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The Temple of Saints Peter and Paul is situated on the far north bank of the North Saskatchewan River, not very far from Smoky Lake. Built by Bucovinian immigrants, this Temple has served a large flock of believers, including those of smaller nearby farm-site Temples. The community first organised itself in 1906, and then prepared to build a suitable Temple for worship.

The construction itself took several years. The whole project was led by Stephan Rosychuk, who was hired to lead the work. Mr. Rosychuk had earlier led in the building of the Temple of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Saint Mary's) in Shandro, on the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. Although he was illiterate, he was nevertheless able to make plans for this and other Temples based on his recollection of architecture in his homeland.

Constructed from logs, it is one of the region's first cruciform Temples. Siding was first applied in 1915. It is also one of the first to have a completely open dome on an open drum. As well, the dome was not a cautious, small-scale experiment. The ceiling extends to a full 20 metres above the floor-level. There are other distinctive features. As with the Temple of the Dormition in Shandro, the belfry is positioned on top of the narthex, and it forms an integral part of the structure. Unlike most other cruciform Temples, the arms of the Cross (the north and south wings) are apsidal rather than rectangular in shape. This shape emphasises the height of the building; however, in Romania, this shape is not uncommon. It is in these 2 north-and-south apses that the choir might normally stand and sing.

As were other communities, this one was registered under the incorporation of the Orthodox Bishop in the Statutes of the North-West Territories. The incorporation of the bishop-and-parishes had been accomplished in 1903 by Bishop Tikhon (Belavin). Thus, the beginning of the history of this parish was within the “Russian Mission”. This was the popular name for what was at that time called the Diocese of the Aleutians and North America. It was Saint Tikhon who began using the term “Russo-Greek Orthodox” to describe the majority of Canadian parishes under his omophor.

The Temple building itself was constructed from logs, without blueprints, and by local farmers. It is a recognized, historical site nowadays, and it can be seen from a great distance, because of its position on the elevated bank.

Historically, this community has been a central focus for other farm communities nearby (such as Holy Ascension, Wasel), and some monastic communities were long ago established on and near the present Temple site.

In 1924, the Priest Nicholas Lewko painted the interior and the exterior of the Temple. Since then, the congregation has maintained the appearance faithfully. The 2-tiered iconostas is itself a demonstration of the love and care taken by the faithful parishioners in adorning the worship of the Lord. As with other Temples, there are no pews. There are, however, benches along the sides for the elderly and others who may need them.

In more recent years, a parish hall was constructed to the north of the Temple.

The Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery is located on Township Road #584 and Highway #587, Bellis, Alberta. In fact, the cemetery is on a portion of the property which is just to the northwest of the Temple.

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GPS Co-ordinates: 54.042953, -112.134379
Cemetery Co-ordinates: 54.043847, -112.135773
Affiliation: Orthodox Church in America

Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church – Dickie Bush, AB

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S imeon Menzak was one of the founding members of the parish of Saint Nicholas in Desjarlais. Simeon came to Canada from Ukraine with his wife and daughters in 1908, and he settled in this region. Shortly after their arrival, one of the young daughters died. She was buried on a plot of land that would eventually become the Desjarlais Cemetery. Simeon was strongly concerned that a Temple be built there.

Although there were other established Temples in the area (Shandro, Old Wostok, Boian), the Desjarlais community felt the need for their own Temple nearby. Besides, “in the area” at that time nevertheless a meant a long journey by horse. The first meeting was held on 1 March, 1917, which resulted in the foundation of the parish community.

Soon afterwards, in the spring of 1917, construction began. Stephen Gudzowaty was contracted to build the Temple. The Greek domes style of architecture was chosen. The parishioners cut, squared and hauled logs with teams of horses. With teams of horses and wagons, rocks were brought in to the site for making the foundation. The ladies of the community spun yarn and they embroidered cloths and they wove tapestries to adorn the interior of the Temple.

In early 1918, the construction of the Temple was completed. Then, on the spring Feast-day of Saint Nicholas, on 22 May, 1918, Father Gregory Soroka sanctified the Temple. The parish was incorporated on 10 December, 1918, as : “St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Desjarlais”. It was on 31 July, 1919, that the parish received the title to the 40 acres of land at the land description site NE 1/4 9-57-14-W4. It was registered under : “An Ordinance Respecting the Holding of Lands in Trust for Religious Societies and Congregations”.

n 1975, the Archpriest Michael Andruchow suddenly fell asleep in the Lord. Because the Archdiocese of Canada suffered from a shortage of available priests at that time, and because the Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate had available priests who were brought from the Soviet Union to serve, the parishioners accepted services from this administration from 1975 until 1984. It was by 1984 that Archpriest Stephen Keaschuk in Edmonton was available to care for several rural parishes by driving from the city. After that, the Archdiocese of Canada (OCA) was able to provide the necessary clergy.

In 1980, the Temple was designated as a “Local Historical Site” by the Alberta Government’s Department of Culture and the County of Two Hills. Grants were received in order to repair the Temple and to restore it to its original condition.

Go HERE for more information and history of this parish.

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GPS Co-ordinates: 53.914042,-112.033236
Cemetery Co-ordinates: 53.912970, -112.031530
Affiliation: Orthodox Church in America

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church – Desjarlais, AB

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The construction of the church was begun in the spring 1919. Everybody of the Russo Greek Orthodox Faith helped by donating money, lumber, nails, and especially labor. The men of the parish built tables, benches, etc., while the ladies prepared food, embroidered altar cloths and wove bench covers and rugs. The head carpenter was Gora Purich and Martin Yasinsky. Their workmanship stands today as a church and historical landmark at Chahor, Alberta. The name Chahor is now used in memory of the village in Chernivtsi, Ukraine.

The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated on July 12, 1920, the Patron Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul. The church was used for 10 years, until 1930, before the finishing works were completed.

Around 1945, a combination bell-house and parish hall was built.

The church cemetery is on the same four acres of land as the church.

Today parish life continues. The Holy Divine Liturgy is celebrated four-five times a year. Devoted members of the church always come here to pray to God and to thank Him for His blessings.

Go HERE for more information and history of this parish.

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GPS Co-ordinates: 54.179690, -112.626897
Affiliation: Orthodox Church in America

Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church – Chahor, AB

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The Ukrainian pioneers who settled the area, which eventually became the village of Wostok, began construction of their church in 1900. They erected a simple log structure with a small central dome adorning the peak of its shingled roof. In the early years the Bukowina faithful were served by priests from the Russian Orthodox Mission at Sachava.

Although priests with the newly formed Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada held a mission at St. Nicholas in July 1920, the congregation remained loyal to the Russian Orthodox Church. Part of the Orthodox Church in America since 1970, St. Nicholas has the honour of being the oldest original church in Lamont County.

Go HERE for more information and history of this parish.