Rawdon QC Saint Seraphim of Sarov Russian Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1954

Rawdon, Québec, Saint Seraphim of Sarov Russian Orthodox Church and Cemetery, 1954

Gratitude is expressed to Dr. Paul Ladouceur and to Archimandrite Georges (Leroy) for their research and for their writings in Pages Orthodoxes la Transfiguration.

Seraphim may be spelt Serafim, Séraphim, Séraphin.

Prehistory

About Rawdon

Rawdon, Québec, Canada, is a municipality located on the Ouareau River in southwestern Québec, Canada, about 60 kilometres north of Montréal. It is the seat for the Regional County Municipality of Matawinie, in the Lanaudière region. The town of Rawdon is a mostly French-speaking tourist resort and is home to one English public school, and 4 French public schools, as well as a medium-size ski resort.

The township was established in 1799 and named after Sir Francis Rawdon-Hastings, 1st Marquess of Hastings. The town was primarily home to people of Irish background up until 1844, when more and more French-Canadians settled the region, and small shops and industries emerged.

After the World War I and the October Revolution in Russia, Rawdon saw a considerable number of Russian, Ukrainian, and Byelorusian noble families arrive to settle in its countryside from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Rawdon was originally part of Montcalm County.

From 1920 to 1998, there were 2 separate municipalities named "Rawdon" : the Township of Rawdon, and the Village of Rawdon. In 1998, they were united into a single municipality. Rawdon, which is well-aware of its multi-ethnic constituency, has a multi-ethnic museum (supported by some Russian-speakers) which helps local citizens and visitors alike to understand the blend of cultures.

Russian Orthodox people in Rawdon

The Orthodox Christian presence in Rawdon (a truly multi-ethnic village) dates back to the 1920s. At that time, Russian immigrants from Montréal, attracted by the beauty of nature in the Rawdon area, came to spend some time there during the summer.

The first Russian immigrants to go there for fishing were Boris Orlov and his wife Iuliana, in 1926. Even though before World War I, the village was mainly a place of temporary summer residences. Then, the second wave of immigrants, Russian-speakers, settled there in greater numbers in the 1950s. Many other immigrants also settled there (people from Hungary, Poland, and other countries).

Retirees who initially had had their dachas (small chalets) in Rawdon began to winterise them, and to move to Rawdon permanently.

The first family to live there permanently was the Jacobs family, in 1926. In 1929, Mrs. Jacob opened a small hotel or lodge in Rawdon. By 1939, there existed in Rawdon a small “Russian colony” in summer, which was made up of about 8 families. Little by little, especially after World War II, other Russian-speakers came to Rawdon, and summer cottages were built or acquired.

One of these early-acquired cottages belonged to Archpriest Oleg Boldireff, Rector of Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Montréal, and Dean of Québec and Ontario.

Boldireff family domestic chapel, 1954

It was in 1954 that the first chapel (dedicated to Saint Seraphim of Sarov) was constructed on 17th Avenue in Rawdon.

The domestic chapel

Constructed on the property of Archpriest Oleg Boldireff, this small structure was intended ostensibly to serve as a domestic chapel for the Boldireff family. Almost immediately, however, it began to serve the spiritual needs of the small Russian-speaking community during the summer season.

The Village of Rawdon at the time had a fairly high number of Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking immigrants.

When Father Oleg decided to build a small Russian Orthodox oratory next to his house, there were many protests from vacationers, since most of them had intended to go Rawdon for vacation rest. Father Oleg constructed a domestic chapel for his family, although he welcomed others of the Faithful to the services he offered there.

Blessing the Cross for the Chapel, 1957

Gradually, the Russians living in and around Rawdon came to attend the services in larger and larger numbers. The chapel was so small that people stayed outside. Growth in the number of parishioners was also due to the increase of the numbers of Russians of Montréal who decided to move and settle in Rawdon after retirement.

Establishment of the Russian Orthodox Cemetery 1962

In 1962, the Orthodox cemetery was opened following the acquisition of land donated by the A Lowes family in the community, and following successful approaches made by Father Oleg to the Roman Catholic Church of the municipality.

Entrance gate of the cemetery

Sanctification, 1962

The opening and sanctification (blessing) of this landmark site was conducted by Bishop Anatoly (Apostolov), who was the Bishop of Canada at that time. There are particular prayers (in the Book of Needs) for blessing the establishment of a cemetery, which Vladyka Anatoly used. This included blessing the grounds with Holy Water and incense. This usually involves also the erection of a large Cross on the grounds.

Each year thereafter, on the anniversary of the martyrdom of Tsar Nicholas II and his family, a memorial service was held in front of the monument dedicated to Russian White Army fighters in the Russian Orthodox Saint Seraphim Cemetery in Rawdon.

After the departure of Father Oleg from Montréal to Vancouver, British Columbia, Bishop Sylvester (Haruns), the newly-arrived successor to Bishop Anatoly (Apostolov), built a larger chapel next to the cemetery in 1966, and he dedicated it to Saint Seraphim of Sarov. Situated on 15th Avenue, on the grounds of the Orthodox cemetery, some elements of Father Oleg Boldireff’'s chapel, notably the dome, windows, and the royal doors of the iconostas, were incorporated into the new structure.

Saint Seraphim Church from the cemetery

It is to be kept in mind that the property of the cemetery and everything on it remained that of Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Montréal (as well as several other properties nearby). Although it was the case that certain residents were given the responsibility of maintaining the cemetery and its records, the cathedral administration remained in charge of everything.

Bishop's Dacha

Not long after the 1963 arrival of Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns) to become the bishop of Montréal and Canada (Archdiocese of Canada, Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America), it was decided also by the cathedral parish to purchase and establish a summer dacha (pronounced "datcha") for the bishop. It was situated at the corner of 15th Avenue and Rue Ashland.

After the repose of Archbishop Sylvester in 2000, the datcha was occupied by various persons from time to time, and the large room served as a social-space and library for the Saint Seraphim parish.

Bishop's Dacha

Construction and sanctification of the Temple of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, 1966

It was in 1966 that Bishop Sylvester (Haruns) of Montréal and Canada and the Parish Council of Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral decided to construct a larger Temple on the territory of the Russian Orthodox Cemetery. Alexander Kaminski was entrusted with the direction of the project.

The new church building was constructed at the corner of 15th Avenue and Woodland Avenue, in the very courtyard of the Russian Orthodox cemetery founded by Father Oleg Boldireff. The Saint Seraphim of Sarov Temple was sanctified by Bishop Sylvester (Haruns) on 4 August, 1966.

Construction of a bell-house, 1973

A bell-house, with bells from the Canadian National Railway (CNR) and Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, was erected in 1973.

Saint Seraphim Church with the bell-house

Saint Seraphim Skete

In 1977-1978, with the blessing of Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns), Hieromonk Gregory (Papazian) (of Armenian origin from Egypt), built a skete (or hermitage), with a small adjacent chapel, dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ. It was situated on the cemetery grounds, a very short distance from the Saint Seraphim of Sarov Church. The skete chapel began to be used all year round for the celebration of daily offices, and in winter for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy (the larger but uninsulated Church of Saint Seraphim of Sarov is not used in winter).

After the departure of Father Gregory and his disciple to greater solitude in the Eastern Townships, Mother Nila (Maikapar) lived in the skete for 10 years. From that time, the building was known as Saint Seraphim Skete. There, Mother Nila carried out the administration of the cemetery on behalf of the cathedral’s parish council. This was the case similarly with other monastics who followed her there.

Saint Seraphim Skete, Summer and winter

By the 1980s, the population of Russian-speakers had been declining for some time, principally because of age.

However, after the fall of communism in the Soviet Union in 1989, a new wave of immigrants and young families began to appear. In this revival of the community, there was added a growing interest in spiritual matters, and they (and tourists also) began to visit the Temple to find out more about Orthodoxy. Pilgrims from various parishes in Montréal also would go to pray and to venerate the Holy Relics exhibited in the Chapel of the Holy Transfiguration beside the Temple of Saint Seraphim. These relics include those of Saint Seraphim of Sarov and Saint John the Forerunner (the Baptist). The legacy in Rawdon of both Father Oleg Boldireff and Archbishop Sylvester is very much alive.

Over the years, the small Orthodox community grew once again, and the need to organise a parish arose.

In 1997, Father Irénée Rochon was assigned to serve as administrator of the cemetery. With the help of Father Marc (Pierre) and subsequently Father Daniel (Baeyens), religious services were celebrated throughout the year, and no longer only during the summer.

At about this time, Deacon Amvrosi (Mlodzyk) had acquired a permanent residence on Woodland Avenue, on the opposite side of the cemetery from the Bishop’s Datcha. He lived there continuously thereafter.

On 2 August, 2003, the Feast-day of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, Bishop Seraphim and some 200 people participated in the commemoration of the centenary of the canonisation of this popular Russian saint of the 19th century.

Aerial view of the Saint Seraphim Cemetery (with Saint Seraphim's Church, and Saint Seraphim's Skete), and the Dacha across the road

Establishment of the Saint Seraphim parish community, 2004

In 2004, by the time of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the community, there had developed a desire to receive the blessing to work towards becoming a distinct parish community. Accordingly, the bishop gave the blessing.

Thus, in 2004, the community was recognised as a parish, distinct and independent of the Cathedral parish of Saints Peter and Saint-Paul in Montréal. Nevertheless, the community continued to use the cemetery Temple of Saint Seraphim with the blessing of the cathedral parish in Montréal. The whole cemetery property and other nearby properties belonged to the cathedral parish. One of the main promoters of this move had been a son of Father Oleg Boldireff, Subdeacon Andrei Boldireff, with his wife Faina, who at that time had their home in Rawdon.

In recent years, some new Russian immigrants also arrived in Rawdon, which increased slightly the community's numbers. The Orthodox community of Rawdon therefore began to present itself as a mixed community, composed mainly of retired people of Russian origin, a few young Russians, a few Québec Orthodox, and some of other origins. The community thus demonstrates a certain vitality : services are celebrated regularly, the Saint Seraphim of Sarov Temple was enlarged by the addition of a covered portico, new icons were purchased ; and in 2004, the community was recognised as a parish, independent of the Cathedral parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Montréal.

On 29 April, 2006, the Priest Juan Pablo Ruiz-Gomar was attached at Saint Seraphim’s Church in Rawdon, Québec, as Deanery Supply Priest.

50th anniversary of the Saint Seraphim Temple, 2006

On 5 August, 2006, the community celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Saint Seraphim of Sarov Temple itself. A small commemorative book, with the history of the church was published on this occasion. It included stories from members of the community and photos,

Alternative name for the Russian Orthodox Cemetery

On 1 January, 2008, the Russian Orthodox Cemetery in Rawdon, Québec was named “The Russian Orthodox Cemetery in the Name of Saint Seraphim of Sarov in Rawdon, Québec”, as an alternative to the official name.

Bishop Irénée (Rochon) as abbot of the monastic community, 2009

On 1 October, 2009, Bishop Irénée (Rochon), retained his responsibility as Abbot of The Monastic Community of Saint Seraphim of Sarov (La Communauté Monastique de Saint-Séraphim de Sarov), of Rawdon, Québec. He had been ordained that day to the Holy Episcopate.

Patronal Feast at Saint Seraphim Orthodox Church in Rawdon, 2014

On 2 August, 2014, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) visited the Church of Saint Seraphim of Sarov in Rawdon, Québec for the celebration of the parish feast day.

Sanctification of the Memorial Cross from Russia - Rawdon and Montréal church services, 2015

On 17-18 October, 2015, the new Memorial Cross imported from Russia was sanctified by Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) in Rawdon, Québec. It was established on the cemetery grounds between the Saint Seraphim Temple and the Saint Seraphim Skete.

Front and back views of the Memorial Cross (between the Temple and the Skete

Incorporation of the parish, 2016

Steps were taken to bring about the official incorporation of the Saint Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Parish. This was achieved in 2016.

Archdiocesan centennial anniversary celebrations with Metropolitan Tikhon in Rawdon, 2016

On Saturday, 30 July, 2016, Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard) visited the Temple of Saint Seraphim of Sarov in Rawdon, Québec. He presided at the Divine Liturgy in celebration of the parish's 60th anniversary as well as the centennial of the Archdiocese of Canada. Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) co-served with Metropolitan Tikhon, along with many clergy. Present and attending was the Armenian Primate of Canada, Bishop Abgar Hovakimian.

Photos of the Centennial Anniversary celebration

Greeting Metropolitan Tikhon

Metropolitan Tikhon and Archbishop Irénée

At the Lesser Entrance

Serving clergy

Serving deacons

Armenian Bishop Abgar Hovakimian, Father Anatoliy and Deacon Hlib Melnyk

Greek Orthodox nuns from Brownsburg

Congregation at worship

Procession to the cemetery

Panikhida at the Cemetery Cross

Bright Monday, 2018

On Bright Monday, 9 April, 2018, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Saint Seraphim’s parish in Rawdon, Québec. The services were held in the winter church at Saint Seraphim’s Skete.

Bright Week Divine Liturgy

Bright Week Paschal meal

Formal establishment of Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church, Frost Village, Shefford, Québec, 2019

In 2019, the formal establishment of Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church in Frost Village, Shefford, Québec, was accomplished.

In 1852, this historic structure had its beginnings amongst United Empire Loyalists (UEL) who wettled in the Shefford region of Québec. It belonged to the Anglican Diocese of Montréal until depopulation brought about its closure before 1979, and its sale to the Canadian Heritage of Québec. During the earlier years after 2000, there developed a relationship between the Parish of Saint-Beinoit-de-Nursie in Montréal and the remaining Anglican families who had historical connexions with the building. Eventually, informal services began to be held there ; and, in 2019, the Archdiocese of Canada received the building by a purchase agreement.

Since that time, the newly-established missionary church began to be administered by the parish of Saint Seraphim of Sarov in Rawdon.

Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church, Frost Village, Québec

Archbishop Irénée Celebrated the Feast of Pentecost in Rawdon, 2020

On Sunday, 7 June, 2020, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) celebrated the Feast of Pentecost in the Saint Seraphim of Sarov Church in Rawdon.

On this occasion, the festal Divine Liturgy was celebrated outdoors. Archbishop Irénée presided at the Divine Liturgy, together with Deacon Denis Letunovsky. On this day, the weather and the surroundings supported the beauty of the feast-day with the sun, the leafy trees, and the singing of birds. Social distancing (in the context of the Covid-19 Pandemic) was made easy with the mild breeze.

Transfer of Priest Juan Pablo Ruiz-Gomar

On 15 August, 2020, Priest Juan Pablo Ruiz-Gomar was released from his responsibilities as Rector of Saint Seraphim Orthodox Church in Rawdon, Québec. He was assigned to Holy Resurrection Sobor, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Celebration of the Feast of the Holy Cross in Rawdon, Québec, 2021

On Monday, 27 September, 2021, Archbishop Irénée celebrated the Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Rawdon, Québec. He served the Divine Liturgy in the parish of Saint Seraphim.

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Establishment of the Holy Virgin of Diveyevo (Saint Seraphim) Parish, 2023

In January, 2023, the United Church of Rawdon put its church up for sale. After the necessary negotiations, the Orthodox Parish of Saint Seraphim acquired it in April, 2023.

From then on, the parish of Saint Seraphim of Sarov continued its life in this new Temple, but under a different name. With the blessing of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), the parish decided to continue under the protection of the Most Holy Mother of God, under the name of her Icon of “Tenderness of Diveyevo”, the icon before which Saint Seraphim of Sarov prayed in his monastic cell and before which he surrendered his spirit to the Lord God.

Archdiocesan Council Meets in Rawdon, 2023

On Tuesday and Wednesday, 24-25 October, 2023, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) met with the regional deans and other elected members of Archdiocesan Council of the Archdiocese of Canada in Rawdon, Québec.

This meeting was hosted by the parish of Saint Seraphim in the new Temple of the Theotokos of Diveyevo. The parish had begun to be known as the Virgin of Diveyevo Orthodox Church of Rawdon, Québec.

The council meeting began with a moleben in the recently-acquired and refurbished chapel of the Mother of God of Diveyevo where the parish of Saint Seraphim of Rawdon meets for worship. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated on the Wednesday morning.

Council discussions focussed on reviewing the 2023 Archdiocesan Assembly held in Châteauguay, Québec ; planning for future assemblies ; co-ordinating support for the impoverished Diocese of Alaska ; and meeting the mission and educational needs of the a growing diocese.

Particular parish information

This Temple and Cemetery is part of the Québec Deanery of the Archdiocese of Canada in The Orthodox Church in America. The dean is Mitred Archpriest Anatoliy Melnyk. The bishop is Archbishop Irénée (Rochon.

The languages of services in this Temple are French, Slavonic, and English.

This Temple follows the Old (Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of Saint Seraphim of Sarov (Glorification), 19 July/1August.

In 2025, the Rector of the Temple, Skete, and Cemetery is Mitred Archpriest Anatoliy Melnyk.

Other clergy attached include, Priest Hlib (Gleb) Melnyk ; Priest Petr Boitchouk ; Deacon Dmitry Belyaykov.

Address :

Saint Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church

3494-15th Avenue

Rawdon, Québec

J0K 1S0

References

Orthodox Pages of the Transfiguration : The Orthodox communities of Abitibi and Rawdon (Québec

Religious Heritage Buildings of Québec : Church of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, Rawdon, Québec (Translation of : RÉCIT DE LIEU L'église Saint-Séraphim-de-Sarov)

Additional information :

“Our Church, Our Community, Saint- Séraphim-de-Sarov Church, Rawdon, Québec, 1956-2006” (trilingual publication : Russian-French-English).

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.

“The heritage of religious minorities in Québec : Wealth and vulnerability”, under the direction of Marie-Claude Rocher and Marc Pelchat, Presses de l'Université Laval, Québec, 2006.

RÉCIT DE LIEU L'église Saint-Séraphim-de-Sarov (see translation above in References)

Archdiocese of Canada listing for Saint Seraphim of Sarov Church

Orthodox Church of the Icon of the Mother of God of Diveyevo

Saint Seraphim Skete, Rawdon, Québec

Office of the Archdiocese of Canada 2014, Rawdon, Québec

Archdiocese of Canada web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada

Orthodox Church in America (OCA) listing

Orthodox Church in America web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church in America

Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich)