Birchdale-Kaslo BC Saint John in the Wilderness Orthodox Sanctuary 2007

Birchdale-Kaslo, British Columbia, Saint John in the Wilderness Orthodox Sanctuary, 2007

Community history and description

Although Father Nilos Nellis and his wife Sheila had moved to Birchdale, British Columbia, Canada, some years earlier, it became possible in 2007 to establish what had been hoped for and prayed for during many years. This was the possibility to offer a place of retreat to those who wished to spend some time in solitude and silence. Because of its isolated location, the site at Birchdale provided such a place.

Girded on all sides by the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy (the only fully intact eco-system in Southeastern British Columiba), the natural land is mesmerising in its pristine, untouched landscape.

After having moved to this solitary site (with the help of various people who volunteered their time, talent, labour and energy), the structures were modified in order to be able to receive retreatants and to provide a place of worship.

With the blessing of Bishop Irénée (Rochon), the community was formally established, and it began to receive people.

Saint John in the Wilderness Orthodox Christian Sanctuary is located at Birchdale, a mountain community north east of Kaslo and Nelson in the Kootenay region of British Columbia. The community is on the eastern side of the Kootenay Lake, and it is accessible only by boat. It is possible to arrive at the refuge only by making prior arrangements.

Parishioners

Community focus

The intention of this community is to build and to sustain a living sanctuary, an altar in the wilderness for the spiritual life. There is a traditional Orthodox "Byzantine" Chapel under construction, which is being built from stone at the centre of an Orthodox Mission community.

Rooted in liturgical prayer, we learn the virtue of simple and humble living, striving to provide an example of humanity that is suffused with the desire to live in and for the love of God ; that lives in communion with creation ; that expresses love for one other.

Aside from monasteries and sketes, there has not been a centre offering the space for young people and families to develop the depth and mystery of the Orthodox Tradition. We lack places of spiritual formation, where young people can discuss spiritual ideas and be guided within a holistic Orthodox Christian context.

Saint John in the Wilderness Sanctuary aspires to be just such a place.

Handcrafts such as wooden boat-building can help students integrate prayer life with embodied work and accomplishment.

Permaculture gardening and living away from the electrical grid can strengthen our experience of God’s faithful provision.

Changing how we inhabit the earth will require a deeper and intensified spiritual life that is shared in common with others.

We need a supported learning environment to engage rightly the wisdom texts and witnesses of a living Orthodox Tradition.

Path to the Sanctuary from the lake

Preparing for an outdoor service

Ready for an outdoor service

Archpastoral visitation, 2017

On 16 December, 2017, Vladyka Irénée (Rochon) visited the Saint John in the Wilderness Orthodox Sanctuary in Birchdale, British Columbia. This visit involved crossing the lake by boat on a rather cold day, and there was snow on the ground. The following photos depict Father Nilos, Matushka Sheila, Vladyka Irénée, Deacon Nicolas Svetlovsky, Mark Petasky, Anna Miller, and Jeremy Eisenhauer with son Henry.

Crossing Kootenay Lake

Ascending the path

Arriving at the Sanctuary

The Sanctuary House

Vladyka Irénée in the chapel

Visitors indoors

Visitors outdoors

As the community became known in the region, interest began to be expressed about the Orthodox Christian Faith at the City of Nelson, which is situated 54 km (34 mi) southwest of Kaslo, on the west arm of Kootenay Lake.