Vegreville AB Saint John the Baptist Russo Greek Orthodox Church 1922

Vegreville, Alberta, Church in the Name of Saint John the Baptist, 1922

Prehistory

The communities that formed the parishes of the Russian Orthodox Mission in Canada (later known as "The Canadian Orthodox Church") developed from the immigrants that began arriving in Canada during the last decade of the 19th century, as early as 1892.

The first community was formed on 18 July, 1897, in Stary Wostok, North-West Territories (later Alberta) by Slavic farmers who had arrived from the Eastern European provinces of Galicia in what became later Western Ukraine, and Bucovina in Romania, both of which regions were at that time within the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

In 1897, a group of the new residents, led by Theodore Nemirsky, corresponded with Bishop Nicholas (Ziorov) of San Francisco (California). He was at that time head of Russian Orthodox Mission in North America, and they requested the assignment of a priest to Wostok to provide for the spiritual needs of the many newcomers. Bishop Nicholas sent Priest Dmitry Kamnev and Deacon Vladimir Alexandrov from Seattle, Washington, USA.

Priest Dmitry Kamnev

After their arrival in Wostok in 1897, the missionaries celebrated the first Orthodox Divine Liturgy in Canada in the farmyard of Theodore Nemirsky's homestead. It was attended by more than 300 Orthodox Christians from the surrounding area. This event was followed rapidly by the establishment of many Temples throughout what became Central Alberta (after 1905).

First Divine Liturgy, 1897

After the period of initial settlement in the rural areas, some of the original settlers (and some of the first-generation children) began to move from the farms into the towns and cities.

Vegreville

Vegreville, Alberta, Canada, was named after Father Valentin Vegreville, a Roman Catholic Oblate missionary in Western Canada. The name Vegreville was chosen by its founders, Joseph Benoit Tetreau and Joseph Poulin. The first settlers to the area were French-Canadian families who had lived for a time in Kansas, Missouri, USA, and then arrived in April, 1894. English-speaking people from the USA and Eastern Canada soon joined them, followed by a major wave of emigration from Eastern and Central Europe, and others from the British Isles.

By December, 1895, Vegreville already had its own post office. By 1905, the Canadian Northern Railway came through about 7 km (4½ mi) northeast of the hamlet, so the decision was made to move its buildings next to the railway line.

Vegreville is situated at one of the southern points of what is known as the largest Ukrainian bloc settlement in Alberta. Because of the railway, it became a centre for transportation of people and of goods into and from this settlement-area.

Organising the parish ; building the first Temple, 1922-1923

As previously suggested, some people began to move from farms into the village of Vegreville. Just as had been the case 2 decades earlier at the homesteads, it was necessary to establish a Temple in which the people could gather and worship. Therefore, they gathered together and organised themselves ; they procured property, and they organised and registered a parish community.

The Russo-Greek Orthodox Temple of Saint John the Baptist in Vegreville, Alberta, was built in the years 1922 and 1923.

It is worth noting for the sake of context that it was during the previous 2 decades that some differences of opinion developed. The differences had to do for the most part with foreign politics, but to some extent also with practices within the Church. There had been World War I (which affected everyone in Europe and in Canada). In 1917, there had been the 2 revolutions against the Russian Emperor, and these were followed by 4 years of civil war. These, and other events, brought about another wave of emigration into Canada.

During the second decade of the 20th century in particular, there had grown up a concern about using the Ukrainian language instead of Church Slavonic in Orthodox Church services. This (and associated factors) had brought about the establishment of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada, in 1918. The consequence of this development was the appearance of Ukrainian parishes in schism from the original Diocese of North America, and with the new Diocese of Canada (1916).

When the Temple of Saint John the Baptist in Vegreville was established, the first members of the parish and the builders of the Temple were :

 Timotey Federiuk ; Lazar Kassian ; Manoly Kostashuk ; George Makowichuk ; Mr. Martiniuk ; 
 George Ponich (the leader of the building committee) ; Steve Rusnak ; Manoly Skintey ; Semeon Wereziuk ; 
 Mike Yaremcio ; and others, whose names are not available.

Sanctification of the Temple, 1927

On the Great Feast-day of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, celebrated on 7 July, 1927, the Temple in Vegreville was officially sanctified.

Incorporation, 1928

In 1928, the parish was incorporated officially under the Statutes of the Province of Alberta. The document for incorporation was signed by Manoly Kostashuk and Manoly Skintey on behalf of the parish.

Women's Sisterhood

From the beginning, the women of the parish organised themselves into a sisterhood (women’s auxiliary). This sisterhood was very active and devoted.

During the following years, along with other nearby parishes, this community continued to worship under the leadership of clergy of the Diocese of Canada of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America. During its first decade of service, their bishop was Bishop Arseny (Chahovtsov) of Winnipeg (Manitoba).

Move to the Russian Exarchate, 1950s

During the 1950s, the parish transferred from the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in North America (ROCGGNA) to the Russian Exarchate of North America.

Second Temple

It is not mentioned in the available history, but at some time after 1950, a new Temple was constructed.

77th Anniversary of the establishment of the Orthodox Church in Canada, 1974

On 23 June, 1974, the parish hosted the celebration of the 77th anniversary of the presence in Canada of the Orthodox Church, which was being observed by the Patriarchal Orthodox Parishes in Canada. The celebration was led by Bishop Makary (Svistun) of Uman, Ukraine (later Metropolitan of Vinnytsia, Ukraine), who was at that time caring for the parishes in the USA also.

On 24 June, 2001, the parish hosted a celebration of the 104th anniversary of Orthodoxy in Canada, which was observed by the Patriarchal Orthodox Parishes in Canada. Archbishop Mark (Petrovtsiy), Archbishop of Kashira, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada (later Metropolitan of Khust, Ukraine), celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. He was assisted by Archpriest John Shandra and Priest Igor Kisil (the parish priest). This was followed by a banquet and programme for all the participants.

The present Temple

95 years since the sanctification of the Temple, 2012

On Sunday, 8 July, 2012, Saint John the Baptist Russo Greek Orthodox Church of Vegreville, Alberta celebrated the 95th anniversary of its foundation, as well as its patronal feast-day. The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and festal moleben were led by Bishop Iov (Smakouz), Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada. He was assisted by Archpriest Igor Kisil and Priest Anton Filchak.

After the veneration of the Holy Cross and anointing with holy oil, a moleben was served outdoors in the church yard, with the Lesser Blessing of Water. This was followed by a festal Cross-procession around the church, and the blessing of the walls (and then the interior afterwards). This was followed by a memorial litia (prayer) for the departed founders and parishioners of the parish.

Following this, a festive anniversary banquet and programme were offered at the Elks Hall in Vegreville. The programme included a festive concert, with several old Ukrainian songs performed by the church choir under the direction of Mrs. Andrea Zacharuk.

The hall was also arranged with several stands of pictures displaying the 95-year history of the parish. A special anniversary booklet included a special message from Bishop Job (Smakouz). The "History of the Parish and the Life of Saint John the Baptist" was prepared by Father Igor Kisil.

Parishioners, 2016

Centennial of the parish, 2017

On Saturday, 8 July, 2017, the parish of Saint John the Baptist marked the 100th Anniversary of its foundation as well as its Patronal Feast-day. Bishop Job (Smakouz), Administrator of the Moscow Patriarchate Parishes in Canada, was greeted outside the Temple by parish president Gloria Sen, who offered the customary Bread and Salt ; and by the parish secretary-treasurer Janet Michalcheon, who presented flowers.

The rector, Father Igor Kisil, greeted Bishop Job inside the Temple, at the entrance, as he presented the Holy Cross for veneration.

The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was led by Bishop Job (Smakouz). He was assisted by Archpriest Igor Kisil (Rector of the Orthodox IX parishes), and by Priest Alexei Surayev (Rector of the Orthodox V parishes), as well as Deacon Andrey Boldireff, of Saint Barbara's Cathedral in Edmonton. The Divine Liturgy was followed by a festive Moleben.

The beauty of the Divine Liturgy and Moleben was enhanced by the mellifluous singing of a church choir of the Orthodox V parishes under the direction of Andrea Zacharuk.

After the Divine Liturgy, the Service of the Lesser Blessing of Water was conducted inside the Temple. “Many Years” was sung afterwards.

After that, a Memorial Litia (prayer) was served for the departed founders and parishioners of Saint John the Baptist Church followed by “Memory Eternal”.

At the end of the service, Bishop Job greeted all the parishioners and guests on the occasion of the Patronal feast of Saint John the Baptist, and on the 100th Anniversary of the foundation of the Temple and parish. He wished all the people present God’s abundant mercies, and the protection of the Theotokos. He thanked them for keeping the Faith of their forefathers, and for their love of the Holy Orthodox Way.

Parishioners at the centennial celebration

Following some speeches, a festive anniversary banquet, and a jubilee programme were held in the Temple basement.

Bishop Job presented an Archpastoral Gramota (Certificate of Merit) to the parish committee and the parishioners of Saint John the Baptist Church on the occasion of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of their parish, and in recognition of their hard work and zealous efforts toward the consolidation of the Holy Orthodox Faith in Canada. Bishop Job conveyed to the gathering the congratulations and the blessing of Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev), Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia and he thanked the president, the parish committee, and the parishioners for organising and preparing everything for the jubilee.

In her speech, Vegreville parish president Gloria Sen talked about the history of the parish.

Congratulatory messages were then delivered by Roman Lopushinsky, Secretary of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada and President of Saint Barbara’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Edmonton ; by David Borys, President of the Orthodox IX Parishes and President of Saint Mary’s Church in Nisku ; and by Jim Nemirsky, Vice-President of the Orthodox V Association.

At the end of the programme, Father Igor Kisil, expressed his gratitude to Vladyka Job, to everyone present, and to all who helped put together this joyous celebration.

The hall was arranged with several stands of pictures displaying the 100-year history of the parish. A special Anniversary Booklet was prepared by Father Igor.

Amongst the priests who have served in this parish are :

 Priest John Zazuliak ; Priest (unknown) Bodnar ; Archpriest Thaddeus Ewachniuk ; Priest Roman Samilo ; 
 Priest Ambrose Khrustavka ; Archpriest John Kowalchuk ; Archpriest Theodore Varkhol ; Archpriest Wasyl Hochachka ; 
 Priest Antony Radchuk ; Priest George Marinetz ; Priest Eugenii Olendy ; Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk) ; 
 Archpriest John Margitich ; Priest Emilian Kuzmich ; Mitred Archpriest Eugene Bartchewsky ; 
 Archpriest Dimitry Sagan ; Archpriest Boris Grigory ;  Archimandrite Vlas (Vitenko) ; Archpriest John Borcha ; 
 Mitred Archpriest Andrew Kokolsky ; Priest Peter Kostiuk ; Priest Athony Chilkowich ; 
 Priest Vladimir Zayetz ; Archpriest Vitaly Politylo ; Priest Anatoliy Harkusha ; Archpriest Arseniy Melnyk ; 
 Priest Stephan Abramchuk ; Archpriest Nikanor Shymko ; Feodor Kobiliatski ; Archpriest John Shandra ; 
 Archpriest Igor Kisil.

New bishop for the Canadian parishes, 2018

In 2018, Bishop Job (Smakouz) was transferred to Ukraine. He had reached the maximum possibility of visa renewals for residence in Canada.

On 14 July, 2018, at a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church, under the chairmanship of Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) of Moscow and All Russia, taking place in the city of Ekaterinburg, Bishop Matthew (Andreev) of Sourozh was entrusted with the temporary administration of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada (Journal No. 66).

In addition to this responsibility, Bishop Matthew was entrusted similarly with the administration of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA.

Bishop Matthew (Andreev) remained resident in London, England, United Kingdom.

Birthday of Archpriest Evgeniy Protsenko, 2023

On 15 April, 2023, the rector of the parish, Archpriest Evgeniy Protsenko, marked his 50th birthday. The parishioners of this parish joined those of the other parishes in congratulating him on this significant date.

Archpastoral visit to Alberta, 2023

In May, 2023, Bishop Matthew (Andreev) visited the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada. He was able to serve in some of the Temples, and he held several administrative meetings in Edmonton, Alberta, during that visit.

Particular parish information

This parish is part of the Moscow Patriarchate Parishes in Canada. The bishop is Bishop Matthew (Andreev).

This parish follows the Old (Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day is the Feast of the Nativity of the Forerunner John the Baptist, 24 June/7 July.

In 2023, the pastor of this parish is Archpriest Evgeniy Protsenko.

Address:

Orthodox Church of Saint John the Baptist

5527-49 Street

Vegreville, Alberta

T9C 1G5

Telephone : 780-426-5163

Directions :

From Edmonton, Alberta, drive 102 km (64 mi) east on Highway #16 (Yellowhead) to Vegreville. The journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. In Minburn County, at Highway #857, turn left (north) and continue to drive on 47 Street to 49 Street in Vegreville. Turn left (west) on 49 Street, and drive 2 blocks to the west. The Temple is on the south side of the street.

Archpriest Evgeniy Protsenko, Pastor of the parish

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).

A Chronological History of the Archdiocese of Canada, Part 1

Russian Mission in North America

"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.

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 :

MP listing

Patriarchal Parishes in Canada web-site

Wikipedia article about the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada

Orthodoxwiki article “Russian Orthodox Church in Canada”

History of the Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox in Canada

Orthodox Church of Russia web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Russia

(Saint) Arseny (Chahovtsov)

Archbishop Alexander (Nemolovsky)

Archbishop Evdokim (Meschersky)

Metropolitan Platon (Rozhdestvensky)