Comox Valley BC Holy Apostle Barnabas Orthodox Church 1998

Comox Valley, British Columbia, Church of the Holy Apostle Barnabas, 1998

History of the foundation of the community, 1998

The Holy Apostle Barnabas Mission (in the Comox Valley of Vancouver Island) in British Columbia, Canada, was started in September, 1998.

It began in the city of Courtenay. It was originally founded with some personal encouragement and support from the Archpriest Lawrence Farley (who was at that time Dean of British Columbia of the Archdiocese of Canada of The Orthodox Church in America), rector of the parish of Saint Herman of Alaska in Surrey/Langley, British Columbia. Quickly, it began to function on its own under the pastoral leadership of the present (and founding) pastor, the Priest Alexis Nikkel, whose personal history has been interwoven with the life and work of the people of the Comox Valley.

The Apostle Barnabas was chosen as the name for the mission parish because of Saint Barnabas’ reputation of being a “son of encouragement” and also a reconciler. There are a great many Christian churches in the Comox Valley, but very little Christian unity. It is hoped that the Apostle Barnabas Mission will be a community of encouragement and reconciliation in this region.

Holy Apostle Barnabas

Further development

During its history, the community has met in several different locations, but it has always been easy to find, and easily accessible. The mission's intention was to seek to bring to light the wonder and teaching of the oldest Church in the world, the Orthodox Christian Church.

Father Alexis and Mother Elizabeth officially came into the Orthodox Church in 1996. Before this time, they and their family of 6 children had been members of the Mennonite Brethren Church in Comox (on Vancouver Island), British Columbia, and he had been an associate pastor in a parish. In order to accomplish this, they had sold all their main possessions and they had moved from Comox to Langley, which is in the Fraser River Valley, east of Vancouver.

They undertook this major move in order not only to learn the Orthodox Christian Faith, but also to learn how to live in the Orthodox Way in the midst of a living community. The family was baptised at the Feast of Pascha, 1996, at Saint Herman of Alaska’s Church in Langley.

Founding the mission, 1998

Immediately, Alexis was enrolled in the Late Vocations Programme of The Orthodox Church in America, and he passed all the examinations.

In 1997, Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) ordained him to the Subdiaconate.

In 1998, with the bishop’s blessing, Alexis and his family returned to Comox. There, with the support of the parish of Saint Herman, they began to establish a mission under the heavenly protection of the Holy Apostle Barnabas. Alexis and Elizabeth had a deep love for the people of the Comox Valley, and they wanted very much to share with them their hope, and their love for the Lord.

First chapel 1999

The mission immediately began to grow. This was helped by the offer of hospitality by the local Roman Catholic Hospital Chaplain, Father Ken Olson, in the chapel of Saint Joseph’s Hospital.

Alexis began to serve Reader’s Vespers on Saturday evenings, and the “Obednitsa” (Typical Psalms) on Sunday mornings. Every 2 months, Father Lawrence Farley would serve the Divine Liturgy on a Sunday morning in this chapel.

On Saturday, 15 May, 1999, in the hospital chapel, Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) tonsured Matthew and Andrew Nikkel, and the seminarian Kevin Miller to be Readers (Kevin is a son-in-law of the Nikkels). He then ordained Matthew Nikkel to the Subdiaconate so that he could the better assist his father during services. Then, at the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Seraphim ordained the Subdeacon Alexis Nikkel to the Holy Diaconate. There were 65 persons present for this important occasion. Many came especially from Vancouver. Afterwards, there was a reception in the parish hall of the Anglican Church of Saint Peter in Comox (whose pastor later entered the Orthodox Church).

After the ordination

From that time, for about the next 10 years, Bishop Seraphim would make a pastoral visit one or twice per year.

The importance of this mission lies not only in its purpose of sharing the Orthodox Christian Faith in the Comox Valley, but also in its geographical situation on Vancouver Island. This mission is the most northerly Orthodox Christian parish on "the Island". It therefore cares for people both to the south (towards Nanaimo), and also as much as 3 hours distant to the north, since some believers live in Port Hardy. Port Hardy is not far from the end of the island itself.

First priest, 2003

On Saturday, 8 February, 2003, at the Divine Liturgy in Comox, British Columbia, Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) ordained Deacon Alexis Nikkel to the Holy Priesthood.

He was assigned to serve as the Priest-in-charge of the Mission of the Holy Apostle Barnabas in the Comox Valley.

On 9 February, 2003, Deacon Kevin Miller was released from his attachment at Saint Herman of Alaska’s Church in Surrey, British Columbia. He was attached as Deacon at the Mission of Saint Barnabas in Comox, British Columbia.

Then, in 2005, Deacon Kevin Miller and his family were transferred south from Comox to Victoria. It had proven too difficult to find enough work to support the family in this region, and work had been found in the capital city, which would provide for a stable family economy.

There are no circumstances so far in which any mission community in Canada has had an easy path. The difference amongst the missions has to do with the degree of difficulty and the number of obstacles put in the path of the faithful Orthodox Christian missionaries.

The conditions of life in the Comox Valley have not made anything easy in developing an Orthodox Christian missionary witness. Father Alexis worked in various secular jobs in order to maintain both his family and the mission. Local people were very slow to accept an expression of Christianity which seemed quite different from what they were accustomed to encountering. Nevertheless, Father Alexis and his family persevered.

Second chapel

For a short period of time (18 months), the mission worshipped in a detached domestic chapel constructed by Father Alexis and members of the parish. At that time, the Nikkels were renting a house on a large property with a long-term lease, and they hoped to use the chapel for some years. Nevertheless, the chapel was built on logs so as to make it movable, should it be necessary. However, when the owner decided to sell the property, the parish did not have the necessary capital either to purchase that or another piece of land, or to move the chapel.

Construction

Completion

Domestic chapel, 2011

From 2011, the mission parish worshipped in a large room in the Nikkel family home that had been permanently set up as a chapel. Meanwhile, the mission slowly grew. For some years, the attendance tended to be in the low teens, and in 2018, it approached 30. By then, nearly 50 persons considered the mission their spiritual home, and in that year, a family of 5 was received into the Church. Other people began to show interest. However since there was limited space in the Nikkel home, it was becoming clear that another site would soon be needed.

Father Alexis encouraged all the parishioners to pray fervently that the Lord provide. He, himself, recognised that a miracle would be required, since after many searches, it was evident that Courtenay-Comox lacked suitable buildings or spaces.

Archpastoral visit, 2012

On 10 January, 2012, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) made an evening archpastoral visit to the Saint Barnabas Mission. He was accompanied by the Dean of British Columbia, the Mitred Archpriest Michael Fourik of Vancouver. While Father Alexis served, Vladyka Irénée sang in the choir (as he often does), as did Father Michael Fourik. After the service, the bishop spoke with the parishioners, and there was sharing of food afterwards.

Bishop Irénée and singers

Bishop Irénée and parishioners

Bishop Irénée and Father Alexis

In December, 2013, the parishioners put final decorative touches on the iconostas used in the domestic chapel.

Domestic chapel iconostas

Feast of Pascha, 2017

The Mission of Saint Barnabas suffered 2 major obstacles after these events.

Father Alexis and his family had to move out of the house which they had been renting, and in which services had been being held. Because the Nikkel family now lived in a smaller home, there was no space (nor was it permitted) in which to have public services. A search for available public space in which to offer services proved to be very difficult.

2020 Coronavirus-19 closure of parishes

During the time of the 2020-2021 Coronavirus 19 pandemic, in accordance with the rules governing gatherings that were laid down by the provincial and city governments, no services were permitted for a substantial amount of time, beginning on 8 March, 2020. Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) required that the civilian rules be obeyed, including the rules regarding social distancing.

Consequently, in principle, this community was unable to offer any more of the usual services, even if there were a place available. With the lifting of these regulations, services could then be held, but the mission still lacked an available place. However, a temporary solution became possible.

Services out-of-doors in 2020

On 26 July, 2020, the Holy Apostle Barnabas Mission undertook a series of services, particularly the Divine Liturgy, out-of-doors near the usual site of the mission's place of worship. Not only did this tactic harmonise with the rules associated with controlling the spread of the Covid-19 virus, but it also gave both extra visibility to the community, and hope for the future.

Father Alexis wrote : "How awesome it was to worship Him while looking up at the sun shining down through the leaves of the trees. For a time, a hummingbird settled on a branch behind the Altar and observed God's people giving thanks to the Creator for His great glory. It was also a good way to commemorate Saint Yacob Netsvetov, Enlightener of the Alaskan People, who spent much of his time in the forests of Alaska and the Yukon bringing the Gospel to the peoples of that area".

The beginning of the service ; the homily ; the continuation

Temporary closure, 2021

During the course of the perpetuation of the Covid-19 virus regulations, Father Alexis and Mother Elizabeth Nikkel were required to move into an apartment, since the owners of the house they had rented wished to move into the house themselves. The move to an apartment made it impossible to make available space for the mission to gather. Further, despite many inquiries round about, there were no available and affordable spaces available which could be found. The search continued for a long time.

Perseverance, 2022

Despite the lack of their own chapel, the parish continued to grow. Inquiries about the Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Faith continued to arrive.

The Divine Liturgy came to be served once a month at the L'Arche Centre in Courtenay : I Belong Centre, 1465 Grieve Avenue, Courtenay.

On 12 June (the Feast of Pentecost) 5 people were baptised. In addition, 3 persons became inquirers, and classes were offered for them. It was the parish experience that most of the inquirers were young people.

A similar experience was that of other parishes throughout Canada at that time, and it was generally understood with gratitude that it is the Lord who sends the inquirers.

New quarters, 2023

By the Grace and Mercy of the Lord, in January-February, 2023, the pastor and parishioners of the Saint Barnabas parish found a piece of commercial property that they were able to lease. Now, the parish has a place to gather in a normal manner, and to worship in a normal manner. Joy is not a strong enough word to describe the response of the Faithful in this parish to such an immense blessing.

The space was formerly used as a dance studio, and it is a space that is adequately large (29 ft x 29 ft or 8.8 m x 8.8 m) for use as a chapel (at least for now, in 2023). There is a large foyer for hanging coats, for a vestry, for a library, and a place for young mothers to nurse and care for their babies. A small kitchen, 2 lavatories, and a "meeting room" (13 ft x 19 ft. or 3.8 m x 5.8 m) are included in the rental agreement.

The space was arranged so that the Altar area would be in a corner, in order to maximise the use of the available space. It was the rector, Archpriest Alexis Nikkel, who designed, constructed and painted the structure of the iconostas. This iconostas was not affixed to the floor, but it was well-attached to the walls at each end, with the help of 2 parishioners, and it was both solid and stable.

In this parish, a fellowship luncheon always follows the Divine Liturgy. People are encouraged to bring "finger-food", since there is not enough space for all to sit. Most people stand and chat in the meeting-room and foyer while they eat from their plates.

The new address is : 2364, Rosewill Crescent, Courtenay, British Columbia.

New place of worship, at Vespers

Archpastoral visit, 2024

On Saturday, 22 June, 2024, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) began a round of visits in the British Columbia Deanery with his archpastoral visit to the parish of All Saints of Alaska in Victoria.

From there, Vladyka Irénée went on to visit the Saint Alexander Nevsky Mission, Victoria (Fr Evgeniy Prokhin) ; Holy Apostle Barnabas Church, Comox (Fr Alexis Nikkel) ; Holy Transfiguration Monastery (Fr Gregory, Fr Samuel, and Monk Moses) in Lone Butte ; and then he served the Divine Liturgy for Holy Ascension at Holy Apostles Church, Chilliwack (Fr Matthew Francis).

The Temple

Vladyka Irénée and Father Alexis

Parishioners with Vladyka Irénée and Father Alexis

Particular parish information

"It is our hope that Apostle Barnabas Church will be a parish of encouragement and reconciliation in the Comox Valley".

All services are in the English language.

This parish is a part of the Deanery of British Columbia & Yukon, of the Archdiocese of Canada, of The Orthodox Church in America. The dean is the Mitred Archpriest Michael Fourik. The bishop is Archbishop Irénée (Rochon).

The parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the Apostle Barnabas, 11 June.

In 2025, the pastor of the Parish of the Holy Apostle Barnabas is the Archpriest Alexis Nikkel.

The deacon is Deacon Kevin Miller

For service times, and for the place of services, please call the priest.

Address :

Church of the Holy Apostle Barnabas

2364, Roswell Crescent, #2

Courtenay,

British Columbia

V9N 8R9

Telephone : (250) 703-9594

Web-site : https://stbarnabascomoxvalley.ca/

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Directions :

The Comox Valley is most frequently approached from the south, from Nanaimo (and farther south, from Victoria).

It is approached by road from Victoria in the south by driving northwards (past Nanaimo) on Highway #19. The distance is about 227 km (141 mi), and it takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes.

Nanaimo is reached from Vancouver by BC Ferries through Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, and the trip and voyage take about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including 1 hour and 40 minutes of sailing.

From Nanaimo, drive northwards on Highway #19 to Exit #117 for Courtenay and Comox. At the Comox Valley Parkway, turn to the right, onto the parkway. After about 2 kilometres, turn left onto Cumberland Road. After about 2 kilometres, turn right onto 20th Street. After about .5 kilometre, turn right onto Cousins Avenue. After .3 kilometre, turn left. The destination will be on the left.

The distance is about 110 km, and the time required is about 1 hour 15 minutes.

From Vancouver, the Comox Valley is accessible by BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo), and then by road from Nanaimo, as previously described.

To approach from the north, for instance from Campbell River, from Tamarack Street or Willow Street, drive south on Highway #19 south as far as Exit #117 for Courtenay and Comox. From there, follow the directions as previously described. This distance is about 58 km (36 mi), and it takes about 35 minutes.

The Vancouver Island Airport - Comox Airport (YQQ) provides air access.

Archpriest Alexis Nikkel

2180A, Willemar Avenue

Courtenay, British Columbia

V9N 3M3

Telephone : 250-703-9594

E-mail : fralexis@gmail.com

Deacon Kevin Miller

Telephone : 250-220-2779, 250-477-2776

E-mail : millerstime@gmail.com