Steven and Helen Derhak

Reader/Cantor Steven John Derhak (1919-2003)

and

Helen Derhak (born Rochelle) (1924-2022)

Steven may be spelt Stephen, Stepan, Stephan, Styopa.

Helen may be spelt Elena, Ellen.

— by Priest Robert S Kennaugh, Dean of Manitoba (edited, expanded, with contributions from Ann and Linda McIntyre)

Early life of Steven John Derhak

Steven John Derhak was born on 20 January, 1919, on the farm at Sandy Lake, Manitoba, Canada, to his parents, Ivan (John) and Maria Derhak (born Shindruk) .

His parents had previously emigrated from Western Ukraine to Canada.

Steve had a brother, Walter, and 2 sisters, Helen and Ina.

He spent his early life on the farm with his parents and grandparents.

Steven's ancestry ; formation

Steve’s grandparents were Dmytro Derhak and Hafia Sheeshka. Dmytro was a very pious man (meaning that his love for the Lord affected his whole life, and others recognised this). On a Sunday afternoon, he would gather all his grandchildren around him, so that he could read them the Sunday Gospel reading, and explain it to them. Because Steve spoke about his grandfather with such great respect, and because the influence of his grandfather was so great, it is not really possible to consider Steve’s life without paying attention to the significance of his grandfather Dmytro. His grandfather's biography is an important supplement to Steve's biographical details.

In 1902, Dmytro and Hafia emigrated with their 2 children Tatiana and Ivan to Canada, where they settled in Sandy Lake, Manitoba. Ivan Derhak (Steve’s father) later married Maria Shindruk (sister of John, and daughter of another founding family of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church in Sandy Lake). Tatiana later married Nikifor Rystephanuk, who became an Orthodox Christian at the time of his marriage (he had been Ukrainian Catholic). He became a founder of the second Temple to be built. Dmytro and Hafia had another child, Maria, who later married Nicholas Rystephanuk, brother of Nikifor. Nicholas also embraced the Orthodox Faith at the time of his marriage. Before passing through Canadian Immigration in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the original family name was Reshtefaniuk (rather than Rystephanuk). This surname seems to have a Greek root "Aristophanes" with a Ukrainian ending "uk" (meaning "son of"). The best known Aristophanes was a Greek poet who wrote comedy in Ancient Greece.

Because he had learnt to read the Slavonic language, Dmytro became a “dyak” (cantor) while still in Ukraine. (The word “dyak” has its root-meaning in the Greek word for “deacon”, and its root-meaning is “servant” or “service”.) Then, when he arrived in Sandy Lake, and the Church of Saint Nicholas was established, because of his learning, experience and ability, he became the "dyak" in this church. That is how his son Ivan (John), and Ivan’s son Steve became “dyaks” also, which thus resulted in 3 generations in Canada of cantors (dyaks) in the family. Dmytro was a very stern, but loving and much-respected father and grandfather. The 4 straight generations of "dyaks" in this family include :

 Andrei Derhak (in Ukraine) ; his son Dmytro Derhak ; his son John (Ivan) Derhak ; his son Steven Derhak.

Second parish Temple

Early life of Helen Rochelle

Helen Rochelle was born in the Crawford Park District on 28 March, 1924, the child of Jakob and Anna Rochelle (born Gregorash). There were 2 other children besides Helen : Earl and Mary.

The original form of the family name was different, but it became “Canadianised” in the same way as were many others.

Helen began her schooling at Clear Creek School. In 1930, the family moved to Sandy Lake and Helen continued her schooling in Sandy Lake, where she finished Grade 11. She then worked for a while at the Co-op Store where her father was the Co-op manager. She also worked at one of the cafes in town. Living by the lake, she enjoyed swimming and became an excellent swimmer (she swam with some of her friends across the lake a few times). She also enjoyed other sports.

Then she met Steven Derhak, and they decided to marry.

Marriage, 1941

Steven Derhak and Helen Rochelle were married on 3 November, 1941.

They were married at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church (the "North" Church) near Sandy Lake.

Afterwards, they set a precedent in the neighbourhood. Their wedding dinner was held in the old parish hall, and the dancing was in the old Roman Catholic parish hall. This was the first wedding feast to be held in a hall, since at that time, wedding dinners were always held in the family homes.

Afterwards, they lived on the farm with Steve’s parents for 5 years. When his parents moved to town, they continued to farm there for 35 years. In 1974, they sold the farm, moved to town, and built a new home in which to enjoy their retirement.

Steve and Helen Derhak

Together, Steve and Helen raised the 9 children they received by the Lord's blessing. There were 4 boys : Gary, Dennis, John, and Allan ; and 5 girls : Diane, Darlene, Marlene, Janice, and Angela.

Hospitality was always a major characteristic of this family, including in retirement. It could be said that this was because Helen was the “moral backbone” of the family. She was constantly and consistently gracious, honest and kind to everyone : to friends, neighbours, relatives (and even more so to clergy). For this reason, over the years, many [ttps://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter priests], bishops, and metropolitans stayed at the home of Steve and Helen during their visits to Sandy Lake.

While living on the farm, Helen had raised many chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese. She always had a large garden, and she did lots of vegetable canning and preparing preserves. She loved to bake and cook, and she was noted for her culinary art, fancy cakes, dainties, sandwiches and various food arrangements. Her children always had fancy cakes prepared for their birthdays, Valentines or Halloween parties. She had an artistic touch in various crafts such as : Ukrainian pysanky (Easter eggs), ceramics, cross-stitch embroidery, knitting and quilting. She had a large collection of recipes, poems, special events, weather data etc. She loved to read, hear music, dance, see dramas, play cards, bingo, sing, do curling, swimming, gardening and always she was volunteering her time in the community. Even at 92 years old, she was active still in the community. Her resources and her talents were what enabled her to provide such abundant hospitality. This offering was made not only because of custom, but even more because it is at the root of Orthodox Christian life. Helen and Steve’s home was always open to family and friends. She loved to entertain. Everywhere she and Steve travelled, they made lasting friendships. They had a custom of spending 2 weeks of autumn vacation at the Fairmount Hot Springs, and Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia.

People who have met this couple will easily remember the warmth of this hospitality and Helen’s gracious kindness. It did happen that guests arrived unexpectedly after the family meal had finished. With a smile, and with no indication of the trouble it gave her, Helen provided, seemingly "out of nowhere", a sumptuous meal.

Some persons may remember an experience of how Steve would very directly and sometimes bluntly express his opinions. In general, he did not leave any doubt as to what he thought. To some, he would perhaps appear to be irascible. Helen always made sure that there was balance on occasions when such strong statements might be touching a raw nerve in someone. Helen’s particular gifts brought joy to those who met her. One might say that she has enabled God’s healing and renewing love to shine in her, and to act through her, to the benefit of her family, friends and guests.

Farming ; parish service ; community service

Steve was very devoted to Saint Nicholas’ Orthodox Church, which is situated a little more than 1 km (.6 mi) north of the village of Sandy Lake. Thus, its nickname is “the North Church”. Steve was the president of the parish for over 30 years, and cantor (dyak) for more than 25 years. It is appropriate that Steve was tonsured to be a reader, since he served in these responsibilities. Steve and Helen were both very active in all church and community affairs. Whenever they were on vacation, they always sought out a church, and they attended many services throughout Canada. Steve participated in many diocesan and church-wide meetings, and he had a keen interest in and devotion to the Orthodox Christian Faith. One could truthfully say that although her activity was not always visible, it was Helen who enabled Steve to do so many good and constructive things. She was a part of everything, a true help to her husband.

In 1951, both Steve and Helen were involved in the construction of a parish hall which served as a convenient family centre for the whole parish.

First parish hall, 1951

In August, 1953, because of a lightning-strike, the second church-building burned down, and for some years afterwards, services were offered to the Lord in the parish hall nearby.

Eventually, Steve, along with long-standing members of the founding families of the original church (the Rystephanuk and Shindruk families), and some others, were able to build a new Temple of Saint Nicholas.

On 10 June, 1962, services began to be offered in the new structure.

Saint Nicholas Church, third Temple

Then, in March, 1964, the parish hall burned down, and it had to be rebuilt. It was on 1 July, 1966, that the present hall was completed and opened.

Second parish hall, 1966

Bereavement, 1970

In 1970, Steven's mother Mary Derhak (born Shindruk) fell asleep in the Lord.

The Funeral Services for the Burial of a Lay-person were offered in Saint Nicholas Church, Sandy Lake by the Mitred Archpriest Euphimy Moseychuk.

After the conclusion of the funeral obsequies, the body of Mary Derhak was interred in the parish cemetery.

Mary Derhak was survived by her husband John, her sons Steven and Walter, and her daughters Helen and Ina.

End of farming, 1974

In 1974, because of his weakening health conditions, Steve sold his farm, and he and Helen moved to the village of Sandy Lake, where he built a new house and there enjoyed his retirement years with his wife.

Together, they continued to offer generous and warm hospitality, and they lovingly cared for the Church of Saint Nicholas.

Bereavement, 1983

In 1983, Steven's father Ivan (John) Derhak fell asleep in the Lord in Sandy Lake.

The Funeral Services for the Burial of a Lay-person were served in Saint Nicholas Church, Sandy Lake, by the Priest Evan Lowig, the pastor.

After the completion of the funeral obsequies, the body of Ivan (John) Derhak was interred in the parish cemetery.

Grave-marker of John and Mary Derhak

Parish centennial, 2000

On 15 July, 2000, the Parish of Saint Nicholas in Sandy Lake, Manitoba marked and celebrated the first 100 years of its presence and service in rural Manitoba.

On this occasion, the bishop of the Archdiocese of Canada, Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) was present to lead the liturgical celebrations. When the bishop arrived at the entrance, Steve Derhak, as long-time past-president of the parish council (and, indeed, elder of the parish) greeted him with the traditional presentation of bread and salt.

During that Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, the current parish president, David Rystephaniuk, was tonsured to be a reader ; the seminarian Kevin Miller was ordained to be a subdeacon ; the subdeacon Anastasy (Stacey) Richter was ordained to the Holy Diaconate.

Visitors from Holy Trinity Sobor in Winnipeg and from Saint Nicholas Church in Narol (just north of Winnipeg, Manitoba) supplemented the local singers.

The concelebrating clergy on this very festive occasion included : Archpriest Robert S Kennaugh, Protopresbyter Mirone Klysh, Archpriest Nicolae Mariancu, Archpriest Anatoliy Melnyk, Archpriest Rodion Luciuk, Protodeacon Andrew Piasta, and Deacon Raphael Cole.

After the Divine Liturgy, with the blessing of water and the procession around the Temple, dinner was served in the parish hall, which included a programme of speeches, song, and dance. Throughout the whole celebration, both Steve and Helen were active and vocal participants.

Bereavement, 2002

On Tuesday, 19 February, 2002, Helen Porter (born Derhak), Steve's sister, suddenly and unexpectedly reposed at her home in Winnipeg.

Born on 7 April, 1924, Helen had moved in adulthood to Winnipeg, where she worked, and where she married. At that time, she became an Anglican. She and her husband received from the Lord 2 sons, Ken and Douglas. Helen worked throughout her life until retirement in he 1960s.

On Saturday, 23 February, 2002, at 1:00 p.m., there was a "Celebration of Life" at Saint Patrick and Saint Jude Anglican Church in Winnipeg.

Maintenance and renewal of the Pioneer Cemetery, 2002

Steve was one of a group of people who recovered and cleaned up the Pioneer Cemetery. This land is situated in a marsh, and it was the site of the first Temple which burned. They were careful to make sure that it was re-blessed in 2002. At that time, both the site and the few tombstones there were all re-blessed. That particular site is not far from the present Temple, but to be able to make one’s way to this place, it is necessary to be watchfully aware of the weather.

Sandy Lake North Pioneer Cemetery

Repose of Steven, 2003

On 25 August, 2003, the Church Reader Steven John Derhak reposed peacefully in the Lord at the age of 84 years and 6 months, in Sandy Lake. He and Helen would have celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary later that year.

The family offered the reader's version of the Panikhida (Memorial Service) for Steven in Sandy Lake.

On 1 September, 2003, a 10:00 a.m., the public Panikhida (Memorial Service), the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Lay-person, the Memorial Divine Liturgy and final Lity (Memorial Service) were served by the Archpriest Robert S Kennaugh, the pastor of the parish, and by Protopresbyter Mirone Klysh of Winnipeg.

After the conclusion of the services, the body of Steven Derhak was interred in the parish cemetery next to the Temple of Saint Nicholas.

May Steven's memory be eternal !

Steve was survived by his wife Helen ; sons, Garry (Doreen) of Calgary ; Dennis (Darlene) of Winnipeg ; John (Joan) of Oakburn ; Allan (Nancy Gower) of Riding Mountain ; daughters, Diane Bachewich of Minnedosa ; Darlene (Lloyd) Jones of Saskatoon ; Janice (Mike) Duchominsky of Winnipeg ; Angela (Ken) Brookman of Winnipeg (besides many grandchildren and great-grandchildren).

Helen Derhak continued her life of service

Steve’s wife Helen continued thereafter to live as actively as possible, both in the life of the Church of Saint Nicholas and in the Village of Sandy Lake. After some years, however, she left her home and entered a seniors’ residence in Sandy Lake Village.

May God grant Helen Derhak Many Years !

Bereavement, 2010

On 15 April, 2010, Steve's sister Ina Hurd (born Derhak) reposed at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Born in 1949, Ina moved as an adult to Toronto, where she married Leo Hurd. Later, they moved to Winnipeg. They received 2 sons from the Lord.

On Monday, 19 April, 2010, a funeral service was held at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home in Winnipeg.

Ina was survived by her husband, her 2 sons and their families, her brother Walter Derhak, and her sister-in-law Helen Derhak.

Bereavement, 2010

On 24 May, 2010, Walter Derhak, brother of Steven Derhak, fell asleep in the Lord in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

On Saturday, 5 June, 2010, at 12:00 p.m., the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Lay-person was served at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church by the Archpriest Robert S Kennaugh.

After the completion of the services, the body of Walter was interred in the Saint Nicholas Parish Cemetery at Sandy Lake.

Grave-marker

Repose of Helen Derhak (born Rochelle), 2022

On 25 August, 2022, in Sandy Lake, Manitoba, Helen Derhak (born Rochelle) fell asleep in the Lord.

On Wednesday, 31 August, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Lay-person was offered at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church at Sandy Lake, Manitoba. Because of the absence of the rector of the parish, Priest Brent Kuzyk, pastor of Saint George Ukrainian Orthodox Church at Dauphin, Manitoba, of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, was asked to preside at the services.

Following the completion of the funeral obsequies, there was a procession from the Temple of Saint Nicholas to the cemetery, where Helen's body was interred next to that of her husband, Steven.

Rae's Funeral Home of Shoal Lake was entrusted with the arrangements.

Helen was survived by her children : daughters Diane Bachewich of Sandy Lake ; Janice Duchominski of Winnipeg ; Angela Brookman (Ken) of Winnipeg ; sons Garry (Doreen) of Calgary ; John (Joan) of Oakburn ; Allan (Nancy) of Riding Mountain ; by her grandchildren and great grandchildren : Darcy Wahoski (Mark) and their children : Jacylyn, Janelle and her child Kruz and Kyle ; Blair Bachewich (Pam) and their children Tyson and Tonielle ; Stacey Derhak (friend Dale) ; Laura Farwell (Ryan) and their children ; Scarlet Ann and Ivy Margaret ; Kimberly Gerardy (Peter) and their children Owen and Ella Rose ; David Duchominski ; Shelley Bedry (Carlin) and their children, Alexandra and Victoria ; Kory Sichewski (Leanna) and their children, Madison and Rainer ; Larissa Kempthorne (Derek) and their children : Emerson and Winston ; Bradley Derhak (Teagan) and their children : Beckham, Zaidyn and Kruz, Kyle Derhak and friend Jean Really ; Breann Bookman ; and Kaila Derhak and her children : Blake and Ian ; by her sister-in-law, Jean Derhak of Winnipeg and by many nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

Helen was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Stephen in 2003 ; her daughters Marlene in infancy, Darlene in 2005 ; her father and mother : Jacob and Ann Rochelle ; her sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Ken Bartlett ; her brother, Earl Rochelle ; by in-laws : John and Mary Derhak, sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, Ina and Leo Hurd ; Helen and John Porter and son-in-laws, Michael Bachewich, Mike Duchominski, brother-in-law Walter Derhak.

Reflections

Steve was known for his keen sense of humour, and he was able to relate to the young and the old. The Reader Steven John Derhak is greatly missed by both the parish and by the local community.

As Archpriest Stephen R Kennaugh wrote :

 Steve was very devoted to the Sandy Lake Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church.  He was the president 
 of the parish for over 30 years and cantor for more than 25 years.  He took part in church 
 singing from an early age, as his grandfather was the cantor in the early beginnings of the 
 parish, followed by Steve’s father, and then Steve — three generations of cantors !
 
 Steve and Helen were both very active in all Church and community affairs. Whenever they were 
 on holidays, they always sought out the Church, and attended many services throughout Canada. 
 Steve participated in many diocesan and churchwide meetings and had a keen interest in and 
 devotion to the Orthodox Faith.  Many priests, bishops, and metropolitans stayed at the home 
 of Steve and Helen Derhak during their visits to Sandy Lake.  
 
 In the Sandy Lake community, Steve was always a member of some organisation.  He would serve 
 as president, vice-president, treasurer or in any position where he was needed.  He strove for 
 perfection in his own participation and in that of others, and he valued progress wherever 
 he was involved.  Steve was known for his keen sense of humour and was able to relate to the 
 young and the old.

During the course of her active service in the parish, Helen Derhak was one of the 3 longer-serving senior sisters of the "Saint Olga Sisterhood". This group of women worked very diligently over many decades in support of the parish, both in supporting the spiritual family, and in adding to its financial resources. Even after the sisterhood amalgamated with the parish council in 1980, Helen (along with many others) was constantly and predictably present in the parish family, where she offered the same labours of love. This love, and her lively sense of humour remained with her until the end.

What is often misunderstood by many nowadays about people like Steve and Helen is that they did not become as they were by some sort of "accidental" process of nature in life. Rather, they were both full of life, joy, energy, care, compassion, and hospitality because they had grown up in an Orthodox Christian environment, and they had come to be lovingly devoted to Jesus Christ, to his being properly worshipped in Church, and to His being conveyed to others through loving service.

It was because of this love that Steve and Helen both worked hard throughout their lives for the sake of the care of the Temple of the Lord dedicated to Saint Nicholas in Sandy Lake. They were concerned about the truth, and righteousness, because this is the Lord's revealed way for our lives.

Steve served for a long time in the leadership of the parish, and in leading the singing as Dyak. Helen was also a singer with him and others during various services. Moreover, she served for a long time in providing hospitality with other women in the parish, and in making sure that things were in good order. Helen especially offered hospitality at home (as an extension of church-hospitality. For many decades, she and Steve opened their home with joy and warmth both to the regular clergy who cared for the parish, and to the many visiting clergy and bishops who came from time to time.

Helen's genuine Christian care for other people personally showed itself often. She is remembered warmly and fondly by some because she would seek various persons deliberately either during meetings or in visits to Winnipeg. She made other feel loved, valued, supported and encouraged. Helen might indeed be described with the most complementary Orthodox Christian description : she was/is truly a Human Being ("cholovik", "chelovek", "anthopos") as one ought to be.