View source for Winkler MB Christ the Saviour Orthodox Mission Station 2016


[[File:ChristTheSaviourMissionWinkloerMB 2.jpg]]

'''Winkler, Manitoba, Mission Station of Christ the Saviour, 2016'''



==Prehistory==

In about 2010, a few persons of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mennonites Mennonite] descent and formation discovered the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian Faith], and they began to attend the [[Narol MB Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1911 |parish of Saint Nicholas]] in [http://www.maphill.com/search/narol-canada/ Narol], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba Manitoba], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada] (a 2-hour drive each way).  

Their numbers slowly increased, and the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/scratch-archpriest-gregory Archpriest Gregory Scratch] began to visit them and to pray with them in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winkler,_Manitoba Winkler], Manitoba.  Winkler, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Manitoba in southern Manitoba], is a region which was [http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/pageant/21/mennonitewestreserve.shtml settled by many people of Mennonite origin].

==Mission Station, 2016==

In 2016, under the blessing of [[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]], this city became the home of a new mission-station, under the protection of the Church of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas Saint Nicholas] in Narol, Manitoba.


[[File:Winkler MB Christ the Saviour Mission.jpg]]  

[[File:Entrance door.jpeg]]

==2017 Archpastoral visit==

On 3 June, 2017, during [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/report-his-eminences-weekend-visit-manitoba an archpastoral visit to Manitoba], [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Ir%C3%A9n%C3%A9e_(Rochon) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)], accompanied by the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/beynon-priest-matthew Priest Matthew Beynon] and [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/svetlovsky-priest-nicolas-p Deacon Nicolas Svetlovsky], made his way to Winkler to attend [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Vespers Vespers] at the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/christ-saviour-mission-station-winkler-mb Mission Station of Christ the Saviour].  The Vespers was served by the Archpriest Gregory Scratch, the rector of the Parish of Saint Nicholas in Narol.  

The community in Winkler has been growing steadily since it was blessed to hold monthly services.  The small chapel was appropriately adorned for the [https://oca.org/saints/lives/2018/05/27/45-holy-pentecost Feast of Pentecost].  Vladyka Irénée noted in his sermon that it was only by the work of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Spirit Holy Spirit] that a community such as this could be established ; and for it to continue to grow, it needed the work of its members, making evident the gifts of Holy Spirit throughout their whole lives.  After the service, a traditional Mennonite feast was prepared for Vladyka.  He took this opportunity to speak about life in the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada archdiocese], and about the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/communities?field_deanery_tid_i18n=All&field_community_type_value_i18n=Mission+Station&title= many mission communities] that have started in the last few years.  


[[File:Winkler Vespers 3 June 2017S.jpg]]  '''Archpastoral visit, Vespers'''


[[File:Winkler 3 June 2017S.jpg]] '''Archpastoral visit, Vespers'''


'''Pan-Orthodox Vespers, 2018'''

In March, 2018, the [https://www.woca.ca/WOCA/Home.html Winnipeg Orthodox Clergy Association] (WOCA) [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/pan-orthodox-vespers-series-winnipeg celebrated 2 services] in the Manitoba parish communities of southern Manitoba. 

For the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sunday_of_the_Holy_Cross Sunday of the Holy Cross], the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/christ-saviour-mission-station-winkler-mb Mission Station of Christ the Saviour in Winkler] hosted the first non-Winnipeg based WOCA service, with many clergy and Faithful from Orthodox Churches in Winnipeg making the two-hour road trip down south.  It was a blessed service that was followed by a meal in the home of one of the mission's members.

On the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sunday_of_St._Mary_of_Egypt Sunday of Saint Mary of Egypt], and the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Annunciation Feast of the Annunciation], the English community of [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Winnipeg_MB_Holy_Trinity_Russian_Orthodox_Cathedral_1904 Holy Trinity Sobor] hosted the last of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Vespers#Special_Forms Lenten Vespers] series as they welcomed members of other Orthodox communities to what was the first home of Orthodoxy in Winnipeg (founded in 1904).

==Archpastoral visit, 2019==

On 16-19 August, 2019, [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Ir%C3%A9n%C3%A9e_(Rochon) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)] made an [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/archbishop-irenees-visit-winnipeg archpastoral visit to Winnipeg and to Winkler].  

The [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/christ-saviour-mission-station-winkler-mb Mission Station of Christ the Saviour in Winkler] had the blessing of having Archbishop Irénée serve with them on the feast of the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/christ-saviour-mission-station-winkler-mb Icon Not Made by Hands] (the altar feast-day of the Mission).

Making  the hour and a half drive south to the community of Winkler, Vladika, the Archdiocesan Chancellor [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/eriksson-mitred-archpriest-phillip Archpriest Phillip and Matushka Barbra Eriksson] joined Archpriest Gregory Scratch to be with the mission community of Christ the Saviour for their feast day.  Unfortunately the space the community rents for services was not available to them, so a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Molieben moleben] and the [http://www.liturgies.net/Prayers/Orthodox/akathisttojesuschrist.htm Akathist to the Sweetest Lord Jesus] was served at the home of Wesley and Inga Giesbrecht.  Following the service a beautiful traditional Mennonite meal was served. The service and meal felt like a family gathering around their father and archpastor Vladika Irénée. 


[[File:ArchpastoralVisit2019 2.jpg]]   '''Archpastoral visit, 2019'''

==Permanent and dedicated meeting place, 2020==

In October, 2020, an agreement was signed in Winkler, Manitoba, which provided the Christ the Saviour Mission Station with a permanent meeting-place in the town.  After several years of having met in various rented spaces, and being subject to limited meeting times, and having to assemble and disassemble the worship space each time, this was a major step forward. 

The new space that was secured was at Unit #6 – 390, 1st Street in Winkler.  The first [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy] was held in the new chapel on 14 November, 2020, on the feast of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Gregory_Palamas Saint Gregory Palamas].

==Archpastoral visit to Winkler, 2023==

On [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whit_Monday#Observance_in_Eastern_Orthodoxy Holy Spirit Monday], 5 June, 2023, [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Ir%C3%A9n%C3%A9e_(Rochon) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)], [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/scratch-archpriest-gregory Archpriest Gregory Scratch] (priest in charge of the mission), and [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/letunovsky-deacon-denis Deacon Denis Letunovsky] ([https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/monastic-community-st-seraphim-sarov-rawdon-qc Saint Seraphim of Sarov Church], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rawdon,_Quebec Rawdon], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec) Québec]), made the 90-minute drive from Winnipeg to serve a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Molieben Moleben] of Thanksgiving with the Faithful of Christ the Saviour Mission in Winkler, Manitoba. 

Surrounded by many of the families of the mission (and their many, many children) Vladyka Irénée spoke about his wonder at seeing how the mission had grown from serving in a tiny and spartan converted garage, to a larger and beautifully adorned chapel space, truly a manifestation of the guiding and saving presence of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Spirit Holy Spirit].  

He encouraged the mission Faithful to continue in their work, and he promised to return again and serve a Liturgy with them in thanksgiving to the Lord for His work in Winkler and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pembina_Valley_Region Pembina valley].  

Following the Moleben, a barbeque was served at a parishioner's home, where the archbishop got to meet and talk with many of its members.


[[File:ArchpastoralVisit2023 2.jpg]]  '''Archpastoral visit, 2023'''

==Altar Feast for Christ the Saviour in Winkler, Manitoba, 2023==

Although the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/christ-saviour-mission-station-winkler-mb Mission Church of Christ the Saviour] at [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/winkler Winkler], Manitoba, had been meeting at various locations for a few months (after they were deprived of access to their previous dedicated space) their desire to serve the Lord was not quenched. This desire was manifested in the celebration of the festal [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Vespers Vespers] for their Altar feast ([https://orthodoxwiki.org/Image_Not-made-by-hands Icon of Christ Not Made by Hands]).  A local [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestantism_in_Canada Protestant] church was secured, in which a service could be held ; and clergy and Faithful from other Orthodox parishes joined them for the evening of thanksgiving.  Attending the service were : [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/scratch-archpriest-gregory Archpriest Gregory Scratch] (priest in charge of the Mission) ; [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/estabrooks-priest-anthony-spencer Archpriest Anthony Estabrooks] ([http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Winnipeg_MB_Holy_Trinity_Russian_Orthodox_Cathedral_1904 Holy Trinity Sobor, Winnipeg]) ; [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Igumen_Vladimir_(Lysak) Igumen Vladimir (Lysak)] ; [https://www.oca.org/clergy/William-Rettig Priest William Rettig] ([https://www.oca.org/parishes/OCA-MW-FARHRC Holy Resurrection-Saint Nicholas Church], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fargo,_North_Dakota Fargo], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Dakota North Dakota], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States USA]).

Father William and his family's participation in this feast was a particular blessing.  Although Fargo, North Dakota, is only a little farther away from Winkler than is Winnipeg, it is significant that it is in a different country, a different diocese, with a different bishop.  Thus, this family's presence manifested the unity of our Faith and Church that stretches across this continent.  Their presence was an encouragement that could help a mission community understand that they are part of something beyond Manitoba, indeed part of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church universal Orthodox Church].  Father William gave a beautiful [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Homily homily] (while holding his young son) about the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/index.php?title=Image_Not-made-by-hands&mobileaction=toggle_view_desktop iconographic tradition of this feast], and its profound importance for our witness of Orthodoxy. 


[[File:FatherWilliamHomily2023_2.jpg]]  '''Father William Rettig homily'''


Following the service, a bountiful feast of traditional Mennonite food was shared.


[[File:FatherGregoryFatherWilliamIgumenVladimir2023 2.jpg]]  '''Priest William Rettig ; Igumen Vladimir (Lysak) ; Archpriest Gregory Scratch'''


Like most [https://www.archdiocese.ca/communities?field_deanery_tid_i18n=All&field_community_type_value_i18n=Mission&title= missionary communities in Canada] (or anywhere), there are many challenges and obstacles to be faced and overcome in the Lord in order to enable the Light of Christ to shine and be visible in the region.

==Particular parish details==

This mission parish is part of the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/communities?field_deanery_tid_i18n=4&field_community_type_value_i18n=All&title= Deanery of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nunavut] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada], of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America  The Orthodox Church in America].  The dean is the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/scratch-archpriest-gregory Archpriest Gregory Scratch].  The bishop is [[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]]. 

This community follows the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revised_Julian_calendar New (Revised Julian) Calendar].

The Altar Feast-day of this mission is the Feast-day of the “[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Image_Not-made-by-hands Image Not Made By Hands]” ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nut_Feast_of_the_Saviour Third Feast of the Saviour], in August), 16 August.  

In 2025, the pastor of the community was the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/scratch-archpriest-gregory Archpriest Gregory Scratch]. 



Address :

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/christ-saviour-mission-station-winkler-mb Mission Station of Christ the Saviour]

Unit #6 – 390, 1st Street

Winkler, Manitoba 

R6W 2R6

Telephone : 204-362-1372

Web-site : http://orthodoxwinkler.com

[https://www.facebook.com/christthesaviourwinkler/ Facebook page]

E-mail : christthesaviourwinkler@gmail.com


Please call the priest for specific details. 


Directions :

The place of worship is found near the intersection of 1st Street ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba_Highway_32 Highway #32]) and [https://www.walkscore.com/score/324-s-railway-ave-winkler-mb-canada Railway Avenue South] in Winkler, Manitoba.

From [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba_Highway_75 Provincial Trunk Highway #75], turn west at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba_Highway_14 Provincial Trunk Highway #14]. 
 
From Provincial Trunk Highway #14 (Road #13 NW), turn south on Highway #32, past the railway.  The meeting-place is on the right.  



Mailing Address :

Mission Station of Christ the Saviour, Winkler

114, Noble Avenue 

Winnipeg, Manitoba 

R2L 0J6


[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/scratch-archpriest-gregory Archpriest Gregory A Scratch]

114, Noble Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba

R2L 0J6 

Telephone (home) : 204-504-8792

Mobile : 204-890-8057 

E-mail : priestgregoryscratch@gmail.com

==Reflections==


[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winkler,_Manitoba Winkler] is a small city with a population of 10,670 (2011 federal census) located in southern [https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/manitoba/ Manitoba], in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rural_Municipality_of_Stanley Rural Municipality of Stanley].  It is 100 km (62 mi) southwest of [https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/winnipeg/ Winnipeg], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba Manitoba].    

Winkler is the largest city in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pembina_Valley_Region Pembina Valley], and it serves as a regional hub for commerce, agriculture and industry.  The city was established in 1874 by [https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/mennonites/ Mennonite] immigrants. 

==References==

[http://christthesaviourblog.wordpress.com/ Mission web-site]


'''Additional information :'''

[http://archdiocese.ca/community/christ-saviour-mission-station-winkler-mb Archdiocese of Canada parish listing] 

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/ Archdiocese of Canada web-site]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada]   

[https://oca.org/parishes/oca-ca-wnkcsc Orthodox Church in America (OCA) parish listing] 

[https://www.oca.org/ Orthodox Church in America web-site]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America Orthodoxwiki article about The  Orthodox Church in America]  

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Tikhon_(Mollard) Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard)]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Ir%C3%A9n%C3%A9e_(Rochon) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]

[http://stnicholasnarol.com/about-us/ Archpriest Gregory Scratch]  

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Narol_MB_Saint_Nicholas_Orthodox_Church_and_Cemetery_1911 Saint Nicholas of Narol Orthodox Church, Narol, Manitoba] 

[http://stnicholasnarol.com/ Web-site of Saint Nicholas parish, Narol] 

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Winnipeg_MB_Holy_Trinity_Russian_Orthodox_Cathedral_1904 Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Winnipeg, Manitoba]   

[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/winkler/ Canadian Encyclopædia article about Winkler, Manitoba]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winkler,_Manitoba Wikipedia article about Winkler, Manitoba]    

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mennonites Wikipedia article about Mennonites]   

“[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/report-his-eminences-weekend-visit-manitoba Report from His Eminence’s weekend Visit to Winkler]”, (3-4 June, 2017)  

“[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/pan-orthodox-vespers-series-winnipeg Pan-Orthodox Vespers Series in Winnipeg]” (25 March, 2018) 

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/archbishop-irenees-visit-winnipeg Archbishop Irénée's Visit to Winnipeg] (16-17 August, 2019)   

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/vladyka-irenees-visit-christ-saviour-mission-winkler-manitoba Vladyka Irénée's Visit to the Christ the Saviour Mission, Winkler, Manitoba] (5 June, 2023)     

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/altar-feast-christ-saviour-winkler-mb Altar Feast for Christ the Saviour in Winkler, Manitoba] (16 August, 2023)  







[[Category:Parish Communities]]  [[Category:Manitoba, Saskatchewan, & Nunavut]]  [[Category:ADOCA]]  [[Category:OCA]]