Calgary AB All Saints Russian Orthodox Church 1930
Calgary, Alberta, Russian Orthodox Church of All Saints, 1930
Formation of the parish, 1930
The parish of All Saints in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, was founded in 1930.
At that time, this community was part of the Diocese of Canada of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America, under the omophor of Bishop Arseny (Chahovtsov).
Its first pastor was the Priest Michael Danilchuk.
However, in the same year, the pastoral responsibility was passed on to Hieromonk Theolog (Bezkorovainy), who was assigned to serve the parish. According to the records of births, Father Theolog served the first sacrament of Holy Baptism on 12 October, 1930.
Construction of the First Temple, 1934
Initially, services were offered in a Protestant church. However, the arrival in 1932 from Yugoslavia of Bishop Joasaph (Skorodumov) (who was given archpastoral responsibility in the region) provided a stimulus to proceed quickly with the establishing a permanent and dedicated place of worship for the small community. Soon, construction began on the Temple at the site which had been donated to the parish family.
By 1934, the Temple was completed ; and on 21 October, 1934, it was sanctified by Vladyka Joasaph.
The period from 1932 to 1937 (the length of the sojourn of Vladyka Joasaph in Calgary) can be considered to be the beginning of the height of parish life. The regular spiritual activities of the parish were properly established. This foundation was supplemented by cultural and educational activities. Lectures, reports and interviews were arranged, and a library was organised, which contained many books, even including some pre-revolutionary publications.
During this period and for many years afterwards, Father Theolog continued on as shepherd of the parish.
As a consequence of the reconciliation of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America (ROGCCNA) with the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) in November, 1935, there was soon a change in the diocesan organisation.
On 29 May, 1936, by the decision of the unified Holy Synod of Bishops in North America, Canada was divided into the West Canadian Diocese (British Columbia and the Prairie Provinces], and the East Canadian Diocese (Ontario and Québec). Bishop Joasaph was assigned to serve in Western Canada, and Bishop Jeronim (Chernov) was assigned to serve in Eastern Canada. However, it was also decided that the city of Edmonton became the diocesan centre, and that occasioned the move of Vladyka Joasaph northwards to that city.
Post-war growth
After World War II, and the arrival of a new wave of refugees, the Temple proved to be too small. Therefore, in 1953, under the guidance of the rector, Archimandrite Aggay (Mazur-Shymko), the Temple was greatly expanded, and a bell-house was built while he was there.
About Archimandrite Aggay (Haggai) (Mazur)
Archimandrite Aggay (Mazur-Shymko) was a significant personality himself. In 1928, he had arrived from Yugoslavia to Canada. He arrived after Bishop Arseny (Chahovtsov) who had arrived from there 2 years earlier, and he then went to live and serve at Sifton, Manitoba, at the monastery which Vladyka Arseny had established there : Holy Ascension Monastery. As a hieromonk, Father Aggay (Aggei, Haggai) served in this monastery until 1940, when he was sent to Vancouver, British Columbia. There, he served Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church until after the 1946 division between the "Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America" (ROGCCNA) and the "Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia" (ROCOR). In 1948, he moved into the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, and he became the rector of All Saints' parish in Calgary, Alberta, in 1950.
In about 1954, Archimandrite Aggay was assigned to be the rector of the Holy Dormition parish in Lethbridge, Alberta.
Then, Igumen Seraphim (Popov) was assigned to be the rector of All Saints, and he remained until the end of 1956.
From the beginning of 1957 until 1980, the Archpriest Vasily Olshansky was the rector. This period, especially the first half, may be defined as a period of prosperity and cultural life of the Russian Church in the city of Calgary.
New construction, Second Temple, 1959
The number of parishioners increased so much that the Temple again could not accommodate the worshippers. In June, 1959, a special meeting of the parish was organised. At this meeting, there was a choice of 2 important decisions : either to rebuild and expand the old Temple substantially, or to construct a new Temple. Most of those present were inclined to accept the first offer, since the parish did not have sufficient funds for a new building. However, according to an eyewitness, before the final resolution of the meeting, some little-known person promised to donate personally $5,000.00 if the meeting decided in favour of the construction of a new Temple. It is said that this man did not fulfil his promise, and he did not appear. Nevertheless, his proposal served as the impetus for the meeting to vote in favour of the new construction. The construction and finance committee was elected, and in half a year, all the necessary preparatory work was completed.
Sanctification of the Second Temple, 1962
The project was approved, and on the Feast of the Protection of the Theotokos in 1961, Bishop Sava (Saraсeviс) solemnly served the rite of founding the Temple. Through the self-sacrificing co-operation of the parishioners and well-wishers, the construction took place without the slightest delay. Therefore, on 10/23 December, 1962, Vladyka Sava offered the service of the small sanctification, and the first Divine Liturgy was served in the newly-constructed Temple. It is emphasised that the parishioners, who worked on the construction of a new church, did it after work until late at night, and during the holidays by donating their free time to serve God and His Church.
Along with the spiritual life of the parish, the cultural and educational activities of the community were “in full swing”. A choir was organised, which sang beautifully, and which gave several concerts on the local radio. The Circle Theatre staged many plays by famous Russian playwrights. The library, which had been organised by Bishop Joasaph and subsequently augmented by other donors, functioned very well. In the lower hall there met a Saturday school for children who wanted to learn the Russian language, history, geography, and Russian literature. A children's “yolka” (Christmas tree) was organised, and also an evening social on a similar theme for adults. All this was accomplished, thanks to the zeal and sacrifice by a group of parishioners who devoted many hours of their time to these social activities.
Russian School of Saint Cyril and Methodius
In the parish of All Saints is the Russian School of Saints Cyril and Methodius (the teachers of the Slavs).
The training programme of the school includes not only the basic discipline of the Russian language and Russian literature, but also additional optional courses in mathematics and European languages : German and French (Teacher, Irina Robertovna), and English for newcomers (Teacher, Oksana Vladimirovna).
Classes are held in 2 parallel groups during week-day evenings, and the classes of Irina Robertovna are still functioning on Saturday. On a Saturday at the beginning of September, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., everyone can visit the “Open Day” and register a child in the school. Training sessions begin in September. More detailed information is available from the teachers.
Although September is the official beginning, children are admitted all year round. Students both old and new, young and old are welcome.
For answers to any questions, speak with Oksana Vladimirovna, telephone : (403) 289-3780 or Irina Robertovna, telephone : (403) 453-1953.
Sisterhood of the Protection of the Theotokos, 1930
From the founding of the parish in 1930, the Sisterhood of the Protection of the Theotokos has been present and active in the life of the community. The main aims of the sisterhood have been social service, works of mercy and charitable activity. At this time, the main activities of the sisters consists of charitable activities of various sorts, supporting the cleanliness of the Temple, and preparation of weekly Sunday dinners following the serving of the Divine Liturgy.
Brotherhood of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco, 2018
With the blessing of Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) of Montréal and Canada, the brotherhood of Saint John Shanghai and San Francisco was formed in the parish in 2018. The fundamental purposes of the brotherhood are to attract parishioners to participate in various concerns and works that both maintain the Temple in proper condition, and also to organise works of charity, mercy, religious and moral education and education in general. The main work of the fraternity is to carry out repair work on the territory of the Temple, to assist the sisterhood in cleaning the temple and to help prepare weekly Sunday dinners.
Iconostas of All Saints' Temple, Calgary
Interior of All Saints' Temple, 2023
The parish rectors :
1930 Priest Mikhail Danil’chuk 1930-1953 Hieromonk Theolog (Bezkorovainy) 1953-1956 Archimandrite Аggay (Mazur-Shymko) 1956-1957 Igumen Seraphim (Popov) 1957-1980 Priest Vasily Ol’shanskiy 1980-1984 Priest Boris Shvartskoph 1985-2011 Archpriest Georgiy Primak 2011-2017 Archpriest Petr Shashkoff 2017-____ Priest Dmitriy Grigoriev
In early 2020, the Covid-19 virus made its appearance in Canada, and it quickly became a world-wide pandemic. Because of the rules governing gatherings that were laid down by the provincial and city governments, the parish stopped any further services after 8 March, 2020. Including the rules regarding social distancing, the decreasing numbers permitted for any gathering, and the considerations regarding the health of all concerned, this and other parishes were required to close for a time.
As elsewhere, there was some controversy about the legal requirements.
Archpastoral visitation, 2023
From June 9-12, Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) made an archpastoral visit to the city of Calgary, and also to Red Deer.
On the morning of Friday, 9 June, 2023, Archbishop Gabriel arrived in Red Deer, where he served a Moleben of Thanksgiving in the newly-acquired Temple of the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious. This community is one of the youngest in the Canadian Diocese. It was only in April, 2023, that this community had been able to find a permanent home. Archbishop Gabriel was accompanied by Igumen Nicholas (Perekrestov), priest of Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Montreal (Quebec), and Hieromonk Spiridon (Gusakov), rector of the Church of Saint John, Archbishop of Shanghai, San Francisco the Wonder-worker (Calgary).
Then, on the same day, in Temple of Saint John the Wonder-worker in Calgary, Church, Archbishop Gabriel presided at the Vigil service.
On Saturday, 10 June, Divine Liturgy in the Temple of Saint John the Wonder-worker, Archbishop Gabriel presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, which was co-served by the Rector Father Spiridon ; Father Nicholas ; Priest Dmitry Grigoriev (Rector of the Church of All Saints in Alberta) ; Priest Anthony Ciobanu (Rector of Assumption Church in Alberta) ; Priest Victor Kramarenko ; Priest Obrad Filipovic (Church of Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming, Serbian Orthodox Church) ; Protodeacon Alexander Morin (Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toronto, Ontario) and Protodeacon Boris Sidorenko (Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Montreal) ; Deacon George Misku (All Saints Church), and Deacon Vyacheslav Purdika (Saint John Church). During the reading of the Hours, Sergiy Shevchuk was ordained a reader, and Forrest Megeryuk was ordained a subdeacon.
On the same Saturday evening, Archbishop Gabriel arrived at the Temple of All Saints, Calgary, for the Vigil Service of the Altar Feast-day of the parish.
On Sunday, 11 June, Archbishop Gabriel presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Temple of All Saints, and there was a large gathering of parishioners and guests. Archbishop Gabriel was assisted by the above-mentioned priests, who was joined by Priest Alexander Koval, the second priest of All Saints Church. On the very day of the patronal feast, at the sixth hour, Vladimir Medvedev was tonsured as a reader, and then ordained a subdeacon. The rector, Father Dmitry Grigoriev, was awarded the right to wear a kamilavka.
Upon the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy, a prayer service was held with a procession of the cross around the church, followed by a festive meal prepared by the local sisterhood.
Particular parish information
This parish follows the Old (Julian) Calendar.
The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of All Saints, the Sunday after the Feast of Pentecost.
In 2022, the rector is Priest Dmitriy Grigoriev. The deacon is Deacon George Miscu.
Address :
All Saints Russian Orthodox Church
905-8th Avenue NE
Calgary, Alberta
T2E 0S2
Telephones : 403-230-7015 ; 403-277-8449
E-mail : otecdmitryg@gmail.com
Web-site : http://www.allsaintsroc.org
Telephone : 403-714-3525
E-mail : idgi@me.com
Telephone : 403-399-2122
E-mail : gh_miscu@yahoo.com
Directions :
By car :
Approaching Calgary from the north, follow Highway #2 as it becomes Deerfoot Trail.
Exit Deerfoot Trail at 16th Avenue NE and drive west to Russet Road NE. Turn left, and drive south to 8th Avenue NE. Turn right, drive 1 block west.
Approaching Calgary from the south, continue on Highway #2, which becomes Deerfoot Trail.
Exit Deerfoot Trail at Memorial Drive NE, and drive west to Edmonton Trail NE. Turn right, and drive north to 8th Avenue NE. Turn right, and drive 6 blocks east.
From the east or west outside Calgary, follow the Trans-Canada Highway into the city. It becomes 16th Avenue.
Driving eastwards on 16th Avenue NE, turn right at 6th Street NE. Drive south to 8th Avenue NE. Turn left, and drive 2 blocks to the east.
By bus :
Consult Calgary Transit
There is bus service (#17) on 8th Avenue, with stops at Remington Road and Russet Road.
Calgary is accessible by road, principally Highway #1 (east-west), and Highway #2 (north-south).
It is accessible by various airlines through the Calgary International Aeroport.
It is accessible by interurban bus through various Alberta companies (Red Arrow ; Ebus ; Rider Express ; Poparide ; Cold Shot ; abestx.com, and others).
References
Wikipedia history of the parish of All Saints in Calgary, Alberta
Additional information :
Seide, Gernot, “History of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia from its Beginnings to the Present : Part IV, Chapter 1.9 – The Dioceses in Australia and New Zealand” (rocorstudies.org)
......, “History of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia from its Beginnings to the Present : Part IV, Chapter 1.5 – The Dioceses in Canada” (rocorstudies.org)
Shchukin, Archpriest Sergei, “A brief History of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, 1922-1972”.
Tarasar, Constance J, ed., “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.
Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR)
Wikipedia article about the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia
Russian Religious Leaders Abroad biography of Archimandrite Aggay (Mazur)
Metropolitan Platon (Rozhdestvensky)
Metropolitan Theophilus (Pashkovsky)
Metropolitan Anastasy (Gribanovsky)
Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich)
Metropolitan Philaret (Voznesensky)
Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral)
Archbishop (Saint) Arseny (Chahovtsov)
Archbishop Joasaph (Skorodumov)
Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov)
Canadian Encylopaedia article about Russian-Canadians
Wikipedia article about Russian Canadians
Stay of His Eminence Gabriel, Archbishop of Montreal and Canada in the parishes of the Western Deanery in Calgary (Alberta) (14 June, 2023)