View source for Sunland AB Holy Trinity Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1905



[[File:HolyTrinityChurchCemeterySunlandAB 0 B.jpg]] 

'''Sunland, Alberta, Church and Cemetery in the Name of the Holy Trinity, 1905/1910'''


This parish may have the nickname Babychuk's.


==Prehistory==

The formation of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Sunland, [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alberta Alberta], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada], is related to the settlement around [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/shandro/ Shandro], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta], which is about 9 km (6 mi) to the southeast.  Like the [[Shandro AB Holy Assumption (Dormition) Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1899 |Church of Saint Mary]] in Shandro, Holy Trinity in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamont_County Sunland] is situated on the south bank of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Saskatchewan_River North Saskatchewan River].  

Those who settled around this Temple were primarily of [https://www.britannica.com/place/Bukovina Romanian Bucovinian] origin, which can be seen most clearly in the nature of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bells bell-house] which was constructed later (see the photograph). Moreover, at the time of the arrival of these particular settlers, the general territory in which they began to live was called (until 1905) the [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/north-west-territories-1870-1905 North-West Territories].  

'''Organisation of the parish, 1905''' 

Already in 1905, there was a preliminary organisation of the parish.  Land was acquired for a Temple, and a [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2576884/sunland-holy-trinity-orthodox-cemetery cemetery] was established.  Soon, in 1907, burials had begun.  

==Founding the parish, 1910==

On 17 July, 1910, 10 acres of land for the Temple and cemetery were purchased from Peter Babychuk by the trustees of the developing parish.  Although the land was not donated by Peter Babychuk, the general custom is to give a nickname to the parish that reflects the fact that it was established on what was formerly his property.  This land, located 4.8 km (3 mi) east and 14.5 km (9 mi) north of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew,_Alberta Andrew], Alberta, was transferred to the “Russo Greek Orthodox Church of Sunland”.  

Prior to this, local worship services were held in the homes of various families who later became the founding members of this parish.

==Construction of the Temple==

Construction of a log Temple at this location began immediately, although the process took some time.  All the parish members donated labour, money and material.  The building of the Temple was accomplished by : 
  Petro Feschuk ; Marko Krawchuk ; Ivan (John) Mnoholitny ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/132950637/onufrey-orydzuk Onufrey Orydzuk].  

John Mnoholitny was a farmer in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegreville Vegreville] area, who later became a renowned church builder.  As in other building projects, he was the leader in the design and the construction of the Temple.  


[[File:3515273672 097cf643ef z S.jpg]]  '''The Temple from southwest'''


[[File:Holy Trinity Temple Sunland from north-west 2.png]]  '''The Temple from northwest'''


[[File:Holy Trinity Temple Sunland exterior prayer-table.jpeg]]  '''Exterior Moleben and Memorial Table'''


The parish’s first secretary was [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543894/tanasko-sorochan Tanasko Sorochan].  He was followed by [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543744/elia-lastiwka Elia Lastiwka], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543856/nick-samoridny Mikolay Samoridny], [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543660/metro-n-bidinak Nikolay Bidniak] and John Mnoholitny.

Those who worked on organising and building the Temple worked over 3 years.  Their names are as follow :
  1910 :
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/155288958/george-n-bidniak George Bidniak] ; Metro Fediuk ; Samuel Fediuk ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543744/elia-lastiwka Elia Lastiwka] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543749/george-lastiwka George Lastiwka] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543781/joseph-malayko Joseph Malayko] ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543894/tanasko-sorochan Tanasko Sorochan].
  1911 :
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543894/tanasko-sorochan Nick Elaschuk] ; Nickolay Lastiwka ; George Lupul ; George Petraschuk ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543913/timofy-wagilek Timofy Wagilek] ; Petro Yakimchuk.
  1912 :
  Nickolay Alexandriuk ; Tanasko Brenzan ; Anton Ewasiuk ; Maksem Ewasiuk ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543702/todosi-gordeyko Teodosy Gordeyko] ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543708/nihay-gregoraschuk Nihay Gregoraschuk] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543722/george-korol George Korol] ; Wasyl Mozger ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543824/george-pelechytik George Pelechytik] ; Fred Wispinski ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543939/georgi-woychuk George Woychuk] ; 
  Petro Zukiwski.
The founding families of the parish include :
  Petro Babichuk ; [http://www.prairiesouls.com/A.%20Lamont%20Cemetries%20on%20Line/Andrew,%20AB%20-%20Sunland%20Cemetery/Mycemetery-23.htm Tanasko Brendzan] ; Stephen Danyluk ; Anton Ewasiuk ; Macsem Ewasiuk ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543691/sam-fediuk Sam Fediuk] ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543702/todosi-gordeyko Todosy Gordeyko] ; [http://www.prairiesouls.com/A.%20Lamont%20Cemetries%20on%20Line/Andrew,%20AB%20-%20Sunland%20Cemetery/Mycemetery-47.htm Gawrelo Gordy] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543705/wasyl-goroniuk William Goroniuk] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543722/george-korol  George Korol] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543727/michailo-koroluk  Mike Koroluk] ; Marko Krawchuk ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543739/michaylo-kusiak Mike Kusiak] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543744/elia-lastiwka Elia Lastiwka] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543747/george-lastiwka George W Lastiwka] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543754/nick-lastiwka Nick W Lastiwka] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543768/george-john-lupul George Lupul] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543780/ivan-malayko John Malayko] ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543781/joseph-malayko Joseph Malayko] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543791/nick-megley Mike Megley] ; Nick M Megley ; Wasyl M Megley ; Wasyl Mozger ; Nick Olinek ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543806/harry-ostafichuk Harry Ostafichuk] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543818/metro-pawliuk Metro Pawliuk] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543824/george-pelechytik George Pelechytik] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543829/george-perdichuk George Perdichuk] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543835/wasyl-perdichuk Wasyl Perdichuk] ; Wasyl Puchalsky ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543851/parfari-radomsky Parfery Radomsky] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543873/michael-shulko Mike Shulko] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543615/georgi-solowan George Solowan] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543894/tanasko-sorochan Tanasko Sorochan] ; Petro Sorotsky ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543913/timofy-wagilek Timofy Wagilek] ;
  Jack Watamaniuk ; Fedo Wispinsk ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543924/leo-wiwad Leon Wiwad] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543939/georgi-woychuk George Woychuk] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543944/penteley-woychuk Pentelay Woychuk] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543955/petro-yakimchuk Petro Yakimchuk] ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543958/nick-yaremchuk Nick Yeremchuk].

During the following years, there were constructed a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_tower bell-house] and a parish hall nearby the Temple.  They both were built by John Mnoholitny with the help of parish members for $350.00.  The parishioners donated the 3 [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bells bells] and most of the items required to furnish the hall.  It is notable that many of the donated [https://orthodoxwiki.org/iconography  icons] and artifacts remain in use in the Temple a century later.  The bell-house is constructed in a manner which recalls such structures in Romanian Bucovina.  In [https://www.britannica.com/place/Romania Romania], in addition to the ringing of the bells before services, there is the sounding of the “toaca” or “[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semantron semantron]”.  This is a rather long board which is carried by a person who knows how to hammer the board with intricate rhythms by using a wooden mallet.  While doing this, the person walks about the precincts of the Temple.  Both structures in Sunland were replaced by newer ones in 1962–63. 


[[File:Holy Trinity Church Sunland bell-house.jpg]]  '''The bell-house'''


Over the years, the Sunland Temple has undergone several name-changes.  On 26 March, 1915, the congregation of Sunland, rather than keeping the “Russo Greek Orthodox Church of Sunland” name, decided to incorporate (register their name) as “The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruthenians Ruthenian] Orthodox Holy Trinity Church of Sunland”.  This change was not unusual, because at the time, names of various immigrating Christian congregations generally included in the name the place of origin where most of the members came from.  This was true of the Orthodox Christian parishes as well.  

In this parish, many of the founding families came from a region of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria-Hungary Austro-Hungarian Empire] which was known as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruthenia Ruthenia].  The [http://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CS%5CU%5CSupremeRuthenianCouncil.htm Ruthenian Council] was responsible for the holdings of the Austrian Empire made up of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galicia_(Eastern_Europe) Galicia] and the district of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukovina Bucovina].  However, the certificate of title to the land was not obtained when the name change took place, since the transfer document was already in the hands of the congregation, and they likely felt that this was sufficient to prove ownership.  In addition, the cemetery was registered under the “Russian Greek Orthodox Holy Trinity Church of Sunland”.

Throughout the history of the parish, generous contributions of labour, money and material from the active members have continually added to the vitality of the Sunland parish.  

In 1920, records indicate that the Sunland parish had 87 members.

==Dissention, division, 1927==

Dissension amongst the members began in 1927 when, influenced by a movement that began in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatoon Saskatoon], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan Saskatchewan], and then became based in [[Sachava (Andrew) AB Archangel Michael Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1900 |Sachava]], Alberta, a significant group of parishioners began a campaign to move the parish to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada].  The result was a sharp division amongst the parishioners.  This resulted in a court case.  The court decided in the favour of those who wished to remain in the original jurisdiction, in the Canadian diocese of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodox_Church_in_America Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America].  

Those who insisted on a change purchased land about 2 km (1.25 mi) to the west.  This [[Kahwin AB Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church 1931 |new parish]] kept the same dedication to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Trinity Most Holy Trinity].  This similarity underscored the division.

==Regrouping, 1930==

Those who remained loyal to Sunland rededicated themselves to congregational activity, and they gradually restored the parish to its former vitality.  Although the interior and exterior have been thoroughly modernised, the initial concept of the Temple has been retained and most of the early icons and artifacts still grace the Altar and walls.  

The first executive after the division consisted of :
  Nick Kapitski ; [http://www.prairiesouls.com/A.%20Lamont%20Cemetries%20on%20Line/Andrew,%20AB%20-%20Sunland%20Cemetery/Mycemetery-93.htm John Lastiwka] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543948/wasyl-g-woychuk William G Woychuk].
In the following years, other persons served on the executive in various positions :
  [http://www.prairiesouls.com/A.%20Lamont%20Cemetries%20on%20Line/Andrew,%20AB%20-%20Sunland%20Cemetery/Mycemetery-33.htm Metro Danyluk] ; [http://www.prairiesouls.com/A.%20Lamont%20Cemetries%20on%20Line/Andrew,%20AB%20-%20Sunland%20Cemetery/Mycemetery-44.htm Metro Gawreliuk] ; [http://www.prairiesouls.com/A.%20Lamont%20Cemetries%20on%20Line/Andrew,%20AB%20-%20Sunland%20Cemetery/Mycemetery-52.htm William Goroniuk] ; Alex Megley ; [http://www.prairiesouls.com/A.%20Lamont%20Cemetries%20on%20Line/Andrew,%20AB%20-%20Sunland%20Cemetery/Mycemetery-163.htm Nick Pelechytik] ; [http://www.prairiesouls.com/A.%20Lamont%20Cemetries%20on%20Line/Andrew,%20AB%20-%20Sunland%20Cemetery/Mycemetery-166.htm George Perdichuk] ; 
  [http://www.prairiesouls.com/A.%20Lamont%20Cemetries%20on%20Line/Andrew,%20AB%20-%20Sunland%20Cemetery/Mycemetery-200.htm David Serediak] ; [http://www.prairiesouls.com/A.%20Lamont%20Cemetries%20on%20Line/Andrew,%20AB%20-%20Sunland%20Cemetery/Mycemetery-208.htm Mike Shulko] ; John Shupenia ; [http://www.prairiesouls.com/A.%20Lamont%20Cemetries%20on%20Line/Andrew,%20AB%20-%20Sunland%20Cemetery/Mycemetery-236.htm William Telka] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/125856157/john-g-woychuk John Woychuk].

'''Establishment of the Ladies' Church Club'''

The Ladies’ Church Club was established in 1963, and it supported parish life for very many years by catering for funerals and memorial dinners, and also organising bingos and bake-sales as fundraisers.  

[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543948/wasyl-g-woychuk Wasyl (William) G Woychuk] was the longest-serving president of the community.  He faithfully served the priest, the Temple and the parish from 1945 until his sudden repose in Christ in 1991.  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543703/andrew-goroniuk Andrew Goroniuk] stepped in, and he served as the president of the parish until his own repose in Christ in 2005.

Other parishioners who had worked similarly over a long period of time included : 
  Ernie and Judy Shulko, Pearl Lastiwka, Alex and Jean Megley, and [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/225229730/doreen-goroniuk Doreen Goroniuk].  
Ernie served as the secretary-treasurer for more than 20 years, and he then began to serve as the parish president.  

The variety of names for the parish was finally resolved only in 1992 by the parish executive.  At that time, the parish became known as the “Holy Trinity Orthodox Church of Sunland”.  At that time, all documents and titles were changed to conform to the decision.

==Renovations, 1962==

'''Parish hall, 1964'''

As the Sunland congregation grew, the bell-house was rebuilt in 1962, and in 1963, a new parish hall was built under the supervision of [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/125856157/john-g-woychuk John Woychuk].  Once again, the members donated their time and financial resources to assist in the construction.  On 14 August, 1964, the [https://www.oca.org/files/PDF/diptychs/2020-oca-diptychs.pdf Archpriest John Kowalchuk] blessed the new hall.  In the 1970s, both the interior and the exterior of the Temple were renovated. 

==Rural depopulation==

As have all other rural parishes across Western Canada, this parish community suffered from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rural_flight rural depopulation], which began in the 1930s.  This accelerated after [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II World War II] with the increase in mechanisation and the consolidation of small farms into larger ones.  The consequence of this was the move of many people into various urban areas.

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

'''Archpriest Stephen J Keaschuk'''

During the time that [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-very-rev-archpriest-stephen-keaschuk/ Father Stephen Keaschuk] was serving the parish (1991-1998), parishioners from [[Edmonton AB Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Sobor 1977 |Saint Herman’s Church]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton] would sometimes travel to Sunland to help with the singing, or other activities.  On greater feast-days, they would make an extra effort to support this parish.  This support continued during the pastorships of Fathers [https://oca.org/clergy/Andrew-Morbey/ Andrew Morbey] and [http://archdiocese.ca/clergy/reinheimer-archpriest-lawrence Larry Reinheimer]. 

Sunday school classes at Holy Trinity Church in Sunland began in 2000 under the direction of Colleen Serediak and Charlene Shulko.  At that time, with a growing number of young children in the parish, they felt that there was a need for some sort of informal schooling in the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/What_is_Orthodoxy Orthodox Christian Faith] besides the regular Sunday service in the Temple.  Many of the children who attend are of 4th and 5th generation descendants of the founding members.

The decision to offer Sunday school classes in the parish hall during Sunday services was undertaken with the approval of the parish council.  Andrew Goroniuk, the then president, was most instrumental in providing a course guideline, resource material and a general direction for the classes (he had been a school teacher by profession).  In conjunction with this structure, Charlene and Colleen orchestrated crafts and activities to make the mornings enjoyable, but also educational for the youngsters.  Sunday school classes ended in time for the children to receive [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Eucharist Holy Communion].  
 
An extension of the Sunday school activities resulted in the production of several Christmas presentations, and the emergence of a yearly Christmas donation to a needy family in the community.  This has been funded through the sale of such items as Christmas ornaments, or cards in the names of departed loved ones for the Christmas Memory Tree.


[[File:Holy Trinity Church Sunland from southeast 1.jpg]]  '''Holy Trinity Temple from the southeast'''

==Inter-parish co-operation, 1990s==

Since the early 1990s, the Holy Trinity 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. 

A choir was organised and conducted very capably for many years by [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145543865/nastasia-%22elsie%22-serediak Elsie Serediak], until her health failed in 2005.  By that time, she had served the Church faithfully in several capacities for 62 years.  In 1973, she had received a blessed gramota (certificate of blessing) from [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sylvester_(Haruns) Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns)] for her service in [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America] (and its predecessor, the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in North America).  The choir was well-known in the area.  Having previously rehearsed, after the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Nativity Feast of the Nativity of Christ], the choir would divide into several groups and then travel around to many homes in order to sing the traditional Ukrainian Christmas carols and other carols.

'''Priest Evan Lowig'''

Priest Evan Lowig served this parish and the parish family grouping from 1995-2000.


[[File:Priest Evan Lowig 2.png]]  '''Priest Evan Lowig'''

'''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. 


[[File:NicolaevNicolai 0 2.jpg]]  '''Archpriest Nikolai Nikolaev'''

==Visit by Archdiocesan 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 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta], buses of representatives and clergy visited [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/messenger/Com2001-4.12-4.pd various historical rural parishes], including the Holy Trinity Church at Sunland.  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].

==100 years, 2010==

On Sunday, 23 May, 2010, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Pentecost Feast of Pentecost], the parish celebrated its 100th anniversary.  [[Archbishop Seraphim (Storheim)]] was present for the occasion.  After the greeting at the door by the rector, [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/nikolaev-archpriest-nikolai Archpriest Nikolai Nikolaev], Vladyka Seraphim led the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, together with Father Nikolai and the guest clergy.  

After the Divine Liturgy, Vladyka Seraphim [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_water  blessed water] outdoors at the Cross, and he blessed the 4 walls of the Temple during the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procession Cross-procession] around the building.  At the conclusion of the services, a festive dinner was served at a local community hall.  

'''Archpastoral visit, 2016'''

On 19 June, 2016, [[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]] [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/hierarchical-divine-liturgy-pentecost-holy-trinity-church-sunland-ab made a pastoral visit] to the parish, on the occasion of the Altar Feast-day, the Feast of Pentecost.  He served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, just before which he ordained Lawrence Kapitski of the parish to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Subdeacon Holy Subdiaconate].  After the Divine Liturgy, Vladyka Irénée blessed water outdoors at the Cross, and he blessed the 4 walls of the Temple during the procession around the Temple.  Afterwards, a festive dinner was served.  


[[File:Img 0827 S.jpg]] 

'''Archpriest Nikolai L Nikolaev greets Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) with the Holy Cross at Pentecost'''

'''Priest Kolin Berglund'''

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

==Holy Trinity Orthodox Cemetery, 1907==

[https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2576884 Holy Trinity Orthodox Cemetery of Sunland] 

Land description site NW 01-58-16 W4 

Range Road #161, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamont_County Lamont County]

Alberta


According to the dates of birth in the records of this cemetery, a significant number of those who immigrated to this area were already of rather mature years by the time they arrived. 

In 2023, there were more than 437 known interments in the cemetery. 


[[File:Holy Trinity Church Sunland cemetery.jpg]]  '''Holy Trinity Cemetery'''


[[File:Holy Trinity Church of Sunland cemetery memorial.jpg]]  '''Memorial'''


The priests who have served in this parish include :
  Priest Alexander Antoniev 			1910-1911
  Priest Filip Pechinsky 				1911-1916
  Priest Dioniziy Pirka 				1916-
  Priest Feodor Varkhol  		        	        -1921
  Priest Alexander Pyza 				1921-1928
  Priest Antoniy Zemenov 				1928-1936
  Archpriest John Kowalchuk 			1936-1968
  Priest Wasyl Boyko 
  [[Bishop Joasaph (Antoniuk) |Bishop Ioasaph (Antoniuk)]]			1969
  Priest Andrew Harrison 				1969-1970
  Mitred Archpriest John Wasyl
  [[Archpriest Vasyl and Matushka Vasylyna Ostashek |Archpriest William (Wasyl) Ostashek]] 	1970-1981
  [http://uocc.ca/en-ca/parishes/clergydetails.asp?ClergyID=1001 Archpriest Stephen Keaschuk]		1981-1988
  [http://www.stmarysoca.org/directory.html Priest Andrew Morbey] 				1988-1990
  [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/reinheimer-archpriest-lawrence Priest Larry Reinheimer] 			1990-1993
  [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/piasta-archpriest-andrew Deacon Andrew Piasta] 				1993-1995
  [https://www.holyres.org/?page_id=58#Karateyev Priest Evan Lowig] 				1995-2000
  [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/nikolaev-archpriest-nikolai Archpriest Nikolai Nikolaev] 			2000-2016
  [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/power-archimandrite-gerasim Archimandrite Gerasim (Power)] 		2016-2018
  [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/berglund-priest-kolin Priest Kolin Berglund] 				2018-2024
  [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Igumen_Vladimir_(Lysak) Igumen Vladimir (Lysak)]			2024-____

==Particular parish details==

The parish continues to function in the same spiritual and cultural manner as was established by the founders of the parish.  Included in this is the manner in which the Altar Feast-day ("Khram") of the parish is marked.  Annually, on the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Pentecost Feast of Pentecost] (50 days after [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Pascha Pascha]), the Temple is decorated with fresh green branches of trees, and the clergy wear green vestments.  Homes are also decorated with green branches.  After the Divine Liturgy is served, then [http://biserica.org/Publicatii/ServiceBook/Services/Waters/Lesser_Waters.htm water is blessed].  Then follows a procession around the Temple, during which the 4 exterior walls of the Temple itself are blessed with this water by the priest.  Afterwards, the interior is also blessed.  People comment on the serenity and peacefulness that they sense when they come to this Temple, and visit the nearby cemetery.  

Services are generally held in this Temple on the third Sunday of every month, and the services use mostly the English language.  Congregational singing is encouraged.  The leadership is grateful to God for the many descendants of the founders who remain active in the life of this parish.

Languages of service are English and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/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://archdiocese.ca/clergy/lehr-archpriest-lehr 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 Temple is the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Pentecost Feast of Pentecost] (Descent of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Spiri Holy Spirit], the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Trinity Most Holy Trinity]).

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


Address :

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/holy-trinity-church-cemetery-sunland-ab Holy Trinity Orthodox Church of Sunland]

580081 A & B, Range Road #161 

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

T0B 0C0


Directions :

Holy Trinity Church is located 131 km (82 mi) northeast of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], and the drive by car takes about 1½ hours.  It is located 5 km (3 mi) east and 11 km (7 mi) north of the town of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew,_Alberta Andrew]. 

From Edmonton, drive eastwards on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_16 Highway #16 (Yellowhead]) until [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mundare Mundare].  Turn left (north) on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_855 Highway #855], and drive to Andrew.  At the north end of the village, turn right (east) on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_45 Highway #45].  Drive eastwards on Highway #45 and keep left in order to turn left on Range Road #161.  Turn left on Range Road #161, and drive 9.7 km (6 mi) north.  The Temple is on the right.

On Highway #45, drive 4.8 km (3 mi) east of Andrew.  Turn left onto Secondary Highway #645, and drive 200 m (¼ mi) east.  Immediately, turn left at the first cross-street, onto Range Road #161.  Drive 9.7 km (6 mi) north.  The Temple is on the right, after Township Road #580.  


Mailing address :

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church of Sunland

PO Box 66

Andrew, Alberta

T0B 0C0



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

Telephone : 306-794-4443

E-mail : priestmonk@gmail.com


'''[https://www.oca.org/parishes/oca-ca-sunhtc 2025 Service Schedule] :'''  

19 January, 16 February, 16 March, 6 April, 20 April (Easter Basket Blessing at 8:15 a.m.), 18 May (Provode Blessing Graves), 8 June (Pentecost Feast Day Service), 20 July, 17 August, 21 September, 19 October (Thanksgiving Service), 16 November, 7 December.


[[File:Holy Trinity Sunland 2.png]]  '''Holy Trinity Temple, Sunland''' (photo by www.aerialphoto.ru)

==References==

[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 1]   

"Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Sunland Commemorating 100 years 1910-2010" (Sunland : Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 2010).  Centennial Anniversary booklet 18 July, 2010). 

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

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].

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 :'''

[http://www.archdiocese.ca/community/holy-trinity-church-cemetery-sunland-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://www.oca.org/parishes/oca-ca-sunhtc 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/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)]  

[https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-very-rev-archpriest-stephen-keaschuk/ Archpriest Stephen J Keaschuk] 

[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]   

[http://www.prairiesouls.com/A.%20Lamont%20Cemetries%20on%20Line/Andrew,%20AB%20-%20Sunland%20Cemetery/Mycemetery-0.htm Prairie Souls : Sunland Cemetery]

[http://www.prairiesouls.com/A.%20Lamont%20Cemetries%20on%20Line/Andrew,%20AB%20-%20Sunland%20Cemetery/Mycemetery--Sunland-Cemetery.htm Prairie Souls : cemetery names]

[http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2576884 Findagrave article about the Sunland Holy Trinity Orthodox Cemetery]

[http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/romanians/ Canadian Encyclopaedia article about Romanian Canadians]

[http://www.thefullwiki.org/Canadians_of_Romanian_descent General information about Romanians in Canada]

[https://pioneerchurches.ca/index.php/churches/oca-orth-toc/sunland-oca Pioneer Churches on the Prairies — Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Sunland, Alberta]   

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=44gggoAk3XY Video of a Romanian "toaka" (semantron)]

[https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=semanton&&view=detail&mid=02DBAE0BCBA9A936D52902DBAE0BCBA9A936D529&&FORM=VRDGAR Video of a semantron at Saint Catherine's Monastery, Sinai] 

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Roots_of_community_-_First_Churches Roots of Community : Country Churches of the Prairies 1896-1906]   

[https://www.lamontcounty.ca/public/download/files/186292 Lamont County history] 

[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 Pioneer Churches on the Prairies web-site]   

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/hierarchical-divine-liturgy-pentecost-holy-trinity-church-sunland-ab Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Pentecost at Holy Trinity Church in Sunland, Alberta] (19 June, 2016)

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/tour-holy-land-country-parishes-photo-gallery Assembly delegates visit some of the historical Temples in rural Alberta] (July, 2017) 

[https://grantstracks.com/holy-trinity-orthodox-church-sunland/ Article about Holy Trinity Church, Sunland, Alberta] (25 April, 2018) [photos] 

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







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