View source for Dickie Bush AB †Hermitage of Prophet Elias 1955-2022


[[File:Saint Elias Hermitage Dickie Bush 1.jpg]]

'''Dickie Bush, Alberta, †Hermitage of Prophet Elias (1955, 2010-2022)'''


Pochaev may be spelt Pochaiv. 


==Foundation of the community==

The original [https://www.orthodoxwiki.or/Monk monks], under the leadership of the first [https://www.orthodoxwiki.org/Abbot abbot], [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://www.orthlib.ru/JMP/79_10/10.html&prev=search&pto=aue Archimandrite Germogen (Cherkashin)] (1891-1985), were derived originally from the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Job_of_Pochaev Saint Job of Pochaev] brotherhood (known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pochayiv_Lavra Holy Dormition Pochaev Lavra] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine Ukraine]), by way of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Trinity_Monastery_(Jordanville,_New_York) Holy Trinity Monastery] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordanville,_New_York Jordanville], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York New York].  

In about 1955, [[Metropolitan Vitaly (Ustinov) |Bishop Vitaly (Ustinov)]] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Russian_Orthodox_Church_Outside_Russia Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia] (ROCOR) arrived in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alberta Alberta], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada], with the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monk monks] of the [https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2019/10/28/103087-repose-of-venerable-job-the-wonderworker-abbot-of-pochaev Saint Job of Pochaev] Brotherhood.  The [[Wildwood-Granada AB Holy Dormition of the Theotokos Russian Orthodox Skete and Cemetery 1955 |Skete of the Holy Dormition]] was established at [http://travelingluck.com/North+America/Canada/Alberta/_5964208_Granada.html Grenada], near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildwood,_Alberta Wildwood] (west of Edmonton), and the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Skete Skete] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Elijah Prophet Elias] was established northeast of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada], (near [https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=1818 Dickie Bush]/[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake Smoky Lake]).  

In 1957, Bishop Vitaly was unexpectedly transferred to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal Montréal], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec Québec], in order to become the Archbishop of all Canada in the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Russian_Orthodox_Church_Outside_Russia Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia] (ROCOR).  His brotherhood likewise moved away with him.  

They left behind [[Archimandrite Seraphim (Filimonoff) |Father Seraphim (Filimonoff)]] in [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Granada,+AB+T0E+2M0/@53.6153177,-115.353374,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x539ef0587f55db99:0xf0124b99e0154e7f!8m2!3d53.6153182!4d-115.353374!16s%2Fg%2F1tk1mp0x?entry=ttu Grenada], Alberta, at the Holy Dormition Skete, and [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/129407781/hermorgen-archym Father Germogen (Cherkasin)] at the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Elijah Saint Elias] [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Skete Skete].  

The original [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monastery monastery] of Saint Elias was ultimately abandoned with the moving away of Archimandrite Germogen (Cherkashin) in the early 1960s.  The last of the original monks to live at the old site, Archimandrite Germogen (Cherkashin), reposed in Christ in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta], some years later.  He is buried, along with some of the other monks, at the Cemetery of the Patriarchal Russian [[Nisku AB Nativity of the Theotokos Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1898 |Parish of the Nativity of the Theotokos]] near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nisku Nisku], Alberta, near the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton_International_Airport Edmonton International Airport].  

The original site of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monastery monastery]/[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Hermitage hermitage] was near the hamlet of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellis,_Alberta Bellis], about 20 minutes’ drive from the hermitage’s later site at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake Smoky Lake].  


[[File:Grave Cross Archim. Germogen (Cherkachin). 1.jpg]]  '''Grave-marker of Archimandrite Germogen'''

==Revival of the previous community, 2011==

The title of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Igumen Igumen] of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Elijah Saint Elias] [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Hermitage Hermitage] was revived under the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada] (OCA) with the [https://orthochristian.com101607.html tonsure] and elevation of the then [[Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) |Igumen Alexander (Pihach)]], who was the second to hold the office and title of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Abbot abbot].  [http://archdiocese.ca/clergy/power-archimandrite-gerasim Igumen Gerasim (Power)] was tonsured to be a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monastic_Ranks rasophor] monk of the [https://www.oca.org/parishes/oca-ca-dibhpe Saint Elias Hermitage] (under Abbot Alexander) by [http://orthodoxwiki.org/Jonah_%28Paffhausen%29_of_Washington Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen)], on 14 December, 2011, at [[Smoky Lake AB Holy Trinity Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1900 |Holy Trinity Russo-Greek (OCA) Orthodox Church]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake Smoky Lake], Alberta.  

Igumen Alexander (Pihach) was elevated to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archimandrite archimandrite] in June of 2012 in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg Winnipeg], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba Manitoba] by [[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) |Bishop Irénée (Rochon)]], the Administrator of the Archdiocese of Canada at that time.  

'''Tonsure of Stavrophor Priest-monk Gerasim (Power), 2012'''

On 21 September, 2012, with the blessing of Bishop Irénée, Rasophor Gerasim (Power) (formerly Bruce John Power) was tonsured into the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monastic_Ranks Lesser Schema] by Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) at [[Edmonton AB Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Sobor 1977 |Saint Herman’s Sobor]] in Edmonton, Alberta.  


[[File:Hermitage of the holy prophet elias 1.jpg]] '''Archimandrite Alexander and Igumen Gerasim'''


Following the appointment of Archimandrite Alexander to be the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_(Christianity) Dean] of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/St._Catherine_the_Great_Martyr_Church_(Moscow) Saint Catherine’s OCA Representation Church] in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Moscow Moscow], Igumen Gerasim was subsequently assigned by Bishop Irénée (Rochon) to be the abbot of Saint Elias' Hermitage.  He was the third to hold that responsibility.  

'''Igumen Gerasim (Power), 2014'''

In February of 2014, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Degrees_of_Eastern_Orthodox_monasticism Stavrophor Monk] Tikhon (Green), formerly of [[Johnstown ON Saint Silouan the Athonite Orthodox Chapel 1992-2016 |Saint Silouan’s Monastery]] near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnstown,_Ontario Johnstown, Ontario], with the blessing of Bishop Irénée, was transferred and attached to the Hermitage of Saint Elias. 

The Hermitage of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Elijah Holy Prophet Elias] was a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monasticism monastic] community of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada], of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America].  It began in 2010 as a revival of the monastic community which had been established earlier in 1950.  At its revival, it consisted of [[Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach)]], Dean of the [http://ocapodvorie.org/OCA Representation Church] in Moscow ; Stavrophor Monk Tikhon (Green), (who resides in Edmonton, Alberta) ; and [http://archdiocese.ca/clergy/power-archimandrite-gerasim Igumen Gerasim (Power)].  

'''Archimandrite Gerasim (Power)'''

Igumen Gerasim (Power) was later elevated to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archimandrite archimandrite].  Archimandrite Gerasim was the last ruling abbot, who maintained his residence at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake Smoky Lake, Alberta]. 

'''Repose of Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach), 2016'''

The monastic brotherhood was reduced in size on 7 October, 2016, when Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) suddenly and unexpectedly [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archimandrite_Alexander_(Pihach)#Repose,_2016 in Toronto fell asleep in the Lord] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto Toronto], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ontario Ontario].  This unexpected repose meant that the leadership had to be transferred to Archimandrite Gerasim (Power).


[[File:Father Alexander, Saint Catherine, Moscow 3.png]]  '''Archimandrite Alexander in Moscow'''


Although the Hermitage of the Prophet Elias consisted of a small group, who, due to the necessities of work were not living under the same roof, they nevertheless maintained a good fraternal spirit.  They were in constant contact with each other by means of travel, phone, Skype, and the like.  Archimandrite Gerasim supported himself personally, and he supported and maintained his residence (on a farm acreage 9 km/6 mi north of Smoky Lake) by being a missionary priest and the rector of [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/power-archimandrite-gerasim 8 rural parishes and 10 cemeteries] in this vast area of the Canadian "heartland" of Orthodoxy.  

'''About the settlement of the region'''

This region was settled mostly by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukovina Bukovinian] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Ukraine Western Ukrainian] settlers more than a century ago.  Thus, the revived Saint Elias Monastery has made a significant impact on the spiritual life of this historical region.  This historical region has in the past been blessed by the service of such Christ-loving servants as [[Saint Tikhon (Belavin)]], the [[Archpriest Iakov and Matushka Barbara Korchinsky |Priestmartyr Jacob Korchinsky]], [[Saint Arseny (Chahovtsov) |Archbishop Arseny (Chahovtsov)]], [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://www.orthlib.ru/JMP/79_10/10.html&prev=search&pto=aue Archimandrite Germogen (Cherkasin)], of blessed memory, and numerous others, both monastic and married.  Like [[Saint Herman of Alaska |Saint Herman]], the Elder and Wonder-worker of Alaska, and his companions, they carried and continue to carry the light of Orthodoxy to the Faithful, and through them to the world.  

'''About the life of the hermitage'''

The mode of life at the Hermitage of Saint Elias was quite distinct from a seemingly more [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Cenobitic coenobitical] or [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Isaac_of_Syria anchoritical model] (such as is found at places like the [http://orthodoxwiki.org/Mount_Athos Holy Mountain of Athos]).  Nevertheless, it had the same spiritual goals of true union with God, of being an example (as frail as it may be) of striving to live the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monasticism angelic life] (as the monastic way is called) of the [https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/spirituality/the-kingdom-of-heaven/the-kingdom-of-heaven Heavenly Kingdom].  It strove also to be a “voice which cries in the wilderness” calling all to follow the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Holy Orthodox Way].  

The aim of the life of monks is, with God's help, to live a life of repentance (see p. 193 of "[http://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/content/bishop-church The Bishop in the Church]").  This repentance should be so authentic and true that their love for the Lord and their loving obedience to Him imitate that of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Angels angels] in Heaven so that others may see it and do the same.

==Closure, 2022==

In 2022, Archimandrite Gerasim (Power) was transferred away, and he was assigend to serve as rector of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Moose_Jaw_SK_Holy_Trinity_Orthodox_Church_1913 Holy Trinity Orthodox Church] in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

In effect, this transfer closed the Hermitage of the Prophet Saint Elias.  Moreover, the land on which the remains of the original community were located was sold to a local farmer.  Although the pious farmer intended to respect the site and its history,  there was no longer a possibility for establishing a monastic community living at the site.  

==Particular monastery information==

This monastic community was part of the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/communities?field_deanery_tid_i18n=5&field_community_type_value_i18n=All&title= Alberta & Northwest Territories Deanery] of the [https://www.orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada], of [https://oca.org The Orthodox Church in America].  The dean was [http://archdiocese.ca/clergy/power-archimandrite-gerasim Archimandrite Gerasim (Power)].  The bishop was [[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]].  

This community followed the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Julian_Calendar Old (Julian) Calendar].

The Altar [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Feast_day Feast-day] of this hermitage was the Feast of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Elijah Holy Prophet Elias], 20 July/2 August.  

In 2022, the hermitage was closed with the transfer away of its last superior, [http://archdiocese.ca/clergy/power-archimandrite-gerasim Archimandrite Gerasim (Power)].



Address :

Hermitage of the Holy Prophet Elias

60308, Highway #855

Smoky Lake County, Alberta

T0A 3C0

==References==

[http://oca.org/parishes/oca-ca-dibhpe Original article about the Hermitage of Prophet Elias]


'''Additional information :'''

Hopko, Thomas, ‘[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/monasticism Monasticism]’ in “The Orthodox Faith”, vol. 2.  

Prokurat, Michael ; Golitzin, Alexander & Petersen, Michael, eds., 'Monasteries' in “[https://search.worldcat.org/formats-editions/526097915  The A to Z of the Orthodox Church]”   (Lanham, MD : Scarecrow Press, 2010), pp. 223-224. ISBN : 978-0-8108-7602-6.

...... 'Monasticism' in “[https://search.worldcat.org/formats-editions/526097915  The A to Z of the Orthodox Church]”  (Lanham, MD : Scarecrow Press, 2010), pp. 225-227. ISBN : 978-0-8108-7602-6.  

Sanidopoulos, John, "[https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2016/07/greek-folk-traditions-and-prophet-elias.html Greek Folk Traditions and the Prophet Elias]"   

[http://www.archdiocese.ca/community/hermitage-holy-prophet-elias-smoky-lake-county-ab Archdiocese listing for the Hermitage of the Holy Prophet Elias, Smoky Lake County, Alberta ] 
 
[https://www.archdiocese.ca Archdiocese of Canada web-site]  

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada]  

[https://www.oca.org/parishes/oca-ca-dibhpe OCA listing of the Hermitage of the Prophet Elias]     

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church in America]  

[https://orthodox-world.org/en/i/25701/Canada/Alberta/Smoky-Lake-County/Skete/Hermitage-of-Prophet-Elias Orthodox World listing]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Vitaly_(Ustinov) Metropolitan Vitaly (Ustinov)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Gabriel_(Chemodakov) Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov)]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sylvester_(Haruns) Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns)]    

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Theodosius_(Lazor) Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Herman_(Swaiko) Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Jonah_(Paffhausen) Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Tikhon_(Mollard) Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Ir%C3%A9n%C3%A9e_(Rochon) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)] 

[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/129407781/hermorgen-archym Findagrave reference for Archimandrite Germogen (Cherashin)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archimandrite_Seraphim_(Filimonoff) Archimandrite Seraphim (Filimonoff)]    

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archimandrite_Alexander_(Pihach) Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach)]    

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/power-archimandrite-gerasim Archimandrite Gerasim (Power)]  

[https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://www.orthlib.ru/JMP/79_10/10.html&prev=search&pto=aue 75th Anniversary of the Saint Barbara Parish] (mention of Archimandrite Germogen)  

[https://oca.org/saints/lives/2001/07/20/102060-holy-glorious-prophet-elijah Article about the Holy Prophet Elias]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake_County Dickie Bush/Smoky Lake County]  

[https://www.lamontcounty.ca/public/download/files/186292 Brochure "Church Capital of North America Lamont County" (articles and photos about some of the 47 churches in the county)]  

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monasticism Orthodoxwiki article about Monasticism]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Christian_monasticism Wikipedia article about the history of Eastern Orthodox Christian Monasticism]    

[http://orthodoxinfo.com/general/monasticism.aspx Orthodox Christian Information Centre article "Orthodox Christian Monasticism"]    

[http://www.wisdomhermitage.org.uk/2017/08/06/monastic-legacy-and-the-name/ Wisdomheritage.org article "Monastic Legacy and the Name"]  

[https://www.orthodowiki.org/Monastic_Ranks Orthodoxwiki article about monastic ranks]  

[https://www.orthodoxcanada.ca/Category:Monastic_Communities Monastic Communities in the Archdiocese of Canada]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Eastern_Orthodox_monasteries_in_the_United_States Wikipedia list of Orthodox Christian Monasteries in the USA]  

[https://www.bigdoer.com/26008/exploring-history/st-elias/ "Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie" : Saint Elias]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/messenger/Com2009-4.20-4.pdf ’The Making of a Monk’ in “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” (Autumn, 2009), p. 4.]  







[[Category:Monastic Communities]]  [[Category:Alberta & Northwest Territories]]
[[Category:ROCOR]]  [[Category:OCA]]  [[Category:ADOCA]]