Moose Jaw SK Holy Trinity Orthodox Church 1913

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Church in the Name of the Holy Trinity, 1913

Establishment of the parish, 1913

In 1913, Holy Trinity parish was founded in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, by immigrants who came primarily from the province of Bucovina in Romania (now in Ukraine). People who came from there often spoke both Romanian and Ukrainian. At that time, Austrian German was regularly a third language, since this region had been absorbed into the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is for such a reason that immigrants from this region were sometimes considered to be a threat to Canadian security during World War I (which began almost immediately after the founding of the parish).

Nevertheless, from that time, this parish community has embraced and served persons of all national backgrounds. The long-term and warm relationship with the Greek Orthodox believers living in Moose Jaw is but one example of this.

Historical comments

A very small group of immigrants had arrived in the railway-town of Moose Jaw, situated on the Canadian prairies not very far north from the Cypress Hills. That group of newcomers had arrived with very few material possessions, and a great deal of work to do as they settled down in a new climate and culture. In the midst of the struggle to establish themselves and their families, they kept their sense of priorities. Immediately, they planned and constructed a Temple in the town. By God’s Grace, that community has continued to meet there regularly for worship ever since.

There are stories still told about the hardships faced by the founders of this Temple, and their endurance. There are historical stories now recorded about their treks through winter cold as they brought with them the firewood to heat the church ; the loss of the original building to fire in the 1930s, and its rebuilding ; the conflicts which led to divisions amongst them at times ; the courage to change their language of worship to the English language ; the hundreds of hours spent (mostly by the women of the community) in making perogies and cabbage rolls to sell so that the Temple could be paid for, and a hall could be built. Along with this, there is expressed the abiding presence of God to sustain them, and their deep fellowship with one another. In harmony with this, over decades, the warmth of the kitchen was accompanied by the warmth of the hospitality of all who worked there. This hospitality embraced those who came to visit.

As a consequence of one of the disagreements in the parish, the Ukrainian Orthodox parish of Saint Volodymyr was established in the city. Despite the differences that brought about this foundation, after some time the communities found a way to co-operate with each other. This was helped by the goodwill of several priests.

Two significant priests

Two priests in particular have, in their service and with their families, contributed to the stability and longevity of the parish of Holy Trinity. These are the Archpriest George Pokrowsky and the Archpriest Svetislav Balevich.

Archpriest George and Matushka Natalia Pokrowsky

Father George and Matushka Natalia Pokrowsky served the parish of Holy Trinity from 1958 until 1966. Father George had been ordained to the Holy Diaconate and to the Holy Priesthood earlier in 1958 in Montréal, Québec, by Archbishop Nikon (de Grève) of Toronto. After his ordination, he had first served the Divine Liturgy and other services daily for 40 days, as has been the custom. Both Father George and Matushka Natalia worked hard on building the community, first through prayer and intercession, then through developing the church school, renovating the Temple and other facilities, and teaching and feeding Christ’s rational sheep there. They were much loved.

During this time, painted murals of saints were added to the interior walls of the Temple, and many practical improvements were made in order to "modernise" the structure of the Temple itself. This restoration project initially had a blessing from Archbishop Kiprian (Borisevich) of Philadelphia (a temporary administrator of the Archdiocese of Canada for a time) for an appeal to parishes in the USA for financial aid ; but this was never required. The parishioners of the Temple, under the chairmanship of Mike (Mihail) Ambrose, managed to accomplish the work on their own. Catherine Moisiuk (commonly called "Kay") and Fred Kubek were the main and generous contributors to this project.

Already, on 18 November, 1964, the parishioners made a celebration during which the retired mortgage was burnt.

During those years, the church school had developed well, and there were 40 children in attendance. The choir became much more numerous and capable. The Sisterhood of Saint Anna embraced many projects for the support of the parish.

The service of the region by Father George included caring for various nearby rural and other Temples, such as the Holy Trinity Church in Kayville, and the Holy Ascension Church in Maple Creek, and others.

Holy Trinity Temple, Moose Jaw

Archpriest Svetislav and Matushka Eva Balevich

Father Svetislav and Matushka Eva Balevich served in Holy Trinity parish from 1967 until 2001. The newly-married and newly-ordained Father Svetislav arrived in Moose Jaw with his wife in August, 1967. This was to be the one and only parish of which Father Svetislav would be the rector, a span of 35 years.

Of course, as did Father George Pokrowsky and others, Father Svetislav cared for several rural and small-town parishes in addition to his primary responsibility in Moose Jaw. While he and Matushka Eva served, they carefully nurtured and encouraged the various ethnic components of the parish, from young to old, and they helped them all to develop into a truly Christian family.

During their years of service (and the service of other priests as well), there was maintained an active and loving relationship with the Orthodox communities in Regina, in the rural regions surrounding Kayville, and with the faithful people in Maple Creek.

Near the beginning of his pastorate in southwest Saskatchewan, Father Svetislav had to drive to Maple Creek, about 315 km (196 mi) to the west, during a midwinter blizzard in order to serve the funeral of the last resident priest at Holy Ascension Parish there. This community was informally added to his responsibilities. He later drove to Maple Creek whenever there was a pastoral need. Indeed, his parish responsibilities effectively involved all southwest Saskatchewan, all the way to both the Alberta and USA borders. He was a diligent visitor to the families, wherever they were, and his support for them even included translating letters from Europe.

Parish life kept the Baleviches busy. In addition, in order to supplement the family economy, Matushka Eva worked as a teacher.

Archdiocesan Assembly in Moose Jaw, 1979

In October, 1979, Father Svetislav was given the responsibility of hosting the first assembly of the Archdiocese of Canada which had been able to take place in a decade. Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns) convoked this meeting. The assembly lasted for several days, and it included representatives and clergy from parishes between Vancouver, British Columbia and Montreal, Quebec. In addition to the deliberations of the assembly, at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on 28 October, 1979, Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns) ordained subdeacon Seraphim Storheim to the Holy Diaconate. A Canadian student at Saint Vladimir's Seminary in New York, he had arrived from the seminary, accompanied by the seminary Dean Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann. He then returned to his studies.

Archbishop Sylvester signs the guest book

With Archbishop Sylvester : Archimandrite Antonije Abramovich, Deacon Gregory Maxymiuk, Archpriest George Pokrovsky, Priest John Tkachuk, Mayor H E Taylor

The event of the archdiocesan assembly in Moose Jaw proved to be a significant event for the city, and Archbishop Sylvester was taken to the Office of the Mayor, Herb E Taylor, where he signed a special visitor's book.

Archpastoral visit to Holy Trinity parish, 1988

In the summer of 1988, the former Deacon Seraphim Storheim of 1979, who was by then the Bishop of Canada arrived by car in Moose Jaw for a brief visit of several days. He was being driven by 2 subdeacons, brothers (Gregory and Jeremy Scratch), and they were driving across the country in order to visit as many parishes as possible. Father Svetislav and Matushka Eva gave them generous hospitality, as did the parishioners. The Sisterhood of Saint Anna was hard at work in the kitchen of the hall (as was their custom), and they quickly made all 3 visitors (but especially the youth) warmly welcome. These young men thereafter recalled that this was the most hospitable, warm and embracing kitchen of all the parishes they visited that year (and there were many). They were all kind and hospitable, but the Holy Trinity parishioners stood out in some special, loving way.

Over the years, as a team, Father Svetislav and Matushka Eva continually nurtured the parishioners. Later, as the youth began to move away from the city because of work, they cared for their ageing flock with much love and practical consideration. All the while, as a team, they took care of everyone together. They grew most of their own vegetables and herbs and they shared with any in need. It was not unknown that they would take a person into their home in order to help that person recover a stable and healthy rhythm of life.

Because of failing health, Father Svetislav asked for retirement at the end of 2001. Afterwards, he and Matushka Eva remained in Moose Jaw, in their own home.

Photos of the Temple, Rectory, and Hall after renovations.

Views of the Temple and buildings from the west, and from the east

Bereavement, 1999

On 23 July, 1999, Archpriest George Pokrowsky fell asleep in the Lord in Ottawa, Ontario, after a long illness.

A Panikhida was served on Sunday, 1 August, 1999, and on Monday, 2 August, 1999, both at 7:00 p.m. in Holy Trinity Bukowinian Orthodox Cathedral (Somerset Street West at Arthur Street).

On Tuesday, 3 August, 1999, at 10:00 a.m., the Memorial Liturgy and Service for the Burial of a Priest were served in Holy Trinity Bukowinian Orthodox Cathedral.

Interment followed at the Saint Seraphim Russian Orthodox Cemetery, in Rawdon, Québec.

Matushka Natalia Pokrowsky had already reposed in Christ in 1991, and Father George was interred beside her.

Bereavement : Repose of Father Svetislav Balevich, 2003

On 28 November, 2003, Father Svetislav Balevich fell asleep in the Lord at Union Hospital in Moose Jaw.

On Tuesday, 2 December, 2003, at 7:00 p.m., the first part of the Funeral Services for the Burial of a Presbyter was served at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Moose Jaw. After the conclusion, there followed the reading of the Holy Gospels throughout the night.

On Wednesday, 3 December, 2003, at 10:00 a.m., the second part of the funeral services began at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. The Memorial Divine Liturgy and the Memorial Service which followed were led by the retired Archbishop Lazar (Puhalo) of British Columbia, and the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Canada, the Archpriest Dennis Pihach. The Funeral Office of a Departed Priest was served also by the Priests Stacey Richter, Bernard Funk, John Mancantelli, Brent Kuzyk, Constantine Turcoane, Anatoliy Melnyk, Robert Kennaugh, Daniel Nenson, Rodion Luciuk, Spyridon Vandoras and Mirko Malinović. The cantor was the Monk Tikhon (Green), who led the singing, and the reader was Michael Luciuk. Father Orest Olekshy did not serve, but he, Deacon Taras Papish and Subdeacon James Nicholas Davis of Saskatoon all helped with the singing.

After the funeral services, Father Svetislav’s body was transferred to Saint Tikhon’s Monastery at South Canaan, Pennsylvania, where it was interred at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery Cemetery.

The epitaph on the gravestone reads : “He gave of himself and gave and gave”.

Priest Stacey Richter, Archpriest Waldemar Kuchta, Priest Walter Smith, Igumen David (Edwards)

In 2002, the Priest Stacey Richter had begun to serve the parish, along with his wife Trudy. He had arrived after his ordination in Manitoba. He benefitted considerably during his first period of service in being able to learn from Father Svetislav.

Following the example of Father Svetislav and Matushka Eva, he and his family nurtured the parish and strengthened both this parish and other communities in the rural areas to the south which were associated with it. After their departure to the USA to serve there, in 2004, they left a particularly warm memory of them amongst the parishioners.

On 9 July, 2006, the Archpriest Waldemar Kuchta was released from his responsibility as priest-in-charge at Holy Trinity Church. He had cared for this parish and associated rural communities for 2 years.

On 10 January, 2007, the Priest Walter Smith was assigned to serve at Holy Trinity Church.

On 31 October, 2009, the Priest Walter Smith was released from his duties at Holy Trinity Church.

On 15 November, 2009, Igumen David (Edwards) was assigned to serve as interim rector of Holy Trinity Church.

On 31 August, 2010, Igumen David (Edwards) was released from his responsibility as interim rector of Holy Trinity Church.

Archpriest John, Matushka Anna Bingham, 2010

On 1 September, 2010, Priest R John Bingham was assigned to be the rector of Holy Trinity Church (and also supervisor of the Whitehorse, YT, mission).

Archpastoral visit of Bishop Irénée (Rochon), 2012

Bishop Irénée (Rochon) visited the parish on 23-24 September, 2012, as he made his archpastoral rounds in the archdiocese.

On Sunday morning, 24 September, 2012, before the start of Divine Liturgy, Vladyka Irénée ordained parishioners Brian Sanderson, Nelson Reid and Andriy Pryadko to the Subdiaconate.

During the Little Entrance of the Divine Liturgy, Vkadyka Irénée awarded the Gold Cross to Priest John Bingham, Rector of Holy Trinity parish.

Vladyka Irénée distributing the Holy Mysteries

100 years, 2013

On 29 September, 2013, there was a joyous celebration of 100 years as an Orthodox presence in Moose Jaw.

In 1913, the parish was founded by a small group of immigrant people who wanted to worship as Orthodox Christians in their new home. A century later, and after many, many changes, the Temple is still present and visible, at the same location, and worshipping the Lord in the same Orthodox manner. It is understood by the parishioners that the faces, cultures and languages have changed — but God’s faithfulness is just as evident now as it was 100 years ago.

The celebration was divided into 3 distinct parts. First, there was a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, at which Bishop Irenée (Rochon), presided. He was accompanied by the rector, Priest John Bingham, and several other clergy. These included : Archpriest Rodion Luciuk (Yorkton, SK) ; Archpriest Andrew Piasta (Canora, SK) ; Priest Gregory Scratch, Dean of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nunavut ; Father Daniel Nenson (Regina, SK) ; Deacon Jesse Isaac ; Subdeacon Tymofy Hawrysh (Edmonton, AB) ; Subdeacons Andriy Pryadko, Nelson Reid and Brian Sanderson (Holy Trinity Temple, Moose Jaw, SK).

The little Temple was filled to capacity and the singing was full of joy.

Second, after the service, many made their way to a local hall where displays had been prepared for viewing. An invitation was extended to the general public to come and reminisce with the parishioners, and it was heartening to parishioners to see people browsing through the photo albums or exclaiming when they saw familiar faces in the larger displays. Many of them commented on how much they enjoyed themselves.

Third, there followed a programme and banquet. A DVD was presented, which covered many decades of parish history in just 20 minutes. One of the highlights of this DVD was a scene in which 6 long-time members of Saint Anne’s Ladies Aid sat around a table and prayed the Trisagion Prayers in unison. They were quite obviously enjoying their time together.

The parish president at that time, Susie Sanderson, presented a short talk, in which she used references to the Scriptures and the Divine Liturgy in order to describe the faithfulness of God’s people throughout the parish’s history. The events were concluded with the enjoyment of a delicious catered meal — including cabbage rolls and perogies, trademarks of Holy Trinity’s Ladies Aid.

After reflecting on the past, Holy Trinity parish ponders its future. Again, there is an influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe, and also from Africa. In 2013, the parish looked much different than it did 10 years before, and the parishioners were aware that they must trust God to knit them together and to build them into a worthy expression of His Body in the days and years ahead.

Bereavement, 2016

On 14 May, 2016, Priest Walter Smith, a former pastor of this community, suddenly fell asleep in the Lord in Waterbury, Connecticut, where he had been serving.

Covid-19 pandemic closures and restirictions, 2020-2021

In 2020, the Covid-19 virus arrived in Canada, and it affected the life of parishes throughout the country to a greater or lesser extent well into 2021. There were periodic closures of parishes and regulations about wearing masks, social-distancing and how many could attend a service. This parish, as the others, was likewise affected.

Sunday of Orthodoxy, 2021

On 21 March, 2021, the First Sunday of Great Lent, the Triumph of Orthodoxy, was celebrated with an outdoor procession at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Moose Jaw.

Sunday of Orthodoxy, 2021

Pascha, 2021

Holy Trinity parish served the services of Pascha in 2021 :

Retirement of Father John Bingham, 2021 ; assignment of Archimandrite Gerasim (Power), 2022

In late 2021, Father John Bingham was given the blessing to retire from active service and from being the rector of Holy Trinity parish.

Then, with the retirement of Father John Bingham in late 2021, on 8 February, 2022, Archimandrite Gerasim (Power) was transferred from Alberta and he was assigned to serve as the rector of Holy Trinity parish.

Archimandrite Gerasim (Power) and parishioners, 2022

Pascha, 2022

At the door ; reading the Gospel in many languages ; blessing baskets

Return to “status quo ante”, 2023

By mid-2023, it became clear to all concerned that the health of Archimandrite Gerasim (Power) was deteriorating rapidly.

As a consequence, Archimandrite Gerasim was given the blessing to retire. He returned to Alberta, and he entered a senior-citizen lodge that provided extra assistance.

He was attached to Saint Herman of Alaska Sobor in Edmonton, Alberta.

Return to service of Archpriest John Bingham, 2023

By the end of 2023, Archpriest John Bingham was given the blessing to return from retirement to active service. He was given the blessing also to return to the responsibility of serving as Rector of Holy Trinity Church.

Bereavement : repose of Matushka Eva Balevich

On 13 July, 2025, Matushka Eva Balevich fell asleep in the Lord peacefully in the early morning hours, in her childhood home in South Canaan, Pennsylvania.

Matushka Eva

Matushka Eva was born 3 April, 1936, in South Canaan, Pennsylvania, the fifth child of Peter and Katherine (Jubinsky) Lazorack. The Lazorack family lived just down the dirt road from Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, and they attended services there together and regularly. This fostered in Eva a lifelong dedication to her Orthodox Christian Faith, and to Saint Tikhon’s.

Eva graduated from Lake Ariel High School, and from Kutztown State College. Later, she received a Master of Arts degree from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. Following her graduate studies, Eva served as Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Kutztown State College.

Eva Lazorack met Svetislav while he was studying at Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan. They were married in June, 1967 ; and soon afterwards, they moved to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where Father Svetislav was assigned to the Holy Trinity Church.

Together, they faithfully served the church community until his retirement in 2002. Moose Jaw was also where Father Svetislav and Matushka raised their 2 sons, Nick, and Igor, and where Matushka worked as a schoolteacher, and shared her enthusiasm for teaching, and mathematics. Although the family lived in Canada for over 30 years, Matushka Eva maintained strong ties with her family in Pennsylvania, and she brought her sons to visit the family home every summer.

Shortly after Archpriest Balevich’s repose in 2003, Matushka Eva returned to her family home in South Canaan. There, she spent the next 22 years surrounded by her family. She also devoted herself to tending her garden, and once again attending services at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, just as she had in her youth. In later years, she cherished visits from her granddaughters, Natalie and Ella, and she showed them the garden, introduced them to her chickens, and prepared meals made with fresh food grown on the farm.

Matushka Eva will be remembered for her gift of conversation, her love of storytelling, and her joy in sharing favourite passages from the Bible. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome. She filled the family home with warmth, laughter, and faith. Her deep commitment to her family, and her unwavering devotion to God were at the heart of everything she did.

In addition to her sons, Nicholas Balevich (Brenda) of Lake Mary, Florida, and Igor Balevich (Emily) of Darien, Connecticut, Matushka Eva was survived by her beloved brother Metro Lazorack (Marilyn) of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and South Canaan, Pennsylvania, and by her beloved sister Sophia Burkhardt, who lived with Eva in the family home during the last few years of Eva’s life. She was also survived by her granddaughters Natalie and Ella Balevich of Darien, Connecticut, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Katherine Lazorack ; by her brother, John Lazorack ; by her sister, Anne Chernushin ; and by her nephew, Peter Lazorack.

On Thursday, 17 July, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery Church, there was a time for visitation, and the serving of a Panikhida (Memorial Service).

On Friday, 18 July, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., the Funeral Service for the burial of a lay-person was served at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery Church.

Following the funeral obsequies, her body was interred at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery Cemetery.

 Priests who have served at Holy Trinity Church
 
 The following list includes the priests who are listed as having served in this Temple.
 
 Priest P Rozkazov	 		 	1909  (during the pre-establishment period)
 
 Priest Joseph Shakalski 	 		 1913-1914
 
 Priest T Kondratuk	  	 		 1915
 
 Priest Vladimir Kozariz	  	 	1916
 
 Priest Nick Senyavski  		 	1917
 
 Priest Andrew Kokolsky	 	1918
 
 Priest John A Fedak  	 		 1919-1920
 
 Priest ____ Plesko	 		 	1921
 
 Hieromonk Anthny Tereshchenko	1922-1923
 
 Priest Gregory Homka	 		 1923
 
 Priest Vescheslav Alexandruk  	1924
  
 Priest S Verbovy  		 		 1924-1927
 
 Priest Zachri Lubimov  		 	1928-1929
 
 Archpriest Hariton Velma  		 1929
 
 Priest Michael Ianilchuk  		 1929
 
 Priest Konstantin Molchanski  	 1930
 
 Priest Sholoeznuk  		 		 1930
 
 Priest John Wasyl  		 	1930-1933
 
 Priest John Diachina  		 	1933-1934
 
 Priest Zeliskevich  		 		 1934-1941
 
 [There is a gap in available names between 1941 and 1958.]
 
 Archpriest George Pokrowsky  	 1958-1966
 
 Archpriest Svetislav Balevich  	 1967-2001
 
 Priest Daniel Guenther			2002
 
 Priest Phillip Eriksson	 		2002
 
 Priest Stacey Richter		 	2002-2004
  
 Archpriest Waldemar Kuchta	 	2004-2006
 
 Priest Walter Smith		 	2007-2009
 
 Igumen David (Edwards)		2009-2010
 
 Archpriest John Bingham	 	2010-2021 ; 2023-____
 
 Archimandrite Gerasim (Power)	2021-2023

Parish particular information

The aim of the parishioners of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church is to establish a faithful Orthodox Christian witness in our area by :

 worshipping and working together as a church community ;
 seeking to transform themselves, by God’s Grace, into icons of Jesus Christ ;
 undertaking service to the Moose Jaw community as a whole.

This parish is a part of the Deanery of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nunavut of the Archdiocese of Canada, of The Orthodox Church in America. The dean is the Archriest Gregory Scratch. The bishop is Archbishop Irénée (Rochon).

This parish community follows the (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of Pentecost (Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Most Holy Trinity).

In 2025, the rector of the parish is Archpriest John R Bingham.

Address :

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church

725-9th Avenue SW

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

S6H 1S4

Telephone : (306) 692-7582

Web-site : http://www.orthodoxmoosejaw.com

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Directions :

By car :

Moose Jaw is 71 km (41 mi) west of Regina, Saskatchewan, on the Trans-Canada Highway. On the same highway, Moose Jaw is 174 km (108 mi) east of Swift Current, Saskatchewan. At Moose Jaw, turn left onto Main Street South. Follow Coteau Street West to 9th Avenue. Drive south on 9th Avenue. The Temple is on the left.

From within the city, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church is found by following Highway #363 south through the city, past the Canadian Pacific Railway switching yard, west on Lilloet Street, and south on 9th Avenue. The Temple is on the left.

By bus :

Consult Moose Jaw Transit. Bus Route #4 serves Holy Trinity Church.

Priest John R Bingham

Telephone : 306-692-7582

E-mail : rjbingham@yahoo.com