View source for Gibsons BC Hermitage of Saint Nicholas of Myra 2009


[[File:Nicholas the WonderworkerS.png]] 

'''Gibson's Landing (Gibsons), British Columbia, Hermitage of Saint Nicholas of Myra, 2009


==Prehistory==

While the future [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian] Nun Anna (Barkham) was yet working as a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midwife  midwife] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Mainland Lower Mainland] region of  [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/british-columbia British Columbia], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada], she also began to embrace the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monasticism monastic life] in a serious manner.  She participated for a long time in the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian] parish of [[Langley BC Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church 1975 |Saint Herman of Alaska]] in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/langley Langley], British Columbia, and also for some time in the parish of the [http://www.holynativitychurch.ca/ Holy Nativity Antiochian Orthodox Church] in Langley.  

After some time of having been supervised, she was [https://orthochristian.com/101607.html tonsured] to be a female [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monk monk] (popularly called "nun" in western culture), and she became a member of the [[Johnstown ON Saint Silouan the Athonite Orthodox Chapel 1992-2016 |Monastic Community of Saint Silouan the Athonite]].  This was an Orthodox Christian monastic community in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario], which had been organised in order to provide a spiritual home to the many monks and nuns within the [https://www.wikipedia.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada] of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America] who were living in solitude in various places in Canada.  

In about 1999, she met [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/papazian-archimandrite-gregory Igumen Gregory (Papazian)] when he moved to British Columbia from [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/quebec Québec].  He and the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/panchuk-hieromonk-samuel Monk Samuel (Panchuk)] had settled on property at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibsons Gibsons] on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sechelt Sechelt Peninsula].  There, they re-founded the [[Lone Butte BC Holy Transfiguration Hermitage 1977 |Hermitage of the Holy Transfiguration]].  Father Gregory, already an experienced [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Hermit hermit] from before 1980, and his disciple, Father Samuel, had lived in solitude near the top of a mountain near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanstead,_Quebec_(township) Fitch Bay], in Québec.  Because Father Gregory's health now required a milder climate, this occasioned their arrival at Gibsons.  After she had had conversations with the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monk monks] for some time, she found that she could purchase a small property not far away from the monastery.  

Later, while she was still working, she was able to establish a small domicile on this property, and to establish a small [https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/oratory oratory] (prayer chapel) in it.  When she was able, she would withdraw for some days at a time to this refuge, and she would attend some of the services being offered by the monks. 

As her retirement approached, she worked part-time as a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midwife midwife] in the Gibsons area.

==Foundation of the hermitage, 2009==

On 1 August, 2009, when Mother Anna was freer to spend more time at this refuge, [[Archbishop Seraphim (Storheim)]] gave the blessing that this refuge now serve as the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Hermitage Hermitage] of [https://oca.org/saints/lives/2007/12/06/103484-st-nicholas-the-wonderworker-and-archbishop-of-myra-in-lycia Saint Nicholas of Myra].  

Once she had completely retired in 2013, Mother Anna was able to move fully into this refuge in January, 2014.   

From that time, the Nun Anna (Barkham) has lived a solitary monastic life in this hermitage (the residence of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermit hermit]).  While the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Transfiguration Holy Transfiguration] Brotherhood remained nearby, she attended the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy] on Sundays and on [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Feast_day Feast-days].  On all days, she has offered to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Lord Lord] the usual [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Daily_Cycle monastic cycle] of services of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian Church] in the [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oratory oratory].  

Mother Anna had received visitors only on a pre-arranged basis.  


[[File:Mother Anna CS.png]]  '''Mother Anna'''

==Additional responsibility, 2015==

In 2015, for reasons beyond their control, the Brotherhood of the Transfiguration had to find a new site on which to continue their [https://www.orthodoxiki.org/Monasticism monastic life].  Thus, they moved to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lone_Butte_(British_Columbia) Lone Butte], in the interior of British Columbia.  

After their departure, there remained a group of Orthodox Christians who (as Mother Anna) had been attending services in the Holy Transfiguration Hermitage.  Because they still wanted to gather to worship in whatever manner this could be done, they asked for help from [[Mitred Archpriest Michael and Matushka Elena Fourik |Mitred Archpriest Michael Fourik]], the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/communities?field_deanery_tid_i18n=6&field_community_type_value_i18n=All&title= Dean] of the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/communities?field_deanery_tid_i18n=6&field_community_type_value_i18n=All&title= British Columbia & Yukon Deanery], of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada].  With the blessing of [[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada], it was agreed that the oratory in the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/st-nicholas-myra-hermitage-gibsons-bc Hermitage of Saint Nicholas] would become the focus of such gatherings on those Sundays and Feast-days when a priest was unavailable.  

Then this small community of Orthodox Christians (whose constituency worshipped formerly at the Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Gibsons) was then officially named [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Gibsons_BC_Hermitage_of_Saint_Nicholas_of_Myra_2009 Holy Theophany Mission].  Its Altar Feast-day is the Feast of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Theophany Theophany of Christ].  When a priest would be available, then the services were to be held in the rented quarters of the [https://www.scrd.ca/community-hall-rentals/ Chaster House] on the southwestern side of Gibsons. 

However, in 2020, a better and more appropriate meeting-place became available, and the services moved to the Bethlehem Chapel of [http://www.stbarts-gibsons.com/home/ Saint Bartholomew's Anglican Church] on North Road, Gibsons.  

Because of the particular circumstances of the nascent mission, the priest who is assigned to serve the mission also cared for this hermitage.  However, as the mission has developed, the first assigned priest, [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/hainsworth-archpriest-john-kaleeg Archpriest Kaleeg Hainsworth], was assigned to serve the mission itself.  

The Hermitage of Saint Nicholas of Myra continues to be the shelter for monastic living as it was founded to be.  The hermitage is closed to visitors, but correspondence is accepted by regular mail or by e-mail at <annebarkham@hotmail.com>.

==2020 pandemic closures==

In 2020, as the year progressed, the activity of the [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20479963 Covid-19 Virus] in [https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html?utm_campaign=gc-hc-sc-coronavirus2021-ao-2021-0005-396055227&utm_medium=search&utm_source=bing-ads-1242448631827600&utm_content=text-en-&utm_term=covid-19%20canada Canadian society] produced restrictions on the number of persons who could at any time gather.  This fact caused a reduction in the frequency of meeting for the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/holy-theophany-mission-station-gibsons-bc Holy Theophany Mission] in Gibsons.  Moreover, the situation was exacerbated when Saint Bartholomew's Church was closed by the Anglican diocesan authorities for the duration. 

As was the case in all parishes throughout the country, this was a very difficult period of time for all concerned, including Mother Anna.  A further challenge arose when the personal and other activities of Archpriest Kaleeg J Hainsworth left him no time to continue in his pastoral responsibilities in Gibsons.  

'''Another long-term site for the mission'''

Later in 2020, it became possible for the mission to gather at the [https://www.scrd.ca/community-hall-rentals/ Frank West Fire Hall] at 1224,  Chaster Road in  Gibsons.  Since that time, this place remained a convenient place for the services.

==Priest Peter Choi, 2022==

On 24 March, 2022, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/ordinations-during-archbishop-irenees-visit-st-herman-alaska-edmonton ordained Deacon Peter Choi] to the Holy Priesthood.  Deacon Peter had been attached to the parish of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Vancouver_BC_Saint_John_of_Shanghai_Orthodox_Church_2005 Saint John of Shanghai] in Vancouver.  [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/choi-priest-peter Priest Peter Choi] was given the pastoral responsibility of the Holy Theophany Mission in Gibsons.   In addition, he continued helping in both [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Vancouver_BC_Holy_Resurrection_Russian_Orthodox_Sobor_1924 Holy Resurrection Sobor], and in the Saint John of Shanghai parish when he is needed.  

Those who wish to join the mailing list of the mission may request enrolment at annebarkham@hotmail.com.   


[[File:TessS.png]]  '''Former hermitage guardian'''

==Particular hermitage information==

The [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/st-nicholas-myra-hermitage-gibsons-bc Hermitage of Saint Nicholas of Myra] is part of the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/communities?field_deanery_tid_i18n=6&field_community_type_value_i18n=All&title= British Columbia & Yukon Deanery] of the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/ Archdiocese of Canada], of [https://oca.org/ The Orthodox Church in America].  The dean is the [[Mitred Archpriest Michael and Matushka Elena Fourik |Mitred Archpriest Michael Fourik]].  The bishop is [[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]].  

The hermitage follows the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/New_Calendar New (Revised Julian) Calendar].

The Altar Feast-day of the hermitage is the Feast of [https://oca.org/saints/lives/2007/12/06/103484-st-nicholas-the-wonderworker-and-archbishop-of-myra-in-lycia Saint Nicholas of Myra], 6 December.  

In 2026, the hermit is the Nun Anna (Barkham).  

The priest who cares for the hermitage and who is assigned to serve the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/st-nicholas-myra-hermitage-gibsons-bc Holy Theophany Mission] (which meets at the Frank West Fire Hall on Chaster Road) is the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/choi-priest-peter Priest Peter T Choi].  


Address : 

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/st-nicholas-myra-hermitage-gibsons-bc Saint Nicholas of Myra Hermitage]

116, Williamsons Landing Road

Gibsons, British Columbia

V0N 1V6


Directions :

Gibson's is approachable mainly by [https://www.bcferries.com/ BC Ferries] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horseshoe_Bay,_West_Vancouver Horseshoe Bay], British Columbia, north of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver Vancouver], British Columbia.


At the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langdale,_British_Columbia Langdale] Terminal (near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibsons Gibsons]), drive off the ferry, keep to the right, and watch the road-signs carefully.  At the junction of Marine Drive, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia_Highway_101 Sunshine Coast Highway], and the Port Mellon Highway, follow the signs for the Port Mellon Highway.  Drive on the Port Mellon Highway for about 3 km.  At the leftward bend in the highway, follow the exit on the right, driving straight onto Twin Creeks Road.  At Williamsons Landing Road, turn right.  Drive on Williamsons Landing Road for about 900 metres.  The Hermitage is on the left.



[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/choi-priest-peter Priest Peter Choi] 

Telephone : 604-218-8145

E-mail : fr.peter.t.choi@gmail.com

==References==

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/st-nicholas-myra-hermitage-gibsons-bc Archdiocese of Canada listing for the Saint Nicholas of Myra Hermitage, Gibsons, British Columbia]


'''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.   

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/st-nicholas-myra-hermitage-gibsons-bc Archdiocese of Canada (OCA) listing for the Hermitage of Saint Nicholas of Myra, Gibsons, British Columbia]  

[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/ Orthodox Church in America web-site]    

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

[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.archdiocese.ca/clergy/papazian-archimandrite-gregory Igumen Gregory (Papazian)]    

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Mitred_Archpriest_Michael_and_Matushka_Elena_Fourik Mitred Archpriest Michael Fourik]    

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/hainsworth-archpriest-john-kaleeg Archpriest John Kaleeg Hainsworth]    

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/choi-priest-peter Priest Peter Choi]   

[https://oca.org/saints/lives/2014/12/06/103484-st-nicholas-the-wonderworker-and-archbishop-of-myra-in-lycia Saint Nicholas Archbishop of Myra]  

[[Vancouver BC Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor 1924 |Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor, Vancouver, British Columbia]]  

[[Langley BC Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church 1975 |Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church, Langley, British Columbia]] 

[[Lone Butte BC Holy Transfiguration Hermitage 1977 |Holy Transfiguration Hermitage, Lone Butte, British Columbia]]  

[[Gibsons BC Holy Theophany Mission 2015 |Holy Theophany Mission, Gibsons, British Columbia]]  

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

[http://www.scrd.ca/Halls Chaster House, Gibsons, British Columbia]  

[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/gibsons Canadian Encyclopaedia article about Gibsons, British Columbia]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibsons Wikipedia article about Gibsons, British Columbia]  

[https://gibsons.ca Town of Gibsons, British Columbia web-site]  

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

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

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/monasteries-are-heart-our-orthodox-life Archdiocese of Canada article : Monasteries are the Heart of our Orthodox Life]    






[[Category:Monastic Communities]] [[Category:British Columbia & Yukon]] [[Category:ADOCA]] [[Category:OCA]]