Insinger SK †Saints Peter and Paul Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1911-2008

Insinger, Saskatchewan, †Saints Peter and Paul Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery, 1911-2008

Establishing the parish, 1911

The earlier history of the parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Insinger, Saskatchewan, Canada, is either lost or not available. It can be seen, however (from the date of the 75th anniversary), that this parish was established at about the same time as the nearby parish of Saint Onuphry in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan.

Much of its earlier history is likely to have been similar, and the priests who served in Foam Lake very likely also served in Insinger. Moreover, both parishes were part of the Russian Orthodox Mission in Canada, which was from the beginning (1898) a missionary territory and then a diocese, part of the Russian Orthodox Mission in North America (also known as the Diocese of the Aleutian Islands and North America. Later, this diocese became (1923) the “Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America”, known also as the “Metropolia of All America and Canada”

In Canada, this Russian Orthodox Diocese of North America opened a Vicariate Diocese of Canada, with its cathedral in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1916.

Move to the Moscow Patriarchate parishes, 1960s

In the 1960s, because of a lack of clergy within the Archdiocese of Canada of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in North America (ROGCCNA), as did some other communities, this one moved to the Russian Exarchate of North America, since by that time there was a bishop (Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk) nearby in Edmonton, Alberta.

75th Anniversary, 1986

On 29 June, 1986, the 75th anniversary of the parish and Temple of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Insinger, Saskatchewan, was a memorable occasion for the 100 people who congregated for the day.

Gathered for this celebration at the “Hudema Church” (as it is affectionately referred to because of the principal founder), were the descendants of the founders and builders of this Temple. The children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of these founders had recently performed a very commendable project of repairs to the church building by installing a new floor, by replacing the shingles on the roof, and by repainting the interior. The leaders involved in this work were Mary Torsky, Ron and Margaret Merrimen and brothers John and Nick Bobochuk.

On this day, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Archpriest Peter Vlodek. A Moleben of Thanksgiving and the Blessing of Water were celebrated. Afterwards there was a panikhida (requiem) at the graves of the pioneers who lie in eternal rest in the cemetery of the Temple.

The day’s celebrations were ended with a festive dinner served to all in an open-air setting on the grounds of the Temple.

Closing the Temple ; moving the name to Regina, 2008

In 2008, Bishop Iov (Smakouz) of the Moscow Patriarchate Parishes closed this parish (although the building remains).

Then, he transferred the name to a new community of Saints Peter and Paul in Regina, Saskatchewan, which was opened in the same year.

Nevertheless, services of need continue to be offered in the existing Temple.

Close view of the Temple

Saints Peter and Paul Russo Orthodox Cemetery (Hudema), 1911

The cemetery beside the Temple remains cared for after the change, and there continue to be annual memorial prayer-services at the cemetery.

The first interment was in 1911 ; the most recent interment was in 1998.

In 2024, there were 79 known interments in the cemetery.

Cemetery Address :

NW36-29-8-W2

Insinger, Saskatchewan

Particular parish information

This parish has been served by the clergy of the Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in Canada. The bishop is Bishop Matthew (Andreev). There are still prayers for grave-blessings.

This parish followed the Old (Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of the Temple was the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, 29 June/12 July.

In 2024, the pastor who visits the Temple is Archpriest Evgeniy Protsenko.

Address :

Peter and Paul Russo Orthodox Church

Land site description : NW 36-29-08 W2

Insinger Rural Municipality No. 275

Insinger, Saskatchewan

S0A 1L0

Directions :

Insinger is flocated 56 km (35 mi) west of Yorkton, Saskatchewan, a drive of about 33 minutes. From Saskatoon, Insinger is found 273 km (170 mi) to the east, a drive of about 2 hours and 50 minutes.

From Yorkton, follow Highway #16 west (Yellowhead) to Insinger, which is on the north side of the highway. Turn right and drive 1 km (0.5 mile) north. Turn right and drive 6.5 km (4 mi) east. Turn left and drive 8 km (5 mi) north. The Temple will be on the right.

From Saskatoon, follow Highway #16 east (Yellowhead) to Sheho. Continue on from Sheho another 8 km (5 mi) east to Insinger. Turn left and drive 1 km (0.5 mile) north. Turn right and drive 6.5 km (4 mi) east. Turn left and drive 8 km (5 mi) north. The Temple will be on the right.

The mailing address of the Temple is the address of the priest.

Please contact the priest for any specific information.

Archpriest Evgeniy Protsenko, Pastor of the parish

10812-108 Street

Edmonton, Alberta

T5H 3A6

Telephone : (780) 426-5163

Mobile : (780) 818-7343

E-mail : pokrova70@gmail.com