Lone Butte BC Holy Transfiguration Hermitage 1977

Lone Butte, British Columbia, Holy Transfiguration Hermitage, 1977

Original foundation of the hermitage, 1977

The "Hermitage of the Holy Transfiguration" was established by the Hieromonk Gregory (Papazian) in Rawdon, Québec, Canada, in 1977, with the blessing of Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns). Rawdon is a town situated in the Laurentian Mountains, approximately 74 km (46 mi) north of Montréal.

It was Archbishop Sylvester who tonsured him to be a Monk, and gave him the name Gregory. Somewhat later, Vladyka Sylvester gave him the blessing to live as a hermit.

It was Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns) who had ordained Monk Gregory (Papazian) to the Holy Diaconate, and then to the Holy Priesthood.

Vladyka Sylvster (who came to Canada from Europe in 1963) had a long experience of monks and monasticism, and he understood what was possible to bless, and what was not possible to bless.

Father Gregory (Papazian) began his life in Cairo, Egypt, where he was born as Burdz Papazian of Armenian parents. He was raised in the bosom of the Armenian Orthodox Church there. However, while he was young (at about age 10), his family had to leave Egypt because of the particular political policies of President Gamal Abdel Nasser. The family managed to get first to Lebanon, and then they made their way in stages through France to Canada. This whole process was fraught with hardships and dangers.

In Montréal, Québec, he completed his regular education. It was there that he had become a friend of the now Archpriest Alexis Vinogradov while they studied in the same faculty in university, and it was there that he had been received into the cathedral parish of Saints Peter and Paul, of the Archdiocese of Canada, The Orthodox Church in America.

By this time, he was able to speak in Armenian, Arabic, French and English.

“The skete” at Rawdon

At first, the Hieromonk Gregory transported to Rawdon, Québec, a small one-room log home which he had himself built, and in which he had lived in a forest for some time. He prepared a foundation for this ; and adjoining it, he constructed a 2-storey structure with a metal spiral staircase between the levels, which became known as “the skete” (a name for a small monastic community). Under this structure, he had prepared a concrete foundation which provided space for working and for a “root-cellar”. Access to this was through a trap-door in the kitchen floor. On the main floor, there were a sitting-dining room, a kitchen, and a foyer. On the first floor, there were 3 small cells and a lavatory. In this structure, Father Gregory began candle-making which would be the main product of the hermitage in its several sites.

This structure (as were the 2 structures that followed later) was built from 6" by 6" wood (cedar). He also established the daily cycle of services of the hermitage. Early services began at about 2:00 a.m. and they continued through daybreak. There was the Divine Liturgy on some weekdays, and on Sundays. In the evenings, there was Vespers and the one meal (vegetarian) per day, which was followed by an early bed-time. The site for all this was near the Summer Temple of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, adjacent to the Saint Seraphim Cemetery (all of which belonged to Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral parish in Montréal). Across 15th Avenue from the cemetery, the Temple of Saint Seraphim and the Holy Transfiguration Skete was the summer residence ("datcha") of Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns). He was a regular participant in services in both the Temple and the Skete during the summer months.

The skete in early days

The entrance-gate in early days

The Rawdon Skete in winter

The Rawdon Skete in summer

The Rawdon Skete entrance gate

As Father Gregory and the skete became better known, there were steadily more people attending the services, and there were steadily more demands on him personally, as though he were a parish priest. His monastic routine and eremitical life became eroded. Father Gregory's priority was and is (as with all monks) the worship of the Lord, and both the attainment and perpetuating of unceasing prayer (see 1 Thessalonians 5:17) and communication in love with the Lord.

Move to Fitch Bay

After a few years, in the early 1980s, Father Gregory remained as before intent upon living as a hermit. In order to live in this manner, he required solitude (Rawdon is and was an active town). In Rawdon, he was required to be involved in the customary activities of a parish priest, so that silence and solitude were not possible. He asked for and he received the blessing from Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns) to move away to a wooded area on his brother’s farm near the top of “La Colline des Porcs” near Fitch Bay, Québec, which is near Lac Memphrémagog in the Eastern Townships. The hill became affectionately called “Svinagora” (Russian approximation of the French term). There, the Hieromonk Gregory built a hermitage with the help of Monk Raphael (Vereshack), and of his brother Pierre, and he lived there for nearly 20 years.

This hermitage consisted of a storage area, a small and compact chapel, and a kitchen-dining area, above which was an open loft where he and others slept on the floor. At this hermitage, there were no utilities of any sort. There was an outdoor privy, and water had to be fetched in pails from a well about 250 metres (¼ mi) distant. Lighting was by candles, or by oil or kerosene lamps. Heating was by means of a wood-burning stove.

Hieromonk Gregory (Papazian)

In about 1993, Hieromonk Gregory (Papazian) was elevated to the dignity of igumen.

During this time, there were 2 monks who were able to stay and to live with him.

The first was the Monk Raphael (Vereshack), who spent many years with Father Gregory in this remote place (as well as before that for some time at the skete in Rawdon), and where they managed to live a life of subsistence, and to support themselves through candle-making and iconography.

After some years, Father Raphael received the blessing to leave for Saint Tikhon’s Monastery and Seminary in the USA. He studied and served there ; he was ordained there, and eventually he was transferred as a priestmonk to Western Canada. While he was there, he joined the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). He was then assigned to their Holy Resurrection parish in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Later, Father Gregory was joined by the Monk Samuel (Panchuk), who was eventually ordained to the Holy Diaconate (2007) and then to the Holy Priesthood (2010). All the while, Father Gregory continued to follow his regular daily rhythm. Even in this remote place, however, he was very frequently visited by people who travelled from Montréal and Ottawa and other places. He was well-known and respected. As always, receiving many visitors proved to be a challenge in the context of trying to maintain a monastic rhythm and silence which are necessary to promote unceasing prayer.

One summer, Father Gregory and his disciple Brother Samuel were preparing for the repair of the chimney. The skete had no running water, and fetching water required a walk to the well of about 100 metres, and a similar return. They carried 2 buckets with a shoulder-yoke for this purpose. While they awaited the brick-layer’s arrival, they were concerned to have enough water on hand for the mortar. However, because of the hot and dry summer, their rain-barrel’s water-level was low. However, unexpectedly, a day or so before the brick-layer was to arrive, there was a downpour of rain, and the barrel was filled.

Photographs from the Fitch Bay period :

Construction

(completed over one summer)

Fathers Gregory and Raphael

Later days

Holy Transfiguration Skete, Magog/Fitch Bay

Igumen Gregory (left) ; Monk Samuel (right)

Schema-Igumen Gregory, in schema, and vested for the Divine Liturgy

Gregory Dahms of Ottawa with the monks

Illness ; temporary closure, 1998

In 1998, the Igumen Gregory (Papazian) fell ill.

On 1 October, 1998, with the blessing of Bishop Seraphim (Storheim), who gave him a medical leave-of-absence, he closed the hermitage. He was attached to the Monastic Community of Saint Silouan the Athonite in Johnstown, Ontario. He travelled to Europe, to a monastery in France, where he hoped that he would become stronger. Father Samuel went to a different monastery. Although he had intended to remain there, his health worsened, and it only improved upon his return to Canada. When he returned, Father Samuel also returned. It was not until some time later that the nature of his illness was clearly discerned and treated. It was associated with the austerity of his way of life.

Move to British Columbia, 1999

Again in Canada, with Bishop Seraphim’s blessing, he and Father Samuel moved to British Columbia, and shortly thereafter in 1999 to Gibson’s Landing in British Columbia.

Establishment at Gibson’s Landing

It was at Gibson’s Landing, British Columbia, that they were able to purchase a property of several acres together with a local Orthodox Christian family, and it was there that they built the next building of the hermitage. The design of this hermitage (as with the previous structures) was facilitated by the fact that Father Gregory had been trained in his youth as a draftsman in an architectural firm. His close friend from those days was himself an architect.

This time, the hermitage was constructed on the side of a mountain, so the concrete basement opened at ground-level towards the garden-space. Soon after the construction, a greenhouse was erected at the entrance, so as to prolong the growing season of some vegetables. The garden provided vegetables for much of the year, including the winter season. The main floor also opened at ground-level towards the entrance road. On the sides of the porch, a sematron (toaca) was suspended, and also several former acetylene tanks which served as bells. The basement was the place for the wood heater, and for candle-making. The main floor contained a small chapel (dedicated to the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos to the Temple), a kitchen and dining area. The first floor contained 3 cells, a lavatory, and an open office/library space. In this hermitage, utilities were required by the building code. Therefore, there was both running water and electricity, propane for the kitchen stove, and there was also a septic tank. Nevertheless, the monks kept to a minimum their use of any of the utilities.

After a little time, they were joined by the Monk Moses (Schneider). Many others have tried their vocation in this hermitage (at its various sites), but the monks have remained at the number 3 for some time.

The Gibsons entrance gate

The Gibsons Hermitage

The south and garden side of the hermitage

Part of the garden

The exterior brick wood-fired oven

Divine Liturgy in the chapel

Tea with visitors

The Holy Cross at the highest point

On 1 August, 2009, the Nun Anna (Barkham) was blessed to establish the Hermitage of Saint Nicholas at 116, Williamsons Landing Road, not far from the Hermitage of the Holy Transfiguration. Mother Anna was a member of the Monastic Community of Saint Silouan the Athonite in Ontario, and she had for many years worked as a midwife in the Langley region of the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, and then in the region of Gibsons, until she retired. She had previously purchased property near the monks, and she had participated in services whenever it was possible for her, and most particularly in the Divine Liturgy. Although she was not a member of the monastic community of the Holy Transfiguration, she was supported spiritually by their proximity.

It was at about this time that Father Gregory was diagnosed as having a cancerous tumour. By the Lord’s mercy, all that was required was a surgery, and no other treatments. Father Gregory required some time to recover from the surgery, but he continued as always in his life of prayer, fasting and worship. He continued to nurture with love the small brotherhood.

During the 15 years of their life and witness at Gibson’s Landing (at 160, Williamson’s Landing Road), the monks received more and more visitors at the services which were offered in their chapel. Many were Orthodox Christians who lived near by, and very many were visitors from Vancouver, the Vancouver Island Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and elsewhere. The frequency and length of some visits became so great that the monastic life and rhythm of the monks came to be once again in danger of collapsing. Therefore, the monks protected themselves with a fence and with limited hours in which they could receive visitors. In this way, they were able to maintain a balance of work, prayer and hospitality. Fencing proved also to be the satisfactory way of protecting their gardens (from which they mostly fed themselves and their guests year-round) from deer and from bears.

However, since this phenomenon has been repeating in the life of this community (and in some others also), it may be useful to recall the words of the Saviour :

 You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 
 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it 
 gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, 
 that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.  
 – (Matthew 5:14-16)

Move to Lone Butte, 2015

Then, in 2015, it became necessary to sell the property in Gibson’s Landing, because the co-owning family encountered difficulties regarding insurance. Insurance was being refused to the co-owners because of the sharing of the property with a monastery. There was no compromise permitted. Therefore, after discussion with the monks, it was mutually agreed that both the monks and the co-owning family would have to sell and to relocate. There were inconveniences for both the family and the monks because of the haste. However, from the monastic perspective, the insistent traffic of visitors to the monastery and the attendant stress made the opportunity appear to be Providential, and therefore agreeable.

Upon the rather rapid sale, the monks had to leave and find a property which they could afford on their own. This place was near Lone Butte, far (178 km or 111 mi) to the north of Kamloops. There, it was required that the monks once again (with the help of friends) construct their cells, chapel and work-space. Since that time, the monks decided to limit visitors to clergy who are making a personal spiritual retreat (a time of silence, prayer, and making confession). They continue to produce beeswax candles as before, and they also continue to produce iconographic works and other handiworks.

Archbishop Iréneé (Rochon) and the brotherhood in the chapel

Chapel of the Entrance of the Theotokos new iconostas

In 2017, the monks were forced twice to evacuate because of the extreme danger of forest-fires. Nevertheless, the hermitage was spared any damage.

In 2018, the great fires which threatened much of the interior of British Columbia were active in a different region.

The hermitage near Lone Butte before its final staining

As before, a Cross was established at the highest part of the hermitage property.

The Holy Cross on the highest point

In August, 2019, the monks completed and established a new Holy Table in Saint Aidan's Church in Cranbrook, British Columbia. This was one of the fruits of the learning of wood-carving amongst the monks.

Holy Table for Saint Aidan's, Cranbrook

In 2023, the monks completed and established a new Holy Table in the new Temple of Saint Herman of Alaska at Langley, British Columbia.

North side of the Holy Table

West (front) side of the Holy Table

South side of the Holy Table

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.

From there, Vladyka Irénée went on to visit the Saint Alexander Nevsky Mission in Victoria (Fr Evgeniy Prokhin) ; Holy Apostle Barnabas Church in 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 in Chilliwack (Fr Matthew Francis).

The Monks

Demonstrating the wood storage

Touring the out-buildings

Perusing plans

The Brotherhood, 2026

Throughout the years, the following 3 monks have consistently constituted the Holy Transfiguration Brotherhood : Schema-Archimandrite Gregory (Papazian) ; Hiero-Schemamonk Samuel (Panchuk) ; Schema-Subdeacon Moses (Schneider)

Fathers Gregory, Samuel, Moses in 2026

Particular hermitage information

This hermitage is part of the British Columbia & Yukon Deanery 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 hermitage follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of the hermitage chapel is the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, 21 November.

The Feast-day of the hermitage is the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ, 6 August.

In 2025, the abbot of the hermitage is Schema-Archimandrite Gregory (Papazian).

The “econom” (manager) of the hermitage is the Schema-Hieromonk Samuel (Panchuk).

The subdeacon and reader is the Schema-Monk-subdeacon Moses (Schneider).

Please call the hermitage in order to arrange any possible visits. Please understand that the hermitage is closed to visitors year-round. However, clergy are permitted to come on a pre-arranged retreat, and also serious monastic candidates who are seeking to join the brotherhood.

Address :

Holy Transfiguration Hermitage

7568, High Country Road

Lone Butte, British Columbia

V0K 1X2

Telephone : (250) 593-9321

Schema-Archimandrite Gregory (Papazian)

Hiero-Schemamonk Samuel (Panchuk)

Schemamonk Subdeacon Moses (Schneider)

Directions :

Lone Butte is situated to the east of the Cariboo Highway (Highway #97), on Highway #24. It is about 180 km (112 mi) northwest of Kamloops, and the drive requires about 2 hours and 15 minutes. It is 456 km (284 mi) from Vancouver. it is 112 km (70 mi) southeast of Williams Lake, British Columbia.

Kamloops is located 354 km (220 mi) northeast of Vancouver. It is also 210 km (130 mi) northwest of Kelowna, British Columbia ; 620 km (385 mi) west of Calgary, Alberta ; and 804 km (500 mi) southwest of Edmonton, Alberta.

From Kamloops, drive northwards on Highway #5 (Yellowhead) until Little Fort. Turn left on Highway #24 (Little Fort Highway). Drive towards Lone Butte. Pass Emar Lakes Provincial Park and Bridge Lake Provincial Park until High Country Road. Turn left and drive towards Henley Lake. The hermitage is at 7568, High Country Road (on the west side of the road).

Alternatively, from Kamloops drive westwards on Highway #97/#1 (Trans-Canada) until Cache Creek. At Quartz Road, turn right and follow Quartz Road to Stage Road. Turn left onto Stage Road, and turn right onto Highway #97 North (the Cariboo Highway). Drive northwards towards 100 Mile House and Williams Lake. At Highway #24 (Industrial Flats Road), turn right (eastwards) onto Highway #24 (Little Fort Highway), and drive to Lone Butte. Pass through Lone Butte, and drive until High Country Road. Turn right and drive towards Henley Lake. The hermitage is at 7568, High Country Road (on the west side of the road).

From Williams Lake, British Columbia (where there is an aeroport), follow Highway #97 South until the junction with Highway #24. Turn left (east) onto Highway #24, and drive to Lone Butte. Pass through Lone Butte, and drive until High Country Road. Turn right and drive towards Henley Lake. The hermitage is at 7568, High Country Road (on the west side of the road).

The Hermitage in Lone Butte, 2018

References

Hopko, Thomas, ‘Monasticism’ in “The Orthodox Faith”, vol. 2.

Orthodoxwiki article about Monasticism

Prokurat, Michael ; Golitzin, Alexander & Petersen, Michael, eds., 'Monasteries' in “The A to Z of the Orthodox Church” (Lanham, MD : Scarecrow Press, 2010), pp. 223-224. ISBN : 978-0-8108-7602-6.

...... 'Monasticism' in “The A to Z of the Orthodox Church” (Lanham, MD : Scarecrow Press, 2010), pp. 225-227. ISBN : 978-0-8108-7602-6.

Wikipedia article about the history of Eastern Orthodox Christian Monasticism

Additional information :

Archdiocese of Canada listing for the Holy Transfiguration Hermitage, Lone Butte, British Columbia

Archdiocese of Canada (OCA) web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada

Orthodox Church in America (OCA) listing for the Holy Transfiguration Hermitage, Lone Butte, British Columbia

Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church in America (OCA)

Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor)

Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko)

Metropolitan Jonah (Pauffhausen)

Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard)