View source for Star AB Holy Transfiguration Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1893



[[File:Holy Transfiguration StarCSt.jpg]]

'''Star, Alberta, Church and Cemetery of the Holy Transfiguration, 1893'''



==Prehistory==

From about 1891 to 1903, the area of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edna-Star_colony Edna-Star] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Block_settlement block settlement] northeast of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/north-west-territories-1870-1905 North-West Territories] (after 1905, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta]), [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada], began to be populated by immigrating newcomers from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galicia_(Eastern_Europe) Halychyna] area of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Ukraine Western Ukraine].  This area had been part of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria-Hungary Austro-Hungarian Empire] before [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I World War I], and it was known as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galicia_(Eastern_Europe) Galicia].  Within that empire, it was called the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Galicia_and_Lodomeria Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria] until World War I.  It was, therefore, in the general political orbit of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poland Poland].  That those who settled in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star,_Alberta Star region] came from Halychyna is something that they had in common with the founders of several other parishes in this region.  

'''Edna-Star-Nebylilv colony'''

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star,_Alberta Star] (it is often called simply "Star") is situated in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamont_County Lamont County], which is a part of the large region presently known as “[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalyna_Country Kalyna Country]”, and it was part of the Edna-Star Colony of the [https://diasporiana.org.ua/wp-content/uploads/books/10918/file.pdf Ukrainian Block Settlement].  The Edna-Star colony is also called the [https://mapcarta.com/13746460 Nebyliv] colony, named for the home village of the Eleniak and [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Ivan_Pylypow Pylypow] families, in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalush,_Ukraine Kalush] region of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivano-Frankivsk_Oblast Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast] (province) in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galicia_(Eastern_Europe) Galician] part of what became later [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Ukraine Western Ukraine].  This block settlement is the [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/timeline/ukrainian-canadian-history largest and oldest of the Ukrainian Canadian block settlements]. 

'''Beginning of Ukrainian immigration, 1891'''

In 1891, a new era began in Canada when the first Ukrainian immigrants, [http://wayback.archive-it.org/2217/20101208164215/http://www.albertasource.ca/alphabet/article.php?article_id=133&alphabet_id=adult Wasyl Eleniak] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iwan_Pylypow Ivan Pylypow], landed at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal Montréal, Québec].  People from their homeland of Galicia began to come in large numbers to settle this part of Alberta.  This immigration was part of the larger and famous [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruthenians Ruthenian] emigration plan of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Oleskiw Dr. Joseph Oleskow] of Galicia.  

'''Wasyl Eleniak and Ivan Pylypow'''

Wasyl Eleniak, along with his brother Peter, settled in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipman,_Alberta Chipman], where they were first amongst the founders of the [[Chipman AB Saint John the Baptist Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1900 |Church of Saint John the Baptist]] in 1900.  Wasyl Eleniak farmed and raised a large family.  He reposed at the age of 97.  

Ivan Pylypow and his family settled north of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamont,_Alberta Lamont], near Star (about 19 km northwest of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipman,_Alberta Chipman)]. 

One element of the history of the region of Galicia in Western Ukraine is the presence there of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Greek_Catholic_Church Ukrainian Catholic Church].  From the 16th century, with the signing and imposition of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_of_Brest Union of Brest], many [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian] believers were absorbed into union with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope Pope of Rome], primarily because of the pressure of politics at the time.  When their descendants emigrated, many took the opportunity to return to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Faith].  This is perhaps the main contributor to the difficulties faced in this community until about 1902. 

The Ukrainian immigrants destined for Edna-Star got off the train from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calgary Calgary], Alberta, at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Strathcona Strathcona] (now part of Edmonton).  Since this settlement was on the south side of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Saskatchewan_River North Saskatchewan River], the [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/homesteading/ homesteaders] approaching the settlement from Strathcona followed the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Trail South Victoria Trail].  They trekked along this trail northeastwards (now approximately the route of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_14 Highway #14] as it leaves Edmonton, but soon turning northwards).  They travelled past present-day [https://mapcarta.com/24194066 Clover Bar], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josephburg Josephburg], and [https://mapcarta.com/24630612 Scotford], and skirted the northern boundary of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaver_Hills_(Alberta) Beaver Hills].  Next, their route took them briefly along the [https://mapcarta.com/24139332 Beaverhill Creek] (also known as Beaver Creek), until they finally arrived at the site of the Edna-Star settlement.  Ivan Pylypow's first homestead was near [http://travelingluck.com/North+America/Canada/Alberta/_6142467_Scotford.html Scotford] ; and a year later, he moved to one across Beaver Creek, about 8 km (5 mi) north of present-day [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamont,_Alberta Lamont].   [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121283476/stephen-chichak Stefan Chichak], his wife and 4 children and Iurko Panishchak, his wife and 2 children followed a similar pattern of arrival and settlement in 1893.  

Ivan Pylypow and Wasyl Eleniak helped to trigger the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Canadians first wave of major Ukrainian immigration] to Canada, and they were the first to register a [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/homesteading homestead] (at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langenburg,_Saskatchewan Lagenburg], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan Saskatchewan]).  


[[File:Ivan Pylypow1.jpg]]  '''Ivan Pylypow'''

==First establishment, 1894 ; controversy==

The first Galician Ukrainians settled in the Star area in 1894.  Many churches and schools were built soon after their arrival, including the ancestor of Holy Transfiguration Church.  

The origins of this parish (important in history) of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Transfiguration Holy Transfiguration] at Star are linked with the simultaneous formation of the congregation that founded the [http://www.pryvit.info/gallery/Star-Peno.html Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church] at Star-Peno. 

'''Improvised, lay-led worship, 1894'''

In 1894, the faithful people began to gather regularly and to worship together in the newly-constructed school.  It was there that services (shorter services led by [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Reader Readers]) continued to be offered until a Temple could be constructed.

'''Preparation for constructing the first Temple, 1896'''

In 1896, a committee was formed in order to organise the purchase of land upon which the Temple would be built.  The committee members included :
  John Danchuk ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/183781160/myhailo_mychailo-melnyk Mikhailo Melnyk] ; Kost Newersky ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121283587/michael-pullishy Mikhailo Pullishy] ; [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Ivan_Pylypow Ivan Pylypow] ; John Sorochan ; 
  Mykola Spashensky.
This first Temple was built from logs which were cut in the forest and hauled by teams of horses to the construction site.  

However, this could not be achieved until a grant for the land was received from the government, and until permission to cut the wood for construction was received (20 November, 1897).  

'''First services by Greek Catholic clergy, 1897'''

In 1897, the Edna-Star colony, northeast of the present-day town of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamont,_Alberta Lamont], was visited by a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Greek_Catholic_Church Ukrainian Catholic] priest from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg Winnipeg] (who had come from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States USA]), [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nestor_Dmytriw Father Nestor Dmytriw] (†1925).  He had been granted the right by the [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/catholicism Roman Catholic] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Émile-Joseph_Legal Bishop Émile-Joseph Legal] to exercise his priestly ministry amongst the Galician people.  At that time, he was newly a bishop, and not yet the Bishop of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Albert,_Alberta Saint Albert].  It is to be remembered that many of the immigrating people from Ukraine were arriving as Ukrainian Catholics (many of them historically Orthodox Christians whose ancestors had been forced into the [https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/christianity/roman-catholic-and-orthodox-churches-branches-schisms-and-heresies/uniat Unia] after 1596), and he understood that it was his pastoral responsibility to make such provisions for them.  

Under the initiative of Father Dmytriw, the first [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Greek_Catholic_Church Ukrainian Catholic] parish in Alberta was established on 2 May, 1897.  He held the first “[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Catholic_Churches Eastern Rite]” services in the fledgling colony, at which time he called upon the settlers to undertake the construction of a church and manse.  Steps were taken at once to secure priests of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruthenian_Greek_Catholic_Church  Greek Ruthenian rite] through the [https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html appropriate authorities in Rome].  This was an endeavour which the entire community enthusiastically supported, and everyone began to work together to construct the original Star church.  However, some of them intended for it to be served by Ukrainian Catholic priests, while others wanted it to be served by Orthodox priests.  

'''Petition to the Orthodox Bishop of North America, 1897'''

In 1897, just 10 weeks later, 2 Russian Orthodox missionaries (the Priest Dmitri Kamnev and the [[Archpriest Vladimir and Matushka Rose Alexandrov |Deacon Vladimir Alexandrov]]) arrived from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle Seattle] (sent by [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Nicholas_(Ziorov) Bishop Nicholas (Ziorov)] in answer to a local request), and they likewise encouraged the newcomers to build a place of worship.  


[[File:Bishop Nicholas Ziorov.jpg]]  '''Bishop Nicholas (Ziorov)'''


'''Establishment of Temples at Stary Wostok and Skaro'''

This initiative resulted in the construction of [[Stary Wostok AB Holy Trinity Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1897 |Holy Trinity Church, Stary Wostok]], about 12 km (7.5 mi) to the east of Star.  Very soon afterwards, another Orthodox parish ([[Skaro AB Holy Ascension Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1898 |Holy Ascension]]) was established, about 12 km (7.5 km) to the north of Star, at [http://travelingluck.com/North+America/Canada/Alberta/_6148737_Skaro.html Skaro], and another parish, farther to the east near present-day [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew,_Alberta Andrew], the [[Kysylew AB Nativity of the Holy Virgin Russo Orthodox Church 1898 |Nativity of the Theotokos parish]] was established at Kysylew.  


[[File:Priest Dmitry Kamnev 1902.png]]  '''Priest Dmitri Kamnev'''


At the same time, a group of the original settlers at Star-Edna had comprehended that they were no longer obligated to belong to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Greek_Catholic_Church Uniat] church (as previously in their portion of Galicia).  Therefore, in 1897, this group prepared  a petition which was taken by Father Kamnev to [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America#Bishop_Nicholas_(Ziorov),_1891 Bishop Nicholas (Ziorov)] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco San Francisco], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California California].  He was at that time the Bishop of the [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America Russian Orthodox Mission in North America].  In this petition, the signators requested to be received into the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox Christian Church].  They also requested that missionary [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Russian Orthodox] clergy come and serve the new settlers in Canada.  These persons were well aware of the history of their families' Orthodox Christian Faith in the past, and of the historical links with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kievan_Rus%27 Kyivan Rus']. 

Nevertheless, in the spring of 1898, the Uniat Metropolitan of Galicia ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvester_Sembratovych Metropolitan Archbishop Sylvester Cardinal Sembratovych)] sent Father Tymkiewitcz to the [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/north-west-territories-1870-1905 North-West Territories] (Alberta).  This young priest stayed in this region for less than 6 months before he departed for the [https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States United States of America].  However, before he left he succeeded in convincing [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vital-Justin_Grandin Bishop Vital-Justin Grandin] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Albert Saint Albert] that it was time to proceed with the usual step of uniting the church property at Star to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Edmonton episcopal corporation] through a committee of 3, known as “[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trustee trustees]” or “syndics” of the mission.  

'''Effects of the trustee provision'''

The trust arrangement created by this act gave rise to one of the most protracted and memorable lawsuits in the history of the courts of Alberta — the famous Star Church lawsuit (Zacklinski vs. Polishie, 1908 A. C. 65).  It was [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121283587/michael-pullishy Michael Pullishy] (†1944) whose name was noted (with a different spelling) as the leader of the suit on behalf of the Orthodox Christian congregation.  

In 1899, a clear title was issued by the civil authority for 160 acres, of which 40 acres were for the church and cemetery.  All the members contributed money, materials and labour in the construction of their new church building, which was completed in September, 1899, and known as the Greek Catholic Church of [https://www.mindat.org/feature-6054181.html Limestone Lake].  The building was blessed in 1900 by Father Ivan Zaklinski, who then served this congregation until the spring of 1902.  Nevertheless, the building was subsequently also used by Orthodox priests sent to minister in the Star colony.  The tension within the community was increasing.  

Meanwhile, in 1900, a Polish priest, Father Olczewski, was ordained by Bishop Grandin and commissioned in order to work amongst the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galicia_%28Eastern_Europe%29 Galicians], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukovina Bucovinians] and [https://www.britannica.com/place/Romania Romanians].  In the same year (1900), in order to obtain a regular supply of Ukrainian Catholic priests for the Galician settlements, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Lacombe Father Albert Lacombe] was sent to visit [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna Vienna] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lviv Lemberg (Lviv)], which at that time were both part of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria-Hungary Austro-Hungarian Empire].  In response to this appeal, the Archbishop of Lemberg (Lviv) sent Father Basil Zoldak to Alberta to survey the situation.  He arrived in Edmonton on 15 February, 1902, and he returned to Galicia in May, accompanied by Father Ivan, in order to secure more Ukrainian Catholic priests.  

Accordingly 3 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congregation_of_St._Basil Basilian Fathers], a lay brother,  and 4 “[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisters_Servants_of_Mary_Immaculate Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate]" were welcomed at Edmonton in October of that year. 

It is to be noted that the Roman Catholics had far greater resources both locally and internationally for supplying clergy than did the Orthodox.  They also already had about 300 years of presence and experience in Canada, whereas the Orthodox were only at the beginning of their presence.  

Nevertheless, the arrival in 1900 of the Orthodox [[Archpriest Iakov and Matushka Barbara Korchinsky |Priest Jakob Korchinsky]] and his wife did provide a balance to these activities, centred around [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Stary_Wostok_AB_Holy_Trinity_Russo_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1897 Holy Trinity Church], Stary Wostok (in English, "Old East").

==Closure ; civil suits==

This uneasy and ultimately untenable situation continued until both groups wanted to use the building at the same time for services associated with the celebration of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Pascha Feast of Pascha] in 1901.  At this time, tempers flared.  

The people argued about whether they should remain Uniat Greek Catholic or become Russo-Greek Orthodox.  The [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/north-west-mounted-police/ Royal North-West Mounted Police] were called to maintain the peace.  The police did not let either group into the church.  Both groups had their Paschal celebrations outdoors.  The building was then closed because of the dissension within the congregation, and a protracted court battle began, which was taken from local courts to higher ones, and finally in 1907 to the [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Privy-Council-United-Kingdom-government Privy Council] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London London], England.  

The first sitting was held in Star.  The presiding judge ruled that this issue should be looked at in Edmonton.  In 1904, the [https://www.albertacourts.ca/cj/home Edmonton Court] awarded the Church to the Ukrainian Catholic group.  The Orthodox group appealed the decision to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_the_Northwest_Territories Supreme Court] of the [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/north-west-territories-1870-1905 North-West Territories] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calgary Calgary] (soon afterwards in Alberta).  On 18 January, 1905, the appeal was dismissed and the Edmonton court decision was upheld.  The Orthodox group then appealed the decision to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_Canada Supreme Court of Canada] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa Ottawa], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario].  In February, 1906, the Orthodox appeal was upheld by a 3 to 2 decision.  The decision was based on the application for a permit to cut logs for the construction of the church.  The first application requested logs for a “Greek Orthodox Church”.  The Ukrainian Catholic group appealed this decision to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Privy_Council_(United_Kingdom) Privy Council] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London London], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England England].  In July 1907, the Privy Council dismissed the appeal.  It based its decision on the application for the permit to cut logs.  In addition, the Privy Council ordered the Ukrainian Catholic group to pay all the costs of the appeal.  Indeed, such a decision could not legally be based on anything having to do with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecclesiology ecclesiology].  

Meanwhile, in 1905, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Northern_Railway Canadian Northern Railway] had built a branch line through Star.  This improved accessibility for the movement of both people and goods in the region.  

'''Gramota from Bishop Tikhon (Belavin)'''

During the course of his several pastoral visits in the region, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saint_Tikhon_(Belavin) Bishop Tikhon (Belavin)], head of the North American Diocese of the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_“Russian_Mission”_in_North_America Russian Mission], presented a "blessed gramota" (certificate of gratitude and blessing) to Holy Transfiguration Parish.


[[File:Star Gramota 2.png]]  '''Gramota by Bishop Tikhon (Belavin)'''


[[File:Bishop Saint Tikhon (Belavin)S.jpg]]  '''Bishop (Saint) Tikhon (Belavin)'''

==Settled disputes, 1907 ; settled life==

Following the Privy Council judgement, 2 parcels of land nearby were donated specifically for a Roman Catholic Church and cemetery.  The Ukrainian Catholics (who had suffered as a result of the decision) then built their church of the [http://www.pryvit.info/gallery/Star-Peno.html Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary] on one of these parcels, about 1.5 km (.9 mi) to the south.  


[[File:Priest, Mykhailo Fecula, in front of Orthodox Church, 1909 2.png]]   '''Priest Mikhailo Fecula at Holy Transfiguration Temple, Star, 1909'''

==Re-construction of the Temple, 1913, Parish growth==

In 1913, the original log Temple was disassembled, and the logs were cut into timber which was used in the construction of the present Temple.  An early (for this region) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruciform cruciform] structure, this Temple has a large central [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dome dome] on an octagonal base and round-headed windows, features common to [http://www.ukrainianchurchesofcanada.ca/architectural_styles/characteristics.html Ukrainian Canadian Temples].  The richly decorated interior features an ornate 3-tiered [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconostasis iconostas].  These elements reflect the increasing prosperity of the pioneer farmers, and the care that they took to beautify the Temple in which they worshipped the Lord.  With time, the stabilisation of parish life supported more growth.  

Over the following decades, many improvements were made.  The heating progressed from a wood-burning heater to an oil furnace, and then to a natural gas furnace.  The interior and exterior were painted repeatedly as needed.  Electricity was added to the Temple.  New shingles were provided, which replaced the older cedar ones.  Pews were eventually added.  A [http://www.ukrainianchurchesofcanada.ca/architectural_styles/characteristics.html bell-house] was constructed near the Temple.

'''Rural depopulation'''

From the early 1930s, the region around the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edna-Star_colony Edna-Star Block Settlement] began to experience changes imposed by exterior events.  These events hastened the development of the phenomenon of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rural_flight rural depopulation].  The most prominent of these events were the [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/prairie-dry-belt-disaster  Great Drought] (1921-1939), which affected much of the population of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Prairies Prairie Provinces].  The [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/great-depression Great Depression] (1929-1939) was another, which produced [https://esask.uregina.ca/entry/unemployment_during_the_great_depression.jsp wide-spread unemployment] throughout the country.  Increased and more refined [https://opentextbc.ca/postconfederation/chapter/9-14-rural-canada-in-an-urban-century/ mechanisation of farming methods] brought about the consolidation of farms into larger and larger operations, which eventually developed into farming as business ("[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agribusiness agribusiness]").  This phenomenon contributed greatly to the reduction of the rural population, and these latter 2 phenomena continued on for many decades.

==Addition of a parish hall, 1952==

In addition, in 1952, an old [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wostok Wostok] school building was obtained.  It was moved and remodelled for use as a parish hall.  This building is situated at a little distance to the west of the Temple.  At that time, the Priest George Marinetz served in this parish.  This parish was noted for the quality of its singing.  This was particularly evident at the time of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Nativity Feast of the Nativity of Christ], when carollers would travel round to sing in the homes of parishioners.  During these years, there was an active Church school, choir, and women's group.  There was also a strong sense of community or family responsibility which bonded all those who worked together and who cared for the Temple and the cemetery.

One anecdote of a pastoral technique is shared about the confessions of children.  At that time, the priest would give a child a chocolate after the confession, and also if the child could recite by heart certain prayers.

In 1969, the [[Archpriest Vasyl and Matushka Vasylyna Ostashek |Archpriest Vasyl Ostashek]] began to serve in the parish.  He continued to serve until his repose in Christ in 1998.

In 1991, both the Temple and the cemetery were registered as [https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=7919 official historical resources].  In that year also, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/46250780/joseph-pullishy Joseph Pullishy] fashioned several golden Crosses for the Temple. 


[[File:Star Holy Transfiguration Church Sign.jpg]] '''Parish sign'''


==Co-operative parish groupings, 1990s==

Since the early 1990s, the [http://archdiocese.ca/community/holy-transfiguration-church-cemetery-star-ab Holy Transfiguration parish] has taken its place amongst several other parishes in a sort of “family”.  There are 4 such groups in this region (2 in the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada] (OCA) and 2 in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarchial_Parishes_in_Canada Patriarchal Parishes of Canada] (MP)).  The OCA groupings were called "[https://www.albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/visit-our-parks/road-trips/lakeland/ Lakeland] Family of Parishes" and "Saint Tikhon Family of Parishes".  The Patriarchal parish groupings were called "[https://www.orthodox-canada.com/parishes/orthodox-v/churches/ Orthodox V]" and "[http://www.orthodox-canada.com/parishes/orthodox-ix/churches/ Orthodox IX]".  This co-operation has helped all the participant communities to maintain their strength in the face of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rural_flight depopulation] of the farmlands.  Parishioners sustain their own Temples, while they all circulate from Temple to Temple on a weekly basis and worship together in the various Temples.  This mutual support has been of benefit to all, and they manage together to support the priest who serves them all.  As a result of this co-operative way of living together, the parish has been able not only to sustain itself, but also to grow with the inclusion of newcomers who are always welcomed. 

'''Major renovation : new foundation'''

Before 1998, the Temple was lifted up off its crumbling foundation, a new basement foundation was built, and the Temple was replaced upon the new foundation.  Previously, there had been no basement, but rather a foundation of rocks.  

After the repose of Father Ostashek, a series of priests served in the parish for several years.

'''Archpriest Nikolai Nikolaev'''

In 2000, the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/nikolaev-archpriest-nikolai Archpriest Nikolai Nikolaev] began to serve in the parish, and he remained doing so until 2016.

==Visit by diocesan assembly participants from Edmonton, 2001==

In 2001, at the conclusion of the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/messenger/Com2001-4.12-4.pdf Archdiocesan Assembly Meeting in Edmonton, Alberta], buses of representatives and clergy visited [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/messenger/Com2001-4.12-4.pdf various historical rural parishes], including the Holy Transfiguration Church in Star.  The parishioners warmly greeted their guests.  At each stop, the visitors learnt a considerable amount about the [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/A_Chronological_History_of_the_Archdiocese_of_Canada,_Part_1 history of our Orthodox Church in Canada].  

In 2003, there was a Clergy Synaxis (gathering) in Calgary, Alberta.  After its conclusion, the visiting members of the OCA chancery staff were given a tour of the rural Temples in the Edmonton area by the [[Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) |Archpriest Dennis Pihach]].  These persons included the Protopresbyter Robert Kondratick, David Wagschal and John Mendala.  They visited most of the rural Temples, including this landmark Temple, as well as the [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Edmonton_AB_Holy_Trinity_Canadian_Orthodox_Church_1955 Holy Trinity Temple] in Edmonton on this tour.  

==Archpastoral visit, 2013==

On 19 August, 2013, [[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) |Bishop Irénée (Rochon)]] visited the Holy Transfiguration parish on its Altar Feast-day in order to lead the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/100th-anniversary-holy-transfiguration-church-star-ab 100th anniversary celebrations] of the community.  Bishop Irénée was greeted and welcomed by the rector, [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/nikolaev-archpriest-nikolai Archpriest Nikolai Nikolaev].  During the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, the bishop was assisted by Father Nikolai, as well as by [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/power-archimandrite-gerasim Igumen Gerasim (Power)], [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/friesen-priest-daniel-glen Priest Daniel Freisen], and [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/isaac-protodeacon-jesse Deacon Jesse Isaac].  After the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy], there was the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_water blessing of water], followed by a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procession Cross-procession] around the Temple with the blessing of its 4 exterior sides.  Afterwards, there was a celebratory dinner which marked the anniversary.  

==Visit by diocesan assembly delegates, 2017==

On 28 July, 2017, the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/assembly-archdiocese-canada-2017 Archdiocesan Assembly] in Edmonton concluded its agenda.  Then, in the afternoon and evening, there was a tour provided for the delegates in order [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/tour-holy-land-country-parishes-photo-gallery to visit some of the historical Temples] in rural Alberta northeast of Edmonton.  The visits were particularly to those Temples in which [[Saint Tikhon (Belavin)]] served and which he had helped to found.  

'''Priest Kolin Berglund, 2018'''

On 27 May, 2018, the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/berglund-priest-kolin Priest Kolin Berglund] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake Smoky Lake] was assigned to serve this parish.  


[[File:CEM2336666 137654626661 LCS 1.jpg]]  '''The Temple after renovations, bell-house, cemetery Cross'''


[[File:Aerial view of Holy Tranfiguration Star and cemetery 2.png]] '''Aerial view of the Temple and the cemetery'''

==Holy Transfiguration Cemetery, 1897==

[https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2336666/holy-transfiguration-russo-greek-orthodox-cemetery The cemetery] is found at the land description site SE 27 56 19 W4 in Star, in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamont_County  Lamont County], Alberta.  It is on the same property as the Temple and the hall.

Of historical interest is the cemetery beyond the Temple.  There are many persons interred in this cemetery who came at the beginning of the immigration.  It is also the burial place of the 4 founding families of the Star colony, including that of [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121283606/ivan-hawrylowych-pylypow Ivan Pylypow], one of the 2 initiators of Ukrainian emigration to Canada.  Also noteworthy is the shrine within the cemetery area, which was built in the form of a small church by [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/46250780/joseph-pullishy Joseph Pullishy] in 1998 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Star Temple and parish. 


[[File:Star Ab Cemetery Cross smaller.jpg]] 

'''Cemetery Cross with blessed flowers and fruits at the Feast-day of the Holy Transfiguration'''


[[File:Star Holy Transfiguration Cemetery Yard.jpg]] '''Cemetery (part)'''


[[File:Holy Transfiguration Star Cemetery shrine.jpg]]  '''Cemetery shrine'''


[[File:CEM2336666 1396107740.jpg]]  '''Cemetery memorial'''


[[File:Star Holy Transfiguration Cemetery - Unmarked Graves.jpg]]  '''Cemetery : unmarked graves'''


[[File:Star Cemetery aerial view 2.png]]  '''Aerial view of the cemetery'''

  '''Priests who have served in this parish :
  
  Priest Dmitry Kamnev 			1897
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/140374677/michael-fekula Priest Mikhail Fekula]  			1909	(ordained by Saint Tikhon (Belavin)) 
  	[Because of a robbery, many records were lost.]
  [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archpriest_Vasyl_and_Matushka_Vasylyna_Ostashek Archpriest Vasyl Ostashek]  		1970-1988
  [https://www.oca.org/clergy/andrew-morbey Priest Andrew Morbey]   		1988-1990
  [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/reinheimer-archpriest-lawrence Priest Larry Reinheimer]   		1990-995
  [https://www.holyres.org/?page_id=58#Karateyev Priest Evan Lowig]   		1996-2000
  [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/nikolaev-archpriest-nikolai Archpriest Nikolai Nikolaev]     	2000-2016
  [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/bishop-priest-ryan Priest Ryan Tikhon Bishop]   		2017-2018
  [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/berglund-priest-kolin Priest Kolin Berglund]  			2018-2024
  [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Igumen_Vladimir_(Lysak) Igumen Vladimir (Lysack)]  		2024-____


  '''Readers who served in the Holy Transfiguration, Star, parish'''
  
  Noted persons who served as [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Reader readers], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Acolyte  acolytes] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Cantor choristers] include :
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121283519/james-n-kuzyk James Kuzyk] ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121283548/john-melnyk John Melnyk] ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121283576/mary-prokopczak Mary Prokopchuk] ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121283594/fred-w-pullishy Fred Pullishy] ; 
  Helen Pullishy ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121283599/john-pullishy John Pullishy] ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/118693688/nancy-pullishy Nancy Pullishy] ;
  Verna Waczko ; and others.

==Particular parish details==

The parish has an active sisterhood.

Services are offered in English and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_Slavonic Slavonic]. 

This parish is part of the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/communities?field_deanery_tid_i18n=5&field_community_type_value_i18n=All&title= Alberta & Northwest Territories Deanery] 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 [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archpriest Vincent Lehr].  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 the parish is the Feast of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Transfiguration Transfiguration of Christ], 6/19 August. 

In 2025, the pastor of this parish was [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Igumen_Vladimir_(Lysak) Igumen Vladimir (Lysack)].  


Address :

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/holy-transfiguration-church-cemetery-star-ab Holy Transfiguration Russo Orthodox Church]

Land description site SE27-56-19-W4

Range Road 192 and Township Road 564

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamont_County Lamont County], Alberta


Mailing address :

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/holy-transfiguration-church-cemetery-star-ab Holy Transfiguration Russo Orthodox Church]

PO Box 1049

Lamont, Alberta
 
T0B 2R0




Directions :

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star,_Alberta Star], Alberta, is located 75 km (47 mi) northeast of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], and 11 km (7 mi) north of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamont,_Alberta Lamont].

From Edmonton, drive eastwards on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_16 Highway #16 (Yellowhead)] to [http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType329/Production/Provincial_Highway_Network_Map.pdf Highway #830].  Turn left, (north), and drive to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_15 Highway #15].  Turn right (east), and drive to Highway #831.  Turn left (north) and drive 11 km (7 mi).  Turn right at Township Road #564.  Drive 3 km (2 mi).  The Temple is on the left at the junction of the road with Range Road #192.  

The Temple is located in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamont_County Lamont County], at the corner of Range Road #192 and Township Road #564. 

From Lamont, drive 11 km (7 mi) north on Secondary Highway #831.  Turn right at Township Road #564.  Drive 3 km (2 mi).  The Temple is on the left at the junction of the road with Range Road #192.  

From [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_45 Highway #45], turn south at Range Road #192.  Drive about 3 km (2 mi) south until the junction with Township Road #564.  The Temple is at the right at the junction.  



[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Igumen_Vladimir_(Lysak) Igumen Vladimir (Lysack)] 

Telephone : 306-794-4443

E-mail : priestmonk@gmail.com


[[File:Holy Transfiguration Star 2.png]]  '''Holy Transfiguration Temple, Star''' (photo by www.aerialphotograph.ru)

==References==

[http://www.orthodox-canada.com/8936-2/ Alexandrov, V, “Journey to Canada : A Priest’s Diary”]

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/res/publications/TheOrthodoxChurchInCanadaChronology1980-1988.pdf Archdiocese of Canada : Orthodox Church in America, “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]  

Cochrane, Kimberly, “Summary about the History of Star” (Star : Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church of Star, 2013).  Article.

“100th Anniversary of Holy Transfiguration Russo-Greek Orthodox Church of Star 1913-2013”  (Star : Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, 2013).  Anniversary Folder, 19 August, 2013.

[http://www.lamontcounty.ca/County-History Lamont County history]  

“Pride in Progress : Chipman - St. Michael - Star Districts” (Chipman, Alberta : Alberta Rose Historical Society, 1982), pp. 575-576. ISBN : 0-88925-369-2.  

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

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.


'''Additional information :'''

Martynowych, Orest, “[https://diasporiana.org.ua/wp-content/uploads/books/10918/file.pdf The Ukrainian Block Settlement in East Central Alberta, 1890-1930, a History]”  

Sametz, William, "My father the priest : the life and times of the Very Reverend Dr. Peter Sametz : founding missionary priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada" (Toronto : Hypertex Plus, 2008). ISBN : [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/index.php?title=Special%3ABookSources&isbn=9780969670056 9780969670056].

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/holy-transfiguration-church-cemetery-star-ab 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://oca.org/parishes/oca-ca-strhtc OCA listing] 

[https://www.oca.org/  Orthodox Church in America web-site]   

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

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Nicholas_(Ziorov) Bishop Nicholas (Ziorov)]  

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

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_(Saint)_Arseny_(Chahovtsov) Archbishop (Saint) 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 (Pauffhausen)]    

[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/Archbishop_Ir%C3%A9n%C3%A9e_(Rochon) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]    

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Antony_(Tereshchenko) Bishop Antoniy (Tereshchenko)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Dimitry_(Magan) Bishop Dimitry (Magan)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Anatoly_(Apostolov) Bishop Anatoly (Apostolov)]  

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Ivan_Pylypow Ivan Pylypow]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archpriest_Vasyl_and_Matushka_Vasylyna_Ostashek Archpriest Vasyl Ostashek]   

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/nikolaev-archpriest-nikolai Archpriest Nikolai Nikolaev]  

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/power-archimandrite-gerasim Archimandrite Gerasim (Power)] 

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/berglund-priest-kolin Priest Kolin Berglund]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Igumen_Vladimir_(Lysak) Igumen Vladimir (Lysack)] 

[http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ukrainian-canadians/ Ukrainian Canadians]

[http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/alberta/past/vol1chap14.htm “Alberta Past and Present : Historical and Biographical Church History”]

[http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=7919 Canada's Historic Places : Russo Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration (Star Edna)]

[http://www.prairiesouls.com/A.%20Lamont%20Cemetries%20on%20Line/Star,%20AB%20-%20Star%20Cemetery/Mycemetery--Star-Cemetery-cem-index.htm Cemetery names]

[https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2336666/holy-transfiguration-russo-greek-orthodox-cemetery Findagrave reference to Holy Transfiguration Russo-Greek Orthodox Cemetery, Star, Alberta]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edna-Star_colony Wikipedia article about Star-Edna colony]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Alberta Wikipedia article about the history of Alberta]

[https://pioneerchurches.ca/index.php/churches/oca-orth-toc/star-edna-oca Pioneer Churches on the Prairies — Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, Star-Edna, Alberta]   

[https://pioneerchurches.ca/index.php Pioneer Churches on the Prairies web-site]  

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/100th-anniversary-holy-transfiguration-church-star-ab 100th Anniversary of Holy Transfiguration Church, Star, Alberta] (19 August, 2013)

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/tour-holy-land-country-parishes-photo-gallery Tour of rural Alberta Temples in which Saint Tikhon worshipped] (28 July, 2017) 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/messenger/Com1992-1.3-1.pdf 'Ukrainian Centennial Commemoration at Star, Alberta' in "Canadian Orthodox Messenger" (Winter, 1991/1992)], p. 2.

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/messenger/Com1993-July.pdf ‘St Tikhon Orthodox Christian Mission, Lakeland AB’ in “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” (July, 1993)], pp. 3-4. 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/messenger/Com1999-1.10-1.pdf 'A Church of the Pioneers : Holy Transfiguration, in Star, Alberta' in "Canadian Orthodox Messenger" (Winter, 1998/1999)], pp. 9-10. 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/messenger/Com2001-4.12-4.pdf ‘Assembly pilgrims visit heritage churches’ in “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” (Autumn, 2001)], pp. 7-8. 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/messenger/Com2003-4.14-4.pdf ‘OCA chancery staff visit historic Alberta churches’ in “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” (Autumn, 2003)], pp. 2-3. 







[[Category:Parish Communities]] [[Category:Alberta & Northwest Territories]] [[Category:RusM]] [[Category:ROGCCNA]] [[Category:ADOCA]][[Category:OCA]]