Nicholas and Emily Demkiw

Nicholas Demkiw (1922-1995)

and

Emily (born Maslowsky) Demkiw (1931-___)

Early life of Nicholas Demkiw and Emily Maslowsky

Nicholas Demkiw was born in 1922 in Alberta, Canada, and Emily (born Maslowsky) Demkiw was born also in Alberta in November, 1931. Her mother was Julia Maslowsky.

During the course of their marriage, they received from the Lord 2 children, Bruce, and Wayne.

As they lived in Edmonton, Alberta, Nicholas and Emily constantly worked together as a team, and throughout their adult lives, for them both the worship of the Lord, and the support of their parish was always a priority. They did this in a matter-of-fact manner, and they did not call attention to themselves, nor did they seek recognition or thanks. As many others have done, they simply offered their service to the Lord. Nick worked for the City of Edmonton as a vehicle driver. In addition, he did other work in order to support his family. He very much enjoyed ice-fishing in the winter. He generally caught more than enough fish for his family (Emily canned the fish), and they shared their excess with others.

ABC Hobbies ; ABC Weddings

Emily established the business “ABC Hobbies”, which eventually developed into “ABC Weddings”. She was supported in this also by Nick, who did all sorts of unseen work when he was available.

This business slowly developed and flourished at 10428-118 Avenue, and eventually the responsibility for the ownership and management passed to their son, Wayne Demkiw. From this store, Emily was able to help many persons, and she and Nick used their resources to support many parish activities.

ABC Hobbies/Weddings

Three times parish founders

At first, Nick and Emily were parishioners at Saint Barbara’s Russian Orthodox Church in Edmonton.

Holy Trinity Church, 1955

Later, they came to be amongst the parishioners of Holy Trinity Church in Edmonton, until the time came when a group of parishioners followed the Priest Michael Andruchow away from this parish. This occurred following differences of opinion between the clergy there. Father Michael and others desired to remain within the “Metropolia”, and to try to develop the use of the English language in worship. The Holy Trinity parish had decided to enter and to remain in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), despite invitations from the new bishop of Canada (1963), Bishop Sylvester (Haruns), to remain in the Archdiocese of Canada.

Holy Trinity Church, Edmonton

All Saints' Church, 1963

Therefore, in 1963, Nick and Emily were amongst the founders of All Saints' Church in northeastern Edmonton. Nick served on the first parish council of the new parish. Emily was involved in teaching the children and in working in the Women's Auxiliary, first at Holy Trinity, and then in the new parish.

All Saints Church, Edmonton

After 1975, and the repose of the Archpriest Michael Andruchow, the Priest Benedict DeSocio was sent to serve at All Saints’ Church. An active teacher and pastor, he continued Father Michael’s policy of developing the use of the English language in worship, and the more frequent reception of Holy Communion. He was transferred to New York City, and he was followed in 1976 by the Priest Jaroslav Roman.

In early 1977, an impasse developed at the All Saints Parish, particularly about the use of the English language. This happened, even though the matter of English usage had been a main concern amongst the parishioners already at Holy Trinity Church, and they had continued to pursue the same principle in their establishment of the All Saints Parish. Nevertheless, it was far more comforting for some parishioners to persevere in the use of Slavonic (even though it was very hard to understand).

The Priest Jaroslav Roman (recently assigned to the parish) was young and energetic, and he insisted on the greater use of English and the frequent reception of Holy Communion. The result was the expulsion from the parish of both the priest and his supporting parishioners.

Saint Herman of Alaska Church, 1977

Thus, Nick and Emily again became founders of a parish, this time of the parish of Saint Herman of Alaska. With the others, they at first met in the basement of the home of George and Irene Tkachuk. After a short time, the parishioners were able to purchase a property south of Edmonton on Ellerslie Road, and Nick and Emily were deeply involved in the development of the buildings there, and of the new parish itself.

First Temple of Saint Herman of Alaska

Nick was constantly at the new site as he participated with the others in the renovations, repairs, and extension work. In many ways, Nick and Emily were like spiritual parents for the many younger families who quickly assembled in the new community.

Official founders of Saint Herman's Church

The official founders of Saint Herman’s Church are :

 David and Ardith Beley ; Nicholas and Emily Demkiw ; Dora Franchuk ; 
 Kenn and Sharon Hample ; Anna Higden ; Anna Kuzmenko ; 
 Julia Maslowsky (+1982) ; Adam and Doris Megley ; 
 Glenn and Shirley Sawitsky ; Irene Tkachuk.

Nick served as the fledgling parish’s first reader.

Because of her particular gifts, Emily was able both to inspire and to help the new community of Orthodox Christians (many now were converts to the Orthodox Christian Faith) find ways to do fundraising which would improve the facilities, to pay the mortgage, and to prepare for the next stage. There were many such creative projects, and they not only provided funds, but they also gave people an opportunity to find the Orthodox Christian Faith.

By 1979, Deacon Stephen Jack Keaschuk had returned to Edmonton with his wife, Evanthia, and they had become part of the parish family. However, his return came at about the same time as a controversy had arisen between Father Jaroslav and the parishioners because of some personality difficulties, and the intractability of Father Jaroslav. As a consequence, in the summer of 1980, Father Jaroslav returned to the USA in the midst of a parish crisis.

A meeting of parishioners at Nick and Emily’s home produced a plan of moving forward with reconciliation and healing. Soon, Deacon Stephen Keaschuk was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns). Father Stephen was given the responsibility of being the rector of the parish, and Presbytera Evanthia began to take on many of the responsibilities of organising and offering hospitality in the parish. She would continue in this service for many years.

Nicholas Demkiw, universal grandfather and godfather : with Nicholas Keaschuk and Nicholas Demkiw

The parish family which Nick, Emily, and others were nurturing continued to grow steadily. In fact, the parishioners soon outgrew their first buildings.

New Saint Herman building, 1982

In 1982, the parish bought a building in west-central Edmonton, and they moved to 10320-147 Street. It had previously served as a Protestant church and as a meeting-hall.

Saint Herman of Alaska Second Temple

There, again, Nick and Emily continued as before in their support of the parish and the parishioners. From the early days, they accepted to be “godparents” for many of the new parishioners and their children. Their lives were as always focussed on the service and worship of the Lord, and everything else came second. However, nothing that “came second” was neglected. They managed a good balance in their lives.

In their home, also, Nick and Emily hosted many informal “family-style” parish events. These events served to cement the bonds of Christian love and family amongst the parishioners and their children.

It was in the middle of this decade that Lil Trefan, a teacher, arrived in the parish. She soon began to work hand-in-hand with Emily in various hospitality projects. This sisterly co-operation continued for decades.

Pilgrimage to Ukraine, 1992

In 1992, there was a first, small-scale to Ukraine pilgrimage to Ukraine, led by the Priest Dennis Pihach. Afterwards, the Archdiocese of Canada initiated "Project Ukraine" for the purpose of helping those in need (particularly children) in Ukraine during a prolonged period of economic stress. Parishioners of the parish of Saint Herman became active contributors to the various activities and projects associated with this "umbrella" title. Emily became an active worker in these projects.

Pilgrimage to Ukraine, 1994

In 1994, there was a larger pilgrimage to Ukraine, in which Emily participated, and from which she learnt a considerable amount about the situation of the poor there, and particularly about the great needs of orphans and of the poor.

Repose of Nicholas, 1995

On 7 September, 1995, Nicholas Demkiw fell asleep in the Lord, at age 73.

The Panikhida was served by Father S J Keaschuk at the Park Memorial Chapel on Sunday, 10 September.

The Funeral Services for the Burial of a Layman were offered on 11 September at the second location of Saint Herman of Alaska’s Sobor, on 147 Street in western Edmonton.

Following these services, the interment was at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Edmonton.

Nick's obituary

Emily needed time, as do all who are widowed, in order to adjust to her new circumstances of life. During the course of this adjustment, she continued to work as usual. This, with her other projects, helped her to find her way with God’s help.

New building constructed for Saint Herman's parish, 1997

By this time, Saint Herman's Church had once again outgrown its facilities. A new site was sought and found farther west in Edmonton, this time on 163 Street. The parish purchased a new property and, in 1997, constructed a new Temple under the leadership of Father Keaschuk.

Third Temple of Saint Herman of Alaska

In January, 2002, Emily was a participant (with the Archpriest Dennis Pihach) along with a few other Canadians iin a pilgrimage to the cities of Kyiv and Moscow which was led by Bishop Seraphim (Storheim). The winter pilgrimage was a challenge, especially walking on the icy slopes of the roadways of the Kyiv Caves Monastery, and on a few other streets in Kyiv, but it was certainly also a blessing. This was not by any means the first pilgrimage in which Emily had participated. She had already been several times with larger groups in Ukraine (in warmer weather), so she understood what to expect. As with regard to all the other pilgrimage experiences, Emily readily expressed gratitude to God for the blessings that came from them.

On 22 December, 2002, Emily was a recipient of the Saint Tikhon Medal (along with Anna Kuzmenko). This archdiocesan medal was given in recognition of the fact that they were both founders of the parish, and that they had both laboured diligently in their own ways for the benefit of the parish and of the diocese.

Emily and Anna receive the Saint Tikhon Medal

At the Archdiocesan Assembly meeting in the previous year, Emily had reminisced with people who were facing challenges in new missions, and she gave them encouragement. Talking about Saint Herman’s early days, she told how for some time, members took turns personally covering the financial shortfall at the end of each month to keep the parish alive and active : “Whatever we had to do, we just did it”.

Fire, 2004

On Friday, 4 April, 2004, shortly before the Feast of Pascha that year, Emily received the news that there had been a fire at the shop which she and Nick had established on 118 Avenue. It had been caused by arson. It had been noticed by a passing cyclist after 2:00 a.m., and the Edmonton Fire Rescue Services had been called.

The fire was quickly controlled, and then put out by 4:00 a.m. Her son Wayne arrived there promptly. There was a considerable amount of damage done, but at the same time it was obviously under Providential protection that amongst the things that were not destroyed were all the items needed for the immediately impending marriages. Only cleaning was required. Besides this, Wayne Demkiw made it clear to the media who interviewed him that the business would continue to function.

Examples of Christian service

Emily has been a member of “Soroptimist International”, a women's charitable service organisation (founded in England).

In 2012, the club decided that they wanted to create a unique award to recognise women who have made a significant effort to end human trafficking, a primary programme of service in the organisation. Emily's fundraiser contribution of a rose per table indirectly led to the naming of the award as “The Joy Award” (named in honour of Joy Smith, MP).

Emily similarly has been a long-time participant in “Maple Leaf Projects” (now the “Green Light Awareness Society”, in “NASHI – Our Children” and in other charitable ventures aimed at giving help to disadvantaged women and children in Ukraine and stopping human trafficking.

Emily has been particularly active in hospitality, as she has been helping to decorate the Temple at Feast-days, and she provides the “extra touches” on special occasions. Furthermore, she has contributed invisibly to the provision of many items for the beautification of the Temple and the vestments of the clergy and Altar-servers. Emily also has contributed regularly in work at a “soup kitchen” in central Edmonton.

Nick and Emily, along with some other parishioners, have been described as models of devotion and faithfulness. Their example has encouraged and may encourage others in their faithful Christian service.

Anna Higden and Emily Demkiw

Catherine Sadowski, Emily, Joanne Fushtey

References

Saint Herman of Alaska Sobor parish history

The Orthodox Church in Canada Chronology 1890-1988

Russian Mission in North America

Additional information :

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.

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Edmonton, Alberta

All Saints’ Church Edmonton history

Archdiocese of Canada listing for Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Sobor, Edmonton, Alberta

OCA listing for Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Sobor, Edmonton, Alberta

Orthodox World listing for Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Sobor, Edmonton, Alberta

Archdiocese of Canada web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada

Orthodox Church in America web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church in America

Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich)

Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish)

Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor)