The origins of this Skaro congregation can be traced back to 1897–1898, making it one of the first Russo-Greek Orthodox parishes in Canada. The initial government grant of forty acres of land was subdivided into two twenty-acre parcels, one for Ukrainian Catholics, the other for Orthodox believers.
The first log church was constructed by the latter under the direction of two of the very first pioneers, Ivan Sachman and Wasyl Lopushinsky. It subsequently was consecrated in honour of the Protection of the Mother of God. This modest structure served the Skaro Orthodox community until 1920. Then it was dismantled and had its logs sawn into lumber for a new church, which was built in the same year.
The second church was formally blessed during a 1927 episcopal visitation and was sanctified in the name of the Holy Ascension. In 1942 the parish purchased a large church bell, which was installed in a 20-foot high tower built of local fieldstones.
A tripartite structure with a large central dome and two small cupolas over the nave and sanctuary, the church is beautifully decorated inside in traditional Byzantine style. The interior boasts a breathtaking four-tiered iconostasis painted a sky-blue colour, with a framed icon to the right depicting the Ascension. This was commissioned in 1947 from the artist Peter Lipinski, a famous church painter from Edmonton.
The church is lit by an impressive chandelier suspended from the central dome, creating an inspiring setting for services that have long featured the beautiful singing of the celebrated congregational choir.
See HERE for more information and detailed history of this parish.
See HERE for more information on Peter Lipinski.
Play Memory Eternal Chants
GPS Co-ordinates: 53.896885, -112.828522
Affiliation: Patriarchial Parishes of Russian Orthodox Church in Canada
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