View source for Pakan AB Saint Elias Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1902



[[File:20180519 StElias photo 2.jpg]]

'''Pakan, Alberta, Church and Cemetery of Saint Elias, 1902'''


Elias may be spelt Elia, Elijah, Ilia, Ilya.



==Prehistory==

Pakan is situated near the former [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/hudsons-bay-company/ Hudson's Bay Co.] (HBC) post, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Victoria,_Alberta Fort Victoria] (opened in 1864) and the [http://www.kalynacountry.com/Victoria-Trail Victoria Trail] and the [http://history.alberta.ca/victoria/ Victoria Settlement], on the north side of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Saskatchewan_River North Saskatchewan River] in Central [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada].  That post served the local population, which grew slowly.  

By 1887, a small town-site had begun to develop around the HBC post and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_McDougall McDougall]'s [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/methodism Methodist] church.  When a post office opened, the community was named Pakan after a local [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cree Cree] chief (of the [http://www.wfl128.ca Whitefish Lake Band]).  Pakan served as a steamboat and ferry landing and as a stopping place on the Victoria Trail. Freight would arrive there from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/north-west-territories-1870-1905 North-West Territories] (now [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/timeline/alberta Alberta]), and from other places.  

The community received a new influx of settlers after 1900, when some [https://www.britannica.com/place/Ukraine Ukrainian] families took up [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/homesteading/ homesteads] in the area.  

Ukrainian and [https://www.britannica.com/place/Romania Romanian] settlers first arrived in the Pakan District in 1898-1899.  Most of them had originated in or near the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernivtsi_Oblast Chernivtsi province] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine Ukraine], which is historically northern [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukovina Bucovina]. This part of [https://romaniatourism.com/bucovina-moldova.html Bucovina-Moldavia] was of mixed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanian_language Romanian] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_language Russian]-[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language Ukrainian] speakers, and it was this part that was severed as one result of the [https://www.britannica.com/event/German-Soviet-Nonaggression-Pact Molotov-Ribbentrop] pact between [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joseph-Stalin J Stalin] and western powers before [https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II World War II].  

The early emigrants had left their homelands (which at the end of the 19th century were within the [https://www.britannica.com/place/Austria-Hungary Austro-Hungarian Empire]).  There, there had been for several hundred years, a constant oppression of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox Christian Faith].  At this particular time, the Canadian government had sent its agents as sales-promoters to attract [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Canadians would-be future farmers] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Canada Western Canada].  The main such agent was [http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/oleskow_josef_13E.html Dr. Josef Oleskow].  

In the 1890s, emigrants from [https://www.britannica.com/place/Galicia-historical-region-Eastern-Europe Galicia] also began to arrive in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Canada Western Canada].

The Pakan settlement itself began a long period of decline in 1918, when the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Northern_Railway Canadian Northern Railway] went through the nearby community of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake Smoky Lake]. 

Shortly after they had arrived and settled on the lands allotted to them, the newcomers quickly recognised the clear and pressing need, and they chose a place for a Temple and cemetery at the land description site SE 1/4-25-58-17-W4.

==Founding the parish, 1902== 

The building committee was led by Zaharia Mihalchan, a pious [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox Christian] who could read, write and speak both [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanian_language Romanian] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language Ukrainian].  The other members of the committee included :
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/196301442/dymtro-cebuliak Dimitri Cebuliak] ; Andrey Gidk ; Ivan Goryniuk ; Hrehory Kotyk ; Gora Nykolaychuk ; Dodda Ponich ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/137963070/simeon-romanchuk Simeon Romanchuk] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/129858713/nykolay-rubuliak Nykolai Rubuliak].
At about the same time as the pioneers began to build their homes, work on a [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/log-houses log church] building began in 1900 when logs were cut and hauled to the site. 

'''Construction of the Temple, 1902'''

In 1902, construction began under the lead carpenter, Ivan Staharuk.  When the building was partially constructed, it was understood that the site was wrong for a Temple.  This occurred because everything was yet in flux, and the land was properly surveyed only after the beginning of work.  It could by then be seen that the property was in the middle of a section of land, nearly 1 kilometre from any road, and that the Temple and cemetery would be on 2 different quarters of land.  Construction stopped.  Then 4.5 hectares (11 acres) of land were purchased from the [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/hudsons-bay-company Hudson's Bay Company] (2.4 km/1.5 mi to the south-west of the original property).  

After the property was properly surveyed, the materials were hauled to the new site, and [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/130927479/stephan-kolotyluk Stefan Kolotyluk] and Diordy Chahley led the fresh construction for $1.25 each per day.  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/196300871/gregory-bolichowski Gregory Bolichowski], a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blacksmith blacksmith], shaped the iron Crosses that were placed upon the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dome domes].

The exterior of the [http://archdiocese.ca/community/st-elias-church-pakan-ab Temple of Saint Elias] was completed in 1904.  The interior was finished and painted by Nickolai Woycenko in the late summer of 1905.  A [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_tower bell-house] was built by [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190733830/iwan-stachariuk Ivan Staharuk] in 1906.  Two [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bells bells] were installed, which had been imported at a cost of $170.00.  Various other parishioners donated [https://churchmotherofgod.org/orthodox-terminology/glossary-b/688-banners.html banners], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography icons], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Hand_Cross Crosses], and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Liturgical_objects  other articles] for the celebration of Orthodox Christian [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_worship liturgical services].  This was the first [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Category:ROGCCNA Russo-Greek Orthodox] Temple in Alberta to be constructed on the north side of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Saskatchewan_River North Saskatchewan River].

The early parishioners included the families of :
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/149523895/theodore-andruchow Fred Andruchow] ; Petro Andruchow ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133611742/iwan-basaraba Ivan Basaraba] ; Nikolai Basaraba ; Elia Brusanowsky ;  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/219153122/teodor_todor-cebuliak Todor Cebuliak] ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/209444335/diordy-chetek Deordy Chetek] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/129635743/partemi-chizawsky Partemy Chizewsky] ; Wasyl Demtruk ; Kondra Dubetz ; Tanasko Dwernychuk ; Wasyl Dwernychuk ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/215303637/kozma-elkowich Kozma Elkowich] ; Ecthemy Esopenko ; Elia Esopenko ; Ivan Esopenko ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133616335/nick-esopenko Nikolai Esopenko] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133616775/george-george Deordy George] ; Ivan Gorda ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133818476/james-goryniuk Jim Goryniuk] ; Ivan Gurmaza ; Wasyl Hackman ; Karl Hurshowsky ; Aksenty Karpo ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133821511/metro-karpo Metro Karpo] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133822441/nick-koshelek Nikolai Koshalek] ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190735022/constantine-kotyk Kosten Kotyk] ;  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/174402862/maftie-koutzun  Maftey Koutzun] ; Gora Kozma ; Ivan Kozub ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/211862431/petro-kozub Petro Kozub] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133827262/john-krytor Ivan Krytor] ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/137963795/john-kuziemsky Ivan Kuziemsky] ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/138434769/ioan-aksentievich-makarenko Ivan Makarenko] ; Ivan Mihalchan ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190737635/wasyl-morgoch Wasyl Morgoch] ; Deordy Olynek ; Metro Olynek ; Stefan Pawliuk ; Wasyl Pongar ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190738088/alex-ponich Alex Ponich] ;  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/130922938/stefan-ratsoy Stefan Ratsoy] ; Ivan Rusnak ; Todor Sarfinchan ; Nikolai Semeniuk ; Tony Semeniuk ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/216215264/zachary-starchuk Zahary Starchuk] ; 
  Ivan Strezeboroda ; Mihaylo Suprovich ; Elia Thomas ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/130926822/gregory-viteychuk Gregory Viteychuk] ; Andrey Wennek ; Nikolai Yakimchuk ; 
  [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190734590/michael-yaroslawsky Mihalyo Yaroslowski].

Many articles were purchased or hand-made for the Temple by parishioners.  Some of the original articles were lost in a fire, but others became worn out.  Some remain in use.  

For example, Zahary Mihalchan donated the original [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Epitaphios Holy Shroud] and 2 wooden [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Hand_Cross hand-Crosses] from 1898, which remain in use.  Stefan Koltyluk and Andrey Wasylashko donated [https://churchmotherofgod.org/orthodox-terminology/glossary-b/688-banners.html banners].  Ivan Strezeboroda gave the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Gospel_Book Gospel Book].  Ivan Gorda donated a tapestry.  The original [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandelier chandelier] was donated by Echtemy and [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/196303097/nykolay-esopenko Nikolai Esopenko].  There were many other such contributions. 

'''Sanctification of the Temple, 1906'''

On 6 August, 1906, the Temple was [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Consecration_of_a_church sanctified] and dedicated to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Elijah Prophet Elias].  

It is the oral tradition of the parish that the Temple was sanctified by a bishop.  There is documentation at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Tikhon%27s_Orthodox_Theological_Seminary Saint Tikhon's Monastery] to indicate that this bishop was most probably [[Saint Tikhon (Belavin) |Bishop Tikhon]], which thus confirms the oral tradition.  At that time, in fact, there was no other bishop who could have done this.  Thus, the community became a part of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America Diocese of North America and the Aleutians]. 

Nevertheless, Bishop Tikhon did assign the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hieromonk Hieromonk] Visarion (Shestakov) (†1911), a missionary of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Russian Orthodox Church], to be its first priest.  He served the parish for a time, and also the [[Smoky Lake AB Holy Trinity Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1900 |Holy Trinity Parish]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake Smoky Lake], but he then returned to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City New York City], where he fell asleep in the Lord in 1911. 


[[File:Pakan Original Church 2.png]]  [[File:Bell tower 1.png]]

'''First Temple''' (left)''' ; Bell-house''' (right)


'''Priest's house and barn constructed, 1908'''

In 1908, a [https://www.aplos.com/academy/church-management/what-is-a-parsonage/ parsonage] and a barn were constructed, and a well for the home was dug.  

'''Renovation of the Temple, 1947''' 

In 1947-1948, the Temple was thoroughly renovated, both inside and out, by William Skladan of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew,_Alberta Andrew], Alberta.  The exterior of the Temple had red brick siding added to it.

==Parish life==

It came to be that generally, the priests serving the parish travelled from [http://archdiocese.ca/community/holy-trinity-church-smoky-lake-ab Smoky Lake] or other surrounding parishes.  Between 1965 and 1973, these were short-term assignments, sometimes lasting 1 or 2 years.  This is a reason why more than 25 priests have regularly served the parish of Saint Elias during its history. 

The longest-serving priests were the Archpriest Mihaylo Cependa (1936-1949) and the Archpriest Ivan Wasel (1949-1965). 

'''Fire, 1954 ; reconstruction, 1954'''

Then, on 7 January, 1954, during a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Nativity Christmas Day] service, the Temple caught fire.  Nothing could be done to save the building, but most of its contents were saved.  The cause of the fire was not clearly determined, although it was speculated that a beehive in a chimney could have been the cause.  

Immediately following, funds were raised to build another Temple.  Parishioners went carolling in order to begin the collection, and an annual raffle and bingo event became a consistent fundraiser.  Work started on the construction straight away in the summer of 1954.  John Mnohility was the lead carpenter.  The [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconostasis iconostas] was carved by [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/130884304/peter-chetek Peter Chetek], a member of the parish.  

Some of the articles which had been damaged by smoke were replaced.  Many articles were contributed in the reconstruction.  A new [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Epitaphios Holy Shroud], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography icons], [https://churchmotherofgod.org/orthodox-terminology/glossary-b/688-banners.html banners], a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandelier chandelier], and Crosses were offered by parishioners.  

A new [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belfry_(architecture) belfry] was constructed (now over the western entrance door), and the bells installed in it.  The old [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_tower bell-house] was donated by [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133613121/steve-cebuliak Steve] and [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133613018/nick-cebuliak Nick Cebuliak] to the [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/shandro/ Shandro] Museum (south-east of Pakan, and on the south side of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Saskatchewan_River North Saskatchewan River]).  


[[File:Second Temple 2.png]]  '''The second Temple'''


'''Parish hall construction, 1961'''

In 1961, a parish hall was built at a short distance from the Temple in order to provide a place for church dinners, fellowship and meetings. 


[[File:Parish Hall built in 1961 2.png]]  '''The parish hall, 1961'''


'''Sanctification of the second Temple, 1964'''

On 2 August, 1964 the Temple was sanctified by [[Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns) |Bishop Sylvester (Haruns)]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal Montréal], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec Québec].  He was assisted by the Archpriest Ivan Wasel (†1974) and the [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archpriest_Michael_and_Matushka_Tatiana_Andruchow Archpriest Michael Andruchow] (†1975).  

Like other Orthodox Temples in the district, Saint Elias was initially a missionary parish served by the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monk monks] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter priests] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishops_of_the_Russian_Metropolia_in_North_America Russian Orthodox Church in North America] (also known as the “Metropolia”).  It remained so until 1965. 


[[File:St Elias Orthodox Church Pakan AB.jpg]]

==Move to the Moscow Patriarchate Exarchate Diocese, 1965==

For practical reasons, from 1965, the parish came to be served by the clergy of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarchial_Parishes_in_Canada Moscow Patriarchate Parishes] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Russian Orthodox Church] in Canada.  The main reason for the move was the shortage of clergy at that time in the "Metropolia", and Edmonton had a resident Moscow Patriarchate bishop, [https://www.orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Panteleimon_(Rudyk) Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk)].  

In 1979, a monument was placed beside the cemetery to commemorate the 75 years of history since the foundation of the parish by the founding pioneers.  Electricity was able to be installed, and modern heating and maintenance methods became possible.  

==Return to the Archdiocese of Canada, 1993== 

In 1993, along with some other parishes in the area, the parishioners agreed to return from their affiliation with the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Russian_Orthodox_Church_in_Canada Patriarchal Parishes] of the Russian Orthodox Church in Canada, to the [http://archdiocese.ca Archdiocese of Canada] ([https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America]).  Since then, the parish has been served by OCA clergy. 

On 25 March, 1999, the [http://archdiocese.ca/clergy/kolega-archpriest-vasyl Priest Vasyl Kolega] was received from [https://www.britannica.com/place/Ukraine Ukraine] into the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada], and he was assigned to serve the parish of Saint Elias, along with the other associated parishes.  

==The condition of rural parish life by 2000 A.D.==

The Temple of the [https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2019/07/20/102060-holy-glorious-prophet-elijah Holy Prophet Elias] was built at a time when [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/pioneer-life pioneer families] were large and farms were small.  Now, because of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rural_flight rural depopulation] which had been happening since the 1930s, families were small and the farms are several (or many) times larger.   As a consequence, there was a scant rural population.  However, the difficulties caused by a smaller membership have been eased since 1993, because of the formation of 2 “family” groupings of rural parishes for mutual spiritual and practical support (in the best rural fashion).  This  travelling congregation attends the services in other Orthodox Temples besides their own, in a true neighbourly manner.  

The parish of Saint Elias is a small but active church community.  The parishioners are actively involved in assisting the parish priest when he conducts services in the [https://smoky-lake-senior-citizens-clb.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral Smoky Lake Senior Lodge], and in the [https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/facility.aspx?id=1000456 auxiliary hospital].  The parish ladies provide dinners, and lunches after Sunday services and feast-days.  Other volunteers look after the Temple and the parish cemetery.  One on-going project over many years was the development of a prayer-garden. 

'''Visit of archdiocesan assembly delegates, 2001'''

In 2001, at the conclusion of the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/messenger/Com2001-4.12-4.pdf Archdiocesan Assembly Meeting] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], Alberta, buses of representatives and clergy visited [http://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/messenger/Com2001-4.12-4.pdf various historical rural parishes], including the Saint Elias Church at Pakan.  The parishioners warmly greeted their guests.  At each stop, the visitors learnt a considerable amount about the history of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Orthodox Church in Canada].

==Centennial celebration ; re-sanctification, 2002==

On 2 August, 2002, the parish celebrated its 100th Anniversary.  The Temple was re-sanctified with a new Holy Table by [[Archbishop Seraphim (Storheim) |Bishop Seraphim (Storheim)]].  He was assisted by the [[Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) |Archpriest Dennis Pihach]] and the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/kolega-archpriest-vasyl Priest Vasyl Kolega].  

After the vesting before the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, there was a re-sanctification service : the sanctification of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Altar#Altar_table Holy Table], the placing of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Relics Holy Relics], and the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Consecration_of_a_church sanctification] of the whole Temple.

After the Divine Liturgy, a monument in the form of an outdoor altar was placed beside the cemetery to commemorate the parish families.  Here, panikhidas ([https://orthodoxwiki.org/Memorial_Services memorial services]) and other services are offered outdoors.  


[[File:ABSML1276-8872-CanadaGenWeb-Cemetery-Alberta-Smoky LakeS.jpg]] '''Exterior memorial table'''


Afterwards, a dinner was offered to all in the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Memorial_Services Warspite] Community Hall ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_28 Highway #28] between [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake Smoky Lake] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waskatenau Waskateneau]).

==Historical designation, 2002==

In 2002, the [https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=1960 Victoria District National Site of Canada] was established.  This district includes the Saint Elias Orthodox Church and Cemetery.  

The designation recognises the history of the early Indigenous people of the region ;  the work of the Methodist missionaries ; the settlement by the Ukrainian pioneers ; and the contribution each made to the development of the district. 

'''Transfer of Archpriest Vasyl Kolega to Toronto ; arrival of Hieromonk Gerasim (Power) ; 2012'''

In 2012, the Archpriest Vasyl Kolega was released from his responsibilities in this parish, and he was transferred to the [[Toronto ON Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Sobor 1915 |Christ the Saviour Sobor]] parish in [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/toronto/ Toronto], [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ontario/ Ontario].

In 2012, the [http://archdiocese.ca/clergy/power-archimandrite-gerasim Hieromonk Gerasim (Power)] was assigned to serve as the rector of this parish, together with the other associated parishes. 

'''New entrance stairs and ramp, 2013'''

In 2013, the front steps of the Temple were replaced by both a ramp and new stairs, in order to make the building more assessable. 


[[File:Archimandrite Gerasim (Power) 2.png]]  [[File:Pascha 2016 at Saint Elias.jpg]]  '''Archimandrite Gerasim (Power)'''


 [[File:Pascha-pakan-9.jpg]] '''Pascha 2016'''

==Archpastoral visit by Bishop Irénée (Rochon) to part of the Alberta Deanery, 2014==

From 7-10 June, 2014, [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Ir%C3%A9n%C3%A9e_(Rochon) Bishop Irénée (Rochon)] [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/visit-his-grace-bishop-irenee-deanery-alberta  made an archpastoral visitation] to the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/communities?field_deanery_tid_i18n=5&field_community_type_value_i18n=All&title= Alberta Deanery] of the Archdiocese of Canada (including the Saint Elias parish at Pakan).  

On 7 June, 2014, on the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Pentecost Feast of Pentecost], Vladyka Irénée presided at the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/All-Night_Vigil Vigil] service for Pentecost at [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Edmonton_AB_Saint_Herman_of_Alaska_Orthodox_Sobor_1977 Saint Herman of Alaska's Sobor] in Edmonton. 

Serving together with Bishop Irénée at the vigil were were [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/eriksson-mitred-archpriest-phillip Archpriest Phillip Eriksson] (Dean of Alberta) ; [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archimandrite_Alexander_(Pihach) Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach)] (OCA Representative to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Patriarch of Russia]) ; [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archimandrite_Philip_(Speranza) Archimandrite Philip (Speranza)] (Rector of [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Edmonton_AB_Holy_Trinity_Canadian_Orthodox_Church_1955 Holy Trinity Church] in Edmonton) ; [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/power-archimandrite-gerasim Igumen Gerasim (Power)] (Rector of [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/st-elias-church-pakan-ab Saint Elias Church] at Pakan) ; [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/lehr-archpriest-vincent-brian Priest Vincent Lehr] (Priest-in-Charge of [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Edmonton_AB_Saint_Herman_of_Alaska_Orthodox_Sobor_1977 Saint Herman of Alaska's Sobor]) ; [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/friesen-archpriest-daniel-glen Priest Daniel Friesen] (Priest-in-Charge of [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Dickie_Bush_AB_Saints_Peter_and_Paul_Russo_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1906,_1909 Saints Peter and Paul Church] at Dickie Bush), along with other local and guest clergy from around the deanery. 


[[File:At Saint Herman;s Sobor 2.png]]  '''At Saint Herman of Alaska's Sobor'''


At this time, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) presented several clerics with the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Clergy_awards#For_the_priesthood Paschal awards] of that year. Priest Vincent Lehr was awarded the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Clergy_awards#For_the_priesthood Gold Cross] ; [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/schaplowsky-archpriest-michael Priest Michael Schaplowsky] was awarded the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Kamilavka Purple Kamilavka].  


[[File:Awarding the Gold Crpss 2.png]]  '''Awarding the Gold Cross'''


On 8 June, the Feast of Pentecost, Vladyka Irénée presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Edmonton_AB_Holy_Trinity_Canadian_Orthodox_Church_1955 Holy Trinity Church] in Edmonton.  

On 9 June, Holy Spirit Day, Vladyka Irénée presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Dickie_Bush_AB_Saints_Peter_and_Paul_Russo_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1906,_1909 Saints Peter and Paul Church] at Dickie Bush.  Serving together with him were Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) ; Archimandrite Philip (Speranza) ; Archimandrite Gerasim (Power) ; Archpriest Phillip Eriksson ; Priest Daniel Friesen ; [http://www.orthodox-canada.com/ru/parishes/orthodox-v/priest/ Priest Alexy (Surayev)] ; [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/isaac-protodeacon-jesse Protodeacon Jesse Isaac] ; Subdeacon Andrey Boldireff ; Reader Tymofiy Hawrysh.  During the Divine Liturgy, the Priest Daniel Friesen was awarded the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Kamilavka Purple Kamilavka]. 


[[File:Dickiebush 9jun 4 2.png]]  [[File:Dickiebush 9jun 2.png]]  

'''At Saints Peter and Paul, Dickie Bush''' (left) '''; awarding the kamilavka''' (right)


On 10 June, Vladyka Irénée presided at a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Molieben Moleben] and [http://www.archbishop-of-ottawa.org/content/litiya-trisagion-dead Memorial Litiya] at Saint Elias' Temple at [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/st-elias-church-pakan-ab Pakan].  Following these services, there was a reception in the parish hall. 


[[File:Visit of Bishop Irenee to Pakan 2014 2.png]]  '''At Saint Elias, Pakan'''


'''Other activities'''

In 2015, with a generous donation, a well was dug beside the parish hall.  This enabled the development of modern washrooms in the hall.  Moreover, with a source of water, parishioners could now plant flowers to beautify the church-yard, and complete the prayer-garden. 

'''Improvements to the parish hall, 2020'''

In 2020, thanks to a generous donation, the parish hall was improved with new doors and windows, and a spacious verandah was added to accommodate larger gatherings in the summer months.


[[File:Renovated Parish Hall in Winter 2.png]]  '''Renovated parish hall, facilities and extensions'''

'''Return of the original bell-house, 2021'''

By 2021, the Shandro Village Museum had been disbanded.  As a consequence, ownership of the original bell-house of the parish reverted to the parish which had donated it.  

In November, 2021, the bell-house, built in 1906, was moved back to the Saint Elias church-yard.  It was then restored over a period of 2 years. 


[[File:Bell tower and church Jan 2022 2.png]]  '''The Temple and the Bell-house'''


[[File:Interior of St. Elias Church 2021 2.png]]  '''Interior of the Temple, 2021'''


'''Transfer of Archimandrite Gerasim (Power), 2022'''

In 2022, after having served this parish (and the others in the parish grouping) for 10 years, Archimandrite Gerasim (Power) was transferred to Saskatchewan, where he was assigned to serve as the rector at [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Moose_Jaw_SK_Holy_Trinity_Orthodox_Church_1913 Holy Trinity Church, Moose Jaw].

==Saint Elias Prayer-Garden==

The development of the Saint Elias Prayer-Garden was essentially completed in 2022, after many years of steady work by a few volunteer parishioners.  Enhancement of the completed garden continues.  

The garden is located in a grove of trees in the church-yard, where there are several walking paths, with 8 places to stop and sit.  At each place there is an icon and individual parishioners have volunteered to enhance each site with plants, flowers, and benches, and other items.  The goal of the garden was to provide a place to visit, to pray, and to enjoy a time for peace and quiet reflection.

As part of the garden, there is a large memorial rock around which are placed small decorated rocks with the names of parish family members.  They commemorate early founding families as well as the current parishioners.  People have also donated trees, shrubs, perennials and flowers to beautify the garden.  

Such a garden reflects to some extent the aims and objectives of an international "[https://quietgarden.org/ Quiet Garden Movement]", although it is not a formal participant.  

==Saint Elias Cemetery, 1902==

In 2023, there are approximately 343 known graves in the [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2540353/saint-elias-russo-greek-orthodox-cemetery parish cemetery].  The first burial was that of a 17-year-old youth, Elia Kozma (son of Gora and Anna Kozma).  Government records indicated that a large number of burials at Saint Elias Cemetery no longer have markers.  Many of these were of children who died during the "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1918_flu_pandemic Spanish Influenza]" in 1918-1919.  Many wooden Crosses, grave-markers, were destroyed by a grass fire of unknown cause at an unknown date.  


[[File:Memorial to pioneers 2.png]]  '''Memorial to pioneers'''


'''Efforts to commemorate those interred in unmarked graves'''

In 1983, the parishioners placed concrete plaques on the grave-mounds which were inscribed “Rest in Peace” in order to commemorate the unknown persons resting there.  Later, the concrete plaques were replaced by small, white, metal Crosses, so that flowers could be placed on them, to commemorate the unknown persons.  In addition, the parish researched the Alberta Provincial Archives in order to create a list of names of those who were buried in the cemetery, but who lacked a grave-marker.  


[[File:Monument to 1918 spanish Flu victims 2.png]]  [[File:1918 Flu victims monument placque 2.png]]  


'''New monument to those who reposed at the time of the 1918-1922 Spanish 'Flu epidemic'''

[[File:Monument Cross donated by M. Brusonowskis initialy placed in front of old church 2021 2.png]]  '''Monument Cross donated by M. Brusonowskis (initially placed in front of First Temple 2021'''


'''Annual post-Pascha memorial services'''

There is an annual service of “provode” when [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Memorial_Services memorial prayers] are offered on all the graves in the cemetery.  The traditional date is on Tuesday of the Second Week of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Pascha Pascha] (after Thomas Sunday, and called "[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Radonitsa Radonitsa]"), but prairie weather frequently delays this service until later in the Paschal season.  

Family roots help to maintain personal and spiritual ties between the present parishioners and other parishioners who live in other parts of [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alberta Alberta] and [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/british-columbia British Columbia].

Much of the information regarding the history is derived from articles written by [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133613121/steve-cebuliak Steve Cebuliak] (1921-2002) for several historical books.  


[[File:Temple and cemetery 2.png]]  [[File:Temple ane cemetery A 2.png]]  

'''Saint Elias cemetery and Temple'''


The priests who have regularly served this parish include :
  Hieromonk Visarion (Shestakov) 	1906-1911
  Priest Anoneill 			1911-1912
  Hieromonk Irodion Marshalkovich 	1912-1913
  Priest Ivan Puchalsky 			1913-1918
  Priest Esaff 				1918
  Priest Gregory Soroka 			1919-1921
  Priest Ivan Chrustawka 		1921-1926
  [[Mitred Archpriest Andrew A and Matushka Maria Kokolsky |Priest Andrew Kokolsky]] 		1926-1931
  Priest Wasyl Woytowich 		1931-1936
  Priest Mijaylo Cependa 		1937-1949
  Mitred Archpriest Ivan Wasil 		1949-1965
  Priest Vitaly Bahanovich 		1965-1966
  Mitred Archpriest Eugene Bartshewsky 	1966-1967
  Priest Dimitry Sagan 			1967-1968
  Mitred Archpriest Boris Grigory 	1968-1969
  Mitred Archpriest John Borcha 		1970-1976
  Priest Peter Kostiuk 			1977-1979
  Priest Arseniy Melnyk 			1979-1984
  Priest Elia Antoniuk 			1984-1986
  Priest Pavel Kramerenko 		1986-1987
  Priest John Voronko 			1987-1989
  Mitred Archpriest Dimitri Sadoviak 	1989-1993
  [http://archdiocese.ca/clergy/speranza-archimandrite-philip Priest Philip Speranza] 		1993-1997
  Priest Nicholas Kondratyev 		1997-1998
  [http://archdiocese.ca/clergy/kolega-archpriest-vasyl Priest Wasyl Kolega] 			1999-2012
  [http://archdiocese.ca/clergy/power-archimandrite-gerasim Archimandrite Gerasim (Power)] 	2012-2021 
  Priest Vitalie Manoly 			2021-____ 

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Cantor  Cantors] in the parish have been :
  Rose Davidowich ; Lester Eldridge ; Ivan Ference , Harry Lesiniuk ; Marko Lotosky ; John Shandro ; 
  Vasyl Teslyk ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190734590/michael-yaroslawsky Michaylo Yaroslowsky].

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Acolyte Altar-servers] have been :
  Andrey Gidek (1906-1943) ; Jim Goryniuk (1943-1947) ; Simeon Koshalek (1947-1956) ; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/172084151/bill-goryniuk Bill Goryniuk] (1956-2010). 


[[File:Screenshot 2023-02-06 at 11-25-21 Church and cemetery Pakan Alberta near Smoky Lake 3.png]]  

'''Saint Elias Cemetery, with the Temple of Saint Elias'''


[[File:Pakan Church and Cemetary 2019 2.png]]

==Particular parish information==

This parish is a part of the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/communities?field_deanery_tid_i18n=5&field_community_type_value_i18n=All&title= Deanery of Alberta & Northwest Territories] of the [https://www.archdiocese.ca Archdiocese of Canada], of [https://oca.org The Orthodox Church in America].  The dean is [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/lehr-archpriest-vincent-brian Archpriest Vincent Lehr].  The bishop is [[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]].  

This parish follows the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_calendar Old (Julian) Calendar].

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

Services are in English, and they are scheduled about once per month.

In 2025, the parish is served by [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/manoli-archpriest-vitalie Archpriest Vitalie Manoli].


Address :

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/st-elias-church-pakan-ab Saint Elias Russo Orthodox Church]

Land description site SE1-58-17-W4 

17153, Township Road #584

Pakan, Alberta

T0A 3C0


Directions :

Saint Elias Church is located south of the town of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_Lake Smoky Lake, Alberta], and 115 km (72 mi) northeast of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton].  

From Edmonton : 

Follow [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_16 Highway #16 (Yellowhead)] east to [https://cartographic.info/ca_street/map.php?p=ab&id=13409 Highway #830] North (before reaching [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elk_Island_National_Park Elk Island Park]).  Turn left (north) and drive to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_45 Highway #45] East.  Drive on AB-45 East to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_855 Highway #855] North.  Turn left, and drive on Highway #855 to [https://ca.geoview.info/township_road_584,32331496w North Bank Road, Township Road #584].  Turn right, and drive 3 km (2 mi) eastwards on Township Road #584.  The Temple is on the right.
 

From Smoky Lake :

Drive 8 km (5 mi) south on Highway #855 to North Bank Road, Township Road #584.  Turn left, and drive 3 km (2 mi) eastwards on Township Road #584.  There is a sign on the right (south) side of the road. 

From the south :

Drive north on Highway #855 to North Bank Road, Township Road #584.  Turn right, and drive 3 km (2 mi) eastwards on Township Road #584.  There is a sign on the right (south) side of the road. 


Mailing address :

Saint Elias Russo Orthodox Church

c/o Mrs. S Chinery

11142-63 Street

Edmonton, Alberta 

T5W 4E4




[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/lehr-archpriest-vincent-brian Archpriest Vincent Lehr] (Dean) 

E-mail : frvincent@sthermans.ca


[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/manoli-archpriest-vitalie Archpriest Vitalie Manoli] 

640, Allard Blvd SW

Edmonton, AB

T6W 2G3

E-mail : vitalie.manoli@gmail.com



[[File:Parish welcome sign 2.png]]  [[File:Large Parish sign 2.png]]

'''Parish welcome sign''' (left) '''; Large parish sign''' (right) 


[[File:Church Sign 2.png]]  '''The sign in winter'''


[[File:Saint Elias Pakan 2.png]]  '''Saint Elias Temple and Cemetery''' (photo by www.aerialphoto.ru) 


[[File:Saint Elias Pakan interior b.png]]  '''Saint Elias Temple interior''' (photo by www.aerialphoto.ru) 


[[File:Saint Elias Church Pakan interior 2.png]]

==References==

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/res/publications/TheOrthodoxChurchInCanadaChronology1980-1988.pdf Archdiocese of Canada – Orthodox Church in America, “The Orthodox Church in Canada : A Chronology” (Ottawa : Archdiocese of Canada, 1988).]

“Our Legacy : History of Smoky Lake and Area” (Smoky Lake, AB : Smoky Lake and District Cultural and Heritage Society, 2002). ASIN : B00442HI6O

"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, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1000th_anniversary_of_the_Christianization_of_Rus' Millennium] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Baptism_of_Rus%27 Baptism of Rus’]” (Edmonton : Russian Orthodox Church History Book Committee, 1988). ISBN : 0-88925-830-9. 

“[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America The Russian Mission in North America]”  

Saint Elias Orthodox Church Pakan, “Welcome to the 100th Anniversary of Saint Elias Orthodox Church Pakan 1902, 2002” (Pakan : Saint Elias Orthodox Church, 2002).  Centennial anniversary booklet.  

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., “[https://archive.org/details/orthodoxamerica10000unse 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.   

[https://oca.org/parishes/oca-ca-paksec Original article] 


'''Additional information :'''

[https://orthodox-world.org/en/i/23609/Canada/Alberta/Pakan/Church/Saint-Prophet-Elias-Orthodox-Church Orthodox World listing]  

[http://www.archdiocese.ca/community/st-elias-church-pakan-ab Archdiocese listing]

[https://www.archdiocese.ca Archdiocese of Canada web-site] 

[https://www.oca.org/ The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) web-site]  

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

[http://www.orthodox-canada.com/ Moscow Patriarchate Parishes in Canada website]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarchial_Parishes_in_Canada Wikipedia article about the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saint_Tikhon_(Belavin) Saint Tikhon (Belavin)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Platon_(Rozhdestvensky) Metropolitan Platon (Rozhdestvensky)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Theophilus_(Pashkovsky) Metropolitan Theophilus (Pashkovsky)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Leonty_(Turkevich) Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich)]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ireney_(Bekish) Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish)]  

[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_(Saint)_Arseny_(Chahovtsov) Archbishop (Saint) Arseny (Chahovtsov)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Adam_(Philipovsky) Archbishop Adam (Philipovsky)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Joasaph_(Skorodumov) Archbishop Joasaph (Skorodumov)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Nikon_(de_Gr%C3%A8ve) Archbishop Nikon (de Grève)]  

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

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Panteleimon_(Rudyk) Archbishop Panteleimon (Rudyk)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Makary_(Svistun) Archbishop Makariy (Svistun)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Job_(Tyvoniuk) Bishop Job (Tyvoniuk)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ireney_(Seredniy) Bishop Ireney (Seredniy)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Kliment_(Kapalin) Bishop Kliment (Kapalin)]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Nikolai_(Shkrumko) Bishop Nikolai (Shkrumko)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Paul_(Ponomarev) Bishop Paul (Ponomarev)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Mark_(Petrovtsiy) Archbishop Mark (Petrovtsiy)]  

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

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archpriest_Michael_and_Matushka_Tatiana_Andruchow Archpriest Michael Andruchow]  

[http://www.gigapan.com/gigapans/112085 Photo of the Temple and cemetery]

[https://www.google.ca/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x53a0e10e1a394321:0x4a6c371ae099b5b0!2m22!2m2!1i80!2i80!3m1!2i20!16m16!1b1!2m2!1m1!1e1!2m2!1m1!1e3!2m2!1m1!1e5!2m2!1m1!1e4!2m2!1m1!1e6!3m1!7e115!4shttps://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipOyjBKzVjo8vwYkcDO7Fc8Xfx8qHNH27Ms9mqWa%3Dw284-h160-k-no!5sSt+Elias+orthodox+church+pakan+ab+-+Google+Search&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipOyjBKzVjo8vwYkcDO7Fc8Xfx8qHNH27Ms9mqWa&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwip0cWTrZDbAhWj5IMKHXhiD9cQoioIbDAK Photos of Saint Elias Church and Cemetery]

[http://www.prairiesouls.com/Pakan,%20AB%20-%20St%20Elias%20Cemetery/Mycemetery--St-Elias-Cemetery-cem-index.htm Prairiesouls Cemetery names]

[https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2540353/saint-elias-russo-greek-orthodox-cemetery Findagrave reference for Saint Elias Russo Greek Orthodox Cemetery]

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/List_of_parishes_in_Alberta_(Canada) Orthodoxwiki list of parishes in Alberta]

[http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/orthodox-church/ Canadian Encyclopedia article about the Orthodox Church]

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodoxwiki article about Orthodox Christianity]  

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/visit-his-grace-bishop-irenee-deanery-alberta Visit of Bishop Irénée to the Alberta Deanery] (7-10 June, 2014)  

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/pascha-st-elias-parish-pakan-alberta “Pascha at Saint Elias parish, Pakan, Alberta”] (1 May, 2016) 
 
[http://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/messenger/Com2001-4.12-4.pdf ‘Assembly pilgrims visit heritage churches’ in “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” (Autumn, 2001)], pp. 7-8. 






[[Category:Parish Communities]] [[Category:Alberta & Northwest Territories]]  [[Category:RusM]] [[Category:ROGCCNA]]  [[Category:ADOCA]] [[Category:MP]] [[Category:OCA]]