Regina SK Saint Nicholas Romanian Orthodox Church 1901

Regina, Saskatchewan, Saint Nicholas Romanian Orthodox Church, 1901

Prehistory

Saint Nicholas Romanian Orthodox Church in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, was the first Romanian Orthodox parish to be organised in North America.

The founders of this community were immigrants who came to Canada primarily from the Province of Bucovina (which was at that time in the Austro-Hungarian Empire), and from parts of the Kingdom of Romania. They were people who had left everything : homes, jobs, farms, families, culture and security. In Canada, they faced enormous challenges. The land was as yet not broken and tilled. The winters were severe and unforgiving. Perhaps what was hardest of all was the fact that most soon realised that (as many other immigrants, even from Western Europe) they were unwelcome, undervalued, underpaid and disrespected in a British-dominated, English-speaking culture.

Therefore, as did many others, in an attempt to maintain and continue their way of Orthodox Christian worship and way of life, they built a Temple to the Lord in Regina, and they dedicated it to the honour of Saint Nicholas of Myra. There, they could worship as they had always done. In addition, they would be able to preserve some sense of security and cultural identity, and to preserve and maintain many of their social and cultural practices. They could not transplant the sort of life they had in Romania, but they could retain the essence of this way of life, and they could give it expression in a new and difficult environment.

The area of Regina known as “Germantown” (Broad Street east to Winnipeg Street and beyond, and 13th Avenue north to the CPR Railyards) was settled by continental Europeans (Germans, Romanians, Hungarians, Serbs, Ukrainians, Poles), essentially anyone who was not of British ancestry. In the early predominantly Anglo-Celtic mainstream settlement, non-francophone continental Europeans (whatever their origin) were generally referred to either as “Galicians” (Galicia at the time actually being part of Austrian Poland) or as “Germans”.

Europeans became established around the former Market Square (now the location of the Regina city police station on Osler Street between 10th and 11th Avenues) by 1892. German, Ukrainian, Romanian and Serbian religious, secular and educational institutions and services were early established in the neighbourhood. These included this Romanian parish of Saint Nicholas ; Saint George’s Romanian Orthodox Church (founded in 1914) ; and Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Descent of the Holy Ghost (these last 2 both formerly on Winnipeg Street).

Organising the parish, 1901

A group of immigrants in the Regina, Saskatchewan area began planning to build a church of their own in 1901, by petitioning the Mother Church in Moldavia, Romania, for the blessing to establish an Orthodox Church in its present location at 1770, Saint John Street. After receiving the blessing from the Mother Church, and the approval from the local authorities, the building plans began to materialise.

Construction of the Temple, 1902

The first structure (a small wooden frame structure) was built from local lumber. The names recorded as original founders were :

 Ilie Bancescu ; Nicuta Donison ; Ioan Nicolai ; Nicolai Surdea ; Alexandru Ursache ; Nicolai Zora.

The original cost of the structure is shown on one of the Land Titles Certificate as $5,500.00. However, the amount of $9,000.00 was reported in the 1967 “Solia”. The parish ownership of Lots No. 25-27, Block 290, registered at Assiniboia Land Registration District, Regina, in the Northwest Territories on 26 January, 1905, was under the name of “Parintele Glicherie” Bishop of Iaşi, in the Kingdom of Romania.

When the Temple was constructed, as is customary, it was "oriented", that is, facing eastwards, with the Holy Altar at the east end of the structure. In this case, it is the Altar that faces the street on which it was built, rather than the entrance door. The building is situated in the midst of the lot, and the main entrance faces the lane (usually the rear of homes except in such a case).

The original church bell was donated from an unfinished Temple that had been started by Orthodox Romanians, but the Temple was then turned over to the parish of the "Russian Mission" since the Romanian immigrants involved had migrated to Calgary and to Boian in Alberta, where there were job opportunities. Meanwhile, the City of Regina Fire Department installed a new siren on the roof of the Power House to replace the old alarm system, and their bell was donated to Saint Nicholas. It became known as the Temple with 2 bells : one in the belfry, and one hanging on a frame structure outside the building.

The Temple at the beginning

Sanctification of the Temple, 1903

After the completion of the Temple in 1902, Archimandrite Evghenie (Ungureanu) was sent from the Neamţ Monastery in Romania in order to bless and to sanctify the Temple in the name of Saint Nicholas on 20 May, 1903. One popular belief is that the name Saint Nicholas was chosen because the name “Nicolae” was popular among the founders. This marked the first official Romanian missionary activity on Canadian soil. After the initial construction, an addition was made to the entry of the Temple, which accommodated the bells and which included a "tulip"-shaped dome at the top.

In 1925, the new Altar Table was donated by Zaharia, Domnita, and Victoria from Bălăceana (near Suceava), Bucovina, Romania in memory of their loved ones. The inscription is as clear today at it was the day it was waxed in 1925. In 1926, Patriarch Miron (Crestea) of Romania declared Saint Nicholas Church to be a national monument. “This cruciform-shaped building featuring gothic windows and a central entrance, topped with a tulip-shaped dome” is the oldest building remaining in this neighbourhood. The shape of the dome (or cupola) indicates the influence of Ukrainian-Russian architecture in some parts of the province of Bucovina in Romania.

Visit of Bishop Polycarp (Moruşca), 1936

Bishop Polycarp (Moruşca), assisted by the Hieromonks Archimandrite Daniil (Maxim) and Teofil (Maxim) and the Priest Theodosie Scaletschi, presided at the sanctification of the Temple of Saint Nicholas on 21 June, 1936. Bishop Polycarp had arrived in North America earlier in 1935 in order to organise the Romanian Orthodox people in North America.

1936 visit of Bishop Polycarp to Regina

In 1945, a marble monument (a “Troiţa”, or Triple Cross) honouring the early pioneers of the parish was erected in front of the building.

Visit of Archbishop Valerian (Trifa), 1958

Archbishop Valerian (Trifa) of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, on his first visit to Saint Nicholas in 1958, cemented a close relationship between the “Vatra” (central office) and the parish, which remains to the present day.

Mother Alexandra (Principesa Ileana), former Princess of Romania, paid a rare visit to the parish of Saint Nicholas on 12 August, 1963.

75th anniversary ; Archpastoral visit of Archbishop Valerian (Trifa), 1977

In June, 1977, Archbishop Valerian (Trifa) made an archpastoral visitation to the Parish of Saint Nicholas, in connection with the marking of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the parish.

Archbishop Valerian presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, at which he was assisted by Archimandrite Martinian (Ivanovici) and Archpriest Constantin Turcoane. Following the Divine Liturgy, a festive banquet was served.

At the 75th anniversary banquet, the head table guests were (in order) : Government officials Mr. and Mrs. W Smishek ; John and Marie George ; President of the ARFORA, Mrs. Melanie Vlad ; Father Constantin Turcoane ; John Bujea ; Bishop Valerian (Trifa) ; Archimandrite Dr. Martinian (Ivanovici) ; Dr. Eleanor Bujea ; Preoteasa Turcoane.

First archpastoral visit of Bishop Nathaniel (Popp), 1985

Archbishop Nathaniel (Popp) made his first canonical visit to Saint Nicholas’s Church at the time of his first parish visitations to Western Canada (as the ruling bishop). He said that “it was appropriate that he should start his Canadian visit as a bishop here, since Saint Nicholas Romanian Orthodox Church was the first organised parish in North America”.

100th anniversary, 2002

In 2002, the parish celebrated its 100th anniversary. Constructed in 1902, the Temple of Saint Nicholas in Regina is the oldest Romanian Orthodox church and parish in North America. The building was redesigned and enlarged in 1944.

In order to commemorate its centennial anniversary, the Temple received a "facelift" : fresh paint inside and out ; a new iconostas ; 25 new icons ; new liturgical furnishings ; a new carpet.

Repose of Archpriest Daniel Nenson, 2016

In 2016, the Archpriest Daniel Nenson fell asleep in the Lord. Born in Wheatstone, Saskatchewan, in 1933, he had been raised in the parish of Saint Nicholas, and married also in this parish to Alice Lipan in 1960. He later served as a priest in several Romanian Canadian parishes.

115th Anniversary, 2017

On 10 June, 2017, the parish of Saint Nicholas in Regina, Saskatchewan, marked the 115th anniversary since its foundation in 1902.

On this day, at 10:00 a.m., there was a festal Divine Liturgy at which the Priests Dan Hoarște (Dean of the Canadian parishes of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America) and Lucian Constantin (rector of the parish) served together.

Following the Divine Liturgy, there was a banquet (from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.) at the Delta Hotel in Regina. The Vicar for Canada expressed his appreciation for this successful event.

Archbishop Nathaniel (Popp) sent a written message and blessing, which was read to the Faithful present. In his words, Vladica Nathaniel said that although this be a small parish, it is nevertheless full of Grace. He added that he was praying for the whole parish.

Episcopal ordination of Vladica Andrei (Hoarște), 2020

In 2019, Priest Dan Hoarște was tonsured to be a monk, and he was given the name Andrei. Afterwards, he was elevated to the dignity of archimandrite.

On 1 February, 2020, Archimandrite Andrei (Hoarște) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate at the Romanian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George in Southfield, Michigan. He was ordained by Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard) and other bishops of The Orthodox Church in America (including Archbishop Nathaniel (Popp)), and also by guest bishops.

Vladica Andrei (Hoarște) was given the title, Bishop of Cleveland. In addition to his other responsibilities at the Vatra, Bishop Andrei (Hoarște) was assigned to continue on in his responsibilities as Vicar for the Parishes of the Romanian Episcopate in Canada.

Bishop Andrei (Hoarște) and the ordaining bishops

2020-2021 Coronavirus-19 virus restrictions on parishes

In early 2020, the Covid-19 virus made its appearance in Canada, and it quickly became a world-wide pandemic. Because of the rules governing gatherings that were laid down by the provincial and city governments, the parish stopped any further services after 8 March, 2020. 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.

Over the years, through the life and worship in the Temple of Saint Nicholas, new Canadian families emerged ; children were baptised ; loved ones were laid to rest. This parish was a place of solemnity and reverence, a centre of celebration and rejoicing. For many, the Temple and parish of Saint Nicholas became their new home : full of new “brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers”.

Priests who have served in the Saint Nicholas parish include :

 Archimandrite Evghenie (Ungureanu) 	1903-1910 
 Priest Ghenadie Gheorghiu 		1910-1913
 Archimandrite Martin (Ionescu) 	1913-1915  
 Priest Silvestru (Ionescu) 		1915-1918
 Priest Teodosie Nica 			1919-1920 
 Priest Filaret Gheorghiu 		1920-1922
 Priest Dionisie Nichifor 		1923-1944
 Priest Petru Tatoiu 			1944-1961 
 Archpriest Richard Grabowski 		1961-1962
 Archpriest Constantin Tofan 		1963-1966
 Priest Gratian Radu 			1966-1967
 Priest Brendon O’Keefe 		1967-1968
 Archpriest Pantelimon Stanciu	1968-1971
 Archpriest Constantin Turcoane	1971-2005 
 Archpriest Ionuţ Maerean 		2005-2013 
 Priest Lucian Constantin 		2013-2018
 Archpriest Cosmin Vint		2018-____

Other priests who have served in the parish include :

 Priest Glichere Popa
 Archimandrite Daniil (Maxim)
 Priest Martin Ionescu
 Priest Theodore Scaletschi (Scaleski)
 Archimandrite Martinian (Ivanovici)
 Priest John Shunda
 Priest Peter Avram

The first part of the list of clergy is incomplete, however the names provided are the ones which are at present available.

Archbishop Nathaniel and parishioners

Particular parish information

This parish family welcomes everyone to feel free to visit and to participate in the worship of the parish family and in its social life. Whether one is a new immigrant to Canada, or a descendent from a generation long past, or someone who is interested in encountering Christ for the first time, all are always welcome. Language is not a barrier.

This parish is a part of the western deanery of the Vicariate of Canada of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America. The vicar is the Bishop Andrei (Hoarste). The dean is the Priest Nicolae Lapuste. The bishop is Archbishop Nathaniel (Popp).

This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of the Temple is the Feast of Saint Nicholas of Myra, 6 December (repose), 9 May (transfer of relics).

In 2023, the pastor of the parish is the Archpriest Priest Cosmin Vint.

Address :

Saint Nicholas Romanian Orthodox Church

1770, Saint John Street

Regina, Saskatchewan

S4P 1R7

Telephone : 306-523-5935 (office, parish hall)

Web-site :

Facebook

E-mail : stnicholas.regina@yahoo.com

Mailing Address :

Saint Nicholas Romanian Orthodox Church

PO Box 36

Regina, Saskatchewan

S4P 2Z5

Directions :

Regina is located 259 km (161 mi) southeast of Saskatoon, 76 km (47 mi) east of Moose Jaw, and 187 km (116 mi) southwest of Yorkton.

By car :

From the north : Take Highway #6 South. Highway #6 becomes Albert Street. Turn left onto Victoria Avenue. Proceed to Saint John Street. Turn left on Saint John Street, and drive 2 ½ blocks. The Temple is on the left.

From the south : Take Highway #6 North. Highway #6 becomes Albert Street. Turn right onto Victoria Avenue. Proceed to Saint John Street. Turn left on Saint John Street, and drive 2 ½ blocks. The Temple is on the left.

From the east : Take Highway #1 West. Highway #1 becomes Victoria Avenue. Proceed to Saint John Street. Turn right on Saint John Street, and drive 2 ½ blocks. The Temple is on the left.

From the west : Take Highway #1 East. Turn north off (Highway #1) at Albert Street. Proceed north to Albert Street. Turn right on Victoria Avenue. Proceed to Saint John Street. Turn left on Saint John Street, and drive 2 ½ blocks. The Temple is on the left.

By bus :

Consult Regina Transit.

Priest Cosmin Vint

Telephones : 306-331-7111 ; 306-331-4252

E-mail : mihaelacosmin@hotmail.com

Saint John Street entrance to the Temple

References

A Chronological History of the Archdiocese of Canada, Part 1

Bugea, Eleanor, “Romanians in Canada” (Michigan : Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, 2009). ISBN : 978-1-929200-14-6. [History of St Nicholas, pp. 93-104.]

Russian Mission in North America

Sandulescu, Archpriest George, 'Saskatchewan's Romanian Orthodox Communities Including Dysart, Wood Mountain, Kayville, Assiniboia, Pierceland, Regina' in "SGS (Saskatchewan Genealogical Society) Bulletin", vol. 19, no. 1, 1988, p. 81.

Additional information :

Anderson, Alan, "Ethnic Block Settlements in Saskatchewan"

......, “Romanian Settlements”

Bobango, Gerald J, “The Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America : The first half Century, 1929-1979” (Jackson, MI : Romanian-American Heritage Center, 1979). ASIN : B0000EBRQ6.

Bujea, Eleanor, “Saint Nicholas Romanian Orthodox Church 75th Anniversary booklet, 1902-1977”

Patterson, G J, ‘Romanians’, in “Encyclopedia of Canada's Peoples”, Magocsi, P R (ed.) (Toronto : University of Toronto Press, 1999).

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., "Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America" (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.

Romanian Episcopate listing

OCA listing

Orthodox-world listing

Romanian Orthodox Vicariate of Canada web-site

Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America

Wikipedia article about the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America

Facebook news about the Romanian Episcopate of America

Orthodox Church in America web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church in America

Archbishop Valerian (Trifa)

Bishop Polycarp (Moruşca)