View source for Sandy Lake MB Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1900



[[File:Stnicholassandylake 2.png]]

'''Sandy Lake, Manitoba, Church and Cemetery of Saint Nicholas, 1900'''


==Prehistory==

The main early settlers near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Lake,_Manitoba Sandy Lake], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba Manitoba], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada], who arrived just before 1900 and who constituted this parish, were mostly from the area that became the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ternopil_Oblast Ternopil Oblast] (Ternopil province) in what is now [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine Ukraine].  Before [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I World War I], this region was a part of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Galicia_and_Lodomeria Kingdom of Galicia and Ludomeria], which was itself a constituent crown-land of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria-Hungary Austro-Hungarian Empire].  This region of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Ukraine Western Ukraine] is generally called "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galicia_(Eastern_Europe) Galicia]", or "Halychina".  

[[Dmytro and Hafia Derhak |Dmytro Derhak]] was one of the founding members of the first Orthodox Temple in Sandy Lake, Manitoba.  This, the “pioneer church”, was built on Derhak property in 1900, but it then burnt down in 1953.  The Temple was rebuilt on the present site, and on higher ground.  Dmytro’s father, Andrei Derhak, was a choir master in the village of [https://uk-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9F%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%96%D0%B2%D1%86%D1%96_(%D0%9A%D0%B0%D0%BC'%D1%8F%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%86%D1%8C-%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%B4%D1%96%D0%BB%D1%8C%D1%81%D1%8C%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%BE%D0%BD)?_x_tr_sl=uk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Panivtsi] (Panovczy', Panovczy, Paniowce, Panivtsi),  in what is now the [https://uk-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A2%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BF%D1%96%D0%BB%D1%8C%D1%81%D1%8C%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8C?_x_tr_sl=uk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Ternopil Oblast] in Ukraine.  This village is in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borshchiv_Raion Borshchiv County], not far north of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dniester Dniester River], which is the border with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernivtsi_Oblast Chernivtsi Oblast].  This region has extremely fertile and productive soil.  It is also a region in which there has been a lengthy tension between the Orthodox and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Greek_Catholic_Church Ukrainian Catholics] (Uniats), mainly because of Polish-Austrian political pressures.  In the 19th century, the area inhabited by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruthenians Ruthenians] (as the Ukrainians were called in those days), was divided between the [https://www.britannica.com/place/Russian-Empire Russian] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria-Hungary Austr-Hungarian] Empires.  Austria had already taken Galicia after the [https://www.britannica.com/event/Partitions-of-Poland partition of Poland] in 1772.  More territory was later added, including what became the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duchy_of_Bukovina Duchy of Bukovina].  From 1815, the former Polish possessions of Austria were known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Galicia_and_Lodomeria Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria].  These pressures came about largely because of the conquests and because of the political policies which put pressure on [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox Christians] to become [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church Roman Catholics].  

Although it may not have been the case with the Derhak family, there were other families who came to Canada from the same region as a result of the enticements of the Government of Canada as conveyed there by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Oleskiw Dr. Josef Oleskow].

==Founding of the parish, 1900 ; pioneer cemetery, 1902==

Andrei Derhak had reposed in the Lord some time before his descendants emigrated to Canada.  Dmytro was also a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Reader reader] (a "dyak"), and he continued to use his talent in Canada when [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Nicholas_of_Myra Saint Nicholas] Church near Sandy Lake was built. (The word “dyak” has its root-meaning in the Greek word for “[https://orthodoxwiki.org/ deacon]”, and its root-meaning is “[https://orthodoxwiki.org/slave slave]”, “servant” or “service”.) 

Dmytro was [https://canadacitizenshiphelp.ca/service/naturalization/ naturalised] as a Canadian in 1906.  In addition to raising his family, he also taught his son, Ivan, the [https://othodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy], and how to read and write, as there were no schools in the area at the time.  Dmytro was a very stern, but loving and much-respected father and grandfather.  Thus, as had been the case in Ukraine, so it was in Sandy Lake, Manitoba, that Dmytro became the Orthodox pillar of light and knowledge for the Derhak family, and for the village.  It was evident in the way he served as a dyak, and in how he lived his Christian life.  After his repose, his son, Ivan, took over his duties ; and after Ivan, Dmytro's grandson, [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Steven_and_Helen_Derhak Steven], was also a dyak.  This makes a total of 4 generations of readers in 1 family. 

'''Pioneer cemetery'''

The very first site of the community was at a [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2617074/pioneer-cemetery-(north) pioneer cemetery] established earlier in the 19th century.  It is situated approximately 3.5 km (2.2 mi) northwest of the village of Sandy Lake.  Access to the cemetery was and is very difficult.  It can only be reached from the road running east-west that is approximately 1 km north of the cemetery. The access road leading south to the cemetery is steep, but it is maintained.  The top of the hill allows for a panoramic and beautiful view.  

The first burials in this cemetery were from [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/metis Métis] and [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/francophones-of-manitoba French-Canadian] families.  Then, when the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christians] arrived, they became the principal users of this cemetery.  

Although local Orthodox Christian settlers had begun to pray together regularly by 1900, the first, small, log-built Temple (better described as a chapel) was established on this land by 1902.  It remained in use for about a decade.  

At about the same time as this Temple was being established, within the settlement of Sandy Lake itself the [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/holyghostsandylake.shtml Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic church] was being established.  The [https://uocc.ca/parish/st-michael-parish-9/ Saint Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church] was not established in the village until the 1920s. 

In 1903, the first parish council (committee) included :
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145792436/alexander-burdeiny Olksa Burdeny] ; [[Dmytro and Ahafia Derhak |Dmytro Derhak]] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145797507/harry-desiatnyk Hnat Desiatnyk] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145794957/sofroney-gregorash Safroni Gregorash] ; Evan Klym ; Melko Lewandoski ; Wasyl Mudry ; 
  Evan Philipation ; Evan Yakowenko ; Evan Yarema ; Yurko Yarema.  
Then, in 1911, the chapel was moved 2.5 km (1.5 mi) to the west, on the land site description : NW 16-18-20 W1.  There, [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2577235/saint-nicholas-ukrainian-orthodox-cemetery a new cemetery] was soon established.  Even with this new cemetery, the old cemetery continued to be used by the parishioners and others until 1943.

==First Temple, 1911 ; new cemetery, 1911==

When the re-construction of the chapel and the construction of the extension were undertaken, in 1911, the parishioners all gave of their time, skills and resources in order to accomplish this.  They gave sacrificially despite their poverty.  Indeed, many gave not only $30.00 (a very large sum at that time), and 10 boards as well, but they also offered their labour, money, time, lumber, paint, nails, tools.  Thus they showed their serious love for the Lord and for the House of the Lord.  
  The head carpenter was Onofrey Slashinsky.  He was assisted by Dmytro Derhak ; John Klym (married to 
  Dmytro Derhak's sister Tatiana) ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145836934/matie-shindruk Matthew Shindruk] ; Jacob Prokopchuk ; John Rudiak, 
  and John Philipation.  

The [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography icons] of this Temple were prepared by John Wasel in Winnipeg.  

Because the Temple was and is north of the village, it received the nickname “the North Church”.  

On 19 November, 1913, the first marriage to be solemnised in the new Temple was that of [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/166456280/teenie-coulson Teenie Shindruk] and [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/166456261/phillip-coulson Philip Coulson].  It was blessed by Priest M Hunchak.  

Father M Hunchak also baptised the first infant in the Temple itself.  This was Annie Mizenchuk.  

Between 1900 and 1917, services were offered about once per month by priests who were serving other communities as well.  Most of the priests travelled from the [[Sifton MB Monastery of the Holy Ascension 1910-1970 |Holy Ascension Monastery]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sifton,_Manitoba Sifton], Manitoba.  

The main clergy to serve this community at this time included : 
  Priests Ivan Bodrug ; Gabriel Tymchuk ; Ivan Danylchuk ; D Pynovsky ; M Hutnakovich ; 
  John Kushvara ; M Hunchak ; Elisei Lilikovich.  


[[File:St NIcholas Sandy Lake, First Temple 1.jpg]]   '''First Temple of the parish'''

'''In this photo may be seen the extended porch or [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Narthex narthex].  This was, in fact, the original small chapel that had been incorporated into the larger structure'''


Amongst the founders of the parish were :

  Ivan (John) Klym ; Dmytro Derhak ; Matthew Shindruk ; Jakob Prokopchuk ; Ivan (John) Rudiak ; Ivan (John) Philipation. 

From those early days, this parish was a sort of central hub from which other (mostly rural) communities were served.  For some time, the parish had a residence.  It was part of an active network which involved the city of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg Winnipeg] (to which many descendants of the parish families moved), and also the [[Sifton MB Monastery of the Holy Ascension 1910-1970 |Holy Ascension Monastery]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sifton,_Manitoba Sifton].  Because Sandy Lake is also from the early days a place for summer vacations, many people have had summer cottages near the lake, hence enabling them to visit the parish of Saint Nicholas when there were services. 

'''Bell-house, 1917 ; Parish presbytery, 1917-1949 ; various priests'''

In 1917, the parishioners constructed a free-standing [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belfry_(architecture) bell-house] nearby the Temple.

In 1917, the parishioners also constructed a house for a priest, and from that time, the parish had resident priests.  These included : 
  Priests Kolodiuk ; Ivanoyko ; Damian Krehel ; [[Bishop Anthony (Tereshchenko) |Antony Tereschenko]] ; 
  Petro Oleniuk ; Konstantin Bilych ; Stefan Verbovy.  

==Archpastoral visit : Vladyka Arseny==

In the 1930s, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_(Saint)_Arseny_(Chahovtsov) Bishop Arseny (Chahovtsov)] of Winnipeg and Canada made an archpastoral visit to the parish of Saint Nicholas.  He served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with 4 priests.  A local [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglican_Church_of_Canada Anglican] cleric was present on the occasion.  Various church-banners, and several flags (including the Union Jack) were carried in procession. 


[[File:SandyLake1930s 2.jpg]]  

'''Archpastoral visit by Bishop Arseny'''  ([https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Dmytro_and_Ahafia_Derhak Dmytro Derhak] stands at the extreme right.)

'''Service by "circuit" priests'''

After the sale of the presbytery in 1949, there were again travelling clergy who served the parish.  These came from Winnipeg or Sifton in Manitoba, or from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stenen,_Saskatchewan Stenen] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan Saskatchewan].  These included : 
  Priests Evasiuk ; Bondarchuk ; Chewaruk ; Glitzky ; [[Archimandrite Ignaty (Falovsky) |Ignaty Falowsky]] ; 
  [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Hubbard-Goodeve_SK_Chapel_and_Cemetery_of_the_Holy_Ascension_1915#Archpriest_Peter_Tokaruk Peter Tokaruk] ; Antony Hurowsky.

==Archpriest Evfimy Moseychuk==

Beginning in 1941, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/111562762/yoachim-moseychuk?_gl=1*1c358q5*_gcl_au*OTU0NjMyNDk1LjE3MTM2NTMzNjM.*_ga*NTM4MTUyMDIwLjE3MTM2NTMzNjM.*_ga_4QT8FMEX30*NGJkM2RlODYtY2YzYS00YmQ5LThhZjEtN2UwMTRkNGQ0YTQyLjEuMS4xNzEzNjUzMzk3LjI3LjAuMA..*_ga_QPQNV9XG1B*NGJkM2RlODYtY2YzYS00YmQ5LThhZjEtN2UwMTRkNGQ0YTQyLjEuMS4xNzEzNjU1MTM5LjAuMC4w Archpriest Efimy Moseychuk] began to serve the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Sandy_Lake_MB_Saint_Nicholas_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1900 Saint Nicholas, Sandy Lake] parish.  He served the parish on a regular basis (along with other parishes he cared for), as well as returning for services of special need.  He continued to serve the parish thus (except for 2 years) until 1979, when he retired.  He travelled from Winnipeg to do this.  


Father Yoachim V Efimy Moseychuk (born in 1900, and a graduate of the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Sifton_MB_%E2%80%A0Monastery_of_the_Holy_Ascension_1910-1970 Sifton Pastoral School]) known for his distinctive kindness, spoke English and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language Ukrainian], and he was ready to use either language.  Furthermore, he knew the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy] by heart in the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_Slavonic Slavonic] Language which was customarily used at that time.  It was reported that the liturgical books were open in the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Altar Altar], but he never turned the pages.  Some have such a gift. In addition, when someone would attend who spoke only English, he would be ready and able to give the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Homily homily] in English.

'''Other Priests'''

From 1963-1965, the parish was served by : 
  Priests Urbanowitz ; Joseph Homik ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/143236141/alexei-showhaniuk Evgeniy Showheniuk] ; [[Archpriest Michael and Matushka Tatiana Andruchow |Michael Andruchow]].  

'''Priest Evan Lowig ; Protopresbyter Mirone Klysh'''

After the retirement of Father Moseychuk in 1979, Priest Evan Lowig served the parish (along with several others) while he lived in Winnipeg.  [[Protopresbyter Mirone and Preoteasa Lillian Klysh |Father Mirone Klysh]] also served periodically from Winnipeg.  

'''Archpriest Robert S Kennaugh ; Archpriest Gregory Scratch'''

Father Mirone Klysh was succeeded by [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/kennaugh-archpriest-stephen-robert Archpriest Robert Kennaugh], who also served [[Narol MB Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1911 |Saint Nicholas Church]] in Narol, Manitoba ; and he was followed by the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/scratch-archpriest-gregory Archpriest Gregory Scratch] in both parishes, beginning in 2012.

==1930s : Great Depression ; local tensions==

With the arrival of the 1930s, there began the "[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/great-depression Great Depression]" which affected the whole country (and the [https://www.britannica.com/place/North-America whole continent]).  Throughout the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Prairies Prairie Provinces], there was added the disaster of the great and extended [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/drought drought].  These events brought some pressures to the region, pressures that included the migration of people.  

'''Rural depopulation'''

Furthermore, by this time, the improvement in farm machinery was reducing the number of people required to operate a farm (whether subsistence or commercial), and people began to move to the cities.  The improvement in machinery also enabled the consolidation of farms into larger and larger entities (the earlier days of corporation farming).  

'''Ukrainian Orthodox parish of Saint Michael'''

In addition to these elements, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada] opened the [https://www.uocc.ca/parish/st-michael-parish-9/ Parish of Saint Michael] in the village of Sandy Lake during this decade.  The Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada had been established in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/saskatoon Saskatoon], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/saskatchewan Saskatchewan], in 1918.  Because of its particularly Ukrainian national character, there began to be felt some tensions amongst the local Ukrainian Faithful, as some began to be labelled as "Russian" because they used [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_Slavonic Church Slavonic] instead of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language Ukrainian] in the Church Services.

==First parish hall, 1951==

The parish presbytery, which was sold in 1949, was transported away to a farm in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elphinstone,_Manitoba Elphinstone].  Then, in 1951, the parishioners constructed a parish hall in which to hold parish socials and fundraising activities.  Until that construction, the parishioners were renting a hall in the village for these events.  Marion Andrejow was the head carpenter for the construction of the hall.  


[[File:First parish hall Sandy Lake 1.png]]  '''First parish hall at Saint Nicholas, Sandy Lake'''


[[Stephen and Helen Derhak |Steven Derhak]] was the president of the parish for over 30 years, and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Cantor cantor] (dyak) for more than 25 years.  Steve was very devoted to the Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church.

==Second Temple, 1953==

In 1953, the original Temple of 1911 was struck by lightning, caught fire, and was burnt.  Immediately, the parishioners galvanised their resources, and they quickly replaced the destroyed Temple with a newer style [http://www.understandconstruction.com/wood-framed-construction.html#:~:text=Every%20timber%20frame%20home%20structure,beams%20that%20support%20the%20roof. timber-frame structure] (rather than logs) over a basement.  The new Temple was on the present site, on higher ground than the first Temple.  

The Temple had an oil-fuelled furnace installed (instead of the previous wood-fired heater).  The bell-house which had been constructed earlier remained intact, and still stands near the Temple.  

To the south of the Temple, there stands a large-size Cross, not dissimilar to the one at [[Winnipeg MB Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral 1904 |Holy Trinity Sobor]] in Winnipeg.  It had been moved from the site of the Temple which burnt.  There, outdoor services (including the blessing of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_water_in_Eastern_Christianity holy water] and the serving of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Molieben molebens]) are offered from time to time.  The [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconostasis iconostas] of the Temple was constructed by Metro Lozinski of Sifton, Manitoba.  The icons were prepared by [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/maydanyk_j.shtml Jacob Maydanyk] of Winnipeg.  The interior of the Temple was painted by W J Sianchuk (a teacher in the Martindale School).  The pews were made by [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/187552060/andrew-semenchuk Henry Semanchuk] of [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Narol_MB_Saint_Nicholas_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1911 Saint Nicholas Church] in [https://mapcarta.com/24517704 Narol], Manitoba.  The original stuccoing of the exterior was done by a Winnipeg contractor.

==Sanctification of the Second Temple, 1962==

On 10 June, 1962, the completed Temple was sanctified by [[Archbishop Kiprian (Borisevich) |Bishop Kiprian (Borisevich)]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia Philadelphia] and the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Diocese_of_Eastern_Pennsylvania_(OCA) Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania].  At that time, he was the Administrator of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada].  On this occasion, Vladyka Kiprian was assisted by Archpriest Evfimy Moseychuk, Archpriest Feodor Giliawsky, and Archpriest Evgeniy Fetchina.    


[[File:Procession at the sanctification Sandy Lake 1.png]]  '''Procession with Bishop Kiprian (Borisevich) at the sanctification of the Temple'''


In 1976, the Temple was re-stuccoed by Andrew Stasenko of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benito,_Manitoba Benito], Manitoba.  


[[File:St Nicholas Church Sandy Lake MB.jpg]]  '''The Second Temple (in the 1980s)'''


[[File:Stnicholassandylakeinterior2017 2.jpg]]  '''Interior of the second Temple'''

==Parish hall was burnt, 1964 ; reconstruction, 1965 ; renewal, 1966==

In March, 1964, at a social event, the parish hall caught fire.  It was so badly damaged, it was unsalvageable.  The parishioners quickly decided that they could construct a new one.  Meanwhile, once again, any social events had to be convened in rented quarters.  Plans were soon drawn up.  In 1965, construction began.  This time, the parish hall was expanded.  Constructed near to the highway, the new structure included a separate and substantial kitchen, and a distinct dining area, as well as a stage and a dance-floor.  The grand opening took place on 1 July, 1966.  This hall served well as a gathering place, a social hall, a meeting place, and a source of income.  


[[File:Second Parish Hall Sandy Lake 1.png]]  '''Second parish hall, Sandy Lake'''


'''Saint Olga Sisterhood'''

The [https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2012/07/11/102003-blessed-olga-in-baptism-helen-princess-of-russia Saint Olga] Sisterhood Society was a very active force in the parish life over many decades. 

 The women organised fundraising events, one of which was [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierogi perogy]-making.  The women organised many social events, and they made certain that on these occasions those who attended had enough to eat.  They supported the spiritual family of the parish, and they added to its financial resources.  Of the leadership of the Saint Olga Sisterhood, the 3 longer-serving senior sisters were  : 
  Mrs. Annie Domaschuk ; Mrs. Martha Rystephanuk ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/243013535/helen-olive-derhak Mrs. Helen Derhak] ; Mrs. Jennie Coulson.  
  Mrs. Helen Derhak and Mrs. [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145833402/shirley-millenchuk Shirley Millenchuk] served as secretary.  

In 1973, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ireney_(Bekish) Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish)] presented a gramota to the Saint Olga Sisterhood Society.


[[File:SNSLMBGramota1973 2.png]]  '''Metropolitan's Gramota, 1973'''


In 1980, the women's society amalgamated with the men's society, and the parish came to have one single treasury.  Even after the sisterhood amalgamated with the parish council, the women of the parish continued to offer the same labours of love.  

As large and accommodating as was the parish hall, it was not always large enough.  It is recounted that the wedding-party of David Rystephanuk was so large that it was necessary to rent a hall in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erickson,_Manitoba Erickson].  


[[File:Blessing Pascha baskets, 1967 1.jpg]]  '''Blessing Pascha baskets, 1967'''


[[File:Sandy Lake parishioners with Father Moseychuk 1.png]]

==Archpriest Robert S and Matushka Dianne Kennaugh, 1991-1921==

In 1991, when [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Narol_MB_Saint_Nicholas_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1911#Archpriest_Robert_Stephen_(Father_Bob)_and_Matushka_Dianne_Kennaugh,_1991-2012 Father Robert S Kennaugh] was assigned to serve in Narol, Manitoba, he was also assigned to care for the parish of Saint Nicholas in Sandy Lake.  He and his wife Matushka Dianne Kennaugh began driving regularly from Winnipeg to Sandy Lake in order to provide services in a similar manner to that provided before his time by Priest Evan Lowig and Archpriest Efimy Moseychuk.

It was during his time that there developed a shared method of serving the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Theophany Theophany] [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_water#Great_Blessing_of_Water Great Blessing of Waters] out-of-doors.  Rural depopulation and fewer available clergy had already made it difficult for all 3 parishes in Sandy Lake (Saint Nicholas Orthodox, [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/stmichaelssandylake.shtml Saint Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox], and [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/holyghostsandylake.shtml Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic]) to provide the water-blessing to which they were accustomed.  

An arrangement was made during the following years in which Father Robert would bless the waters one year, and the [https://www.archeparchy.ca/ Ukrainian Catholic] priest (at that time, Father Ted Teznowski) would bless the waters the following year, and they would alternate in such a manner.  They would both be present, but only one would serve.  

At that time, during the blessing, some of the parishioners present would do as was also done at [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Pascha Pascha] : they would fire blank bullets from rifles into the air in order to express the exultation of the moment.

==100 years==

On Saturday, 15 July, 2000, [[Archbishop Seraphim (Storheim) |Bishop Seraphim (Storheim)]] led the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Temple of Saint Nicholas, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the parish.  

During the Divine Liturgy, the parish president, David Rystephanuk, was tonsured to be a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Reader reader] ; the seminarian [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/miller-deacon-kevin Kevin Miller] was ordained to be a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Subdeacon subdeacon] ; the subdeacon [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Subdeacon Anastasy (Stacey) Richter] was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Diaconate].  

Visitors from [[Winnipeg MB Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral 1904 |Holy Trinity Sobor]] in Winnipeg and from [[Narol MB Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1911 |Saint Nicholas Church]] in Narol (just north of Winnipeg) supplemented the local singers.  

The concelebrating clergy included : Archpriest [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/kennaugh-archpriest-stephen-robert Robert S Kennaugh], [[Protopresbyter Mirone and Preoteasa Lillian Klysh |Protopresbyter Mirone Klysh]], Archpriest [https://roea.orthodoxws.com/parishes?type=details&id=88 Nicolae Mariancu], Archpriest [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/melnyk-mitred-archpriest-anatoliy Anatoliy Melnyk], Archpriest [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/luciuk-archpriest-rodion Rodion Luciuk], Protodeacon [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/piasta-archpriest-andrew Andrew Piasta], and Deacon [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/cole-protodeacon-raphael Raphael Cole].  After the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy], with the blessing of water and the procession around the Temple, dinner was served in the parish hall, which included a programme of speeches, song, and dance.  

In addition, Bishop Seraphim presented to the parish a special gramota from the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America.


[[File:SNSLMBGramota2000 2.png]]  '''Centennial Synodal Gramota'''


[[File:Sandy Lake Temple 1.png]]  '''The Temple'''


[[File:Sandy Lake interior.png]]  '''Temple interior'''

==2002 : Episcopal visitation ; blessing of the renovated “old” cemetery==

On Saturday, 24 August, 2002, [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Seraphim_(Storheim) Bishop Seraphim (Storheim)] of [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ottawa-ont Ottawa] was in [https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Tourism-g15116031-Sandy_Lake_Municipality_of_Harrison_Park_Manitoba-Vacations.html Sandy Lake], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/timeline/manitoba Manitoba], for a special occasion : the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/messenger/Com2003-2.14-2.pdf blessing of the newly-renovated “Pioneer Cemetery”], the probable original cemetery of the parish and of the region.

People from and around Sandy Lake, Manitoba, gathered for a Hierarchical [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy] served by Bishop Seraphim at the “North Church”, Saint Nicholas Temple.  The Temple is just outside Sandy Lake to the north.  With the bishop were Archpriests [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/kennaugh-archpriest-stephen-robert Robert Kennaugh], [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Protopresbyter_Mirone_and_Preoteasa_Lillian_Klysh Myrone Klysh], and [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/melnyk-mitred-archpriest-anatoliy Anatoly Melnyk], as well as [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/cole-protodeacon-raphael Protodeacon Raphael Cole], who were all from [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/winnipeg Winnipeg].  


[[File:2002 blessing of Pioneer Cemetery 2.png]]  '''Blessing of the graves of the Pioneer Cemetery'''


[[File:SandyLakeOldCemetery 2.jpg]]  '''Sandy Lake Saint Nicholas Pioneer Cemetery'''


Approximately 150 people attended on this occasion.  A very noteworthy aspect of the celebration was the blessing of the “Pioneer Cemetery” (North).  This cemetery is possibly Sandy Lake’s oldest.  The picturesque location on a hill is believed to have been chosen by the [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/metis?gclid=CjwKCAjw7eSZBhB8EiwA60kCW6vh3P48vfL9QlL-GYH9udCstx7pzjDJijvQekJncdGPgZlw_KOgNhoCWNUQAvD_BwE Métis] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Canadians French Canadians] who inhabited the land in the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  The site is located on the farmland first [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/homesteading homesteaded] by [https://www.scribd.com/document/369112964/Descendants-of-Daniel-Lillie Daniel Lilley].  The parishioners of Saint Nicholas used the cemetery until 1917, when they opened their own cemetery beside the Temple.  Regrettably, due to lack of use and some grass fires over the decades, the graveyard fell into poor condition. 

In 2001, a Restoration Committee began painstaking work clearing brush, straightening tombstones and marking graves to return the cemetery to its pristine state.  

The programme of the re-opening began when a representative from the Métis community burned incense-like [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sweetgrass sweet grass].  A cairn displaying the names of all the reposed was unveiled.  Then Bishop Seraphim led the faithful in a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Memorial_Services memorial service], after which he walked about the cemetery and blessed the graves.  During the proceedings, the local Ukrainian Centennial Choir sang inspiring hymns.  

Afterwards all partook in a celebratory memorial meal at the “North Church” hall.  There, the programme continued with the presentation by Joyce Coulson of an account of the hard work involved by the Restoration Committee.  Honoured guests were present, including representatives from the Métis community, amongst them [https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/24225096/thomas-tom-joseph-ducharme Tom Ducharme], who played a few lively numbers on his fiddle.  The Ukrainian Centennial Choir graced the program with more songs.  Finally, the Honourable [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosann_Wowchuk Rosann Wowchuk], Minister of Agriculture for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba Province of Manitoba] and [https://www.gov.mb.ca/legislature/members/mla_list_constituency.html Member of the Legislative Assembly] for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swan_River_(electoral_district)  Swan River], spoke briefly, and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_Manitoba Government of Manitoba] was duly acknowledged for generously paying half of the restoration expenses incurred.

==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, city, and municipal 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.

==Archpriest A Gregory and Matushka Taesia Scratch, 2012==

In 2012, after the retirement of Father Robert S Kennaugh, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Narol_MB_Saint_Nicholas_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1911#Archpriest_Robert_Stephen_(Father_Bob)_and_Matushka_Dianne_Kennaugh,_1991-2012Priest A Gregory Scratch (with his wife, Matushka Taesia)] was assigned to continue the pastoral service to Saint Nicholas Church, Sandy Lake, from the [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Narol_MB_Saint_Nicholas_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1911 Parish of Saint Nicholas] in Narol.  

Father Gregory followed in the foot-steps of Father Robert, including in his service as [https://www.archdiocese.ca/communities?field_deanery_tid_i18n=4&field_community_type_value_i18n=All&title=  Dean of Manitoba and Saskatchewan].

==Major repairs, 2022==

During the summer of 2022, the Temple and Parish Hall of the Saint Nicholas parish received some major repairs, as well as preparation for a few more in the near future.  A fund had been established for the purpose, and substantial donations quickly enabled the activation of the project.

The roofing of the Temple was replaced during the summer, and the same was done for the Parish Hall  very soon thereafter.  There had been some interior damage that had been caused by leaking rooves, and that also required attention.  The interior of the Temple (including the choir-loft) required some washing and painting.  Moreover, the bell-house nearby required scraping and re-painting.  All this involved a considerable amount of work ; but the result is parish facilities that will be in good condition for many years in the future.  There was great gratitude for those who worked hard to enable the repairs, and for those who made the necessary financial and other contributions that made it all possible.

==Shared Theophany water-blessing, 2023==

On the afternoon of Saturday, 21 January, 2023, there was again (after the covid-19 closures), [https://www.archeparchy.ca/news_details.php?news_id=1241 the service of the Theophany Great Blessing of Waters at Sandy Lake].  

This event has occurred on the lake for many decades.  For the most part, the service was led by the priest in charge of each parish in Sandy Lake : Saint Nicholas Orthodox, [https://www.uocc.ca/parish/st-michael-parish-9/ Saint Michael Ukrainian Orthodox], and [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/holyghostsandylake.shtml Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic].  However, rural depopulation made it increasingly difficult to do this as in the past.  Moreover, whenever one parish would serve, the parishioners of the other 2 would attend.  

This year, Archpriest Gregory Scratch proposed initiating a co-hosting of this service, with the clergy alternating year-by-year in serving.  He proposed that [https://rossburnugcc.ca/about-the-pastor/ Father Jay Korban] of the [https://rossburnugcc.ca/  Ukrainian Catholic Pastoral District of Rossburn] bless the water in 2023, and that he, Father Gregory, bless the waters in 2024.  This proposal was accepted.  Both Father Gregory and Father Jay had come to know one another through their former school in Ottawa, Ontario.  In this initiative, the method used by both their predecessors long ago was renewed. 

Father Jay leads the Rossburn Pastoral District, which includes [https://rossburn.ca/ Rossburn], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell,_Manitoba Russell], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakburn Oakburn], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoal_Lake,_Manitoba Shoal Lake], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoal_Lake,_Manitoba Sandy Lake], [https://www.becquet.ca/director/maps/Manitoba/Mountain_Road.htm Mountain Road], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olha,_Manitoba Olha], [https://www.flickr.com/photos/96152536@N04/8782424009/ Dolyny], [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/lakedalechurch.shtml Lakedale], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angusville Angusville], [https://www.gotraveltop.com/can/manitoba-satellite.php?map=Ruthenia Ruthenia], [https://orthodox-world.org/en/i/24868/Canada/Manitoba/Seech/Church/Saints-Peter-and-Paul-Orthodox-Church Seech], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birtle,_Manitoba Birtle].  Of these, people came to Sandy Lake from Rossburn, Oakburn, Shoal Lake, Dolyny and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnedosa,_Manitoba Minnedosa].  The parishioners of Saint Nicholas Church were joined by others who came from Winnipeg.  

The skies were bright blue, the sun was shining and the temperature was a beautiful -10°C.  More than 60 Faithful of all ages gathered from both Catholic and Orthodox communities in Sandy Lake.  

The last time the [https://sandy-lake-mb.canada-bd.com/holy-ghost-ukrainian-catholic-church/ Holy Ghost Parish] had been able to have this service was at some time in the 1990s.  Based on the local community memory of how to proceed, a parishioner of Holy Ghost Church, Chad Davies, prepared an area on [https://www.sandylakemotelandcampground.com/ the lake] for the blessing.  The ice Cross was assembled from ice-blocks that had been cut out of the north side of the lake 3 weeks prior.  The day before, the Cross was cut into its form, and assembled.  In front of that, a Cross-form was cut out in the ice, where a hole would at the last minute be cut through to allow the Cross to flood with water.  This is done at the last minute to ensure that the water not freeze solid again right away.  A table was assembled from some of the ice, and a few [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spruce spruce] trees and a [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A5%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B3%D0%B2%D1%8C_(%D1%86%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%8F)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc church banner] completed the preparation.  


[[File:Sandy lake fr. j. korban theophany 1 2.png]]  '''The water-blessing site'''


The 3 "[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Trinity Trinity]" candles that were used had been hand-crafted of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beeswax beeswax], made locally in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakburn Oakburn].  


[[File:Sandy lake fr. j. korban theophany3 2.png]]   '''The Trinity Candles'''


Following the blessing of the waters, everyone was invited up to the town's Drop-In Centre where they all warmed up with fellowship and a few treats provided by the [https://www.ukrainianmanitoba.com/item/ukrainian-cultural-heritage-association/ Sandy Lake Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Association].  Afterwards, each priest travelled about to [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Blessing_of_homes bless the homes] of their respective parishioners.  This entire event was greatly appreciated by the local parishioners, and the parishes received some extra donations besides.


[[File:Sandy-Lake-Water-Blessing-0293 2.png]]  [[File:Sandy lake fr. j. korban theophany 4 2.png]]  

'''Father Jay Korban blesses the water''' (left) '''; Father Jay Korban, Father Gregory Scratch''' (right)


[[File:Sandy lake fr. j. korban theophany 6 2.png]]  '''Sandy Lake Water-blessing, clergy, people, the town'''

==Shared Theophany water-blessing, 2024==

On Saturday afternoon, 20 January, 2024, once again, the service of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_water#Theophany Theophany Great Blessing of Waters] took place at Sandy Lake.  Once again, Archpriest Gregory Scratch of Saint Nicholas Church, Sandy Lake, and [https://rossburnugcc.ca/about-the-pastor/ Father Jay Korban] of the [https://rossburnugcc.ca/  Ukrainian Catholic Pastoral District of Rossburn] collaborated in organising the event of blessing the water.  This blessing took place on the Leave-taking of Theophany (Old Style), on what could be described as the most perfect winter day (+1◦C, no wind, and clear blue skies).    

A 3-bar Cross was cut from the ice of the lake, as was a table.  As usual, this was prepared by Chad Davies, David Rystephanuk, and others.  The shape of the 3-bar Cross allowed for space in which there was "running" water, and it was there that the water was sanctified.  As usual, there were cut evergreen trees placed in the snow on the ice.  

Because of the unstable ice in the warmer 2024, it had not been possible to bless the Red River, so this service was truly a wonder – made all the more wondrous by the beautiful weather, the fellowship of Father Jay and his communities, the people of Sandy Lake, the Faithful of Saint Nicholas, the visitors from Saint Nicholas of Narol, and the Mission in Winkler. 

Those who participated were grateful to all who had organised the occasion.  Especially, gratitude was expressed to God for His saving love, and that His mercy is manifested in Creation. 


[[File:Outlook-4pfzy2hq 2.jpg]]  [[File:SandyLakeCrossAndTable24 2.jpg]] 

'''The place of water-blessing ; the Cross, with ice-table covered'''


[[File:SandyLakeTrinityCandless24 2.jpg]]  [[File:SandyLakeWaterBlessingWithCross24 2.jpg]]



[[File:SandyLake WaterBlessing(a)24 2.jpg]]  [[File:Unnamed 1.png]] 


[[File:SandyLakeBlessingWithBlessedWater24 2.jpg]]  [[File:Unnamed1 1.png]]


[[File:SandyLake WaterBlessingParticipatngs24 2.jpg]]  [[File:SandyLakeWBFatherGregory,FatherJay24 2.jpg]] 

'''Parishioners of both communities, and others ; Father Gregory, Father Jay'''

==Shared Theophany Water-blessing, 2025==

On Saturday, 1 February, 2025, Archpriest Gregory Scratch travelled from Winnipeg to Sandy Lake, together with Esther Juce-Engel, and Nicholas Litardi.  Father Gregory served the Divine Liturgy in the Temple of Saint Nicholas, and he served the Indoor Blessing of Water afterwards. 


[[File:SNSLMB1ii25 2.jpg]]  '''Indoor Blessing of Water'''


In the afternoon, parishioners of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church and those of other communities in Sandy Lake gathered at the lake by the village for the Outdoor Blessing of Water service.


[[File:SLWB2025 0919 2.jpg]]  '''Prepared water-blessing site'''


[[File:SLWB2025_0927_2.jpg]]  '''Father Gregory, Esther Juce, Nicholas Litardi approach'''


[[File:SLWB2025 0933 1.jpg]]  '''Two priests : Father Jay Korban, Father Gregory Scratch'''


[[File:SLWB2025 0936 2.jpg]]  '''Water-blessing'''


==Grave-blessing (Provody), 2025==

On 15 June, 2025, Father Gregory Scratch served the Divine Liturgy at Saint Nicholas Church.  On this day also, there was the annual service of blessing graves after the Feast of Pascha.  After the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a Panikhida was served, and then Father Gregory proceeded to bless the graves, one-by-one, and to greet the faithful departed with the Resurrection of Christ.


[[File:Jiune15-8 (1 of 1)-DeNoiseAI 2.jpg]]  '''Provody, 2025'''

==Saint Nicholas Cemetery (old), 1902==

The [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2617074/pioneer-cemetery-north Saint Nicholas] old Pioneer Cemetery (North) is an early cemetery not far to the west from the present Temple.  It is located at SE 18-18-20 in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rural_Municipality_of_Harrison Harrison Rural Municipality].  

As the plaque at the cemetery indicates, the first burials in this cemetery were from [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/metis Métis] and [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/francophones-of-manitoba French-Canadian] families in the late 1800s.  In about 1902, the Saint Nicholas Russo-Greek Parish (now known simply as “Orthodox”) erected a small [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/log-houses log chapel] near this site.  It was used until 1911.  The chapel later moved to NW 16-18-20 where it served as a porch (entry) to a new Temple. 

The obviously Ukrainian surnames found amongst those interred in the cemetery are :
  [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Dmytro_and_Ahafia_Derhak Derhak] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/172102681/mary-desiatnyk Desiatnyk] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/172102708/myron-duchminsky Duchminsky] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/172102724/alexander-ellchuk Ellchuk] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/172102734/helen-fostaychuk Fostaychuk] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/172102810/child_1-gregorash Gregorash] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/166441769/metro-klym Klym] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/172103312/martha-mizimchuck Mizimchuk] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/172097980/petryna-perepeluk Perepeluk] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/172100881/mary-procopchuk Prokopchuk].  

The cemetery is situated on an elevated knoll which provides a pleasant view :  this knoll overlooks a lake to the northeast, and flat meadow-land towards the southeast and south.  On this cemetery there once were many wooden Crosses, but various grass-fires seem to have burnt them.  All that remains of the grave-markers are a few stone monuments and a few iron Crosses.  Nevertheless, there are records about the names of those who are interred in this cemetery.   


[[File:Sandy Lake Pioneer Cemetery 2019S.png]]  '''Pioneer Cemetery Sandy Lake, 2019''' 


[[File:Sandy Lake Manitoba Pioneer Cemetery 2.png]]  '''Pioneer Cemetery'''


[[File:Saint Nicholas Pioneer Cemetery Narol MB.jpg]]  '''Pioneer Cemetery Marker'''


In 1913, the parishioners approached [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/172103054/dan-lilley Daniel Lilley] (the homesteader on this quarter) with the intent to purchase the land on the cemetery site.  However, no record of this transaction appears in the land titles office.  The parish developed a new cemetery in 1917 on NW 16-18-20, but many families continued to use the first burial ground until 1943.  Despite any lack in documentation, the parishioners of Saint Nicholas Church, Sandy Lake, have not neglected the cemetery, despite the difficult access.

==Saint Nicholas Parish Cemetery (new), 1917==

The [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2577235/saint-nicholas-ukrainian-orthodox-cemetery Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cemetery], at NW 16-18-20, is located next to the Saint Nicholas Temple.  Although it was established at an early date, 1917, it did not become widely used by parishioners until after 1943. 
The first person interred in this new cemetery was the 16-year-old [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145794997/pavlo-gregorash Pavlo Gregorash] in 1916.  


[[File:Stnicholassandylakecemetery2014 2.jpg]]  '''Saint Nicholas Cemetery, 2014'''


[[File:Sandy Lake 2019CBS.png]]  '''Saint Nicholas Church and Cemetery, 2019'''


Many priests have served this parish since 1900.  Amongst them are included : 
  Priests Ivan Bodrug ; Gabriel Tymchuk ; Ivan Danylchuk ; D Pynovsky ; M Hutnakovich ; John Kushvara ; M Hunchak ; [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://zarubezhje.narod.ru/kl/L_254.htm&prev=search&pto=aue Elisei Lilikovich]. 
  Priests D Ivanoyko ; Damian Krehel ; Kolodiuk ; [[Bishop Anthony (Tereshchenko) |Antony Tereschenko]] ; Petro Oleniuk ; Konstantin Bilych ; Stefan Verbovy. 
  Priests Evasiuk ; Bondarchuk ; [[Archimandrite Ignaty (Falovsky) |Ignaty Falowsky]] ; Chewaruk ; Glitzky ; [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Hubbard-Goodeve_SK_Chapel_and_Cemetery_of_the_Holy_Ascension_1915#Archpriest_Peter_Tokaruk Peter Tokaruk] ; Antony Hurowsky.
  Priests Joseph Homik ; Urbanowitz ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/143236141/alexei-showhaniuk Evgeniy Showheniuk] ; [[Archpriest Michael and Matushka Tatiana Andruchow |Michael Andruchow]]. 
  Mitred Archpriest Efimy Moseychuk, the Priest Evan Lowig, the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/kennaugh-archpriest-stephen-robert Archpriest Robert S Kennaugh], and the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/scratch-priest-gregory Archpriest Gregory Scratch].

Amongst those who have served as elders ("starostas") of the parish over the years are included : 
  John Philipation ; John Klym ; Safroni Mizenchuk ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145832500/vasil-spak Wasyl Spak] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145795199/william-ellchuk Wasyl Ellchuk] ; Yurko Yarema ; George Hnatiuk ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145722107/thomas-babiak Taras Babiak] ; 
  Slim Shindruk ; Dennis Derhak ; Alvin Derhak ; Brian Rystephanuk ; Allen Derhak ; [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Steven_and_Helen_Derhak Steven Derhak] ; David Rystephanuk. 

Amongst those who have served on the parish council (committee) and trustees are included :
  John Derhak ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145832443/alexander-swinarchuk Alex Swenarchuk] ; Dmytro Bronar ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145834129/john-a-mudry John Mudry] ; Peter Domaschuk ; Harry Spak ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145834523/wasyl-pawluk Wasyl Pawluk] ; Wasyl Coulson ; 
  Bill Desiatnyk ; Steve Rystephanuk ; John Shindruk ; [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Steven_and_Helen_Derhak Steven Derhak] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145795327/john-ellchuk John Ellchuk] ; Ernie Rystephanuk ; Steve Desiatnyk ; 
  Sam Philipchuk ; Jack Rystephanuk ; Paul Coulson ; Metro Rystephanuk ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145833443/john-millenchuk John Millenchuk] ; John Pawluk.

==Parish particular information==

Services are offered in English.  

This parish is part of the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/communities?field_deanery_tid_i18n=4&field_community_type_value_i18n=All&title= Deanery of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nunavut] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada 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-archpriest-gregory Archpriest Gregory Scratch].  The bishop is [[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]].

This parish follows the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_calendar Old (Julian) Calendar].

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Nicholas_of_Myra Saint Nicholas of Myra], 6/19 December.

In 2025, the pastor of the parish is the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/scratch-archpriest-gregory Archpriest Gregory Scratch].    


Address :

[http://archdiocese.ca/community/st-nicholas-church-cemetery-sandy-lake-mb Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church]

NW 16-18-20 W on County Highway #250 north.

Sandy Lake, Manitoba 

R0J 1X0 

Telephone : 204-585-2652

Web-site : http://www.sandylakemanitoba.com 



Mailing address :

Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church

Box 278

Sandy Lake, Manitoba 

R0J 1X0



Directions :

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Lake,_Manitoba Sandy Lake] is situated 265 km (166 mi) northwest from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg Winnipeg], and the driving time is approximately 3¾ hours.  It is located 96 km (60 mi) north of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon,_Manitoba Brandon].  It is 191 km (119 mi) southeast of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yorkton, Yorkton], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan Saskatchewan].  It is 348 km (216 mi) east of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regina,_Saskatchewan Regina].  

From Winnipeg, drive westwards on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba_Highway_1  Trans-Canada Highway #1] (Portage Avenue).  After approximately 121 km (75 mi) follow the exit for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba_Highway_16 Trans-Canada Highway 16]/[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba_Highway_10 Highway #10] towards Yorkton and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatoon Saskatoon].  Drive about 6.5 km (4 mi).  Then follow Manitoba Highway #10 for 30.5 km (19 mi).  Turn left onto [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba_Highway_45 Highway #45] and drive for about 16.1 km (10 mi).  Turn right towards [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba_Provincial_Road_250 Highway #250] north, on the west side of town.  The Temple is about 5 km (2 mi) north, on the right (east) side of the road. 

From Brandon, drive north of the city on 1st Street North (Highway #1A) to the junction with the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway #1).  Continue straight northwards on Highway #10.  At Minnedosa, join with the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway #16), but follow then the signs to the right and continue northwards on Highway #10, and pass by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erickson,_Manitoba Erickson].  At Highway #45, turn left.  At Sandy Lake, veer to the right to Highway #250.  Highway #250 passes through Sandy Lake, and it continues northwards.  The Temple is about 5 km (2 mi) north, on the right (east) side of the road.



[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/scratch-archpriest-gregory Archpriest Gregory Scratch] 

Telephone : 204-890-8057 (mobile)

E-mail : priestgregoryscratch@gmail.com


[[File:Aurora over Saint Nicholas Temple and Cemetery, August, 1.png]]  '''Aurora over Saint Nicholas Temple and Cemetery, Sandy Lake'''


[[File:Aurora Sandy Lake August 2.png]]  '''Aurora, Sandy Lake'''


[[File:Aurora Sandy Lake 2.png]]    '''Aurora, Sandy Lake'''

Photos by Debra Maluk

==References==

Archdiocese of Canada – Orthodox Church in America, “[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/res/publications/TheOrthodoxChurchInCanadaChronology1890-1988.pdf The Orthodox Church in Canada : A Chronology]” (Ottawa : Archdiocese of Canada, 1988).   

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/A_Chronological_History_of_the_Archdiocese_of_Canada,_Part_1 A Chronological History of the Archdiocese of Canada, Part I]    

“[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America The Russian Mission in North America]”

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Narol_MB_Saint_Nicholas_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1911 Article about Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church, Narol, Manitoba] 

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., “[https://archive.org/details/orthodoxamerica10000unse 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. 

[http://oca.org/parishes/oca-ca-sylsnc OCA listing]

Oral history


'''Additional information :'''

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Protopresbyter_Mirone_and_Preoteasa_Lillian_Klysh Klysh, Protopresbyter Mirone], [http://www.cjoc.ca/pdf/Vol-3-F-1%20Orthodox%20Christians%20in%20Manitoba.pdf “Orthodox Christians in Manitoba”] 

Kowalchuk, Edward, and Coulson, Joyce, '[https://digitalcollections.lib.umanitoba.ca/islandora/object/uofm%3A2241574#page/13/mode/2up A History of Sandy Lake and District, 1984 : The Story of Sandy Lake]' in "University of Manitoba Digital Collection, Manitoba Local Histories" (Winnipeg : University of Manitoba, 1984), pp. 16-17.  

“[https://www.cjoc.ca/pdf/Vol-3-F-1%20Orthodox%20Christians%20in%20Manitoba.pdf Orthodox Christians in Manitoba]”    

[https://orthodox-world.org/en/i/23615/Canada/Manitoba/Sandy-Lake/Church/Saint-Nicholas-Orthodox-Church Orthodox-world listing]    

[http://archdiocese.ca/community/st-nicholas-church-cemetery-sandy-lake-mb Archdiocese listing] 

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

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

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

[https://www.oca.org OCA web-site]     

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

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saint_Tikhon_(Belavin) (Belavin) Archbishop (Saint) Tikhon (Belavin)]   

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_(Saint)_Arseny_(Chahovtsov) Bishop Arseny (Chahovtsov)]   

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Alexander_(Nemolovsky) Archbishop Alexander (Nemolovsky)]   

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Evdokim_(Meschersky) Archbishop Evdokim (Meschersky)]    

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Platon_(Rozhdestvensky) Metropolitan Platon (Rozhdestvensky)]   

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Theophilus_(Pashkovsky)  Metropolitan Theophilus (Pashkovsky)]   

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Leonty_(Turkevich) Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich)]   

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ireney_(Bekish) Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish)]       

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Theodosius_(Lazor) Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor)]      

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Herman_(Swaiko) Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko)]     

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Jonah_(Paffhausen) Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen)]   

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

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Nikon_(de_Gr%C3%A8ve) Archbishop Nikon (de Grève)]   

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sylvester_(Haruns) Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns)]   

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Joasaph_(Antoniuk) Bishop Joasaph (Antoniuk)]     

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Ir%C3%A9n%C3%A9e_(Rochon) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]     

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Mitred_Archpriest_Euphimy_Moseychuk Mitred Archpriest Evfimy Moseychuk]  

Priest Evan Lowig

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/kennaugh-archpriest-stephen-robert Archpriest Robert and Matushka Dianne Kennaugh] 

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/scratch-priest-gregory Archpriest Gregory Scratch]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Dmytro_and_Ahafia_Derhak Dmytro and Hafia Derhak] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Steven_and_Helen_Derhak Stephen and Helen Derhak]  

[https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2617074/pioneer-cemetery-north Findagrave reference to Pioneer Cemetery North, Sandy Lake, Manitoba]

[https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2577235/saint-nicholas-ukrainian-orthodox-cemetery Findagrave reference to St Nicholas Orthodox Cemetery, Sandy Lake, Manitoba]

[https://www.facebook.com/sandylakembmainstree/ Sandy Lake village Facebook page]

[http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/ua-gal.html History of Ukrainian Galicia] 

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Lake,_Manitoba Wikipedia article about Sandy Lake, Manitoba]   

[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/manitoba Canadian Encyclopedia article about Manitoba]   

[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ukrainian-canadians Canadian Encyclopedia article about Ukrainian Canadians]  

[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ukrainian-internment-in-canada  Canadian Encyclopaedia article about Ukrainian Internment in Canada]  

[https://www.gov.mb.ca/chc/hrb/internal_reports/pdfs/ukrainian_churches_full.pdf Government of Manitoba history article “Ukrainian Churches of Manitoba”] 

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/great-blessing-water-theophany-st-nicholas-sandy-lake-manitoba Great Blessing of Water at Theophany – Saint Nicholas, Sandy Lake, Manitoba]  (19 January, 2019)

[https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/36-28-0001/2022004/article/00003-eng.htm Statistics Canada : A sociodemographic profile of Ukrainian-Canadians]  (28 April, 2022) 

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/memoriam-archpriest-robert-stephen-father-bob-kennaugh-1942-2024 In Memoriam : Archpriest Robert Stephen (Father Bob) Kennaugh 1942-2024]  (17 January, 2024) 

[http://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/messenger/Com1993-July.pdf ‘St Nicholas Church, Narol (Winnipeg), MB and Saint Nicholas Church, Sandy Lake, MB’ in “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” (July, 1993)] p. 7.

[http://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/messenger/Com2001-1.12-1.pdf 'Sandy Lake church celebrates 100 years' in "Canadian Orthodox Messenger" (Winter, 2000/2001)], p. 5.

[http://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/messenger/Com2003-2.14-2.pdf 'August blessings in Manitoba, Saskatchewan' in "Canadian Orthodox Messenger" (Spring, 2003)], pp. 2-4.






 

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