View source for Canora SK Apostle Andrew the First-Called Orthodox Church 2004


[[File:20170428Holy-apostle-andrew-the-first-called-church-canora-sk s.jpg]]

'''Canora, SK, Church of the Apostle Andrew, the First-Called, 2004, 2009'''


==Founding the community, 2004/2009==

Saint Andrew’s Church in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canora,_Saskatchewan Canora], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan Saskatchewan], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada], was established as a mission in June, 2009.  It grew out of the previously-established Mission Station of All Saints of North America (established in 2004), of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada] of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America].  It had been served by both the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/luciuk-archpriest-rodion Archpriest Rodion Luciuk], and the [http://archdiocese.ca/clergy/piasta-archpriest-andrew Archpriest Andrew Piasta] from [[Yorkton SK Saint Mark the Evangelist Orthodox Church 1987 |Saint Mark’s Orthodox Church]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yorkton Yorkton] (about 50 km (30 mi) south of Canora).

==First rented site==

Initially, the mission met in the [http://quappelle.anglican.ca/churches/profile.php?parish=canora-st-george local Anglican] church, which was dedicated to [https://orthodoxwiki.org/George_the_Trophy-bearer Saint George] (which was part of the [https://quappelle.anglican.ca/ Anglican Diocese of Qu'Appelle]).  Then, following a major change in the service schedules of the Anglican community, the mission community had to search for another place of worship.

==Second rented site==

Faced with losing their place of worship because of changed circumstances, the mission received blessing from [[Archbishop Nathaniel (Popp)]] to make its home in the [https://www.oca.org/parishes/oca-ro-canspp Temple of Saints Peter and Paul], a rural parish of the [http://www.roea.org/ Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America] just on the outskirts of Canora.  

Then, with the blessing of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Nathaniel_(Popp) Archbishop Nathaniel (Popp)], the mission community then undertook making extensive renovations to the Temple and the adjacent hall.  This Temple had been sanctified in 1935 by [[Bishop Polycarp (Moruşca)]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit Detroit] ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan Michigan]).  

In the autumn of 2013, Father Andrew Piasta retired, and this ended a chapter in this mission's life.  However, it also began a new one.  Having trusted in the Lord from the beginning, and being blessed with a loving pastor in Father Andrew, a building, and resources to renovate it, this community now trusts that the Lord will provide for them as they continue to live out the "Great Commission" (see Saint Matthew 18:16-20) in eastern Saskatchewan. 

The [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Dean Dean] of [https://www.archdiocese.ca/communities?field_deanery_tid_i18n=4&field_community_type_value_i18n=All&title= Manitoba-Saskatchewan] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada], [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/scratch-priest-gregory Priest Gregory Scratch], made a [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decanal decanal] pastoral visit to the parish in 2013 for the Feast-day of the [https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/1999/11/30/103450-apostle-andrew-the-holy-and-all-praised-first-called Holy Apostle Andrew the First-called].  

He reported about the retirement of the Archpriest Andrew Piasta, and how this retirement ended a major chapter in the life of the mission.  He also noted that the parishioners had, from the beginning, trusted in the Lord, and how having been blessed with the loving pastor care of Father Andrew, they received a building, and the resources to renovate it.  Now, he said, the mission had to trust that the Lord will provide for them under the guidance of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Igumen_Vladimir_(Lysak) Igumen Vladimir (Lysak)], who was helping to serve the community.  He was also writing [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography iconography] for the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconostasis iconostas].  


[[File:ArchpriestAndrewPiasta2025 2.jpg]]  '''Archpriest Andrew Piasta'''


After this retirement, the community was placed directly under the guidance of the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/luciuk-archpriest-rodion Archpriest Rodion Luciuk] of [[Yorkton SK Saint Mark the Evangelist Orthodox Church 1987 |Saint Mark's Church]] in Yorkton.  
In 2016, the membership of the parish consisted of more than 30 households.  The liturgical language was [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language English].  

In 2016, the mission parish was elevated to the status of a church/parish. 

The community's parishioners proceeded with further improvements to the structure of the Temple at a steady rate during several years.

==2020-2021 Coronavirus-19 virus restrictions on parishes==

In early 2020, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19 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. Including 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.

As elsewhere, there was some controversy about the legal requirements.


By this time, the health of Archpriest Andrew Piasta had improved, and he was given the blessing to return to serving the Parish of Saint Andrew.

==Archpastoral visitation, 2022==

On 2 June, 2022, the Feast of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ascension Ascension of Christ], in the afternoon, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) made an [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/archbishop-irenee-visits-yorkton-and-canora-sk-and-leonard-mb archpastoral visitation] to the parish of Saint Andrew.  He was accompanied by Archpriest Rodion Luciuk, Archpriest Gregory Scratch, Archpriest Andrew Piasta, and [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/goncharov-deacon-dmitrij Deacon Dmitrij Goncharov].  On this occasion, they met and prayed together with [[Archbishop Nathaniel (Popp)]] and [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Andrei_(Hoarste) Bishop Andrei (Hoarste)] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Romanian_Orthodox_Episcopate_of_America_(OCA) Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America] of The Orthodox Church in America.    

In the report about this visit, it was stated that
  This community is unique in that this church was built by Romanian settlers in 1903 and consecrated
  by [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Polycarp_(Moru%C5%9Fca) Archbishop Polycarp (Moruşca)], yet shares the building with the mission of Saint Andrew the 
  First Called (since 2004).  A Moleben of Thanksgiving was served, and their new iconostas and icons 
  were blessed by His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, 
  with the Archpriest Andrew Piasta.  Following the service a [http://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/content/litiya-trisagion-dead  Trisagion for the departed] founders was 
  served and their graves were blessed.  His Grace [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Andrei_(Hoarste) Bishop Andrei of Cleveland] led the singing for 
  this service.  
A memorial service, led by Archbishop Nathaniel, was also offered at the cemetery near the Temple.


[[File:Canora Ascension 2022 1.png]]  '''Archpriest Andrew Piasta, censing'''


[[File:Archbsihop Nathaniel Canora 2022 1.png]]  '''Archbishop Nathaniel, blessing'''



[[File:June 2022 Archpastoral visitation Saint Andrew Canora 1.png]] 

'''Archbishop Nathaniel, Archbishop Irénée, Bishop Andrei, Archpriest Gregory, Archpriest Rodion, Archpriest Andrew, and others, after the service of blessing and thanksgiving'''


[[File:Canora Cemetery Ascension 2022 1.jpg]]  '''The bishops at the cemetery'''

==Particular parish information==

The intention of this community is, first, to proclaim the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Gospel Gospel] and to give witness to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian Faith] through the Christian life of the members.  In doing so, it is hoped that this community will be able to reach out and to try to bring back the many Orthodox Christians in the area who have fallen away from the Church.  In addition, this community tries to share the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/What_is_Orthodoxy Orthodox Faith] with those outside the Church who are seeking the true life in Christ.  

This parish is a part of the Deanery of [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Category:Saskatchewan Saskatchewan]-[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Category:Manitoba_%26_Nunavut Manitoba-Nunavut], of the [https://www.archdiocese.ca Archdiocese of Canada], of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America].  The dean is the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/scratch-priest-gregory Archpriest Gregory Scratch].  The bishop is [[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]].

This parish follows the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revised_Julian_calendar New (Revised Julian) Calendar]. 

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the [https://oca.org/saints/lives/2012/11/30/103450-apostle-andrew-the-holy-and-all-praised-first-called Apostle Andrew], 30 November.

The Altar Feast-day of this Temple is the Feast of the [https://oca.org/saints/lives/2014/06/29/101840-the-holy-glorious-and-all-praised-leaders-of-the-apostles-peter Apostles Peter and Paul], 29 June. 

In 2026 the parish was served primarily by [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/piasta-archpriest-andrew Archpriest Andrew Piasta] with supplement by [http://archdiocese.ca/clergy/luciuk-archpriest-rodion Archpriest Rodion Luciuk] of Yorkton.    


[[File:SaintAndrewCanoraSk.png]]


Address/Directions :

The Town of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canora,_Saskatchewan Canora], Saskatchewan. is situated north of the junction of Highways [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan_Highway_5 #5] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan_Highway_9  #9], 50 km (30 mi) north of Yorkton, Saskatchewan.  

The Orthodox Temple of Saint Andrew the First-Called is situated on the southern edge of Canora, on Highway #5, Canora ½ km (.3 mi) east of the junctions of Highways #5 and #9 ("[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan_Highway_9 Saskota Route]").  

From the south (Yorkton) :

Drive on Highway #9 north to Canora.  Before entering Canora, turn right (east) at the intersection of Highways #9 and #5.  Drive approximately ½ km.  The Temple is on the south side of Highway #5.  The drive takes approximately 35 minutes.  

From the east ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamsack Kamsack]) :

Drive on Highway #5 west to Canora.  After about 63.5 km (39 mi), the Temple is found on the south side of Highway #5, just before entering Canora.  The drive takes approximately 25 minutes.  


The mailing address of the parish is that of the priest.




[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/luciuk-archpriest-rodion Archpriest Rodion Luciuk]

10, Circlebrooke Drive

Yorkton, Saskatchewan

S3N 2T1

Telephone : 306-782-2482

E-mail : fatherrod@sasktel.net 


[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/piasta-archpriest-andrew Archpriest Andrew Piasta]

72, Newfield Place

Yorkton, Saskatchewan 

S3N 2M9

Telephhone : 306-782-0113

E-mail : axios@sasktel.net

==References==

[http://oca.org/parishes/oca-ca-cansam Original article] 


'''Additional information :'''

[http://archdiocese.ca/community/holy-apostle-andrew-first-called-church-canora-sk Archdiocese listing, article]

[https://oca.org/parishes/oca-ca-cansam OCA listing] 

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Tikhon_(Mollard) Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard)] 

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Nathaniel_(Popp) Archbishop Nathaniel (Popp)]   

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Irénée_(Rochon) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)] 

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Polycarp_(Moru%C5%9Fca) Bishop Polycarp (Morusca)]  

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Andrei_(Hoarste) Bishop Andrei (Hoarste)]  

[https://www.archdiocese.ca Archdiocese of Canada web-site] 

[https://www.facebook.com/canadianarchdiocese/ Archdiocese of Canada Facebook] 

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Romanian_Orthodox_Episcopate_of_America_(OCA) Orthodoxwiki article about the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America]  

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church of America]  

[https://oca.org/saints/lives/2012/11/30/103450-apostle-andrew-the-holy-and-all-praised-first-called Holy Apostle Andrew]

[[Yorkton SK Saint Mark the Evangelist Orthodox Church 1987 |Saint Mark the Evangelist Church, Yorkton]]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canora,_Saskatchewan Wikipedia article about Canora]

[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canora/ Canadian Encyclopaedia article about Canora]

“[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/archbishop-irenee-visits-yorkton-and-canora-sk-and-leonard-mb Altar feast at Holy Apostle Andrew the First-called Church, Canora, SK]” (30 November, 2013)  
 
“[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/archbishop-irenee-visits-yorkton-and-canora-sk-and-leonard-mb Archbishop Irénée Visits Yorkton and Canora, SK and Leonard, MB]” (5 June, 2022) 

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/new-book-celebrates-anniversary-canora-sk-church New Book celebrates Anniversary of Canora, SK Church] (16 May, 2023)

‘[https://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/messenger/Com2009-4.20-4.pdf Official establishment of the Mission Station in Canora, SK]’ in “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” (Autumn, 2009), p. 15   

‘[https://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/messenger/Com2009-4.20-4.pdf Assignment of Archpriest Andrew Piasta as Priest-in-Charge of the Mission Station of Saint Andrew]’ in “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” (Autumn, 2009), p. 15  






[[Category:Parish Communities]]  [[Category:Saskatchewan]] [[Category:ADOCA]]  [[Category:OCA]]