Rhein SK : Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1906

Rhein, Saskatchewan, Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church and Cemetery, 1906

Prehistory

The Temple of Saints Peter and Paul in Rhein, Saskatchewan, Canada, was founded by people who had emigrated from the Province of Bucovina of Romania (the north part is now the Chernivtsi Oblast of Ukraine), which was at that time under the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

In the later 1890s, many of the founders of this community began to come from the region of Kitsman, and this name was given to the local school at their new home in Canada. The people had been enticed by the advertising and speeches of Dr. Josef Oleskow to make the long journey to Canada, and to begin a very different way of life.

Mr. Oleskow had been sent to Eastern Europe by the Government of Canada in order to recruit people who would be willing to relocate to Canada. This was being done because of perceived pressing need to increase the population substantially, and particularly in Western Canada. For this reason, the Canadian government was offering substantial portions of land for homesteads without cost to those who were willing and able to settle on the crown land and farm it.

A large number of people accepted the invitation (chiefly from Bucovina and from Galicia). There were many reasons to do so. The regions in which they lived were dominated at that time by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Opportunities for employment were scarce. It was extremely difficult to acquire any land. Orthodox Christian believers were often oppressed and sometimes repressed by the predominantly Roman Catholic or Eastern Catholic authorities of the empire. They left their homeland and family ties not only for economic reasons, but also with the hope of having the freedom to practice their Orthodox Christian Faith.

The emigrants made their way as well as they could to Hamburg, Germany, where they boarded a ship for Halifax, Nova Scotia. From there, they travelled by rail to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and then to Yorkton, Northwest Territories (now Saskatchewan). Those who arrived represented all age groups.

Founding the community, 1906

It is known locally that in 1902, there were 5 nearby communities which were already constructing places of worship, and this one was amongst that number. It is also known that a priest was being sought who could serve this and the other communities. However, no-one yet had official ownership of the homesteads being established, so it is likely that the very first structures were chapels made of sod, much as were the first homes of the immigrants from Bucovina.

By 1906, most of the families had settled, and they had begun to plan the construction of a permanent Temple in this place.

At this time, the community began to be served by clergy of the "Russian Mission", and its Diocese of New York and the Aleutian Islands within the Russian Orthodox Church.

Constructing the Temple, 1908

In 1908, Nicholas Achtemichuk and Paul Romaniuk donated 5 acres of land to provide space for a Temple and a cemetery. This official donation was possible only at this late date because of the homesteading regulations of the government. A homesteader was required to open and farm a specific amount of land, and build certain buildings within a required period of time. Ownership could be achieved only after an immigrant homesteader had found an English person who could vouch for him that this work had been accomplished.

Because of the donation, the local nickname of the Temple and cemetery is "Achtemichuk".

The Land-description site is : SE-24-28-2-W2 in the Rural Municipality (RM) of Sliding Hills-Mikado. In that year, Nicholas Bodnaryk, along with other settlers, went with sleighs to the Porcupine Forest in order to cut logs for building the Temple. A Doukhobor was hired to supervise the building project. All the labour was donated by the founding families. The original Temple was constructed with spruce logs, which were plastered with mud and then whitewashed. The floor was of pounded dirt, and the roof was made from bundles of hay that were tied together with ropes : in other words, a thatched roof.

Some of the first parishioners included :

 Nikolai Achtemichuk ; Onefry Achtemichuk ; Nikolay Bodnaryk ; Proken Boychuk ; Simon Boychuk ; 
 Nikola Fedorak ; Nikolai Kayshuk ; Theodore Kereluk ; Stephan Kosmenka ; Wasyl Kosmenka ; 
 Petali Matechuk ; Stephan Oystryk ; George Prokopchuk ; Wasyl Prokopchuk ; Paul Romaniuk ; 
 George Shewkenek ; Ivan Shewkenek.

The first meeting was convened in 1909. The 20 families raised $478.00 in order to purchase the necessary liturgical items for the Temple.

A few years later, Stephan Oystryk donated $70.00 in order to purchase the Royal Doors. The Gospel Book cost $50.00. The Temple was named after the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. The first service in this Temple was offered in 1909.

The Temple, from the west

The Temple, bell-house and memorial Cross, from the east

Renovations, 1917, 1924

In 1917, the Temple was renovated by changing to a shingled roof, and applying new siding over the previous plaster. Concrete was poured around the base of the Temple, and a wooden floor was installed.

In 1924, the shingles were replaced with a metal roof, and the interior was covered with finishing boards. The floor was replaced with fir boards.

Iconostas

During the course of the decades following its establishment, the parish was served by various clergy of the "Russian Mission" ; by missionary clergy of the Diocese of Canada (following its foundation in 1916) ; by rural clergy of this diocese of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America (after its establishment from the Mission in 1923) ; by hieromonks from the Holy Ascension Monastery at Sifton, Manitoba ; and by various clergy who cared for the rural parishes in the region of east-central Saskatchewan and northwestern Manitoba.

The parish found itself situated in the midst of other communities which changed their affiliation to the Ukrainian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of Canada (UOGC). This new entity had been established in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in 1918. On occasion, tensions developed amongst the communities regarding this subject. In this region, there was also a substantial settlement of Dukhobors who had arrived in Canada at about the same time as this group of immigrants in Rhein.

From the late 1920s, in association with the Great Drought of the 1930s and with increasing mechanisation, farms began to increase in size when farmers who had the means would purchase adjoining farms in order to increase their size and their production. Thus, the rural population began to be reduced steadily.

World War II affected this community as it did all other communities round about, and throughout the country. Some of the men went to serve in the war, and some of them did not return.

Despite the reduction in population, the Faithful in this parish community continued to live and worship in the Orthodox Christian manner.

Rural depopulation

As have all other rural parishes across Western Canada, this parish community suffered from rural depopulation, which began in the 1930s. This accelerated after World War II with the increase in mechanisation and the consolidation of small farms into larger ones.

By the 1990s, the number of farms had decreased even more greatly because a great many had been bought by larger and larger farming operations.

100 years : 2008

On 6 July, 2008, a special memorial service was offered in memory of the founders and benefactors of this Temple. Metropolitan John (Stinka) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada presided. At the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, he was assisted by the Priests Mel Slashinsky, Andrew Piasta and Gene Maximiuk.

After the Divine Liturgy, water was blessed outdoors, and a panikhida was served for the founders and benefactors.

Renovations, 2013

In 2013, George and Lillian Prokopchuk, and Gerald Yaholnitsky applied new siding to the building. Other adjustments were made to the interior.

The "Artophorion" which once occupied the Holy Table, was moved to one side

Later, a new metal roof was installed on the Temple.

Family names of parishioners associated with this parish include (with spelling variations) :

 Achtemichuk ; Bodnarek ; Fedaruk ; Kadyschuk ; Kosminko ; Kuryluk ; Matechuk ; Ostreck ; Prokopchuk ; Romanuik ; 
 Rurak ; Shukenik.

Memorial list

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. In addition to 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.

In most places where these regulations were imposed, there was also some controversy.

Blessing of Graves at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 2022

On 10 July, 2022, the annual blessing of the graves (provody) at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church took place. On this particular occasion, Archpriest Andrew Piasta of Yorkton led the services.

The Divine Liturgy began at 9:45 a.m. Afterwards, there was a general panikhida, which was followed by the blessing of the graves with holy water. Following this, a pot-luck dinner was served.

At the Divine Liturgy

The Temple, the Cross, the Bell-house, 2022

On this occasion, Archpriest Andrew Piasta served the Divine Liturgy, and he blessed the graves afterwards.

At that time, a photo was taken of one of the most recent descendants of the original founders of the parish. The photo shows the child, and the iconostas of the Temple on that day.

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.

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.

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.

Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Cemetery, 1908

The cemetery, on the same property as the Temple, has been in constant use since the beginning, and it continues to be so at the present. The cemetery is well-maintained.

Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Cemetery

Particular parish information

This parish community has not historically belonged to any particular Orthodox Christian jurisdiction. Instead, the parish has chosen to ask for a priest when there was a need, from whichever jurisdiction had a priest available. For a period of time, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada had more clergy available.

Nevertheless, at the beginning, for some decades thereafter, and then more recently, the Temple has been served mostly by the clergy of The Orthodox Church in America.

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 priest who serves this community is the Archpriest Andrew Piasta.

Address :

Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Land-description site SE-24-28-2-W2

RM of Sliding Hills-Mikado #273

Rhein, Saskatchewan

S0A 3K0

Facebook

Mailing Address :

Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church

c/o John Bodnaryk

Box 59

Rhein, Saskatchewan

S0A 3K0

Directions :

The parish is situated 8 km (5 mi) north of Rhein, Saskatchewan. Rhein is located 36.3 km (22.5 mi) northeast of Yorkton, Saskatchewan.

From Yorkton, drive north on Highway #9 for about 15 km (9.3 mi). Turn right on Highway #309 E and drive about 4 km (2.5 mi). At Rhein, turn left on Road #637.

From the Village of Rhein, drive 8 km (5 mi) north on Road #637. Turn right on Road #650/637, and drive 4 km (2.5 mi) east, and then follow #637 1 km (½ mi) north.

Archpriest Andrew Piasta

Telephone : (306) 782-0113

E-mail : axios@sasktel.net

Historical sign

References

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

A Chronological History of the Archdiocese of Canada, Part 1

“The Russian Mission in North America”

Stricker, Barron ; Bodnaryk, John and Stephanie, “Rhein Centennial History Book 1913-2013” (Rhein : Village of Rhein, 2013).

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.

Additional information :

Dictionary of Canadian Biography article about Dr. Josef Oleskow

“R.M. of Sliding Hills #273 : 75 years 1913-1988” (Mikado : R.M. of Sliding Hills #273, 1988)

Wikipedia article about Rural Municipality of Sliding Hills No. 273

‘Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church celebrates 100th Anniversary’ in “Ukrainian Orthodox Herald” (“Visnik”), vol. LXXXV, no. 10 (Winnipeg : Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, October, 2008). p. 16.

Tonufrijchuk, Theodore, “Sliding Hills : The History of Sliding Hills No. 273, Mikado Sask. and their centennial park” (Yorkon, SK : RM Sliding Hills Mikado SK, 1967).

Virag, Lloyd and Rose, “Reflections of Ukraine : Ukrainian Churches of the Saskatchewan Countryside” (Saskatoon : Lloyd and Rose Virag, 2016), pp.74-75. ISBN : 978-0-9950034-0-8.

Yereniuk, Prof. Roman, "A Short Historical Outline of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada" (UOCC)

Yuzyk, Paul, “The Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada 1918-1951” (Ottawa : University of Ottawa Press, 1981).

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada

Central Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada web-site

Orthodox Church in America web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church in America

Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada

Church of Constantinople web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Constantinople

(Belavin) Archbishop (Saint) Tikhon (Belavin)