Wasel AB Holy Ascension Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1901

Wasel, Alberta, Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery of the Holy Ascension, 1901

The place-name Wasel is one of the many variant spellings of the name Basil or Vasili.

Founding the parish, 1901

The people who founded this Temple in honour of the Holy Ascension of Christ in 1901 built it in Wasel, Alberta (at that time, the North-West Territories), Canada, which is 140 km (87 mi) northeast of Edmonton, Alberta. The Temple rested in the midst of their homes and farms. These founders were from a similar part of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire as those who founded the nearby Temple of Saints Peter and Paul in Dickie Bush. They were mostly from the region of Bucovina in what was then all within Romania.

Although the foundation of the parish occurred early, it was not able to be legally registered until 1912. There were often complications in fulfilling government requirements.

The Temple is situated in an open and well-cared-for field in Smoky Lake County, somewhat to the north of the North Saskatchewan River. To the west of the Temple is a separate, dual-purpose building. It provides a space for people to gather, and it also houses the bells. Outside the Temple and to one side is the typical cement table and Cross, on which water is blessed usually, and at which other prayers are offered from time to time.

Although this Temple was erected in the midst of many small farms, such farms no longer exist in the region. Farms have been consolidated into very large agricultural businesses. This Temple is also very near to the Temple of the Apostles Peter and Paul at Dickie Bush, Alberta. For such reasons, there are only some regular services offered annually in this Temple after a century of service to the Faithful.

Matushka Vasylena Ostashek

Matushka Vasylena Ostashek (1912-2018) grew up in this community. As a child, when there were no services in the Ascension Temple, she would walk (barefoot in summer) with her family to worship in the Temple at Dickie Bush. It was not unusual that children walked barefoot in milder weather, since it reduced the wear on shoes. Throughout all her days, Holy Ascension parish was dear to her.

Later in her life, her husband, Archpriest Vasyl Ostashek, served in the parish for many years (along with 11 other parishes in east-central Alberta, including 1 in Saskatchewan). Father Vasyl had been raised and had been a farmer on the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. When he had been ordained to the Holy Priesthood later in life, he served this, the "home parish" of his wife, along with his other responsibilities until almost the end of his life.

Father Vasyl and Matushka Vasylena Ostashek, with parish elders, 1971

When Father Vasyl reposed in Christ, he was interred in this parish cemetery. Matushka Vasylyna was blessed with many more years of life ; and at her repose, she was likewise interred in this parish cemetery.

100 years, 2001

2001 marked the 100th anniversary of the parish.

1995 memorial plaque about the founders

Rural depopulation

As have all other rural parishes across Western Canada, this parish community suffered from rural depopulation, which began in the 1930s. This accelerated after World War II with the increase in mechanisation and the consolidation of small farms into larger ones. The consequence of this was the move of many people into various urban areas.

By the 1990s, the number of farms had decreased even more greatly because a great many had been bought by larger and larger farming operations.

Holy Ascension Parish Cemetery (1901)

The Holy Ascension Cemetery, which is on the same territory, continues to receive those who have fallen asleep in the Lord.

In this cemetery are interred Archpriest Vasyl and Matushka Vasylyna Ostashek, who served this parish faithfully for many years, and in which parish Matushka Lena was born and raised. It was in this parish that they also had been married.

View from the road

Parish particular details

This parish is part of the Alberta & Northwest Territories Deanery of the Archdiocese of Canada, of The Orthodox Church in America. The dean is Archpriest Vincent B Lehr. The bishop is Archbishop Irénée (Rochon).

This parish follows the Old (Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this Temple is the Feast of the Ascension of Christ, 40 days after the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ (Pascha).

In 2025, the pastor of the parish is Archpriest Vitalie Manoli.

View of the Temple and bell-house from the east in winter

Address :

Holy Ascension Russo Orthodox Church

NW 01-58-15 W4

Range Road #151, Township Road #580

Smoky Lake County

Wasel, Alberta

T0A

Directions :

Wasel is situated 141 km (88 mi) northeast of Edmonton, Alberta, and the travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.

Drive east from Edmonton on Highway #16 (Yellowhead). Turn left (north) at Highway #855 in Mundare. At Andrew, turn right on Highway #45 and then keep left to turn onto Highway #645. Turn left (north) at Highway #857.

From Highway #857, take Highway #652 east for 3 km (2 mi), then drive north .5 km (1 mi) to NW1-58-14-W4.

Mailing address :

Holy Ascension Russo Orthodox Church

c/o W Katarenchuk

RR 1

Willingdon, Alberta

T0B 4R0

Please contact the priest for any specific information.

Archpriest Vitalie Manoli

E-mail : vitalie.manoli@gmail.com

Holy Ascension Temple entrance (photos by www.aerialphoto.ru)

Holy Ascension Temple, bell-house and environs

References

Archdiocese of Canada – Orthodox Church in America, “The Orthodox Church in Canada : A Chronology” (Ottawa : Archdiocese of Canada, 1988).

A Chronological History of the Archdiocese of Canada, Part I

“Roots of Community” of the Archdiocese of Canada 1896-1937

“The Russian Mission in North America”

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.

Additional information :

Archdiocese of Canada parish listing

Archdiocese of Canada web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada

Orthodox Church in America (OCA) parish listing

Orthodox Church in America web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church in America

Saint Tikhon (Belavin)

Archbishop (Saint) Arseny (Chahovtsov)

Archbishop Alexander (Nemolovsky)

Archbishop Evdokim (Meschersky)

Archbishop Joasaph (Skorodumov)