Archpriest Michael and Matushka Tatiana Andruchow

Archpriest Michael P Andruchow (1909-1975)

and

Matushka Tatiana (Tina) Davidovna (born Kuzmenko) Andruchow (1914-1985)

Early life of Michael Andruchow

In 1909, Michael Andruchow was born at Wostok, Alberta, to Peter Andruchow and his wife, Mary. Both the parents had earlier immigrated to Canada from Bucovina in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Michael's parents Peter and Thekla (born Baluk) had emigrated from their homeland to Canada in 1911.

Michael had 13 brothers and sisters, and the family made their livelihood by farming. He received the usual education available in the countryside at that time.

Working life

Then Michael moved from Wostok to the city of Edmonton. In Edmonton, he became a member of Saint Barbara’s Russo-Orthodox Church. He began to work as a taxi-driver. Later, he worked as a meat-cutter at Swift’s Packing Plant. Next, he worked as a barber for some 10 years. He then became a massage therapist, which he pursued for about 20 years.

In 1952, he became the founding president of the Alberta Physiotherapists and Masseurs Association (as it then was called).

In the early 1930s, Michael Andruchow met Tina Kuzmenko.

Early life of Tatiana (Tina) Davidovna Kuzmenko

In 1914, Tatiana (Tina) Davidovna Kuzmenko was born in Kiev, Ukraine, to David and Lukia (Lucia) Kuzmenko. During World War I, her father David was wounded by mustard gas. He had fought amongst the forces of "The Allies". In 1919, after the war, David emigrated to Canada in 1919, and he settled in Edmonton, Alberta.

In about 1921, Lukia and Tina arrived in Canada, and they all settled in a house in Edmonton. David had given noteworthy service during the war, and as a result, he received a special, personal letter of gratitude from King George V for his service. David also received a medical and military pension. The family early began to attend Saint Barbara’s Church.

Education and working life

Tina went to school in the city (Edmonton), and she gained an outstanding ability as a seamstress. Although she did not particularly like this work, she continued to pursue this trade for many years.

In Edmonton, Tina met Michael Andruchow.

Marriage, 1935

In 1935, Michael Andruchow and Tatiana Kuzmenko were married at Saint Barbara’s Church.

Saint Barbara's Church, Edmonton

From the Lord, the couple received their first daughter, June, in 1938. They received their second daughter, Sharon, in 1947.

Holy Trinity Church, 1955

In September, 1955, Michael and his family joined the Priest Vasily Hochachka in the establishing of the new Holy Trinity Canadian Orthodox Church. This establishment came into being as a consequence of a separation from Saint Barbara’s Cathedral (which had now joined the "Russian Exarchate of North America"). Father Vasily Hochachka and other parishioners wished to remain within the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in North America (ROGCCNA), also known as the "Metropolia". Therefore, once they had organised themselves, the parishioners purchased a building at 10902-96 Street, which is about 13 blocks to the north from the cathedral. From that time on, Michael in particular was very active in the various fundraising events, both in the organisation of them and in the practical work involved.

Holy Trinity parish council

In that same year, Michael began a course of private study towards qualifying for eventual ordination to the Holy Priesthood. From the beginning, Michael served for some time as the parish council president. When it was known that he would be ordained, Michael gave up his massage therapy business.

Ordinations, 1958

In 1958, Michael Andruchow was ordained to the Holy Diaconate and then to the Holy Priesthood by Bishop Nikon (de Grève) at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Toronto, Ontario.

Pastoral service

The Priest Michael Andruchow was assigned to serve as the second priest at Holy Trinity Church in Edmonton.

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Edmonton

Bereavement, 1959

In September, 1959, the first daughter of Father Michael and Matushka Tina, June Andruchow, reposed in Christ.

From 1959, Father Vasily Hochachka was exerting pressure on the parish of Holy Trinity, because he was of the opinion that it ought to join the Russian Exarchate, since by this time Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk) was resident in Edmonton. He made the point that the “Metropolia” bishop lived in either Montréal or Toronto, whereas Vladyka Panteleimon was in this very city, Edmonton.

However, in 1961, instead of moving to the exarchate, the parish moved to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia because of the presence in Edmonton of Bishop Sava (Saračević) of Edmonton. With Bishop Sava, they came also under the omophor of Archbishop Vitaly (Ustinov) of Montréal. He was, himself, under the authority of Metropolitan Anastasy (Gribanovsky) of New York.

In May, 1963, there was an automobile accident in which Mr. Steve Pooke was killed and Father Vasily Hochachka was severely injured. The parish council gave Father Vasily financial support for 6 months, and Father Michael was serving in his stead. However, in the autumn of that year, it became clear that the majority of the parishioners would remain with the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR).

Because a portion of the parishioners felt that the original vision of the founders of the Holy Trinity Church (to be a parish of the Metropolia which used the English language) was being compromised, the parish family became divided.

All Saints parish, 1963

Thus, in 1963, when the differences with Father Hochachka led to Father Michael’s expulsion from the parish, Father Michael Andruchow and his followers formed the new community of All Saints in northeast Edmonton, at 5824-118 Avenue.

They determined that this parish was to be part of the Archdiocese of Canada under Bishop Sylvester (Haruns) of Montréal and Canada.

All Saints Temple, Edmonton

Father Michael set about active fundraising on his own, and he canvassed people constantly in door-to-door solicitation. Father Michael was so determined to solidify the parish and to make it viable, this zealous pastor of rational sheep found himself briefly incarcerated in British Columbia for soliciting Church donations without the correct required licence. This did not deter either Father Michael or the growing congregation.

By September, 1964, the membership was at 35 families with 23 children registered in the Church/Sunday School programme.

Father Michael organised Bible studies, and he grew in his desire to use the English language in worship. Father Michael became a passionate preacher of the love of Christ. He was deeply desirous to help people to encounter Jesus Christ personally. In no way did Father Michael concern himself with power. He did not desire to wield power, since the Orthodox pastor does not in fact have any power. He concerned himself with serving and feeding Christ's flock with which he had been entrusted.

Because of the fundraising which Father Michael initiated, the Temple of All Saints was able to be established. The former Bethlehem Lutheran Church was purchased for $33,000.00 with a $5,000.00 down-payment, which came from 7 families of the parish.

The original parish council included :

 Archpriest Michael Andruchow ; Mr. William Cholak ; Mr. Nick Demkiw ; Mr. Steve Nikiforuk. 

Mr. Steve Pooke was one of the founders of the parish of All Saints, although he was still a part of Holy Trinity Church. Sadly killed in a car accident, he never attended a Divine Liturgy in the new Temple.

On 8 August, 1966, the parish of All Saints was incorporated and registered as a legal entity under the Religious Societies’ Lands Act of Alberta, about 3 years after its establishment.

Under Father Michael's leadership, various fundraising efforts were undertaken and a catering service in 1963 (spearheaded by the Ladies' Aid) raised $676.00. The ladies of All Saints' parish were able to raise this amount by offering a full course meal at a cost of 50 cents per plate during these formative years (that is, a total of 1,352 meals). In those days, 50 cents was not a small amount in itself, when a loaf of bread would cost 5 cents. The women worked very hard indeed.

With many young families joining the parish, several organisations were established to meet various needs.

As well as the Church/Sunday School, a Ladies' Aid Society was properly organised and a Youth Group formed.

By 1966, one Divine Liturgy per month was conducted entirely in the English language. The use of English was unheard of in other existing Orthodox parishes in the city of Edmonton at that time. Father Michael and the members of All Saints were concerned not only about fulfilling their own spiritual needs, but also those of future generations.

In addition to the parish of All Saints, Father Michael also served in some rural parishes northeast of Edmonton : near Saint Michael, Ranfurly, and others. He also travelled in Western Canada in order to participate in various diocesan events.

Father Michael, visiting his ill sister Katie Andruchow

He is together with his brother Joe Andruchow and his wife Katie, behind their sister Katie in the wheel-chair

Under his pastorate, the parish flourished. Father Michael organised all sorts of fundraising events such as bingo, catering, raffles, Christmas carolling and special events. He created a carolling book phonetically rendered into English so that the words could easily be read. Father Michael was completely involved in every one of these activities.

Because of his deep involvement in so many activities, through envy, he was falsely accused of an impropriety. Nevertheless, he received an official written apology and retraction of the accusation.

However, because Father Michael was encouraging the use of the English language in the services, along with his teaching, there was a portion of the congregation which resisted this move. They insisted on the old ways and the Slavonic language. The expression of this difference of opinion was sometimes heated.

In 1968, the parish officially changed and registered its name as "All Saints Orthodox Church".

After 1968, Bishop Joasaph (Antoniuk) was assigned to serve as the Vicar-Bishop of Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns) for Western Canada. He would spend time also at All Saints Temple during his pastoral travels. After he was transferred to Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1970, he continued to stay in Edmonton, very near to All Saints Temple, during his pastoral visits to central Alberta. Father Michael and he worked together in this pastoral field. Vladyka Joasaph was an ideal support for Father Michael's pastoral work, because he simply lived and breathed the love of Jesus Christ.

In 1973, All Saints' Orthodox Church was offering the opportunity to worship in English every second Sunday.

By 1975, the debt on the parish Temple had been retired, and many additions and improvements to the interior had been completed.

Nevertheless, because of the differences between Father Michael and certain parishioners about the language concern, a couple whom he had prepared for marriage rejected him. Instead, the couple found another priest, and they imported him to marry them instead.

Father J Diachina (centre lower) with Fathers E Moseychuk, M Andruchow, S Balevich in Sandy Lake, Manitoba, 1977

Father J Diachena (his arm, far right) with Father M Andruchow, Bishop Joasaph (Antoniuk), Father V Ostashek

Repose of Father Michael, 1975

On the very day of that wedding, on 14 June, 1975, Father Michael suffered from a heart attack, and he reposed in the Lord. Ironically, the family of the couple expressed their irritation that he had died on that day.

On 17 June, 1975, the Funeral Services for the Burial of a Priest were served at All Saints' Temple in Edmonton. The services were led by Bishop Joasaph (Antoniuk) of Edmonton, and he was assisted by Priest J Reschko.

Following the funeral obsequies, the body of Father Michael Andruchow was interred in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Archpriest Michael Andruchow was survived by his wife Tena, their daughter Sharon, and their grandson Matthew (of Leduc, Alberta) ; by 3 brother : John and William of Smoky Lake, Alberta, and Joseph of Langley, British Columbia ; and by 3 sisters : Frances Lasky of Edmonton, Olga Ostafew of Vernon, British Columbia, and Jenny Lee of Clearwater, British Columbia.

Repose of Matushka Tina, 1985

Matushka Tina continued to live in Edmonton until her repose in 1985. Her funeral was served at the Evergreen Memorial chapel, and her body was interred in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Reflections

Throughout his life, Father Michael often repeated the words "It had to be done". He persevered. In his "In Memoriam" article by the archdiocese, it was added that "Jesus said, 'He who endures to the end will be saved.'"

One of his spiritual children spoke of him thus : "His church was his entire life, his 'pride and joy', his success and disappointment. He completed it, though. It had to be done, and he did it. The chairs for the church basement arrived just a few days before his death [...] they were the final touch to the building of his church. He used to say that he would rest and work with his people when it was completed. Now it's complete – and he's resting."

Two years after the repose of Father Michael, a succeeding priest (together with more than half the parishioners) was expelled from All Saints Church at the time of the Feast of Pascha in 1977.

This event was largely as a consequence of the pressure by both the priests who followed Father Michael for the use of the English language (even though this principle had been held by the founders of the parish). The 2 priests who had followed Father Michael had tried in every way to continue the pastoral path of Father Michael, but the resistance remained.

The result was, nevertheless, the establishment of Saint Herman of Alaska’s Church in 1977, in which their daughter Sharon was very active until she and her family moved away because of work.

Very often an Christ-loving pastor may empty himself in caring for the parishioners because he wishes by his example to bring the rational sheep into the same life-giving and loving relationship with Christ the Saviour. However, as in this situation, not everyone will accept this example, nor are they ready to imitate it. In some cases, this unwillingness becomes opposition. It was later said of him that

 Father Michael gave his life to the Church and to his love for Jesus.  Because that's what he believed in 
 and despite all he endured, he kept his faith and a most loving and tolerant attitude.  He never blamed 
 anyone for his struggles.  He suffered because he wanted people to know about the love of Christ, but some 
 people wanted tradition and power.  Father Michael was never interested in power, but only to help people 
 to understand God's love for us.  Ultimately, because of the painful circumstances of the refusal of this 
 love, it may be said that he died for his faith, and that he died of a broken heart.

There are likewise many other clergy whose lives are not known to us, who have struggled in much the same way, and met a similar resistance. The Prophet Moses himself had similar experiences. The loving pastor has the responsibility to guide (more by example, less by words) the rational sheep to the Living Water, but it is up to the sheep whether they will drink.

References

Oral family history

The Orthodox Church Calendar (Montreal-Toronto : Diocesan Council of the Canadian Orthodox Church, 1976), p. p. 205-206.

“The Russian Mission in North America”

Additional information :

The obituary of Archpriest Michael Andruchow was published in the “Edmonton Journal” on 16 June, 1975 on p. 46.

Archpriest Vasily and Matushka Paraskevia Hochachka

Saint Barbara’s Russo Orthodox Cathedral

Holy Trinity Canadian Orthodox Church

All Saints Russian Orthodox Church

Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Sobor

Bethlehem Lutheran Church history

Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk)

Archbishop Nikon (de Grève)

Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns)

Archpriest Vasily and Matushka Paraskevia Hochachka

Archdiocese of Canada

The Orthodox Church in America

Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in Canada

The Russian Orthodox Church outside Russia

Recent All Saints history article

Evergreen Memorial Gardens

Matushka Tina Andruchow’s obituary appeared in “The Edmonton Journal”, p. 15, on Thursday, 14 February, 1985.