Edmonton AB Saint Barbara Russo Orthodox Cathedral Church 1900

Edmonton, Alberta, Cathedral Church in the Name of Saint Barbara, 1900

Prehistory

During the 1890s, there began to arrive in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (at that time, the North-West Territories), emigrants from Eastern Europe. These were people of several nationalities who were searching for a better life in Canada. They included people from Greece and Serbia, and some from areas of the Russian Empire ; but the majority were arriving from the areas of Galicia (Halychyna) and Bukovina in what was then the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

For many of them, life had been very difficult in their homelands because the lands were highly populated ; employment was difficult to find ; many lived as tenant-farmers ; some still lived a life not very different from the serfdom which had been recently abolished ; many lived in regions in which the Orthodox Christian Faith was oppressed.

After their arrival in Canada, many were working for the railways, coal mines and lumbering, but the majority were preparing to settle on the land as farmers. Edmonton was the major stopping-place for people as they arrived by various means from the east, and some of them did remain in the city itself.

The founding, 1900

Following the initial missionary visit by Father Dmitri Kamnev in 1898, on 1 September, 1900, Bishop Tikhon (Belavin) granted the request for the transfer of Father Iakov and Matushka Barbara Korchinsky to Canada. They were assigned to serve in and around Edmonton, in what is now known as Alberta. He was the first resident priest in Canada. During his short time there, he was the founding priest of Holy Trinity Church in Stary Wostok, where he began his assignment, and then of Saint Barbara’s Church in Edmonton, of Saint Mary’s Romanian Church in Boian, and of others as well, including the Ascension Church near Rabbit Hill-Nisku and Calmar.

Priest Dmitri Kamnev

Associated with the beginning of Saint Barbara’s Church in Edmonton was the establishment of a chapel upstairs in a building on Jasper Avenue and 97th Street. That building would be replaced by the building which would become known as W W Sales Hardware (later W W Arcade Hardware). Services were advertised at this first chapel for the convenience of those (especially girls) who had been sent to Edmonton from the rural places either for schooling or for work.

First house, first Temple, focus of pastoral care for the whole region, 1901

After his arrival, by 1901, Father Korchinsky found and purchased a half-block of land at the southwest corner of 96th Street 100th Avenue, about a block to the east of the chapel. This purchase from the nearby Northwest Mounted Police, on the property where the current cathedral stands today, included a frame house (on 96th Street, south of Jasper Avenue) and several other lots surrounding the house. Under Father Korchinsky's leadership, the parish had come to own a substantial piece of property, which proved to be useful in the future. Were not several lots lost over the years, the current property would have been even larger. The name of the parish was certainly determined with respect for Matushka Barbara, and in sincere honour of the Great Virgin Martyr Barbara ; and indeed, the Korchinskys lived in this same residence. Even though her health may have been fragile, she may be said to have done her best. Truly, an active and productive missionary priest is hardly likely to be able to be so unless his wife is a stable co-worker, and strongly supportive.

Saint Barbara's House-Church

Bishop Tikhon (Belavin) visits : 1901, 1904

During these early years, Bishop Tikhon (Belavin) visited twice (in 1901, and again in 1904). After the first visit, Vladyka (Saint) Tikhon ordered icons, relics and other necessities for several Temples across the prairies, and one of these relics was of the Great Virgin Martyr Barbara.

It was during 1902 and 1903 that Saint Tikhon strove to find a way to incorporate the bishop as a means to provide corporate status for the many Temples and communities being developed in Canada under the “Russian Mission”, which would soon become the Russian Orthodox Diocese of New York and the Aleutians (and, much later, “The Orthodox Church in America”). Father Iakov was very much involved in this process. The only possible way to bring about the incorporation was in the then Northwest Territories (in the present provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan). The corporate status was also crucial in the struggle to retain the Church of the Transfiguration in Star, as Bishop Tikhon was advised by the legal firm "Short and Cross". The legal dispute about the ownership of that particular Temple between the Orthodox Church and the Uniats of the Roman Catholic Church was very prolonged.

This particular dispute was resolved in Bishop Tikhon's favour only when the matter was taken to the Privy Council in London. It was because of Vladyka Tikhon's success in at least the more local form of incorporation that there was an adequate foundation available for the corporate existence of the Orthodox Bishop of Canada and the parishes that he would bless into existence.

Yet more work was done in these very early years which would enable the very important service of this parish community both to the city itself, and to the surrounding rural settlements. This work and service would continue far into the future. The nature of this work demonstrates the typical Orthodox Christian dedication of the new-arrivals as they very quickly established a Temple in which to worship the Lord. It also demonstrates that the missionary societies of the Russian Empire (many were the work of Saint Innocent of Moscow) were ready to support this blessed work. For instance, after the initial purchase of the Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP) house, resources were soon gathered in order to build a proper Temple for the worship of the Lord on this property.

As is typical of other communities in the region, the planning and construction were undertaken by the ingenious parishioners themselves. In 1908, the Temple was designed and constructed by them with very little extra help, and this structure would serve the parishioners as their spiritual home for the next half century (until 1956). Soon after this, a similar project was undertaken. The makeshift provisions for students and workers on Jasper avenue were also replaced by a brick multi-purpose building which the parishioners erected near the Temple. It was called "Block Saint Barbara" (where the current apartment block now stands). This building served as a very important gathering place. It provided living quarters for many of the post-revolutionary Russian citizens who had fled to Canada. It was the site of many of the religious, diocesan, and cultural conferences in Western Canada in the twenties and thirties. It served as a student residence for children of farmers who were completing their education in Edmonton, and who wished to be nearby the Temple.

The establishment of the Temple of Saint Barbara is considered by the Greek Orthodox of Edmonton (Saint George’s Church) as being the beginning of their community as well, since Greek-speakers at first attended this house-church at the beginning of their immigration to Edmonton.

In 1900, Father Jakob (Iakov) Korchinsky visited the Dormition of the Theotokos Church in Shandro, Alberta, where he baptised 33 children in a single day. Such an event was certainly not unusual for him. It was certainly commonplace for the other clergy who worked in this region after him. In 1901, Father Jakob was again recognised for building a Temple whilst doing missionary work in Canada. Because of the frail health of Matushka Barbara, Father Jakob requested to be returned to Europe. The blessing for this return came in 1902.

Saint Barbara's Cathedral Edmonton House.jpg

Saint Barbara's House-Church with Faithful

Second Temple, 1907

In the autumn of 1907, a small group of the faithful parishioners met and agreed to build a Temple on the site that had been chosen by Father Korchinsky. Mr. Conrad Sheremeta was the head carpenter and supervisor of the construction. The building was a wooden frame structure of the traditional cruciform shape, and it had a high, central cupola topped with a three-bar Cross.

Saint Barbara second Temple Edmonton 1908 2.png

The Second Temple under construction, 1908

Archimandrite Arseny ; care for the flock, 1908

In 1908, Igumen Arseny (Chahovtsov) (founding abbot of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery in Pennsylvania, USA) was elevated to the dignity of archimandrite, and he was appointed by Archbishop Platon (Rozhdestvensky) to the position of Dean and Administrator of the Canadian parishes. He fulfilled this responsibility from the centres of Edmonton and Winnipeg, Manitoba. While he was in Edmonton, in the late autumn of 1908, he blessed the newly-completed Temple, and he helped to establish an acculturation class which resulted in a newspaper article :

'Aristocratic Russians Attend Night School to Learn Ways of the West'

At the instructor’s invitation, 'The Herald' representative visited the church one evening recently, and
having entered the portals at once plunged into an atmosphere redolent of the old cosmopolitan Russia [...].

The basement of the church makes no pretense to present an atmosphere in keeping with the exiles’ former mode
of life. It is furnished with bare tables and benches [...] on one wall wreathed with paper flowers, hung a picture
of the Tsar and Tsarina, flanked by another of King George. [...] Dressed in a manner which separates them not at
all from the average westerner, save for the foreign cut of the furred overcoat, a casual glance revealed that
here were members of the intelligentsia. This was shortly emphasized by Mr. Hawreliak, who named each student
for the writer, giving a brief outline of his or her history. Clad in a black shirt of the familiar Russian
type [...] was His Excellency, Commandant General Gladeshiff, who during the Great War headed the armies of the
Tsar at the many battles of Przemyśl. [...] Sitting next to him was a fragile little woman. She is the wife of
Alexander Nezoff, famous singer at the Moscow Opera [...]. In addition to the military element many other
professions are represented in the Greek Orthodox church night school : officials of the Russian customs,
professor of languages, stenographers and teachers ; all in deadly earnest to acquire the English language to
fit them to earn a living in Alberta. [...] They are being taught in a remarkably easy and commonsense manner by
Mr. Hawreliak and are instructed by the use of phrases and requirements in everyday life.

With Father Arseny's knowledge of many Russian and Ukrainian dialects, and his ability to preach and teach in them, the Canadian faithful (who had immigrated mostly, but not only, from Western Ukraine) almost immediately loved him. He certainly loved the people in the flock entrusted to him, and he mentioned many times in his writings how much he appreciated the parishioners at Saint Barbara’s. With his rare missionary talents, he had the great blessing to receive back many Uniats into the Orthodox Christian Faith. As well, he welcomed the many Galicians and Bukovinians who were arriving in large numbers to Canada. Indeed, his lifelong work was to include helping people from Western Ukraine return to Orthodoxy from the Unia. He was constantly speaking and writing plainly and honestly about proper canonical order in Orthodox Christian living. He worked hard to nurture the faithful parishioners in their desire to live as exemplary Orthodox Christians in this new land. One of the fruits of this labour was the return to the Orthodox Christian Faith in 1910 of Saint Mary's parish in Nisku, Alberta, its merger with the Holy Ascension parish, and the formation of the united community of the Nativity of the Theotokos parish there.

Saint Barbara 1916, Bishop Alexander (Nemolovsky) s.jpg

Visit of Bishop Alexander (Nemolovsky, 1916)

Saint Barbara's Church Edmonton, 2nd Temple 1.jpg

The Second Temple (second structure) of the Temple of Saint Barbara

Consequences of war, revolution, refugees, after 1917

From 1917, and through several following decades, first as archimandrite and then as bishop, the presence of Archbishop Adam (Philipovsky) from time to time at Saint Barbara’s and other nearby parishes made lasting impressions (he was a good preacher and pastor), and had lasting effects. When Archbishop Adam later went into schism for some time, some communities went with him, and others were affected by the split. Bishop Arseny (Chahovtsov) (ruling bishop of the Diocese of Canada from 1926 to 1936) would later have heated written (published) exchanges with him as he attempted to persuade him to return to communion with the Church. Indeed, he made some attempts, but it was not until 1944 that Archbishop Adam was reconciled with the Moscow Patriarchate.

After 1917, there arose yet other influences which would affect the life and stability of the parish during the following decades. These events included the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, which overthrew the Russian Empire. That revolution would send many tens of thousands of persons into exile as refugees, and it would bring about the extermination of numberless others who remained in their homeland. It also cut off supportive funds from the Russian missionary societies for the many communities in North America which were yet in their initial stages of development. This arrival of refugees in Canada over many years influenced local church life. World War I was another strong influence. Many Canadians died who had served in the armed forces. After the war, there were yet more refugees arriving in Canada, and with them came various political and ecclesiastical opinions.

In 1918, the new Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada organised itself in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

20 years

During the 1920s, the Priest Alexander Kiziun served at Saint Barbara's and in other Alberta and Saskatchewan parishes until 1931, when he was transferred and assigned to serve at Holy Resurrection Church in Vancouver, British Columbia.

1927

In the autumn of 1927, Archimandrite Anthony (Tereschenko) was transferred and assigned to serve in Saint Barbara's Church in Edmonton, Alberta. He served in this parish (and the surrounding parishes) until September, 1935, when he was transferred to Winnipeg, Manitoba. During those years, he served as an active missionary pastor, and he contributed greatly towards the stability of the regional parishes in general, and to the refinement of the singing and serving in this Temple in particular.

It was during the 1920s and the 1930s in particular that Church life in North America was disturbed greatly by many events and movements. This parish was not spared the turmoil. The following words are those of Bishop Arseny (Chahovtsov) about these days :

My God ! How many feelings and different trepidations, from great joy to sad tears in connected with this
place ! Yet in the dawn of my physical and spiritual strength twenty years ago, I laboured here as the rector
of Saint Barbara’s Church, strengthening in the Orthodox Faith our brother Galicians who had departed from the
Uniate way, having returned to the bosom of the Mother Church. From Edmonton the rays of Orthodoxy shone to
all the surrounds, illuminating the path to salvation. That is how the glory of Orthodoxy began at Rabbit
Hill, Chipman, Mundare and surrounds. The Bukovinians were a good help, being Orthodox for many generations.
Zealous for Orthodoxy among the Galicians were Gerbut, Fuyarchik, Fuhr and others, whose sincerity
strengthened me. We lived quietly. Peace and love reigned, and no one dared to speak of other national
things in our midst. We were brothers and lived in the hope of thus remaining.

Many years moved forward toward eternity [...] much changed. I came to Edmonton again three years ago. Among the
flock have come wolves bent on separatism and nationalism. They fell upon me with bared teeth and wanted to
tear me apart.

'Why did you come to torment us ?' 'We can get on without you'. 'We have our own nationality. You are a
Kirghis !' And so they brought me before the judge, beginning the whole judicial process. 'The previous
Edmonton is gone,' I thought. 'There are no more that are zealous for Orthodoxy !' But the Lord showed me
otherwise. [...]

25 March, the day of the Annunciation of the Holy Theotokos on the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, I
saw Edmonton in the glory of Orthodoxy and understood the words, 'Your thoughts are not my thoughts, your ways
are not my ways'. (Isaiah 55:8) How many mad wolves tried to tear apart the Orthodox flock, but Father Antonii
protected them. [...] The church was full of prayerful people. The beautiful artistic strains of the choir rose
under the direction of Nizov, who had finished the conservatory.

It is hard to believe that this is Canada, this is faraway Edmonton. The readings from the two holidays — the
Annunciation and the Elevation of the Cross give a rich and beautiful theme for preaching. In the centre of
the church in the icon of the Annunciation where Archangel Gabriel cries : 'Rejoice, Full of Grace, the Lord is
with you' and beside it, the Cross, with the Mother of God weeping, 'The Child of my womb, my beloved !' Simeon
said in prophecy, 'Your heart will be pierced through [...]'. These words show us the way of Christianity. After
Vespers the congregation goes into the hall — to the school filled with pictures of Biblical scenes. These
pictures also confirm the words about our relating to the Lord, and looking upon them can move our hearts. It
is also a sermon, an experience of the Gospel to look upon them. At 11 at night we finish our celebration of
Orthodoxy, in soul’s joyfulness I go on my way in western Canada to other brothers in the faith.
(1945 Commemorative Book) pp. 78-79.

The controversy to which Vladyka Arseny referred in his comments had to do in part with Ukrainian nationalism in particular, and the appearance of the new Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada.

30 years

In 1935, Bishop Ioasaph (Skorodumov) arrived in Edmonton from Montréal, Québec, where he had been serving for several years. He suffered from great poverty (as did other bishops and clergy of that period), but his labours in Christ bore fruit. In about 1935, he established the Skete of the Holy Protection, a monastic community of men (which in 1949 became a women’s community).

In 1937, Priest John Wasil was assigned to serve as rector of the parish. During the time of his pastoral service, he developed the singing in the parish, and he worked hard at writing out by hand the parts for each voice in the choir for many items of the repertoire that continued to be used for many decades afterwards. He also paid attention to the youth of the parish.

40 years, war, consequences, refugees

His hard work (in the context of very few resources) saw further development, along with further immigration, and 20 more parishes were eventually added to his responsibility. However, such long-term poverty, sparse living-conditions and hard work often produce illness, and it did so with Vladyka Ioasaph. In 1945, he was elevated to the dignity of archbishop.

However, in 1946, there was a division between the “Metropolia” and the Russian Orthodox Church outside Russia, and Vladyka Ioasaph remained with the latter. It was at about that time that the Temple of Saint Vladimir in North Edmonton was established. In 1947, Archbishop Ioasaph was declared to be the bishop of the new Western Diocese of the ROCOR. In 1951, Vladyka Ioasaph was transferred to Buenos Aeres, Argentina, where he reposed in the Lord in 1955. However, the signs of his labours remain in a monastic community and some Temples which remain from his time.

1949

In 1949, the Priest Vasily and Matushka Paraskevia Hochachka were assigned to serve at Saint Barbara's Church, where he was the rector for 6 years. He arrived at a time of increasing controversy and the expression of strong opinions. Many of these were the fruit of the events of the past 4 decades, both local and abroad. At this time in particular there were strong tensions (particularly in the USA) regarding the ownership of parish properties. Since the time of the invention of the Stalinist "Renovated Church" in the Soviet Union (USSR), there were attempts made by the Soviet government to secure ownership of properties formerly belonging to the Imperial Government which preceded it. The main focus at this time was the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in New York, which was built in imperial times, and which had been the cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in North America (ROGCCNA) , the continuation of the pre-revolutionary Russian North American Mission.

50 years, more changes

In 1950, under the leadership of its first abbot, Archimandrite Germogen (Cherkasin), the Hermitage of Prophet Elias was established at Dickie Bush, near the Victoria Settlement. The original monks were derived originally from the Saint Job of Pochaiv brotherhood (known as the Holy Dormition Pochaiv Lavra in Ukraine), by way of the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, New York. The original monastery of Saint Elias was abandoned with the moving away of Archimandrite Germogen in the early 1960s.

In 1950, the Archpriest Peter and Matushka Yelizaveta Kurzemnek were sent by Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich) to serve in the Alberta parishes associated with Saint Barbara's Church. In 1952, Father Peter was transferred and assigned to Holy Resurrection Church in Vancouver, British Columbia.

In the context of the various confusing differences of opinion and the developing divisions, by 1955, there had grown up strong enough differences of opinion within the parish of Saint Barbara that both the rector (the Archpriest Vasily Hochachka) and the elected parish council resigned, withdrew, and then established a new congregation on 96th Street, Holy Trinity Canadian Orthodox Church.

A major subject of debate throughout the continent since the Bolshevik Revolution had been the nature of the relationship between the North American dioceses and the Moscow Patriarchate, which at that time was subject to the Soviet Union government. This event precipitated a search for a new pastor for the parish.

In 1952, the court challenge in New York ("Kedrov et al v. St. Nicholas Cathedral") had been decided in favour of the Russian Orthodox Church and its exarchate, essentially on the basis of original documents and of the principle of non-interference with internal church affairs.

During the first 56 years of the history of Saint Barbara's Church in Edmonton, the parish was served by :

 Priests Jakob Korchinsky, Archimandrite Arseniy (Chahovtsov), Zaychenko, Archimandrite Amphilochiy, Makarov, 
 Boszik, Soroka, Kiziun, Archimandrite Antoniy (Tereshchenko), Bezkorovainy, Silden, John Wasel, John Kowalchuk, 
 Andrey Kokolsky, George Marinetz

Archbishop Adam (Philipovsky) et al

1956 : Father John Margitich, new Temple

On 23 May 1956, the Priest John Margitich was assigned to serve as the rector of Saint Barbara’s Church. He moved from his native Passaic, New Jersey, USA, to serve the parish. Together with Matushka Helen, he served it thereafter as a father and a shepherd, and in this parish his family grew up.

When Father John and his family arrived, the new Temple had already been under construction, and he oversaw the remaining work.

Foundation plaque

Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk), 1957

In 1957, Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk) (one of the most significant personalities at Saint Barbara’s in the second half of the century) moved from the ROCOR to the Moscow Patriarchate, at first unofficially. At that time, he still lived in Montréal, Québec. Then, on 5 March, 1959, after bringing a statement of repentance to the Moscow Patriarchate (this was with regard to any voluntary or involuntary separation from communion with the Moscow Patriarchate and the Canonical Orthodox Church from the time of the German invasion of Ukraine), Archbishop Panteleimon was officially admitted in his rank into communion with the Russian Orthodox Church. Archbishop Panteleimon became established in a modest house in west-central Edmonton, where Archdeacon Dmitry (Schur) occupied one portion of the house. He had previously served during the war years as Archbishop of Kyiv, Ukraine, under the Moscow Patriarchate, but he had suffered displacement during the turmoil at the end of World War II. He then moved to Edmonton, Alberta, where he spent the remainder of his life. He lived in very modest circumstances.

Move to the "Russian Exarchate", 1959

The Temple of Saint Barbara the Great-martyr in Edmonton (where one may now find the incorrupt foot of the Great-martyr) became his cathedral. In that same year, 1959, this Temple was taken from the “Metropolia” and was taken into the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate, in the Russian Exarchate of the Moscow Patriarchate in North America. From that time, also, it may be said that the Cathedral of Saint Barbara became the focus of the diocesan administration of Vladyka Panteleimon ; and from Edmonton, Vladyka Panteleimon shepherded the parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

On 8 August, 1959, Archbishop Panteleimon was officially assigned to be the Archbishop of Edmonton and Canada. In the beginning of his service in the newly-formed Moscow Patriarchal Canadian Diocese of Edmonton, there was a lack of clergy. Besides Archbishop Panteleimon, there were only 3 priests. In accordance with the petition to Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov), the President of the Department of External Church Relations, the DECR began sending priests to Canada, usually from the Ukrainian Exarchate, in order to care for their compatriots.

During his years serving in Edmonton, Archbishop Panteleimon found that his chief co-worker and builder of Orthodox Christian life in the region was the Archpriest John Margitich, the rector of Saint Barbara's Cathedral. He was a hard-working pastor, who cared for everyone without distinction.

60 years, new Temple

In 1960, there was another court challenge regarding Saint Nicholas' Cathedral in New York (Kreshi v. St. Nicholas). The decision this time was the same as that in 1952. These challenges in the USA affected Church life in Canada as well.

On 31 July, 1960, Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk) presided over the sanctification of the new cathedral structure. This Temple became an even more pronounced landmark in the city than was the first Temple.

On 7 September, 1961, Archbishop Panteleimon began a visit to his native Mother-Church, which was living through the difficult time of Nikita S Khrushchev’s persecution (1958-1964). During his 2-week visit in the Soviet Union, with the blessing of Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky), he served in the Temples of Moscow, at Saint Sergius-Holy Trinity Lavra, and at the Saint Alexander Nevsky-Holy Trinity Lavra in Saint Petersburg. He was able to venerate the sacred places, and he prayed for all the Faithful, and for all the Russian Church. At that time, he also visited with Metropolitan Boris (Vik), the Patriarchal Exarch in America, and with Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov), the Head of the Department for External Church Relations.

On 11 May, 1963, Archbishop Panteleimon was awarded the Moscow Patriarchate’s Order of Saint Vladimir (1st degree) by Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky), in commemoration of the 50 years of the Patriarch’s service as a bishop, in remembrance of the jubilee service on that occasion.

In 1967, by the invitation of Patriarch Alexei I, Archbishop Panteleimon visited the lands of Rus’ one more time. On this visit, he was accompanied by some faithful people in Canada as pilgrims (mostly from Saint Barbara’s). From 24 May to 22 June, he visited the holy places of Moscow, such as the Saint Sergius-Holy Trinity Lavra, and also some of the open Temples in Saint Petersburg, Kyiv, Odessa (where he met Archbishop Sergei (Petrov)), L’viv, the Pochaiv Lavra, and the Koretsky Holy Trinity Women’s Monastery in Rivno. During this visit, a meeting was arranged between Archbishop Panteleimon and Archbishop Benjamin (Novitsky), who also had served in the Orthodox Church in the territory of occupied Ukraine, and who had served a sentence of 10 years in Stalin’s camps. This visit, which was in fact also a pilgrimage, had further significance in that it occurred during a window of opportunity in which such visits were permitted after the time of N S Khrushchev but still during the "Cold war". Those who accompanied him were profoundly influenced by their experiences and encounters with the Russian Orthodox Church.

On 25 July, 1968, by the invitation of Patriarch Athenagoras (Spyrou) of Constantinople, Archbishop Panteleimon visited the holy Mount Athos, so that he could pray on the domain of the Holy Theotokos, and also so that he could support the scarce numbers of Russian monks on the Holy Mountain at that time.

It is written that at about this time, the clergy and the faithful of the Edmonton diocese decided to petition Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) of Moscow and All Russia to grant Archbishop Panteleimon the rank of metropolitan for his zealous service for many years. Only the sudden death of the archbishop prevented this sincere desire from being fulfilled. However, the exactness of such a reported quest is in doubt. Were the request to have been blessed, that would have meant that Vladyka Panteleimon would have had to move elsewhere, since this title is associated with a particular territory and a responsibility. Edmonton and Canada were and are too small for such a dignity, title and responsibility.

On 2 October, 1968, in the morning, in the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, Archbishop Panteleimon reposed in Christ.

Archdeacon Dimitriy (Shchur)

The life and quiet presence of Archdeacon Dimitry (Shchur) continued in the same manner as it did while Archbishop Panteleimon was present. In due course, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood and elevated to the dignity of archimandrite. Regardless of title, he behaved as an unobtrusive Christian who serves. He served the Lord ; he served and cared for people ; he was hospitable. The Slavic word "tserkovny" or the English word "churchly" would be inadequate to convey his character. When one met him, one encountered a combination of joy, humility and peace. He very quietly went about his work in the parish for almost 30 years. He is aptly described as having been the spiritual rudder of the Temple of Saint Barbara. He taught by the example of his life, rather than by criticising or preaching (although he did some preaching after his ordination). He was visible in part because of his significant beard, and he was attractive in that his eyes shone with light and joy, mixed with a certain amount of humour.

Second Temple, 1960

Over the course of the many decades since the erection of the first Temple, it became clear that a new building was required by the growing parish. On 15 June, 1956, the parish council and the congregation began the building a new, more capacious multi-cupola building. The very active leader of the construction of the Temple was the newly-assigned rector (23 May 1956), the Priest John Margitich. Designed by the local church architect, Nicolas Flak, the building of the Temple was completed in 1958. It was first blessed by Metropolitan Boris (Vik) of Odessa, Exarch of North America, and it was sanctified on 31 July, 1960 by Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk). An architectural article describes the building in this manner :

 The building is built in the shape of a Cross.  Known as a 'cruciform plan', this footprint is commonly used 
 in Christian religious architecture.  The exterior uses high walls, relatively free of openings ; and the 
 roof-line features many cupolas (or domes).  The cupolas are curved to signify heaven above ; the large dome 
 is a reminder that Christ is head of the Church ; and the 4 smaller domes represent the 4 evangelists.  
 Measuring 34 feet in diameter and 33 feet high when it was built, the central dome was the largest in the city 
 at that time.  The inside contains an ornate Holy Table with an iconostasis which separates the Altar from the 
 Nave.

The building was then sanctified to be a cathedral, since there was now a resident bishop in Edmonton. Included in the cathedral is a portion of the relics of the Great Martyr Barbara. The sanctification was accomplished by the Patriarchal Exarch of North America and the Aleutians, Metropolitan Boris (Vik) and by the Archbishop of Edmonton and Canada, Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk). This sanctification took place on Sunday, 31 July, 1960. It was at some time not long after this that Father Margitich established the weekly serving of a "Pro-Liturgy" (the "obednitsa") which was served in English on Sunday mornings before the regular Slavonic Divine Liturgy. It was offered as such for several decades.

The Mitred Archpriest John Margitich (+ 9 March, 1991), together with Matushka Helen (+2 March, 1994), continued to serve at Saint Barbara’s Cathedral for the rest of their lives. Father John’s “common sense” and his care for the flock entrusted to him welcomed people warmly and without barriers. Another priest and matushka "team" who had served both in Saint Barbara's and in the nearby region was the Mitred Archpriest John and Matushka Anna Wasel.

Saint Barbara's Cathedral Edmonton interior.jpg

Interior of the Temple

After the repose of Archbishop Panteleimon, and during the next 2 years, the Archbishop Jonathan (Kopolovich) of New York and the Aleutians oversaw the life of the Canadian Russian diocese. It is possible that one other bishop also spent some time in Edmonton.

Saint Barbara's Cathedral

70 years

On 31 March, 1970, there came the event of the granting of autocephaly to the "Metropolia", and the change in status of the Russian Exarchate in North America to the Administration of the Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in North America (later to be divided into those in Canada and those in the USA). With the granting of autocephaly the "Metropolia" became "The Orthodox Church in America".

Bishop Makary (Svistun), 1970

After the granting of autocephaly, and in accordance with the agreements of the "Tomos of Autocephaly" given by the Moscow Patriarchate, the next bishop sent to Canada to lead the Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate was Bishop Makary (Svistun). In 1970, retaining his title as Bishop of Uman, Bishop Makary was assigned to serve as the Administrator of the Canadian parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate, and as the Temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA. The main facilitator of Vladyka Makary's immigration to Canada was the Archpriest John Margitich in Edmonton, Alberta.

Then, in 1975, Bishop Makary (Svistun) was transferred, and he was assigned to serve as the Permanent Representative of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia at the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland.

Bishop Job (Tyvoniuk), 1976

In February, 1975, Bishop Makary was succeeded by Bishop Job (Tyvoniuk). However, on 19 July, 1976, Bishop Job was released from the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada and in the United States, and he was assigned to be the Deputy Chairman of the Department of External Church Relations in Moscow.

Bishop Ireney (Seredniy), 1976

Bishop Job was succeeded by Bishop Ireney (Seredniy). On 19 July, 1976, Bishop Ireney (Seredniy) was transferred and assigned to become the Bishop of Serpukhov, and a Vicar-Bishop of the Moscow Diocese. At the same time, he was assigned to serve as the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada and temporarily of the parishes in the United States.

Repose of Archpriest Andrew Kokolsky, 1979

On 7 May, 1979, the Mitred Archpriest Andrew Kokolsky fell asleep in the Lord in Edmonton. His wife, Matushka Maria, had reposed in Christ on 24 July, 1971. They had served for many years at Saint Barbara's and also in the surrounding parishes.

75th anniversary of incorporation, and of the sanctification of the first Temple, 1979

In 1979, Saint Barbara's Cathedral parish (and several rural parishes) marked the 75th anniversary of the construction and sanctification of the first Temple, and of the incorporation of the parish under the legislation achieved by Saint Tikhon (Belavin).

On this occasion, Patriarch Pimen (Izvekov) and the Holy Synod of the Church of Russia sent Archbishop Nikodim (Rusnak) of Kharkiv and Bogodukhov in Ukraine was sent with an entourage to serve with Bishop Ireney (Seredniy) on this occasion. The entourage included Archpriest John Korol (rector of Saint George's Cathedral in Lviv ; Priest Vasily Vakulin (cleric of the Kiev diocese) ; Protodeacon Vasily Diolog (cleric of the Annunciation Cathedral in Kharkiv).

On 18 June, 1979, the Archbishop Nikodim (Rusnak) and the entourage arrived in Montréal, Québec, where they were greeted by Walter (Vladimir) Ivanovich Litivin on behalf of Bishop Ireney (Seredniy) and Saint Barbara's Cathedral. They all arrived in Edmonton, Alberta, on 19 June, where they were greeted by Bishop Ireney, Archpriest John Margitich, and other clergy and parishioners. As is customary, immediately afterwards, in Saint Barbara's Cathedral, Father John Margitich led a Moleben of Thanksgiving for the safe arrival. This was followed by words of formal greeting, and Archpriest John Korol conveyed to those gathered the greetings of Metropolitan Nikolai of Lviv and Ternopil. He also presented to the parishioners of Saint Barbara's Cathedral from the believers of the Lviv diocese 2 embroidered processional banners which depicted the Holy Great Martyr Barbara and the Great Martyr George the Victorious.

On 20 June, Archbishop Nikodim was taken to the Provincial Legislature for a courtesy meeting with Deputy Premier G Horner. Then began a visit to the rural parishes to the northeast of the city. On 21-22 June, the bishops and the entourage visited the parished in the Peace River district of Alberta. On 23 June, they visited the rural parishes southwest of Edmonton.

On 23-24 June, Archbishop Nikodim (Rusnak) and Bishop Ireney (Seredniy) led the concelebration of the Saturday-Sunday Vigil and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the anniversary in Saint Barbara's Cathedral. They were assisted by Archpriest John Margitich ; Archpriest John Korol ; Archimandrite Hermogen (Cherkashin) ; Archpriest Peter Vlodek ; Igumen Dimitry (Shchur) ; Archpriest Vasily Vakulin ; Archpriest John Nikolaou (Church of Constantinople) ; Archpriest Mircea Panchuk (Church of Romania) ; Archpriest Nikanor Shimko Archpriest Arseniy Melnik ; Archdeacon Vasily Diolog.

During the Divine Liturgy, 2 homilies were preached, and Igumen Dimitry (Shchur) was elevate to the diginity of archimandrite. After the concluding Moleben of Thanksgiving, varioius awards and certificates were presented. Various telegrams and letters of congratulation were read. There was also a Panikhida (Memorial Service) for the founders, benefactors, and departed parishioners of Saint Barbara's Cathedral. This was followed by a festive banquet which included more speeches and some entertainment.

On 25 June, the entourage visited Anglican Bishop John Langston (who had attended the services and banquet of the previous day), and they visited the Greek Orthodox Temple of Saint George. Afterwards, there were further visits to the rural parishes northeast of Edmonton.

On 26 June, the entourage was received by Lieutentant Governor R Steinaur at Government House. Afterwards, the entourage continued their visit to other rural parishes northeast of Edmonton. Afterwards, on the next 2 days, the entourage visited the Rocky Mountains to the west of the city.

On Saturday, 30 June, the entourage was present in Saint Barbara's Cathedral for the Vigil service.

On Sunday, 1 July, the bishops and the visiting entourage served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Temple of the Nativity of the Theotokos at Nisku, Alberta, south of Edmonton. Archpriest Peter Vlodek, Starosta Petro Fedor, and the sisterhood welcomed the honoured guests. Following the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, there was a Panikhida (Memorial Service) at the grave of Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk). After a Moleben (Prayer-service) for the national day, Bishop Ireney (Seredniy) led a service of prayer for the entourage in advance of the pending travel. A festive dinner was served afterwards.

On 2 July, other parishes were visited, and on 3 July, the entourage visited the Mayor of Edmonton, S Pirvis.

On 3 July, there was a farewell dinner, after which the entourage travelled to Ottawa. There, they ment the Deputy Prime Minister Vasily Yurko. They were given a tour of the Parliament Buildings. They also visited the Soviet Embassy in Ottawa, after which they made their departure for Moscow.

80 years

On 16 July, 1982, Bishop Ireney was elevated to the dignity of archbishop. On the same day, Bishop Ireney was transferred, and he was assigned to become the Archbishop of Alma-Ata and the Kazakhstan diocese.

Bishop Kliment (Kapalin), 1982

In August, 1982, Bishop Kliment (Kapalin), as Bishop of Serpukhov, was appointed to be the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada and temporarily also of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States.

“Saint Barbara’s Complex”, 1984

In 1983, it was decided at a general parish meeting to construct a housing and office complex adjacent to the cathedral. It replaced a previous building known as “Block Saint Barbara”. In early 1984, the Archpriest Peter and Matushka Olga Vlodek were the first to occupy suite #303 of “Saint Barbara’s Complex”. By 1987, the mortgage had been paid off.

Saint Barbara’s Complex

In 1985, Archimandrite Germogen (Cherkashin) reposed in the Lord in Edmonton, at the age of 93 (he was born in 1892, and in civil life his name had been Nicholas). He had arrived in the Edmonton region from Jordanville, New York, but he had previously been a monk of the Holy Dormition Pochaiv Monastery in Volyn', Ukraine. After having been required to leave the Saint Elias Hermitage, he had served for many years at Saint Barbara's and the parishes associated with the cathedral.

On 23 March, 1987, Bishop Kliment was released from the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada, and he was appointed to be the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States.

Bishop Nikolai (Shkrumko), 1987

In July, 1987, Bishop Nikolai (Shkrumko) was transferred to become the Bishop of Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Vicar-Bishop of the Moscow Diocese and the Administrator of the Moscow Patriarchate Parishes in Canada. In the same year, he was elevated to the dignity of archbishop.

 While he was in Canada, Archbishop Nikolai (Schkrumko) once related to others visiting him, his recollection 
 of one Pascha during one of the times of communist repression when he was a younger man.  He said that on this 
 one particular Pascha there was no possibility for believers to gather in a Temple anywhere in order to serve 
 for the Resurrection of Christ.  Therefore, he said, the faithful people gathered deep in a forest, where the 
 snow that year was yet 'hip-deep', and there they served.  Everything had to be improvised, because there were 
 no vestments or appropriate vessels.  They offered only what they had — which was a loaf of bread, and juice 
 squeezed by hand from berries.  He recalled that the snow appeared as diamonds, and that it was the most 
 memorable and moving Pascha of his whole life (even more than that in Jerusalem).

On 25 September, 1987, Archimandrite Dimitry (Shchur) fell asleep in the Lord in Edmonton. He had served as archdeacon for a long time with Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk), and he had continued to live in a house in central-west Edmonton. After he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood, he had continued to serve in the cathedral, and also in the surrounding parishes, and he had always been a quiet but significant indication to others of the love, peace and joy which are to be found in a lively, prayerful relationship with our Lord.

In February, 1991, Archbishop Nikolai (Shkrumko) was assigned to be the Archbishop of Vladivostok and the "Primorsky Krai" ("Maritime Region") in the far east of Russia.

90 years ; Archbishop Makary (Svistun)

In July, 1990, the now Archbishop Makary (Svistun) was transferred to become the Archbishop of Klin (a town in the Moscow Province, and Vicar-Archbishop of the Moscow diocese, in order to serve again as the Administrator of the Moscow Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, and as the Temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada.

While he was caring for the patriarchal parishes in both countries, Archbishop Makary lived primarily in New York. From there, in mid-March, 1991, he returned to Edmonton for the funeral services of the Mitred Archpriest John Margitich. What Vladyka Makary said about Father John at the time might be, to some extent, said about himself by others :

 He gave love and compassion to the people ; he strived all his life to bring to the people love, peace and 
 joy.

He also said :

 He could be found wherever there was sorrow, sickness and loneliness.

Archpriest Michael Kit

By this time, the Archpriest Michael Kit had become the pastor of Saint Barbara’s Cathedral. He had first served for some time as Second Priest, and as a sort of apprentice to Father Margitich. Father Michael and his family were the first to live in the recently-constructed apartment building adjacent to the cathedral (separated by a lane). This building, known as “Saint Barbara’s Complex”, has a south-facing apartment reserved for the rector of the cathedral. Other suites are rented to others. Also constructed at about the same time, next to the cathedral, had been a bell-tower.

Bell-house

On 19 February, 1992, Archbishop Makary (Svistun) was assigned to be the Archbishop of the Vinnytsia and Bratslav Diocese in the Vinnytsia Province.

Bishop Paul (Ponomarev), 1992

Archbishop Makary was followed by Bishop Paul (Ponomarev). On 21-22 March, 1992, Archimandrite Paul (Ponomarev) had been ordained to the Holy Episcopate at the Epiphany Cathedral in Moscow by Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger) ; Metropolitan Juvenaly (Poyarkov) of Krutitsy and Kolomna ; Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) of Rostov and Novocherkassk, Pskov and Vladimir ; Archbishop Sergius of Solnechnogorsk ; Bishop Arseny (Epifanov) of Istra, and Bishop Victor of Podol.

He was immediately assigned to be the Bishop of Zaraisk, Vicar-Bishop of the Moscow Diocese. This placement included his immediate assignment to be the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States and temporarily of the Parishes in Canada.

In 1999, Bishop Paul was transferred, and appointed to be the Bishop of Vienna and Austria.

Bishop Mark (Petrovtsiy), 1993

On 1 November, 1993, by a decision of the Holy Synod, Bishop Mark (Petrovtsiy) was appointed to be the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada, with the title “Bishop of Kashira” (a vicariate of the Patriarchate of Moscow). In 2003, Bishop Mark (Petrovtsiy) was elevated to the dignity of archbishop.

Centennial of the first services in Western Canada (1897)

On 27-28 July, 1997, under the leadership of Bishop Mark (Petrovtsiy), the Administration of the Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in Canada organised a general celebration of the 100th anniversary of the serving of the first Divine Liturgy in Canada (1897, by the Priest Dmitri Kamnev).

On 27 July, at Stary Wostok, Alberta, there was a celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Church, Stary Wostok, by Metropolitan Philaret (Vakhromeyev) of Minsk (who represented Patriarch Aleksey II) ; Archbishop Ireney (Seredniy) of Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine (who represented Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan), and who had previously served in Canada) ; Bishop Mark (Petrovtsiy), and Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) of the Archdiocese of Canada in The Orthodox Church in America. After the Divine Liturgy, there was a procession along the road to the site of the original service a century previous. There, a moleben was served.

On the following day, on the Feast of Saint Vladimir (OS), the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served at Saint Barbara's Cathedral in Edmonton, Alberta, by all these bishops, and also with Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Toronto (Canada), who had arrived for this service.

This was the fullest expression of Orthodox unity in Canada thus far in the concelebration of bishops and priests together.

Stary Wostok, Alberta, 100 years since the first Divine Liturgy

Saint Barbara's Cathedral, Edmonton, Alberta

Bishop Mark ; Metropolitan Ireney ; Metropolitan Philaret ; Metropolitan Sotirios ; Bishop Seraphim

During the course of this visit, the representatives from the Church of Russia visited many of the parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in Canada.

100 years

On 24 May, 2005, by a decision of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and a decree of Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) (+5 July, 2014), the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Mark was assigned to be the Archbishop of Sumy and Okhtyrka in Ukraine. At the same time, his predecessor in Sumy, Bishop Iov (Smakouz) was assigned to lead the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada.

Centennial plaque

Bishop Iov (Smakouz), 2005

On 24 May, 2005, Bishop Iov (Smakouz) was transferred and assigned to be the Vicar-Bishop of Kashira, a vicariate of the Moscow Diocese, and to be the Administrator of the Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in Canada.

Archpriest Sergey Kipriyanovych, 2006

In October, 2006, the Archpriest Sergey Kipriyanovych was assigned to be the rector of Saint Barbara’s Cathedral. He had previously served in parishes in New York City and in Rabat, Morocco.

On 31 March, 2009, the Holy Synod of the Church of Russia appointed Bishop Iov to serve as the Acting Administrator of the Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA, during the period from the return to Russia of the then administrator, Bishop Mercurii (Ivanov) of Zaraisk, and the arrival of his successor Archbishop Justinian (Ovchinnikov) of Naro-Fominsk, a position he held until early March, 2010. After that time, Bishop Iov (Smakouz) continued in his responsibility of serving as the Administrator of the Canadian parishes. He diligently visited the parishes, improved the administration, and he wrote about the history of the administration and about certain world events.

Iconostas

110 years

At the present time, in addition to the other parish activities, there is operating in Saint Barbara’s Complex, an accredited Russian Saturday School.

Perhaps the longest-serving and best-known leader of the singing at the Cathedral of Saint Barbara was Mr. William Holden. He is a grandson of Theodore Fuhr, a founding activist at the beginning of the missionary work in the region. His successor, Mr. Fred Hochachka (son of a previous priest in the parish) also served faithfully for a long time. They both maintained the tradition of good liturgical singing and the reputation for a good quality of singing for which this community has been known from the beginning. This is attested to by the various comments made by the holy Archbishop Arseny (Chahovtsov), even from his first service in the community as an archimandrite more than a century ago. There are many more such persons who have served in the same faithful manner from the very beginning of the parish.

Saint Barbara's Cathedral Cemetery, 1979

The cemetery of Saint Barbara's Cathedral was established as a distinct place and administration in 1979. Because of the nature of the relationship between the parishes, this cemetery was established adjacent to the cemetery of the Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos at Nisku, just to the west side.

New iconostas, 2010

In 2010, the original iconostas was replaced with icons from Russia attached to a screen carved by a parishioner who is also a master woodworker.

2018 : Transfer of the Archpriest Sergey Kyprianovych

In early 2018, the Archpriest Sergey Kyprianovych was released from his responsibilities as the pastor of Saint Barbara's Cathedral, and as dean of the Alberta and Saskatchewan parishes. He was recalled to Russia after a nearly 12-year pastorate in the Cathedral.

Establishment of a Moldovan Community

With God’s help and Bishop Iov of Kashira’s blessing it was possible that the Moldovan Community be created de facto and de jure. The group is small but they have big hearts and plans. In order to realise their hopes, a leader was needed, and the Priest Father Vitalie Manoli from Moldova was assigned to serve the community. Bishop Job offered the possibility to begin serving in Saint Barbara's Cathedral for the present. However, he also sought to offer the Moldovan Community a small church located nearby Edmonton, where they will be able to gather to pray and celebrate all religious holidays in their native language.

Transfer of Bishop Job, 2018

On 14 July, 2018, Bishop Job (Smakouz) of Kashira was released from his responsibilities as the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada according to his personal petition (having in part to do with the maximum permitted visa in Canada). He was blessed to continue his archpastoral ministry within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). The patriarch and the Holy Synod expressed their deep gratitude to Bishop Job for the many years of his archpastoral work on the Canadian soil. He nevertheless remained in Canada for some time afterwards in order to make the necessary arrangements.

The clergy and the faithful of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada sincerely and wholeheartedly thanked Bishop Job (Smakouz) for his diligent service as the Bishop in Charge, and the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada for 13 years, and for his spiritual guidance and leadership. They prayerfully wished him good health, spiritual joy and blessed success in his new archpastoral service in Ukraine.

On 25 September, 2018, by the decision of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, under the chairmanship of Metropolitan Onufry (Berezovskiy) of Kyiv and All Ukraine, which took place in the city of Kyiv, Ukraine, Bishop Job (Smakouz) was appointed as bishop of Shumsk, a vicar bishop of the Ternopil Diocese and the new rector of the Pochaiv Theological Seminary.

Assignment of the Archpriest Igor Kisil as Rector of the cathedral, 2018

On 12 July, 2018, by the Decree (Ukase) of Bishop Job (Smakouz) of Kashira, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada, the Archpriest Igor Kisil was released from his duties as the priest of the "Orthodox 9 Parishes", and he was assigned to serve as the Rector of Saint Barbara’s Cathedral. He began to serve in the Canadian parishes on 17 April, 1997.

On 10 September, 2018, by the Decree (Ukase) of Bishop Matthew (Andreev) of Sourozh, temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada, the Archpriest Igor Kisil, Rector of Saint Barbara’s Cathedral, was assigned to serve also as the dean of the Patriarchal Parishes for the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Archpriest Igor Kisil

Assignment of Bishop Matthew (Andreev)

On 14 July, 2018, at a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, under the chairmanship of Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) of Moscow and All Russia, taking place in the city of Ekaterinburg, Bishop Matthew (Andreev) of Sourozh was entrusted with the temporary administration of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada (Journal no.66).

Cemetery gate, plaque and Cross

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 cathedral stopped any further services after 8 March, 2020. Including the rules regarding social distancing, the decreasing numbers permitted for any gathering, and the considerations regarding the health of all concerned, this and other parishes were required to close for a time.

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

Retirement recognition of Protopop Mircea Panciuk, 2023

On Sunday, 29 January, 2023 (Pentecost 33), the celebration of Archpriest Mircea Panciuk's 54 years of assistance and retirement took place at Saint Barbara Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Edmonton.

Father Mircea had served for many decades both at the Saints Constantine and Helen Romanian Orthodox Cathedral in Edmonton, and also in the Nativity of the Holy Theotokos Church at Boian, along with several other rural parishes. During this time, he had a regular association with Saint Barbara's Cathedral. It is useful to recall that these rural parishes were first served by clergy of the Russian Orthodox Mission in the early 1900s.

On this day, the parishioners of Saint Barbara's Cathedral had an opportunity to express their appreciation of all that Father Mircea had done during the many years in which he assisted and preached up until his retirement.

Serving clergy and family at the celebration

In 1969, Father Mircea arrived in Edmonton with his wife Preoteasa (Matushka) Ileana (Helen) and their son, to serve as the parish priest of Saint Mary’s Church in Boian. He also took an active part in creating a Temple for a parish in the City of Edmonton, which was sanctified as the Temple of Saints Constantine and Helen in 1972.

Not only did Father Mircea and Preoteasa Elena show much zeal in establishing the Romanian Orthodox presence visibly in the city amongst the Romanian immigrants, but they were helped also by the outstanding Archpriest of Saint Barbara’s Cathedral, Father John Margitich. He introduced the educated and talented young priest of Romanian descent to the whole Orthodox Community of the Edmonton area. God granted him then to assist at the cathedral during the time and by the blessings of 9 bishops, to give help to many rectors, and to several generations of people.

The special talent of Father Mircea is his art of a Christian homily (sermon), that he gladly shared all these years every time he served Liturgy or at the other occasions, and the parishioners, priests and guest were gladly listening to, receiving the words of wisdom and edification. This retirement occasion was no exception.

Parintele Mircea preaching the homily

The rector of Saint Barbara’s Cathedral, the Mitred Archpriest Igor Kisil, congratulated the celebrant and his wife Ileana (Helen), by expressing gratitude on behalf of all the parishioners and priests past and present, and by presenting a traditional Romanian festive bread and flowers to them with many kind wishes and "Mnohaya Lita" ("Many Years", "La multi ani").

Gifts after the Divine Liturgy

The Secretary of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada Roman Lopushinsky invited Father Mircea and all the people to the festive meal, prepared by the Ladies’ Aid of the cathedral, where the festivities continued.

The grateful priests and people were enjoying the meal which included some traditional Romanian dishes, and heartfully communicating with each other and giving speeches and toasts in honour of Father Mircea. A short summary of Father Mircea’s life was given by Roman Lopushinsky, who also, on behalf of the Cathedral Board presented a gift to Father Mircea.

In his speech of response, Father Mircea gave thanks to and for the people of the cathedral for having been so kind to him. In doing so, they had, with God’s help, given him the inspiration to serve and to preach at this holy place all these years. He asked everyone to keep commemorating him in their holy prayers.

Parish particular information

The cathedral parish is a part of the Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in Canada. The bishop is Bishop Matthew (Andreev).

The cathedral parish follows the Old (Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of the cathedral is the Feast of the Great-martyr Barbara, 4/17 December.

In 2022, the rector of the cathedral is Archpriest Igor Kisil.

Address :

Saint Barbara's Russo Orthodox Cathedral

10105-96 Street

Edmonton, Alberta

T5H 2G3

Telephone : (780) 429-5920

Facebook

Directions :

The Cathedral Parish of Saint Barbara is located in the centre of the City of Edmonton, at the southern terminus of the north-side 96th Street (once called "Church Street"). It is located just south of Jasper Avenue, and just north of the Grierson Hill, on the upper north bank of the North Saskatchewan River valley. It is also situated 1 block west of the "Grierson Centre", originally the North-West Mounted Police divisional headquarters.

There is a parking-lot beside the Temple, and there is some on-street parking available.

Access by bus :

There are many bus routes serving many parts of the city, which have stops along Jasper Avenue to the east of the city centre. Please consult the Edmonton Transit System to plan the trip.

Access by LRT :

A Light-Rail-Transit (LRT) stop (Valley Line) was established nearby, at 96 Street : the "Quarters Stop".

Edmonton is accessible by road, chiefly by Highway #16 and Highway #2.

It is accessible by bus through various interurban companies (Red Arrow, Rider Express, Poparide, The Canada Bus, Ebus, and others). There is service from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

It is accessible by various airline companies through the Edmonton International Aeroport (near Nisku).

It is accessible by railway through VIARail.

Archpriest Igor Kisil

9566-101 Avenue, #303

Edmonton, Alberta

T5H 064

Telephone : 780-429-5920

E-mail : ikisil@telus.net

Saint Barbara's Cathedral (looking north)

References

Alexandrov, V, "Journey to Canada : A Priest’s Diary"

Archdiocese of Canada — Orthodox Church in America, “The Orthodox Church in Canada : A Chronology” (Ottawa : Archdiocese of Canada, 1988).

Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in Canada, "100 Years of Orthodoxy in Canada 1897-1997 : Pictorial Memories" (Edmonton : Patriarchal Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in Canada, 1997).

Russian Orthodox Church History Book Committee, “Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in Canada, Millennium of the Baptism of Rus’” (Edmonton : Russian Orthodox Church History Book Committee, 1988). ISBN: 0-88925-830-9.

“The Russian Mission in North America”

St. Barbara's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, “A century of faith : St. Barbara's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Edmonton, Alberta, 1902-2002” (Edmonton : St. Barbara's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, 2002). ISBN10 : 0973117400 ; ISBN13 : 978-0973117400.

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.

Additional information :

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 : 9780969670056.

Patriarchal Parishes in Canada web-site

Saint Tikhon (Belavin)

Archbishop (Saint) Arseny (Chahovtsov)

Metropolitan Platon (Rozhdestvensky)

Metropolitan Theophilus (Pashkovsky)

Metropolitan Boris (Vik)

Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan)

Archbishop Alexander (Nemolovsky)

Archbishop Evdokim (Meschersky)

Archbishop Adam (Philipovsky)

Archbishop Pantelimmon (Rudyk)

Archbishop Jonathan (Kopolovich)