MacNutt SK Dormition of the Theotokos Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1908

MacNutt, Saskatchewan, Church and Cemetery in the Name of the Dormition of the Theotokos, 1908

This parish is also known as "Kurchaki" from the name of the donor of the property.

Kurchaki may be spelt Kurczaki (this Polish spelling refers to a place near the city of Lodz in Poland).

Prehistory

During the years 1890-1900, the very first pioneers and founders of the Parish of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary near MacNutt, Saskatchewan, Canada, originally came from the province of Bukovina. At that time, this province belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, although it originally belonged to Romania, and then returned to Romania after World War I. However, during World War II, the northern part of this region was taken by Mr. J Stalin into Ukraine in 1939, through the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.

These particular newcomers to Canada had emigrated from their homeland not only because of the political-economic situation at the time, but also because they were Orthodox Christians who wished to be able to practice their Orthodox Christian Faith freely. In the area from which they came, there was (under more than one political environment) strong pressure on Orthodox Christians to become Roman Catholics (either Latin rite, or Ukrainian Catholic rite).

Prior to 1908, these pioneers attended the Saints Peter and Paul Russo Greek Orthodox Church which had already been constructed in Calder, Saskatchewan.

There had also been established in 1902 the Holy Trinity Romanian-speaking community, south of Calder and 9.5 km (6 mi) west of MacNutt. As with the community which founded the Holy Trinity Parish, this community was originally identified with Calder. This particular community became the second Orthodox Christian community associated with MacNutt. Geographically, this Temple is closer to Calder than it is to MacNutt.

Organising the parish ; constructing the Temple, 1908

In 1908, Thomas Kurchak donated a 4-acre parcel of land for a Temple. It is not known precisely in what year the congregation started, but it is recorded in a clipping from an old newspaper that has a picture and an article that in the year 1909, Archbishop Tikhon (Belavin) (who was later enthroned as Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’) visited the MacNutt district. It is very probable that he blessed this small area of land for the Temple.

The first church building was constructed of logs, and it was plastered on the inside. The outside had plaster, siding and shingles. It was built on a shallow foundation of stones.

The founders of the parish and builders of the Temple included :

 Elia Artemmenko ; Joe Budz ; Nick Gilchuk ; Panko Kryworuchka ; Tom Kurchak ; George Morash ; John Morash ; 
 Metro Morash ; Steve Pitz ; Bill Prokopetz ; Pat Prokopetz ; George Purshega ; John Romanchuk ; Kost Sawa ; 
 Andrew Sawchuk ; Kost Sawchuk ; Pantely Sawchuk ; Kost Skrepnyk ; Vladimir Skrepnyk ; Sam Vicksich ; 
 Tom Wincheruk.

In autumn, 1915, the Temple was sanctified by Bishop Alexander (Nemolovsky) of Alaska, who had been sent by Archbishop Evdokim (Meschersky) in New York. Vladyka Evdokim was the newly-assigned and newly-arrived Archbishop of the Russian Orthodox Mission's Diocese of the Aleutians and New York. The Temple, Cemetery and Parish were registered in the land titles office of the Province of Saskatchewan. The first parish committee included :

 Nick Prokopetz ; John Romanchuk ; Kost Sawchuk.

From that time, the parish continued its regular life as parishioners continued to gather and to worship (with, or without a priest). When they lacked a priest, it was generally customary in such parishes that the Faithful gather on Sundays, Great Feasts, and on other occasions and to worship, using the format of a reader's service.

From the 1930s, the universal experience of rural Canada was depopulation as mechanisation increased, and as farms were consolidated into larger and larger operations. Eventually, farming changed from subsistence living, and became a business. People moved away, usually into larger urban places, and fewer people lived on the land itself. World War II and the subsequent industrialisation increased this process.

In the 1960s, there was 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 nearby (relatively speaking) in Edmonton, Alberta, namely Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk).

Second Temple, 1960

In 1960, the original church building was dismantled due to its age and poor foundation, and the construction of the present church building was begun. There were some funds on hand, and the rest of the materials and labour were donated by the existing members. It was built of lumber on a good foundation with refinished panels on the walls on the inside and stucco on the outside. Many people helped very generously with labour and the donation of money and many items.

Those who built the second Temple included :

 Jim Anthony ; John Anthony ; Metro Bewcyk ; James Budz ; Nick Eftoda ;  William Perpeliuk ; John Purshega ; 
 Mike Shewchuk (who constructed the domes on the building) ; Peter Shewchuk ; William Shewchuk ; Nick Skrepnyk ; 
 George Wincheruk ; Wasyl Wincheruk ; Joe Yakobowski.

Elia Shewchuk served as cantor throughout his lifetime.

The Temple was sanctified in 1961 by Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk) of Edmonton, Alberta. The Archpriest Peter Tokaruk was the parish priest at that time.

View from southeast

Bell-house

As is customary with most rural Temples in this region, there was constructed a bell-house near the Temple. Later, a small meeting-hall was constructed as an addition.

Bell-house and hall in winter

The priests who have served in this parish include :

 Archpriest John Borcha ; Archimandrite Ignatii (Falovsky) ; Priest Boris Grigori ; 
 Priest (unknown) Micholivich ; Priest John Khrustavka ; Priest (unknown) Kolisnyk ; Priest John Danilchuk ; 
 Priest (unknown) Shwailuk ; Priest (unknown) Keliuk ; Archpriest Igor Kisil ; Archpriest Michael Kit ; 
 Priest (unknown) Mikhalowski ; Priest J Mandziuk ; Archpriest Vitaly Politylo ; Priest Evgenii Prystupa ; 
 Priest Petro Radyk ; Archpriest Dimitri Sagan ; Constantine Stakhowsky ; Priest (unknown) Starchuk ; 
 Archpriest Peter Tokaruk ; Priest Dormendont Tovstiuk ; Archpriest Hariton Velma ; 
 Mitred Archpriest Peter Vlodek ; Priest Antony Zeminov ; Archpriest Igor Kisil.

Russo-Greek Orthodox Kurchaki Cemetery of the Dormition, 1908

The Russo-Greek Orthodox Kurchaki Cemetery of the Dormition was established at the same time as was the organisation of the parish and the construction of the Temple.

It is situated on the same allotment of land, at the GPS Co-ordinates : 51.1615000, -101.6319000

Cemetery (winter)

Cemetery (summer)

Anniversary panikhida

Centennial anniversary of the Dormition Parish at Kurchaki, 2009

On 28 August, 2009, the parishioners took part in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Dormition Church in Kurchaki, near MacNutt, Saskatchewan, which is a part of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Job (Smakouz) of Kashira. He was assisted by the rector of the parish, the Igor Kisil, the Priest George Sergeyev, and the priest of the OCA, the Archpriest Andrew Piasta. After the Divine Liturgy (which was attended by 140 people), there followed a moleben (prayer service) with a procession and a panikhida (memorial service). At the festal dinner, Bishop Job (Smakouz) presented the patriarchal certificate (gramota) of blessing and gratitude to the parish.

Centennial group photo

Vladyka Job (Smakouz) and clergy

Priest George Sergeev ; Archpriest Igor Kisil ; Vladyka Job ; Archpriest Andrew Piasta ; (unknown)

Temple in winter

Although the membership is quite small today, nevertheless, their devotion to and support of the Orthodox Christian Faith is most commendable.

Particular parish information

This parish belongs to the Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in Canada, of the Russian Orthodox Church. The bishop is Bishop Matthew (Andreev).

This parish follows the Old (Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, 15/28 August.

In 2022, the pastor of the parish is the Archpriest Evgeniy Protsenko.

Address/directions :

MacNutt is situated in the Rural Municipality of Churchbridge No. 211, and Division No. 5.

MacNutt is located74 km (45 mi) southeast of Yorkton. However, the Temple is northwest of the town, and closer to Calder.

Drive eastwards from Yorkton on Highway #10 for 48 km (29 mi). Pass Wroxton, and then turn right (south) (signs for Calder). Drive 5.6 km (3.5 mi) south towards Calder. Before Calder (2.4 km/1.5 mi) turn left (east) and drive 8 km (5 mi) east. Then turn right and drive 1 km (1/2 mi) south. The church will be on the left.

Contacts :

President : Anne Pitz, telephone : (204) 937-2272

Secretary-Treasurer : William Shewchuk, telephone : (306) 742-4404

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

References

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

“Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in Canada, 100 Years of Orthodoxy in Canada 1897-1997 : Pictorial Memories” (Edmonton : Patriarchal Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in Canada, 1997).

Russian Orthodox Church History Book Committee, “Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in Canada, Millennium of the Baptism of Rus’” (Edmonton : Russian Orthodox Church History Book Committee, 1988). ISBN: 0-88925-830-9.

“The Russian Mission in North America”

Additional information :

Anderson, Alan, “Ethnic Block Settlements in Saskatchewan”

Archer, Dr. John H, “Saskatchewan, a History” (Western Producer Prairie Provinces, 1980). ISBN-10 : ‎0888330642 ; ISBN-13 : 978-0888330642.

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

MP listing

Moscow Patriarchate Parishes in Canada web-site

Wikipedia article about the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada

Orthodoxwiki article about the Russian Orthodox Church in Canada

Saint Tikhon (Belavin)

(Saint) Arseny (Chahovtsov)

Archbishop Alexander (Nemolovsky)

Archbishop Evdokim (Meschersky)

Archbishop Joasaph (Skorodumov)

Metropolitan Platon (Rozhdestvensky)

Metropolitan Theophilus (Pashkovsky)

Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich)