Arbakka MB Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Temple and Cemetery 1909

Arbakka MB Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Temple and Cemetery 1909

also known as

Arbakka, MB, Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Temple and Cemetery (South) (Michalchuks), 1909

Prehistory

In 2022, there is in effect no particular historical information regarding the parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Arbakka, Manitoba, Canada. Regardless, until something more concrete may be published, there are some general and conjectural comments which may be made, much in the manner of the northern parish of the same name.

The hamlet of Arbakka, Manitoba, is situated to the south of Vita, Manitoba, and east of Gardenton, Manitoba. It is part of the Rural Municipality of Stuartburn.

“Arbakka” is a place-name in South Hordaland (now Tysnes) in South-western Norway. Therefore, it is likely that the earliest settlers in this region were from Norway. However, by 1900, there was a substantial influx of newcomers from Galicia of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in what is now Ukraine.

The previous nearby settlers from Galicia and Bukovina in this region were situated in Gardenton, 16 km (10 mi) to the west, where parishes had been established in 1898 and 1899.

Stuartburn, Manitoba (the Rural Municipality) is considered to be the first Ukrainian community in Western Canada. The first Ukrainian immigrants arrived in Winnipeg in July, 1896, en route to Stuartburn. The block settlement at Edna-Star northeast of Edmonton, Alberta, began shortly afterwards. The move of Ukrainians into Canada had actually begun in 1891, as the very first immigrants arrived in Manitoba.

Ukrainian pioneers already began to settle in the area in the early 1890s. The people who were arriving at this time had emigrated from the regions of Halychyna (Galicia) and Bukovyna (primarily northern Bukovyna). At that time, these regions were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Halychyna was part of the Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomiria.

The first wave of Ukrainian immigration to Canada began in 1891, with the arrival of Ivan Pylypow and Wasyl Eleniak. They both spent time in southern Manitoba before they finally settled in the North-West Territories (the part now known as Alberta). A large group of immigrants from the steamship "Sicilia", monitored by Kyrylo Genyk, arrived in Winnipeg in July, 1896, and settled in Manitoba. This group which was comprised of 27 families and a few single men mainly from the village of Senkiw, in Borshchiw county (now in Western Ukraine), set out to establish a colony south of Winnipeg which they wanted to name ‘‘Rus'’’ (the ancient principality which included territories of modern Ukraine). Thus was begun the oldest Ukrainian colony in Manitoba. However, the name "Rus'" was superseded by "Stuartburn" (a determination usually made by the Canada Post Department of Canada), and it was, indeed the name of the post office and railway station in the area. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian people called it “Shtombury”.

Gardenton area settlement, 1898

The previous nearby settlers from Galicia and Bukovina in this region were situated in and near Gardenton, 16 km (10 mi) to the west, where parishes had been established in 1898 (Saint Michael) and 1899 (Saint Demetrius).

In the autumn of 1897, the Priest Nestor Dmytriw, a Ukrainian Catholic missionary priest from Pennsylvania, USA, urged by Dr Josif Oleskow and the Canadian government, had travelled to southern Manitoba in order to visit the Ukrainian colonies on the prairies. There, he began by establishing the parish of Saint Michael (near Gardenton). He helped that first community establish itself, and he then went to other parts of Manitoba to help Ukrainian groups in other settlements, including in Winnipeg.

The immediate ancestor of this community was the parish of the same name, Saints Peter and Paul Temple at the settlement of Arbakka. It was founded in 1904.

Foundation of the parish, 1909

The reason for the establishment of this particular community at a short distance south of the first Temple in Arbakka, and why this Temple carries the same dedication-name is not known to the writer at this time. However, sometimes such a phenomenon is the result of a past division between 2 communities which has since been reconciled and healed.

However, in 1909, the Michalchuk family did donate a portion of land for the purpose of constructing a Temple. This Temple, with its cemetery, is situated about 2.6 km south of Arbakka.

The Altar Feast-day of the parish falls on 29 June/12 July. Because this feast-day concludes the first Lenten period that follows the Feast of Pascha, there is a certain practicality to having this feast-day. It allows for eating all sorts of foods, which makes it easy to feed those who attend.

Move to the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada

Although it is not so written, it is likely that around the year 1922 (or some time thereafter), the parish of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul moved away from the “Russian Mission's” Diocese of Canada of the “Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in North America” in order to join the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada (UGOCC). This was the year in which the Parish of Saint Michael in Gardenton made this move, and there were certainly activists in this region who desired to use the Ukrainian language in worship services. There is no indication about the precise year in which this occurred, but it was likely near the same time as the move of the first Saint Michael's parish.

Rural depopulation

As became the case everywhere on the Canadian prairies, during the 1930s, there began a steady reduction in the population. The Great Drought of that decade was a major factor. However, the availability of machines reduced the physical labour required for farming. As a consequence, the process of consolidating and merging of farms began. Subsistence family farming began to fade away. This process continued steadily after World War II with the development of commercial farming and the establishing of farms as businesses as they became larger and larger units.

Second Temple, 1939

In 1939, a newer and larger Temple was constructed on this site. Situated near the intersection of 2 country roads south of Arbakka, the Temple is surrounded by open fields dotted with stands of trees.

The floor-plan of the Temple is that of a typical Orthodox cruciform shape. This floor-plan clearly defines the sections of the Temple in Bukovinian style : the Altar (at the east end, behind the iconostas) ; the 2 transepts (where the singers often stand) ; the main congregational part of the nave. There is also the entrance-narthex (vestibule) at the west-end door. It may be that this style constitutes the distinction between the northern and southern Temples at Arbakka.

Saints Peter and Paul Temple and Cemetery

Iconography, 1947

In 1947, Olga Moroz, a noted icon-painter (and wife of Priest Nikolai Moroz), was commissioned to paint many of the interior iconostas and wall icons. Dobrodyka Olga had studied at the Winnipeg School of Art, and worked at the Madanyk Church Goods Store. There, she trained as an icon-painter. After 1940, as a priest's wife, she painted many icons in various parishes where they lived. She may be called "the first female iconographer in Canada".

Interior of the Temple

Change of status of the UGOCC, 1990

Change of name, 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 by the Patriarchate of Constantinople, 1990

In 1990, the 18th Sobor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 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.

2020-2021 Coronavirus-19 virus restrictions on parishes

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.

Manitoba Historical Site

The Michalchuks Saints Peter and Paul Temple, Arbakka South, was eventually declared to be a Manitoba historic site.

The municipal designation applies to the Temple, the bell-house, the cemetery, and the grounds on which they sit.

Saints Peter and Paul Temple (Michalchuks), and other buildings nearby

Saints Peter and Paul (Michalchuks) Cemetery, 1909

The "Michalchuks" cemetery of Saints Peter and Paul (south) at Arbakka was established at about the same time as the Temple and parish, and it is located on the same land as the Temple.

Saints Peter and Paul Temple and Cemetery

Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery Cross

Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery

Particular parish information

This parish is part of the Central Eparchy Vita Region of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. The bishop of the eparchy is Metropolitan Ilarion II (Rudnyk).

This parish follows the Old (Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, 29 June/12 July.

In 2024, the pastor of the parish is Archpriest Miron Pozniak.

Address :

Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Temple and Cemetery (South) (Michalchuks)

2008, Road #44 East

Township land site : SE 17-01-08 E (GPS : 49.031471, -96.472954)

Arbakka, Stuartburn RM

Manitoba

R0A 2K0

Directions :

Saint Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Cemetery (Michalchuks) is located about 2.6 km (1.6 mi) south of Arbakka on Road #44 East (Solway Road) just north of Road #2 North.

For specific directions and other information, call the priest.

Archpriest Miron Pozniak

Telephone : (204) 334-6297

Saints Peter and Paul Temple viewed from the east

References

Archdiocese of Canada, “The Orthodox Church in Canada : A Chronology” (Ottawa : Archdiocese of Canada, 1988).

Martynowych, Orest T, “Ukrainians in Canada : The Formative Years, 1891-1924” (Edmonton : Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies Press, University of Alberta, 1991).

“Russian Mission in North America”

Yereniuk, Professor Roman, “Short Historical Outline of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada” (UOCC)

Yuzyk, Paul, "The Ukrainians in Manitoba" (Toronto : University of Toronto Press, 1953)

Additional information :

Goa, David, ed. “The Ukrainian Religious Experience” (Edmonton : Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, University of Alberta, 1989). ISBN : 0-920862-63-2 (9780920862636).

Klysh, Protopresbyter Mirone, “Orthodox Christians in Manitoba”

Rotoff, Basil with Yerenkuk, Roman, Hryniuk, Stella, “Monuments to Faith : Ukrainian Churches in Manitoba” (Winnipeg : © Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Recreation, 1990).

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., “Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America” (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.

Ukrainian Orthodox Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul (1909) parish listing

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

Wikipedia article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

Church of Constantinople web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Constantinople

Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)

Saint Innocent (Veniaminov)

Saint Tikhon (Belavin)