew Morbey, 1983 ; All Saints of Alaska Mission

In 1983, Priest Andrew Morbey moved to Victoria. It was he who re-established the mission with the new name of All Saints of Alaska. Following his leadership, a small group of Faithful worshipped in temporary spaces, kindly provided by Ukrainian Catholic and Anglican parishes. Father Andrew was also serving in Saint Herman's Chapel and Saint Nicholas Church in Langley, British Columbia, on alternate weekends. The resources were very limited, and there was not enough to sustain Father Morbey and his family. Therefore, Father Morbey was unable to remain in the city, and he was transferred. Thus, the Victoria mission became dormant.

During the 1990s, occasional services in Victoria were held by Father Lawrence Farley from Saint Herman’s Church in Langley, but no permanent mission was able to be established at that time.

The foundation of All Saints Parish ; first service ; first site, 2002

The mission then lay dormant until August, 2002, when, with the blessing of Bishop Seraphim (Storheim), it was re-established as an Orthodox Church in America (OCA) English-language mission to Victoria and the surrounding region. At the same time, the name of the mission was expanded to include Saint Arseny of Konevits.

Priest John Kaleeg Hainsworth, 2002

The mission was renewed and revived under the pastorship of the Priest K John Hainsworth. Father John graduated from Saint Vladimir’s Seminary in Crestwood-Yonkers, New York, USA, in May, 2002. Previously, he had served as a summer student intern elsewhere in Western Canada.

The first service was a Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, on 15 August, 2002, at Saint Barnabas Anglican church on Begbie Street in Victoria.

On 17-18 August, the first Vespers and Sunday Divine Liturgy were held at the "Chapel of the Peace of God" (Yarrow Memorial Chapel) at 900, Vancouver Street, within the Christ Church Cathedral Close. This chapel had been prepared for use as a private chapel for the bishop, and it was used by the diocesan staff. This chapel was offered for the use of the mission by the kind gesture of the Anglican (Episcopal) Diocese of British Columbia on Vancouver Island (the bishop himself had retired just previously).

The mission began with about half a dozen members, and it grew as new catechumens joined. Bishop Seraphim visited the new mission in February, 2003, and while he was there, there was a blessing of the city of Victoria from the 4 cardinal directions. The mission remained in this chapel and offered services there until November, 2003.

Later, the mission received a Church Planting Grant from the OCA’s Department of Evangelization which was a significant help.

Move to second premises, 2003

In November, 2003, the mission moved to its current location (in the former Elk Lake Baptist Church building), on Patricia Bay Road, where it has (as expected) remained for some time. There was enough space to accommodate the growing membership for the present, although certain adjustments were required.

The iconostas was raised before the Feast of the Nativity of Christ in 2003 with plenty of generous help from the parishioners of Saint Herman of Alaska Church in Langley and Saint Barnabas Church in Comox. Temporary icons were soon followed by properly prepared hand-painted icons.

In 2005, Deacon Kevin and Tabatha Miller moved from Comox (farther north-west on Vancouver Island) to Victoria with their children, and this family became another pillar of the parish family.

The early years of the mission involved a significant growth in numbers and a variety of activities. These included Scripture studies, catechumenate classes, Divine Liturgies in the wilderness ("Group of Twelve"), iconography workshops, establishment of the British Columbia Orthodox Summer Camp, inter-parish hockey games, poetry evenings, a student club and an Orthodox Christian chaplaincy at the University of Victoria. Through this chaplaincy, several students entered the Orthodox Church. Father John was preaching abundantly, both in Victoria, and at many out-of-town youth events. There have been some such talks available on the “Paradosis” podcasts hosted by Ancient Faith Radio.

Communication

A weekly bulletin is published and distributed on Sundays, and it is published also on the web-site. The Parish Council minutes are posted on the bulletin board. A web-site was established in 2002.

More development

The mission eventually became self-supporting, and offered a full range of services for the entire liturgical year. Several readers and subdeacons were ordained by Bishop Seraphim.

The parish developed a beautiful small choir led by Jenny Hainsworth, and there were enough children so that a church school was started. Others helped to lead the choir. Father John and Jenny were raising 3 daughters. The parish put together an Orthodox Prayer Book ; there developed a bookstore, a library, and much more.

In 2007, the mission officially became a "parish", which was full of little children.

The interior

The 4 main icons on the iconostas were prepared by the iconographer Heather MacKean, who also taught several iconography workshops at the parish. The 2 icons of the angels on the deacon’s doors are reproductions of the icons done by Jenny Hainsworth for the Saint Barnabas Mission in the Comox Valley. Many icons on the walls of the Temple were donated by the parish members.

In January, 2009, Achilleas Kasapi was ordained as a deacon by Bishop Seraphim (Storheim). A couple of years later, he left the parish.

Saint Maria of Paris Centre, 2009

In the summer of 2009, an outreach centre named after Saint Maria Skobtsova of Paris (France) was established in downtown Victoria, in a unit of an old warehouse on Johnson Street, which was rented and renovated by the parishioners. This undertaking was an extension of the previous service of a group of parishioners who made sandwiches and distributed them to the homeless on Saturdays. The centre and the surrounding activities turned out to be something of a controversial endeavour, and it did not survive past early 2011. The hand-crafted mosaic of the loaves and fishes that is now at the front of the Temple (inspired by the mosaic at the Church of the Multiplication in Tabgha (Israel)) was originally donated to the Saint Maria Centre, as were other hand-crafted items.

During the year 2010, Father Gerasim Power was attached to the parish of All Saints of Alaska. In September, 2010, he was transferred to Calgary, Alberta, to serve in the parish of the Holy Martyr Peter the Aleut.

Archdiocesan Assembly, 2010

In July, 2010, the parish organised and hosted the triennial Assembly of the Archdiocese of Canada (OCA), held on the University of Victoria campus. The assembly took the theme “When did we see You ?” (Matthew 25:31-46), and it had a focus on the outreach to the needy. The organisation of such a large event was a challenge for this small parish, and it was accomplished by a few dedicated volunteers with the help of many friends and others.

Major changes, 2011

The year 2011 included some big changes. In the summer of 2011, Father Kaleeg John Hainsworth took a leave of absence from All Saints of Alaska, and in September, 2011, at the request of Bishop Irénée (Rochon), Father Larry Reinheimer arrived in Victoria to serve at the parish.

Archpriest Larry Reinheimer, 2011

Before long, it was understood that Father Hainsworth was unable to return to his pastoral responsibilities. In December, 2011, Father Larry agreed to stay in Victoria, and he became the new rector of All Saints of Alaska and Saint Arseny.

Transition for future development

The transition period of the years 2010-2013 was challenging for the parish of All Saints of Alaska, but the community largely stayed together. Under the pastorship of Father Larry, things became more stable. The parish began tithing to the Archdiocese of Canada more regularly.

On 9 January, 2013, as he was making several other parish visitations, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) visited All Saints of Alaska's parish and parishioners for an evening service. He was accompanied by Mitred Archpriest Michael Fourik, Dean of British Columbia, and by Protodeacon Nazari Polataiko, Secretary of the Archdiocese of Canada. Also serving that evening was Priest Evangelos Aravantinos of the Greek Orthodox parish of the Presentation (Ypapanti) of Christ in the Temple, and Protodeacon Kevin Miller (the parish's own deacon). Afterwards, there was a reception in the lower hall of the parish.

Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) visit

In 2015, 2 church school classrooms were constructed in the basement.

Despite the best efforts of all concerned, the parish of All Saints entered a period of economic straitness.

Retirement of Archpriest Larry Reinheimer, 2017

In 2017, the Archpriest Larry Reinheimer decided that it was necessary to reduce the amount of active pastoral service he was able to provide. In the spring of 2017, with the blessing of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), he and Mother Myra moved away to a place accessible to the parish of Saint Aidan in Cranbrook, British Columbia.

Priest Kyle Kirill Parrot, 2017

At that time, Archbishop Irénée assigned the Priest Kyle Kirill Parrot to serve the parish. He and his wife Leanne moved to Victoria in June, 2017.

At about this time, Protodeacon Kevin Miller was transferred from the parish, and he was attached to the Mission of Saint Barnabas in the Comox Valley, British Columbia.

Archpastoral visit, 2018

On Sunday, 18 March, 2018, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the fourth Sunday of Great Lent (Saint John of the Ladder) at All Saints of Alaska Church in Victoria. Concelebrating with Vladyka Irénée were Priests Kyle Parrot and Evgeniy Prokhin. Also serving were Protodeacon Jesse Isaac and Deacon Nicolas Svetlovsky.

2018 Pastoral Visit

Great Blessing of Water at Theophany, 6 January, 2019

After the Divine Liturgy on the Feast of Theophany, on 6 January, 2019, Priest Kyle Parrott led the Great Blessing of Water at the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca at Victoria, British Columbia.

Great Blessing of Water

Establishment of Saint Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Mission, 2020

By August, 2020, Priest Evgeniy Prokhin was assigned to serve in the new Russian-speaking Mission of Saint Alexander Nevsky in Victoria, British Columbia.

Archpastoral visit, 2022

On Sunday, 25 September, 2022, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Parish of All Saints in Victoria. This visit was in conjunction with both the Altar Feast-day of the parish, and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the parish.

Archbishop Irénée was assisted by Priest Kyle Parrott (rector) ; Priest Evgeniy Prokhin (Saint Alexander Nevsky Mission), and Protodeacon Jesse Isaac (Saint Herman of Alaska Sobor in Edmonton, Alberta).

The serving of the festal Divine Liturgy was followed by a reception in the parish hall.

Vladyka Irénée and parishioners

Archpastoral visit, 2024

On Saturday, 22 June, 2024, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) began a round of visits in the British Columbia Deanery with his archpastoral visit to the parish of All Saints of Alaska in Victoria.

Vladyka Irénée and parishioners

During the homily

From Victoria, Vladyka Irénée went on to visit the Saint Alexander Nevsky Mission, Victoria (Fr Evgeniy Prokhin) ; Holy Apostle Barnabas Mission, Comox (Fr Alexis Nikkel) ; Holy Transfiguration Monastery (Fr Gregory, Fr Samuel, and Monk Moses) in Lone Butte ; and then he served the Divine Liturgy for Holy Ascension at Holy Apostles Church, Chilliwack (Fr Matthew Francis)

Scenes in the Temple

All Saints of Alaska Icon

The Temple at Nativity

Parish choir

Father Kyle anointing in Great Lent

At the core of the parish has been the importance of fostering parish life. The people have loved one another ; they have prayed together, and they have nurtured each other in Christ. By the Grace of God and His blessing, the parish has continued to grow, and to consist of people coming from a cross-section of social, economic and cultural backgrounds. The parish continues to strive to be faithful to the commandments of our Lord, God, and Saviour Jesus Christ. The people have brought a multitude of talents which are being shared in the parish for the mutual edification of all. Glory be to God forever.

Particular parish information

This parish is part of the Deanery of British Columbia & Yukon of the Archdiocese of Canada, of The Orthodox Church in America. The dean is the Mitred Archpriest Michael Fourik. The bishop is Archbishop Irénée (Rochon).

This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of All Saints of Alaska, 24 September.

In 2025, the pastor of the parish is the Priest Kyle Kirill Parrott.

All Saints of Alaska

Address :

All Saints of Alaska and Saint Arseny Orthodox Church

5363, Patricia Bay Highway

Victoria, British Columbia

V8Y 1S2

Telephone : 250-889-1211

E-mail : parishcouncil@allsaintsofalaska.ca

Web-site

Facebook

Directions :

Victoria, British Columbia, is situated on Vancouver Island.

It is approached by air at Victoria International Airport.

It is approached by sea with BCFerries from Vancouver ; with FRS Clipper from Seattle, Washington, USA ; or with Black Ball Ferry from Port Angeles, Washington.

From northeasterly parts of Vancouver Island, Victoria is approached by road with the BC/Transcanada Highway #1 (between Nanaimo and Victoria) and BC Highway #19 (North of Nanaimo).

From westerly parts of Vancouver Island, Victoria is approached by the West Island (Sooke) Highway #14.

By car :

From Victoria, drive straight out Blanshard Street (Highway #17) towards the BC Ferries (Blanshard becomes the Pat Bay Highway). After Cordova Bay Road, veer to the right on Hamsterly Road.

From Sidney, drive on Highway #17 until Elk Lake (on the right), after Sayward Road. At the first opportunity after seeing the Temple on the left, make a u-turn and return to the Temple.

The Temple is located at 5363, Patricia Bay Highway, across from Elk Lake, in the former Elk Lake Baptist Church, also known as “The Church by the Lake”. It is a white building just past the weigh scales on the Pat Bay Highway. Look for the sign of the Temple on the highway just before the turnoff. There is parking in front and behind the Temple.

Please telephone, or visit the web-site for more specific directions. Rides are also available with sufficient notice.

By bus :

Consult BCTransit

Take bus #70 from Douglas Street at Blanshard Street at 9:30 a.m. ; get off at Elk Lake Baptist Church (near the weigh station).

Victoria is accessible by airlines and by sea.

By sea :

Victoria is served from Vancouver-Tsawassen by BC Ferries.

Victoria is served from Seattle, Washington, USA, by Victoria Clipper.

Victoria is served from Port Angeles, Washington, USA, by Black Ball Coho Ferry.

By air :

Victoria is accessible by various airlines through Victoria International Aeroport.

Priest Kyle Kirill Parrott