Stenen SK Saint Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1946
SK Saint Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1946
Stenen, Saskatchewan, Saint Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1946
Demetrius may be spelt Demetrios, Dimitrius.
Bukovynians may be spelt Bukovinians, Bukovinans.
Prehistory
Settlement of the region now known as the Rural Municipality of Clayton No. 333, in the Assiniboia District (Saskatchewan after 1905) of the North-West Territories, Canada, began just before and after the year 1900. This area had previously been in the territory of the Plains Cree People.
People began establishing themselves in Canada, after having emigrated from the Austro-Hungarian Empire (and some from the Russian Empire). Those who came had originated mostly in Bucovina in Moldavia, or in Galicia (in what later became Ukraine).
History of the village
The village of Stenen, Saskatchewan, Canada, developed some years after the settlement of the surrounding lands had already begun. Those who settled in this region were emigrants principally from the Duchy of Bucovina.
In 1906, Mr. John Stenen, his wife, and 7 children, came up from North Dakota, USA, and they homesteaded where the town now stands.
On 1 August, 1908, the Royal Mail Post Office was opened, and it was named Eden Valley.
Later, the railway arrived in 1911, and Mr. Stenen donated enough land for a townsite on condition that the town bear his name.
Thus, on 1 August, 1912, the Post Office name, and also the town name, were changed to Stenen.
Prehistory of the parish
Beginning in about 1900, and previous to the establishment of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Demetrius in Stenen, there were several parishes that had been established in Canora, Sturgis and many other villages round about.
At first, these communities were part of the Diocese of the Aleutians and North America, beginning in 1897.
It was later that they became part of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada (UGOCC). In fact, it was the Bukovynians who, when they arrived in North America, usually incorporated themselves into the Russian Orthodox Mission (later called the Russian Orthodox Diocese of North America and the Aleutians), which was already in existence.
Establishment of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada
In 1918, a confidential conference of disenchanted lay Ukrainian Catholics from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. created a Ukrainian Orthodox Brotherhood – its goal – to organise the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada. Although the Ukrainian settlers who took part in the organisation of this Church body were not theologians, they were conscious of the canon law that a Church body cannot exist without a bishop.
Thus, the brotherhood contacted Alexander (Nemolovsky), the Temporary Administrator of the North American and Aleutian diocese (“Russian Orthodox Mission in North America”). He had been born in Volhynia (Volyn), which is now in Ukraine.
At first, he accepted to become the temporary bishop of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada (U.G.O.C.C.) and to preside at its first Sobor, but later refused, in part because of his new responsibility as Administrator.
The first “Sobor” took place anyway on 28 December, 1918, without the presence of a bishop, and it led to the establishment of the first seminary in Saskatoon. The second Sobor was held on 27 November, 1919, with the presence of the Antiochian Metropolitan Germanos (Shehadeh), who accepted to lead the U.G.O.C.C. until the time it would have its own bishop. He led the Church for 5 years, until 1924.
Early formation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Demetrius in Stenen
In the context of the developments in Saskatoon in 1918-1919, some of the Ukrainian immigrants in the Stenen region desired to have a Church with a Ukrainian character, which would be closer to the spiritual and cultural needs of the Ukrainian people.
Before they could accomplish this, services were held in halls, schools and private homes whenever Ukrainian Orthodox priests visited the area. In later years, a residence was provided for the clergy at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Arran (a distance of 52 km (32 mi).
Priests that resided there, and travelled sometimes to Stenen, were the Priests L Diachina, M Bodnarchuk, J Mayba, K Zeliskewich, and F Leheniuk.
Constitution of the parish
In February, 1946, the congregation became a member of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada.
On 6 October, 1946, after a service in the Stenen Hall, a meeting of the would-be parishioners was held. The parish was officially constituted.
Then, a motion was passed to build a Temple in Stenen.
An executive was elected, which consisted of :
Chairman : Mike Ochitwa Secretary : Wm. Hutzel Treasurer : Andrew Anaka
Membership fees were set at $1.00 per family, and fundraising projects were held.
Formation of the Women’s Auxiliary
On 8 November, 1952, under the guidance of Father & Mrs. Zeliskewich, a women's organisation was formed as a branch (Kniahynia Olga branch name) of the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada.
They helped the congregation in the maintenance of the Temple, the support of Ukrainian organisations, and institutions, as well as the youth camp, which is located at Crystal Lake.
Construction of the Temple
As funds became available, purchasing of material began, and members donated money and material.
In 1954, the building of the Temple was begun. John Baron was the main carpenter, and countless hours of volunteer labour were contributed by members. This was the typical method of constructing Orthodox Christian Temples all across the Canadian prairies.
On 13 May, 1956, the first service in the new Temple was led by Priest F Leheniuk. During the time when Father Leheniuk was the parish priest, the clergy residence was transferred from Arran to Hyas, where a house was built.
Stenen became one of the 11 congregations in the Hyas Centralised Parish. The congregation grew and member-ship fees increased as the need arose.
Other priests who were assigned to serve the congregation were Fathers P Zubrytsky, and H Kryshtanowich.
Saint Demetrius Church in winter
Construction of the iconostas, Sanctification of the Temple
In 1961 the installation of the iconostas with the icons was completed.
On 24 June, 1962, the sanctification of the Temple took place.
Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko) of Winnipeg and Canada, and the parish priest, Father S Hredil served on that day. Following the Sanctification, a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served in the Temple.
After this, other priests who served for the Stenen congregation were the Priests Y Puk, A Chrustawka, P Shadurksy, P Krywych, and E Stefaniuk.
Temple interior and iconostas
Parish activities
Religious and cultural teaching were not neglected.
Sunday and Ukrainian language classes were held for children. The first classes were held on 20 July, 1953, with Mrs. Hladun as the teacher. After 1968, came Mr. & Mrs. Hutzel ; K Hunko ; A Kowalchuk ; M Kurkowsky ; Nellie Koroluk ; K Doroschuk, and Lillian Steranko.
A choir was formed to sing at church services. This choir also performed at concerts and programs locally, and in other areas. M Ochitwa was the first director. He was followed by Father Leheniuk, Father, Mrs. Shadursky, and Lillian Steranko.
Since 1981, Father E Stefaniuk has formed, and instructed cantor and religious courses, held weekly during the winter months. Also included was choir instruction by Lillian Steranko.
In June, 1983, under the leadership, and support of the parish priest, Father E Stefaniuk, “T.Y.C”., (Ukrainian Self-Reliance Association) was formed in the Hyas Parish. Approximately 12 men from the Saint Demetrius Parish joined as members.
Change in status of the UGOCC, 1990
In 1990, the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada was officially renamed “The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada” (UOCC) by an Act of the Parliament of Canada.
Acceptance into the Patriarchate of Constantinople
In 1990, the 18th Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada in Winnipeg decided to enter into Eucharistic Union with the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople (Istanbul). This decision also changed the relationship with the other Orthodox dioceses and parishes in Canada in a positive way.
Centennial of the UOCC, 2018
In 2018, the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and also of Holy Trinity Cathedral were marked at an extraordinary sobor (assembly) at the cathedral in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
The purpose of the sobor was to celebrate 100 years of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. The celebrations were attended by Ukrainian Orthodox faithful from across Canada and beyond.
The Sobor began on Thursday, 9 August, 2018, with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Chapel of Saint Petro Mohyla Institute, presided by Bishop Andriy (Peshko) of the Eastern Eparchy, with the responses sung by the Clergy led by Father Michael Lomaszkiewicz. This was followed by an All-Canada Clergy Conference.
Centennial Clergy Conference
All gathered for Vespers at the Mohyla Institute Chapel and this was followed by a wine and cheese reception as the delegates and guests registered for the Extraordinary National Council.
The celebrations continued for a year.
In early 2020, the Covid-19 virus made its appearance in Canada, and it quickly became a world-wide pandemic. Because of the rules governing gatherings that were laid down by the provincial and city governments, the parish stopped any further services after 8 March, 2020. Including the rules regarding social distancing, the decreasing numbers permitted for any gathering, and the considerations regarding the health of all concerned, this and other parishes were required to close for a time.
As elsewhere, there was some controversy about the legal requirements.
Election of Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk), 2022
Election of a nominee by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
On 15-19 June, 2022, the 24th Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox of Canada was convened "on-line". This conference-meeting was convened thus instead of convening physically (as customarily) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. There were 6 cathedrals in Canada where this meeting took place simultaneously through a computer-network : in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Holy Trinity Metropolitan Cathedral) ; Vancouver, British Columbia (Holy Trinity Cathedral) ; in Edmonton, Alberta (Saint John's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral) ; in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Holy Trinity Cathedral) ; in Toronto, Ontario (Saints Vladimir and Olga Cathedral) ; in Montréal, Québec (Saint Sophie Cathedral).
There was a total of 205 delegates, which was near the average attendance for such sobors.
In the course of the work of the Sobor, there was the necessary election in order to nominate to the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople a candidate for election as Archbishop of Winnipeg and Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, who would succeed the Retired Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk).
There were 3 candidates who were considered : Archbishop Job (Getcha), Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk), and Bishop Andriy (Peshko). The final choice of the members of the sobor was Archbishop Job (Getcha). He had received more than the minimum required 51% of the votes, and there was no subsequent voting required.
The election by the Sobor (Assembly) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada then had to be confirmed by the Holy Synod of Bishops of Constantinople (as is described in the Consistory By-laws).
Upon having received the nomination (with accompanying documents) from the Sobor of the UOCC, the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople elected Vladyka Ilarion (Rudnyk) to become Archbishop of Winnipeg and Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada.
The Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople elected Archbishop Job (Getcha) to become Metropolitan of Pisidia, in west-central Türkiye (Turkey), north of Lycia, and east of Ephesus.
Confirmation of election in Constantinople/Istanbul, 2022
On 29 August, 2022, Vladyka Ilarion (Rudnyk) was at the Phanar in Constantinople for the purpose of the first confirmation of the election in June, 2022. He co-served the Divine Liturgy with Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis) in the Cathedral of Saint George at the Phanar.
Enthronement as Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, 2022
On Saturday, 19 November, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., in Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Enthronement Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served. Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) presided at the Divine Liturgy. He was assisted by Bishop Andriy (Peshko), many priests, several deacons, subdeacons and Altar-servers. Present also were Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas), Exarch of Canada for the Patriarchate of Constantinople, and Retired Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk), Former Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.
Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) at the Phanar, Istanbul, 2023
On Sunday, 2 July, 2023, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis) was present and praying during the Divine Liturgy at Saint George's Cathedral in the Patriarchate compound. He gave the blessing that Metropolitan Ilarion (Rudnyk) preside ("horostasia") over the Divine Liturgy. Metropolitan Job (Getcha) of Pisidia, Bishop Athenagoras (Ziliaskopoulos) of Nazianzos, and the Honourable Roman Nedilskyi, General Consul of Ukraine in Constantinople were also present and praying with the congregation of the Faithful.
Change of calendar for the UOCC, 2023
On 1 December, 2023, in accordance with the resolutions of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk) announced that, effective that day, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada moved to use the New (Revised Julian) Calendar. He allowed that for a brief period of time, a parish might remain on the Old (Julian) Calendar.
It seems that subsequently, John's Cathedral in Edmonton, Alberta, was the first to adopt the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.
However, a previously-existing group of persons began to encourage resistance to the immediacy of this change. It was their understanding that the process would be determined ultimately and finally at the next general sobor of the UOCC. Therefore, on 16 December, 2023, Metropolitan Ilarion issued a formal letter concerning the situation, together with a letter of support sent to him by his predecessor (Retired Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk)). He called the resisters to repentance.
Parish administration
Serving on the executive through the years were : Chairmen : A. Anaka. 1947 ; R Berezniuk, 1948-1953 ; J W Anaka, 1954-1962 ; O J Anaka, 1963-83 ; 0 Rostotski, 1984-____.
Vice-chairmen : J Baron 1948-1949 ; M Ochitwa, 1950-1954 ; B Wihnan, 1955 ; P Olynyk, 1956-1957 ; M Hunko. 1958-1962 ; D Bodnarek, 1963 ; E Malenki, 1965-1968 ; M Kozmeniuk; 1970-1975 ; M Hydamaka, 1976-1981 ; P Kurkowsky, 1982 ; P Steranko, 1983-1985 ; O J Anaka. 1986-____’
Secretaries : B Hutzel. 1946-1970 ; J Gurski, 1971-____.
Treasurers : A Anaka, 1946 ; M Chemerez, 1947-1950 ; J Korpan, 1951-1953 ; M Kozmeniuk, 1954-1957 ; T Ukalchuk, 1958-1979 ; A Kozmeniuk 1980-____.
1987 : Chairman Orest Rostotski ; Vice-chairman Onufrey J Anaka ; Secretary John Gurski ; Vice-Secretary Peter S Anaka ; Treasurer Alex Kozmeniuk.
Particular parish information
This parish is part of the Canora-Kamsack-Swan River Region of the Central Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. The bishop is Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk).
This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.
The Altar Feast-day is the Feast of Saint Demetrius of Thessalonika, In 2026, the pastor of the parish was Priest Michael Faryina. This parish is one of 13 parishes served by him.
Address :
Saint Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Stenen
Stenen, Saskatchewan
S0A 3X0
Telephone : (306) 563-5153
Fax : (306) 563-5603
E-mail : fr.mfaryna@icloud.com
Directions :
From the north (Preeceville, Hudson Bay), or the south (Yorkton, Canora), drive on Highway #9, either south past Sturgis, or north past Canora. At Highway #49, turn eastwards towards Hyas and Norquay. Drive about 2 km. (1 mi) to the first intersection, Highway #662. Turn left, and drive nortwards on Highway #662, about 2 km. (1.3 mi). Turn right onto Railway Avenue, and drive into the village.
Priest Michael Faryna
FARYNA, The Rev. Fr. Michael
Telephones : (306) 782-2998 ; (306) 601-9043 ; (306) 783-6731
E-mail : fr.mfaryna@icloud.com
Related parishes : Holy Transfiguration Parish, Saskatchewan, Yorkton ;
St. Elias Parish (Heritage/Historic), Saskatchewan, Wroxton ; Holy Ascension Parish, Saskatchewan, Westbrook ; St. Mary The Protectress Parish, Saskatchewan, Theodore ; Sts. Peter And Paul Parish, Saskatchewan, Stornoway ; Dormition Of St. Mary Parish, Saskatchewan, Sheho ; Holy Trinity Parish, Saskatchewan, Sheho ; St. John Parish, Riverside, Saskatchewan ; Holy Ghost Parish, Insinger, Saskatchewan ; Sts. Peter And Paul Parish, Insinger, Saskatchewan ; Sts. Peter And Paul Parish, Gorlitz, Saskatchewan ; Sts. Peter And Paul Parish, Calder, Saskatchewan ;
References
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada parish listing
Additional information :
Brief history of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
History web-site of Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada parishes
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada records about Saint Demetrius Church Catebory:EP