Roots of community - Saint Tikhon
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St. TIKHON, Patriarch of Moscow, Confessor and Enlightener of North America, was born near Pskov, Russia in 1865. From 1898 to 1907 he served as Bishop of the Aleutians and Alaska (the Diocese was renamed "Aleutians and North America" in 1900). He was only 33 years of age when he arrived to take up his duties. A formidable task lay before him: the diocese was tremendously large, encompassing the United States, Canada and Alaska; it was composed of at least ten different nationalities. While there were homogeneous pockets of particular settlers, such as Ruthenians, there were also mixed communities, for example, St. Spiridon's Church at Seattle, which included Russian, Greeks, Arabs, Slavs, Galicians, Americans and others. He traveled extensively across America, working tirelessly for the good of the Church. In his time a monastery was begun at South Canaan Pennsylvania named for St. Tikhon of Voronezh (Zadonsk).
His first visit to Canada came in the summer of 1901, and he would come again in 1904, presiding over services, staying in parishioner’s homes and checking parish records, meeting with clergy and handling practical problems of parish life. He consecrated three churches in 1901. In 1903, he incorporated in the person of the Bishop the Russo-Greek Catholic Orthodox Church in the North West Territories. In 1904 he visited again to settle problems caused by non-canonical Orthodox initiatives that were on the rise in Canada, consecrating churches and strengthening his flock. He presented several gramotas (documents of commendation) to individuals and to parish organizations that are still found on the walls of rural churches in Alberta. |
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We often ascribe to time much significance, which, in reality, does not pertain to it. We say, for example, that years age us; that time, above all, heals our wounds, reconciles us with losses, tempers our grief, that it is the testing ground of love, attachment, friendship; that it disperses darkness and brings light; that it is a great energy and a powerful force, that time, as is often said here, is money. All of these statements must, of course, be understood in a figurative sense. In these statements is the poetical expression not of time itself, but of various forces which only act within time. In and of itself, time is simply a formula for expressing a chronological sequence, and an indicator of changes in things. Consequently, in and of itself, time cannot create something new, and, if we reflect on this sensibly, it is not what we can demand or expect. Thus, if this is true, is there any significance or impact to our lives in the comin of the new year and century?
Usually, as the old year ends and a new one begins, we reflect on the past, recalling what we have done and making plans for future activity. This kind of “contemplation” and introspection is beneficial, as it obliges us to see how far we still are from the exemplary (the ideal), and compels us to strive for self-perfection. Unfortunately, we don’t practice this introspection often; instead we live a superficial life, which is always full of frivolity, concern for the worldly, gratification, riches, power, glory. “We strive to live the way everyone lives,” “in the ways of the world,” in other words, we devote our time to work, business, receptions, travel, recreation, etc. In this kind of life, however, our soul remains hungry, for it is surrounded by a kind of worldly crust, which suppresses its perception of the spiritual, the exalted, the heavenly. In this kind of life, according to Fr. John of Kronstadt: “The body thrives, but the soul wilts; the body is spacious, but the soul is crowded; the body is satiated, but the soul is hungry; the body is embellished, but the soul is disfigured; the body is fragrant, but the soul is malodorous; the body rejoices, but the soul is distressed; the body is radiant, but the soul is in darkness.” “For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (St. Matthew16:26). This, however, is not real life “nor the living age” but “is false and temporal”…For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, it is within you (see St. Luke 17:21 and Romans 14:7) and the quicker we assimilate it into ourselves, the more we take care of our souls, the better we can enter into ourselves…” |
Elevated to the rank of Archbishop in 1905, he returned to Russia two years later, serving at Yaroslav and Vilno. During the stormy period of the Russian Revolution and the Civil War, the Patriarchate was reintroduced, which had stood vacant since the reforms of Peter the Great. On November 18, 1917, Archbishop TIKHON was chosen as the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. He served as steadfast defender against political abuse and terror in regard to both the Church and the Russian people, while at the same time appealing for obedience to the legitimate decrees of the Soviet state. He reposed in 1925 and was canonized in 1989.
1901 Visit of St. Tikhon, Rabbit Hill, Edmonton, Wostok
The visit of the Archpastor of the Church, His Grace Bishop TIKHON of the Aleutian Islands and North America was one of the greatest moments in the history of the young Canadian Orthodox Mission. He was, at that time, only thirty-six years old, and had served America for three years. The inconvenience of late baggage and the poverty of settlers did not mar the beauty of his visit. At Rabbit Hill, the settlers gave him their humble best by building an outdoor service pavilion on the farm of Petro Dublianka, where he stayed, putting up a banner of welcome. During the most important and celebratory parts of the Divine Liturgy, they fired off guns!
1904 Visit, 30 July - 4 September
This second visit of His Grace, Bishop TIKHON brought him to many communities in the Ruthenian settlements; and at this time, he consecrated St. Barbara’s Church in Edmonton and several other churches. One of the main reasons for Bishop TIKHON's visit was the problem raised by non-canonical, new "Orthodox" organizations. In their zeal for the perpetuation of their faith, the young colonies of the West were vulnerable to spiritual influences. By 1904 these factors were sufficiently marked to warrant a special Episcopal visit by Bishop Tikhon to quell them.
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One of these influences came from an unusual character, Metropolitan Seraphim, whose self-proclaimed credentials tried to establish him as “bishop and metropolitan of the Orthodox Russian Church for all North America.” Basing himself in Winnipeg in a tin cathedral, he managed to ordain fifty priests. It was necessary for the Church to confront the followers of this unusual hierarch, who exited from Canada from time to time.
Other influences were also in evidence, one being the formation of an Independent Greek Church, established in 1904, which was strongly affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of Canada. Retaining an external form of liturgy, the new denomination was an attempt to join Orthodoxy with Protestantism. By 1907 its clergy were placed directly under the Presbyterian administration. In 1904, Bishop Tikhon made a special Episcopal visit to Canada to bring an end to the Seraphimite controversy. However, Orthodox schismatic problems continued to ripple, and when Archbishop PLATON visited Winnipeg four years later, Seraphim’s successor, Makary, who had declared himself “Arch-Patriarch, Arch-Tsar, Arch-Hetman and Arch-Prince” was still in Winnipeg. |
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As Vestnik reported in the summer of 1904, Bishop TIKHON was his way to settle major controversies and to make order:
“Hunger and spiritual eagerness among our people here is so strong, that not looking upon the lack of substance and irresponsibility of these Seraphimite clergy and their smug assumptions, our poor people flung as they are on Canada by immigration, so simple of soul, accepted these hypocrites. …It is because our people take such comfort in their faith, they have such strong desires to keep their eastern customs. So they, with all sincerity, have turned to these self-ordained priests…Stephan Ustvolsky (alias Seraphim) in the past 3-4 months has left behind a whole passle of priests, who confuse the consciences of these undiscerning believers. …this spider web will drain the life of the unfortunates who follow them…in exploitation of their religious conscience…this nest of Seraphimites must be broken….This is the mission of our Archpastor in his laborious trip to Canada…disregarding all other eparchial concerns that need his energy, Vladyka is coming forth to meet the Canadian need at hand…His visit will bring light and joy to the people, who, by others are being pushed off the true path.” Vestnik, 15/28 August 1904. |
Highlights of 1904 (30 July - 4 Sept) visit of His Grace, Bishop TIKHON (paraphrased translation)
The trip began with some problems. Due to poor train connections, a delay in Calgary brought Bishop Tikhon to Edmonton a day late. As before, his baggage got lost, so that for several days he was without Episcopal vestments.
30 July, His Grace, accompanied by the choir director, Andrij Vaniush, arrived at the Leduc station, where he was met by the head of the Mission.
31 July, His Grace went by horse to Rabbit Hill to bless the newly-constructed church dedicated to the HolyAscension. He stayed at the home of parishioner, Theodore Fuhr. Rested a little from the road, His Grace and several parishioners gathered at the church for a short, heartfelt speech by Fuhr. In the evening Fr. Mikhailo Skibinsky served in the Fuhr home as the church was still being prepared for next day's service.
1 August, after Matins (served by the priest) His Grace had the lesser blessing of water, followed by the Divine Liturgy. Again His Grace served in priestly vestments, quickly made from the stikhar of the reader, with miter and omophor, as the same history repeated itself, as had happened three years before during his first visit to Canada! Held up in Calgary to be checked, the baggage showed up in Leduc on Monday, August 2nd….
After the reading of Gospel, His Grace turned to the little Rabbit Hill flock with words of instruction and encouragement….At nine o'clock at night, His Grace arrived in Edmonton, staying at the hotel, The Alberta, which is not far from the place where the church in Edmonton has been built dedicated to St. Barbara.
2 August, …Edmonton at 8 o'clock in the evening His Grace served a molieben to the Holy Mother of God and the Great Martyr Barbara with a great number of people in attendance….
4 August…Wostok…not far from the Church His Grace was met by members of the St. Tikhon of Voronezh Brotherhood, in their parade uniforms and carrying lit candles. The greeting with bread and salt was given by Theodore Nemirsky, who chose to give his speech in rhyme, and after prayer, His Grace addressed the people with words of encouragement and blessing….
6 August…Cracow (Beaver Lake), 18 miles from Vostok, where a church was dedicated to the Holy Apostle James the Zebedee…what a ride from Edmonton to Wostok!…the roads were so terrible that the trip took 31/2 hours and was such that a seasoned driver could hardly keep on the road. They went straight to the church…after vespers and litia, they went to the home of one of the parishioners…
8 August…blessing of Birth of the Holy Theotokos Church at Hoonka, twelve miles from Wostok.
10 August…from Wostok to Andrew for the blessing of St. Michael's Church, turning into St. Nicholas' Church, Bukowina on the way back.
11 August…the only day of rest for His Grace
12 August…Vladyka attended to school courses needs and examinations at the Wostok School (church).
13 August…His Grace's nameday…probably one of the most humble celebrations of his namesday ever! Liturgy and Ivan Soroka was tonsured a reader (posvyaschenie v stikhar) , Fr. Michael Skibinsky received the honor of a nabedrennik. His Grace then spoke on the life of St. Tikhon of Voronezh (Zadonsk) and the importance of turning to him in our lives in order that we might have his intercession. A meeting of the St. Tikhon Brotherhood followed over which Vladyka Tikhon presided. His Grace donated $20 to the Brotherhood.
14 August…to Baniliv, 28 miles from Wostok. Half a mile from the church, dedicated to the Dormition of the Holy Virgin, we were met by a procession of parishioners with banners and crosses, and they led us to the Church.
15 August…service followed by blessing of water and an Akathist in honor of the Holy Dormition. The crowd overflowed to the outdoors. A number of English families attended and stayed in the afternoon to observe the sacrament of baptism (31 children).
16 August…he left for Assiniboia and Manitoba to visit parishes there.
20 August… Friday morning he arrived in Winnipeg, meeting Fr. C. Popov from Minneapolis; they traveled immediately to Stuartburn where there is a colony of Bukovinians, about 150 families.
21 August…at home of N. Kostaton and from there word was delivered around the community that Vladyka had arrived. Visited and inspected the Church.
22 August…service with the visiting clergy participating as it seems none of the Bukovinians know church music or how to read Slavonic. During the Blessing of Water and Akathist, Fr. Popov confessed 60 people. The church was dedicated with the Small Rite of Blessing in honor of the Holy Prophet, Elias. After, a discussion with His Grace about having a priest sent there: each farm would pay $2 per year and for particular trebi (rites) as needed. Moved on six more miles to the home of the Bukovinian, Schulman, where for ten months lived one of the "Seraphimites"…but when the Bukovinian discovered his shaky credentials the Seraphimite had to find another spot.
23 August…a service in the Schulman's home, but only 20 or so came as the word had not gotten around that the Bishop had arrived. A church is being built one mile from Schulman's, the walls and roof are up already, another 4-6 miles away. Moved to Konstantine Badiuk's for the night.
24 August…75 people, service at the church close to the home of Marteton, blessed in honor of the Ss. Peter and Paul. 19 children chrismated. Then to Saltcoats and by train to Yorkton. Next is Crooked Lake. And then, driving by horse and buggy, who pulls behind him but the Seraphimite, N. Zietsev, driving in a buggy with his wife? Several times he pulled ahead of His Grace's vehicle, then fell behind again, obviously wanting to speak with Bishop Tikhon. Then His Grace allowed Zietsev to sit into his buggy and they talked for an hour. Zietsev is no longer with the Seraphimites, and he wants to see the Bishop again when he returns to Yorkton, offering even to get him from the railway station.
25 August…got to D. Yastremsky's by two in the afternoon. The Bukovinians had been waiting for Vladyka, 500 of them from 50 miles around! In the evening His Grace went to see another church. Vladyka had given them $50 the last time he visited so that they could buy icons. They have bought 14. Here it is obvious they have seen through the Seraphimites.
26 August …the full Rite of Blessing of the Church which is 28 miles from Yorkton, Uspennie (the Dormition) of the Holy Theotokos and a full procession around the Church. 75 present and 46 for Holy Communion. After the Liturgy there was a trapeza by the Church with a table for His Grace and the other clergy, everyone else picnicked on the grass. The subject of a priest for the area was discussed after. From there we went ten miles toward Yorkton to the farm of V. Skriliuk.
27 August…beautiful weather, but in the house it was tight and hot, His Grace chose to serve outdoors; 48 present.3 children baptized and 10 chrismated, and then Vladyka blessed a spot for a church, one-half mile from Skriliuk's. There was a plan to visit Bibel-ger (30 miles away) but since no one knew the way and it was through the thick of the Doukhobor settlements, it was decided to leave that visit for the future. Rather to go to the Bukovinians that were 10-12 miles from Skriliuk's have a service there on Sunday, the 29th, and then to go on to Yorkton and Winnipeg. (This colony has only seen a priest twice.)
29 August….51 for liturgy (at Skriliuk's); the Seraphimite Andreychuk came by and told His Grace the details of his Seraphimite "ordination" ($10 for which he could marry and baptize but not perform the liturgy!!) From here to Yorkton.
30 August…7 a.m. to Winnipeg having sent a telegram to Sechinsky, the road was very comfortable and good after all of the shaky carts…arrived at 7 p.m. …it took four hotels before we could get a room for His Grace…we found out that the telegram arrived late. Various people came to see His Grace, the student, Y. Sechinsky, the lawyer, Rudnitsky, Fekula from 9 in the evening until 11. It seems there is a very big schism among the Seraphimites. There was much to do in Winnipeg, so Vladyka decided to stay here until Wednesday.
31 August….Sechinsky brought his documents, His Grace upon checking them and discerning the long-term desire of Sechinsky to work as a missionary, a true Orthodox one, Vladyka decided to consecrate him, but to take him to Minneapolis first for training. After lunch his Grace went to visit the Premier of Manitoba, together with Sechinsky, Rudnitsky and Fr. Popov, and was well received and promised his help to the Orthodox. More people in the evening.
1 September…Fr. Popov, having finished with tickets and baggage, decided to go have a look at the "Metropolitan" Seraphim. Vladyka went to Stuartburn.
2 September…staying at Doubniak's…then served at the church near their place…this church was built in 1900, and it has a very old iconostasis brought from Bukovina by H. Shedlovsky.
3 September …the church was blessed with a full rite of blessing…41 for communion…plans were made for Sechinsky to come out to serve once he is ordained.
4 September…to Emerson, and along the way, talks with another Seraphimite, N. Rozko, displayed his ideas, saying a tavern has one set of rules, a mill has another set, and so a church must have its own set, too [commentary on the lack of teaching among the Seraphimites]. Maybe "Metropolitan Seraphim" used the "tavern" rules on him? It seems he ordained him on the side of the road, having pulled a box off the wagon. From Emerson to Minneapolis….His Grace arrived on 5 September.
Vestnik, 1/14 October 15/28 October, and 1/14 December 1904