Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) - Revision history

Vladyka Seraphim: /* References */

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References

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	[https://www.archdiocese.ca/search/node/Luciuk Archpriest Rodion Luciuk]		[https://www.archdiocese.ca/search/node/Luciuk Archpriest Rodion Luciuk]

	[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Igumen_John_(Scratch)		[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Igumen_John_(Scratch) Igumen John (Scratch]

	Igumen John (Scratch]

	[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Savelia_Curniski Savelia Curniski]		[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Savelia_Curniski Savelia Curniski]

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References

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	Igumen John (Scratch]		Igumen John (Scratch]

			[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Savelia_Curniski Savelia Curniski]

	[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Category:ADOCA Archdiocese of Canada]		[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Category:ADOCA Archdiocese of Canada]

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Increasing responsibilities, 1994, 1996 */

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Increasing responsibilities, 1994, 1996

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	It cannot be forgotten that Father Dennis began in 1994 to lead bi-annual pilgrimages to Ukraine in particular. These pilgrimages took groups of pilgrims from Canada (sometimes also from the USA) to visit major pilgrimage sites in Ukraine, and also various areas from which people had in the past emigrated and settled in Canada. Many were able to visit there ancestral villages. All encountered the local [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church Ukrainian Orthodox Church], her bishops, her priests, her Faithful. On that first pilgrimage, the group participated in the blessing of the new land, and laying of the foundational stone beneath the future Altar of the Cathedral of Saints Sophia, Faith, Hope, and Love in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ternopil Ternopil], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Ukraine Western Ukraine].		It cannot be forgotten that Father Dennis began in 1994 to lead bi-annual pilgrimages to Ukraine in particular. These pilgrimages took groups of pilgrims from Canada (sometimes also from the USA) to visit major pilgrimage sites in Ukraine, and also various areas from which people had in the past emigrated and settled in Canada. Many were able to visit there ancestral villages. All encountered the local [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church Ukrainian Orthodox Church], her bishops, her priests, her Faithful. On that first pilgrimage, the group participated in the blessing of the new land, and laying of the foundational stone beneath the future Altar of the Cathedral of Saints Sophia, Faith, Hope, and Love in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ternopil Ternopil], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Ukraine Western Ukraine].

	In addition to this important spiritual aspect, there began, together with [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Savelia_Curniski Savelia ~~Curiski~~], the establishment, in 2004, of the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saskatoon_SK_NASHI_%E2%80%93_Our_Children_Charity_2004 NASHI -- Our Children] refuge and residence for girls in Western Ukraine.		In addition to this important spiritual aspect, there began, together with [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Savelia_Curniski Savelia Curniski], the establishment, in 2004, of the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saskatoon_SK_NASHI_%E2%80%93_Our_Children_Charity_2004 NASHI -- Our Children] refuge and residence for girls in Western Ukraine.

	==Transfer to Edmonton, Alberta, 1998==		==Transfer to Edmonton, Alberta, 1998==

Vladyka Seraphim: /* References */

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References

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	[https://thestarphoenix.remembering.ca/obituary/alexander-pihach-1066544869 "Saskatoon Star Phoenix" obituary]		[https://thestarphoenix.remembering.ca/obituary/alexander-pihach-1066544869 "Saskatoon Star Phoenix" obituary]

	[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/~~first-anniversary-repose~~-archimandrite-alexander ~~First Year Anniversary~~ of ~~Repose~~ (~~in Moscow~~)]		Archdiocese of Canada announcement : [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/funeral-archimandrite-alexander-pihach Funeral of Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach)]

	~~[https://www~~.~~archdiocese.ca/articles/funeral-archimandrite-alexander-pihach Funeral of~~ Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach)]		Pravolsalive.ru article, 2016, "Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) reposes in the Lord"

	~~Pravolsalive~~.~~ru article, 2016, "Archimandrite Alexander~~ (~~Pihach~~) ~~reposes in the Lord"~~		[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/first-anniversary-repose-archimandrite-alexander First Year Anniversary of Repose (in Moscow)]

	[https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/2017/10/09/memory-eternalnbsp-remembering-archimandrite-alexander-pihach/ Remembering Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach)]		[https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/2017/10/09/memory-eternalnbsp-remembering-archimandrite-alexander-pihach/ Remembering Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach)]
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	[http://www.pravmir.com/patriarchal-condolences-death-orthodox-church-america-s-representative-moscow-patriarchate-archimandrite-alexander-pihach/ "Patriarchal Condolences Over the death of the Orthodox Church in America’s representative to the Moscow Patriarchate Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach)"]		[http://www.pravmir.com/patriarchal-condolences-death-orthodox-church-america-s-representative-moscow-patriarchate-archimandrite-alexander-pihach/ "Patriarchal Condolences Over the death of the Orthodox Church in America’s representative to the Moscow Patriarchate Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach)"]

			[[Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger)]]

			[[Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev)]]

			[[Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor)]]

			[[Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan)]]

			[[Metropolitan Onufry (Berezovskiy)]]

	[[Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard)]]		[[Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard)]]

	~~[[Archbishop Boris (Yakovkevych)]]~~

	[[Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko)]]		[[Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko)]]

	[[Metropolitan John (Stinka)]]		[[Metropolitan John (Stinka)]]

			[[Archbishop Boris (Yakovkevych)]]

	[[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]]		[[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]]

			Protopresbyter Robert Kondratick

			[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Protopresbyter_Oleg_Alexander_and_Dobrodijka_Maria_(born_Sup)_Krawchenko Protopresbyter Oleg Krawchenko]

			[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archpriest_John_and_Mary_Tkachuk Archpriest John Tkachuk]

			[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archpriest_Orest_and_Matushka_Oksana_Olekshy Archpriest Orest Olekshy]

			[https://www.archdiocese.ca/search/node/Luciuk Archpriest Rodion Luciuk]

			[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Igumen_John_(Scratch)

			Igumen John (Scratch]

	[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Category:ADOCA Archdiocese of Canada]		[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Category:ADOCA Archdiocese of Canada]

Vladyka Seraphim: /* References */

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References

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	[http://oca.org/news/headline-news/archimandrite-alexander-pihach-appointed-dean-moscows-st.-catherine-church OCA: Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) appointed Dean of Moscow’s St. Catherine Church, OCA Representative to Patriarchate]		[http://oca.org/news/headline-news/archimandrite-alexander-pihach-appointed-dean-moscows-st.-catherine-church OCA: Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) appointed Dean of Moscow’s St. Catherine Church, OCA Representative to Patriarchate]

	~~[http~~:~~//www.archdiocese.ca/orthodox/articles/archimandrite-alexander-pihach-appointed-dean-moscow’s-st-catherine-church-oca~~ Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) appointed Dean of Moscow’s St. Catherine Church, OCA Representative to Patriarchate]		Archdiocese of Canada News : "Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) appointed Dean of Moscow’s St. Catherine Church, OCA Representative to Patriarchate"

	~~[http://sthermans.ca/newsletters/march_newsletter_2012.pdf~~ Saint ~~Herman’s~~ Sobor ~~web-site article~~, "Father Alexander receives his Mitre", p. 14.]		Saint Herman of Alaska Sobor newsletter, 2012, "Father Alexander receives his Mitre", p. 14.

	[http://parkfuneral.sharingmemories.ca/site/RevFrDennisAlexanderPihach.html Obituary]		[http://parkfuneral.sharingmemories.ca/site/RevFrDennisAlexanderPihach.html Obituary]
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	[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/funeral-archimandrite-alexander-pihach Funeral of Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach)]		[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/funeral-archimandrite-alexander-pihach Funeral of Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach)]

	~~[https://translate~~.~~google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=~~ru~~&u=https://www2.pravoslavie.ru/97688.html&prev=search~~ Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) reposes in the Lord]		Pravolsalive.ru article, 2016, "Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) reposes in the Lord"

	[https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/2017/10/09/memory-eternalnbsp-remembering-archimandrite-alexander-pihach/ Remembering Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach)]		[https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/2017/10/09/memory-eternalnbsp-remembering-archimandrite-alexander-pihach/ Remembering Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach)]

	[https://mospat.ru/en/2016/11/16/news138331/ In Memoriam : Fortieth Day after the Repose of Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach)]		[https://mospat.ru/en/2016/11/16/news138331/ In Memoriam : Fortieth Day after the Repose of Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach)]

	~~[https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=https://www2.pravoslavie.ru/97688.html&prev=search Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) reposes in the Lord]~~

	[http://www.stmarkyorkton.ca/news/category/all In Memoriam : Saint Mark the Evangelist Orthodox Church in Yorkton, Saskatchewan] (Scroll down to the date 10/13/2016.)		[http://www.stmarkyorkton.ca/news/category/all In Memoriam : Saint Mark the Evangelist Orthodox Church in Yorkton, Saskatchewan] (Scroll down to the date 10/13/2016.)

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Reflections */

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Reflections

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Repose, 2016 */

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Repose, 2016

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	On 7 October, 2017, there was a memorial service offered in Moscow, Russia, at the Temple of Saint Catherine-in-the-Fields in order to mark the first anniversary of the falling asleep of Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach). He had served formerly as the Dean of Saint Catherine's and Representative of the OCA to the Moscow Patriarchate. Bishop Daniel (Brum) of Santa Rosa, accompanied by Archpriest Christopher Hill, Archpriest Valentine Vasechko, and Archpriest Kirill Sokolov, served the Panikhida. May his memory be eternal.		On 7 October, 2017, there was a memorial service offered in Moscow, Russia, at the [https://www.oca.org/parishes/oca-st-moscgm Temple of Saint Catherine-in-the-Fields] in order to mark the first anniversary of the falling asleep of Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach). He had served formerly as the Dean of Saint Catherine's and Representative of the OCA to the Moscow Patriarchate. [https://www.oca.org/holy-synod/bishops/the-most-reverend-daniel Bishop Daniel (Brum) of Santa Rosa], accompanied by [https://vk.ru/topic-93744179_33097581?offset=0 Archpriest Christopher Hill], [https://drevo-info.ru/articles/13676767 Archpriest Valentine Vasechko], and [https://dowoca.org/cs_team/archpriest-kirill-sokolov/ Archpriest Kirill Sokolov], served the Panikhida. May his memory be eternal.

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Repose, 2016 */

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Repose, 2016

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	Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) fell asleep in the Lord suddenly and unexpectedly in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/toronto Toronto], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ontario Ontario], on 7 October, 2016. He had just arrived at the home of the rector of [[Toronto ON Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Sobor 1915 \|Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Sobor]] in Toronto, the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/kolega-archpriest-vasyl Archpriest Vasyl and Matushka Oksana Kolega]. It was later reported that the reason for the sudden repose was a massive heart-attack.		Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) fell asleep in the Lord suddenly and unexpectedly in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/toronto Toronto], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ontario Ontario], on 7 October, 2016. He had just arrived at the home of the rector of [[Toronto ON Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Sobor 1915 \|Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Sobor]] in Toronto, the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/kolega-archpriest-vasyl Archpriest Vasyl and Matushka Oksana Kolega]. It was later reported that the reason for the sudden repose was a massive heart-attack.

	The first funeral services were presided over by Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard), at Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Cathedral at 823, Manning Avenue, Toronto, Ontario. The Order for the Burial of a Priest was served on Wednesday, 12 October, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. in the cathedral. The Hierarchical Memorial Divine Liturgy was served on Thursday, 13 October, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Afterwards, letters of condolence were read which had been received from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarch_Kirill_of_Moscow Patriarch Kirill (Gundyayev)of Moscow] and from the Canadian and American ambassadors to Russia. A message of condolence from [[Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas)]] was read by his chancellor, Protopresbyter Panagiotis Avgeropoulos. An American young man from Michigan, who had been newly married by Archimandrite Alexander in Moscow in September, went to Toronto for the funeral from Michigan, where he was visiting. After the service, the body of Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) was transferred to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where there were served several panikhidas at Holy Resurrection Sobor, where his body rested briefly.		The first funeral services were presided over by [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Tikhon_(Mollard) Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard)], at [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Christ_the_Saviour_Russian_Orthodox_Sobor_1915 Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Cathedral] at [https://www.google.com/maps/search/823,+Manning+Avenue,+Toronto,%0D%0AOntario?entry=gmail&source=g 823, Manning Avenue], Toronto, Ontario. [https://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/content/burial-services-over-presbyter-or-over-bishop The Order for the Burial of a Priest] was served on Wednesday, 12 October, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. in the cathedral. The [https://mci.archpitt.org/liturgy/Hierarchical.html Hierarchical Memorial Divine Liturgy] was served on Thursday, 13 October, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Afterwards, letters of condolence were read which had been received from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarch_Kirill_of_Moscow Patriarch Kirill (Gundyayev)of Moscow] and from the Canadian and American ambassadors to Russia. A message of condolence from [[Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas)]] was read by his chancellor, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Protopresbyter_Panagiotis_(Peter),_Presbytera_Hara_Avgeropoulos Protopresbyter Panagiotis Avgeropoulos]. An American young man from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan Michigan], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States USA], who had been newly married by Archimandrite Alexander in Moscow in September, went to Toronto for the funeral from Michigan, where he was visiting.

	Because Holy Resurrection Sobor was too small for the large number of people expected, the funeral services were held at the rented Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family (123, Nelson Road, in Saskatoon). On Monday, 17 October, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., the Order for the Burial of a Priest was served. On Tuesday, 18 October, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., the Hierarchical Memorial Divine Liturgy was presided over by [[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]], together with the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/melnyk-mitred-archpriest-anatoliy Mitred Archpriest Anatoliy Mel’nyk] (one of the first clergy who was helped to immigrate to Canada by Father Alexander), and with many other clergy.		After the service, the body of Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) was transferred to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatoon Saskatoon], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan Saskatchewan], where there were served several [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Memorial_Services panikhidas] at [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saskatoon_SK_Holy_Resurrection_Orthodox_Sobor_1975 Holy Resurrection Sobor], where his body rested briefly.

			Because Holy Resurrection Sobor was too small for the large number of people expected, the funeral services were held at the rented [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Family_Cathedral_(Saskatoon) Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family] ([https://www.google.com/maps/search/123,+Nelson+Road?entry=gmail&source=g 123, Nelson Road], in Saskatoon).

			On Monday, 17 October, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., the [https://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/content/burial-services-over-presbyter-or-over-bishop Order for the Burial of a Priest] was served.

			On Tuesday, 18 October, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., the Hierarchical Memorial Divine Liturgy was presided over by [[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]], together with the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/melnyk-mitred-archpriest-anatoliy Mitred Archpriest Anatoliy Mel’nyk] (one of the first clergy who was helped to immigrate to Canada by Father Alexander), and with many other clergy.

	After the Funeral Services, the interment of his body took place in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodlawn_Cemetery_(Saskatoon) Woodlawn Cemetery] in Saskatoon, where members of his family repose.		After the Funeral Services, the interment of his body took place in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodlawn_Cemetery_(Saskatoon) Woodlawn Cemetery] in Saskatoon, where members of his family repose.
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	[[File:Panikhida 7.19.17 S.jpg]] '''Bishop Daniel (Brum) at first year panikhida'''		[[File:Panikhida 7.19.17 S.jpg]] '''Bishop Daniel (Brum) at first year panikhida'''


	==Reflections==		==Reflections==

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Transfer to Saint Catherine's Representation Church, Moscow, Russia, 2012 */

2026-10-08T19:50:53Z

Transfer to Saint Catherine's Representation Church, Moscow, Russia, 2012

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	==Transfer to Saint Catherine's Representation Church, Moscow, Russia, 2012==		==Transfer to Saint Catherine's Representation Church, Moscow, Russia, 2012==

	On 16 October, 2012, Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) was released from his duties as Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Canada, and as rector of Saint Herman’s Sobor in Edmonton, and he was assigned by the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archimandrite Holy Synod of Bishops] of The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) to take on the duties of acting Dean of the Church of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/St._Catherine_the_Great_Martyr_Church_(Moscow) Saint Catherine the Great Martyr] (also known as Saint Catherine in-the-Fields because it was built on farmland) in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Moscow Moscow], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Russia Russia]. He was released from the Archdiocese of Canada and transferred to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Omophorion omophor] of the Metropolitan of The Orthodox Church in America.		On 16 October, 2012, Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) was released from his duties as Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Canada, and as rector of Saint Herman’s Sobor in Edmonton, and he was assigned by the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archimandrite Holy Synod of Bishops] of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America] (OCA) to take on the duties of acting Dean of the Church of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/St._Catherine_the_Great_Martyr_Church_(Moscow) Saint Catherine the Great Martyr] (also known as Saint Catherine in-the-Fields because it was built on farmland) in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Moscow Moscow], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Russia Russia]. He was released from the Archdiocese of Canada and transferred to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Omophorion omophor] of the Metropolitan of The Orthodox Church in America.

	As the official representative of The Orthodox Church in America in this Temple in Moscow, Archimandrite Alexander served as well in obedience to the Patriarch of Moscow (at that time [[Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev)]]), of whose diocese this parish is a part. He served, therefore, as a sort of "ambassador" of the OCA to the Patriarchate of Moscow.		As the official representative of The Orthodox Church in America in this Temple in Moscow, Archimandrite Alexander served as well in obedience to the Patriarch of Moscow (at that time [[Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev)]]), of whose diocese this parish is a part. He served, therefore, as a sort of "ambassador" of the OCA to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Patriarchate of Moscow].

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Transfer to Edmonton, Alberta, 1998 */

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Transfer to Edmonton, Alberta, 1998

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	In addition to this substantial new responsibility, as well as serving as the chancellor of the ~~archdiocese~~, he concurrently held the responsibility of being Acting Dean of Alberta from 1999 until 2002. Then he was elected and assigned to be the Dean of Alberta. The decanal responsibility was intensified to include closely supervising the pastoral care of the 14 rural communities northeast of Edmonton, an area rich in pioneer Orthodox history and culture. ~~He helped~~ the ~~2 priests who served these communities~~, and ~~he frequently appeared there for meetings and for festal celebrations~~.		In addition to this substantial new responsibility, as well as serving as the chancellor of the Archdiocese of Canada, he concurrently held the responsibility of being Acting [https://www.oca.org/parishes/deanery/oca-ca-abd Dean of Alberta] from 1999 until 2002. Then he was elected and assigned to be the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deanery Dean] of Alberta. The decanal responsibility was intensified to include closely supervising the pastoral care of the 14 rural communities northeast of Edmonton, an area rich in pioneer Orthodox history and culture. These 14 parishes were grouped into the "[https://www.oca.org/parishes/oca-ca-wossnc Century Orthodox Parishes]" Group of Churches, and the "[https://www.oca.org/parishes/oca-ca-washac Saint Tikhon]" Group of Churches.

	~~In 1999, Father Dennis prepared for and organised~~ the ~~[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Consecration sanctification] of the new [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Consecration Holy Table] and Temple of Saint Herman's Church by Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor). In 2001~~, ~~the Temple was elevated to the dignity of a “sobor” (a larger Temple, usually). This parish grew in the number of Faithful~~ and ~~in responsibilities within the archdiocese. Under the rector’s leadership, in 3 years, Saint Herman’s Sobor fostered 3 missions from the parish itself. At that time,~~ there ~~was as well the reception of a parish into the archdiocese in the greater Edmonton area. Saint Herman's Sobor became~~ for ~~a time the central focus for the 14 rural parishes outside Edmonton~~, with the priests of these many parishes attached to the Temple. The number of clergy in the Alberta Deanery tripled between 1999 and 2004. From Edmonton, between 2000 and 2004, the chancellor’s office established an insurance and ~~health benefits plan~~ for ~~the archdiocesan clergy~~.		He helped the 2 priests who served these communities, and he frequently appeared there for meetings, and for festal celebrations.

	~~While serving in Edmonton~~, Father ~~Pihach’s gift~~ for ~~including others in God’s service was a sight to behold on a Sunday, as a score~~ of ~~people, from readers, Altar-boys, music reproducers,~~ the ~~choir, coffee-makers, servers~~ and ~~cleaners worked together seamlessly to enable a wonderful Divine Liturgy~~. ~~This was followed by warm hospitality afterwards in the downstairs hall~~. ~~Everything was worshipful, personable, amicable and was done to the highest standards.~~		In 1999, Father Dennis prepared for and organised the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Consecration sanctification] of the new [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Consecration Holy Table] and Temple of Saint Herman's Church by [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Theodosius_(Lazor) Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor)].

	~~Father Dennis~~ was a ~~combination of deep devotion and earthy humour~~. ~~He knew everyone by name and he had~~ the ~~gift~~ of ~~relating easily with others. Pensioners in places such as Yorkton, Edmonton~~, ~~Saskatoon~~ and ~~[[Smoky Lake AB Holy Trinity Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1900 \|Smoky Lake]] delighted~~ in ~~his presence~~. ~~Youth found him to be “with it” because he was~~ in ~~touch with modern needs~~. ~~In his family~~, ~~"uncle Dennis"~~ was ~~considered to be~~ the ~~greatest and dearest uncle, who always made time for family, regardless~~ of ~~where he was in~~ the ~~world. He was well-grounded~~ in the ~~Ukrainian language and loved his inherited Ukrainian traditions, while living the broadness of Orthodoxy that goes far beyond linguistics and culture~~. ~~This warm relationship extended also all across the diocese.~~		In 2001, the Temple was elevated to the dignity of a “sobor” (a larger Temple, usually). This parish grew in the number of Faithful ,and in responsibilities within the archdiocese. Under the rector’s leadership, in 3 years, Saint Herman’s Sobor fostered 3 missions from the parish itself. At that time, there was as well the reception of a parish into the archdiocese in the greater Edmonton area.

	Father Dennis knew well how to live in the moment. In Edmonton, his fellow-pastor, [[Igumen John (Scratch)]], together with the [http://archdiocese.ca/clergy/schaplowsky-priest-michael Priest Michael Schaplowsky], decided to play a practical joke. They let it be known that Father Dennis loved the accordion and that he knew how to play it. The opposite was true. On a public occasion, he was presented with an accordion and he obligingly played some squeaks with a big smile. He was thereafter constantly pressed to play this instrument, and he repeatedly made jokes about it himself.		Saint Herman's Sobor became for a time the central focus for the 14 rural parishes outside Edmonton, with the priests of these many parishes attached to the Temple. The number of clergy in the [https://www.oca.org/parishes/deanery/oca-ca-abd Alberta Deanery] tripled between 1999 and 2004. From Edmonton, between 2000 and 2004, the chancellor’s office established an insurance and health benefits plan for the archdiocesan clergy.

			While serving in Edmonton, Father Pihach’s gift for including others in God’s service was a sight to behold on a Sunday, as a score of people, from readers, Altar-boys, music reproducers, the choir, coffee-makers, servers and cleaners worked together seamlessly to enable a wonderful [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy]. This was followed by warm hospitality afterwards in the downstairs hall. Everything was worshipful, personable, amicable, and all was done to the highest standards.

			Father Dennis was a combination of deep devotion and earthy humour. He knew everyone by name and he had the gift of relating easily with others. Pensioners in places such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yorkton Yorkton], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatoon Saskatoon], and [[Smoky Lake AB Holy Trinity Russo Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1900 \|Smoky Lake]] delighted in his presence. Youth found him to be “with it” because he was in touch with modern needs. In his family, "uncle Dennis" was considered to be the greatest and dearest uncle, who always made time for family, regardless of where he was in the world. He was well-grounded in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language Ukrainian language], and he loved his inherited [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Ukraine Ukrainian traditions], while living the broadness of Orthodoxy that goes far beyond linguistics and culture. This warm relationship extended also all across the diocese.

			Father Dennis knew well how to live in the moment. In Edmonton, his fellow-pastor, [[Igumen John (Scratch)]], together with the [http://archdiocese.ca/clergy/schaplowsky-priest-michael Priest Michael Schaplowsky], decided to play a practical joke. They let it be known that Father Dennis loved the accordion, and that he knew how to play it. The opposite was true. Nevertheless, on a public occasion, he was presented with an accordion and he obligingly played some squeaks with a big smile. He was thereafter constantly pressed to play this instrument, and he repeatedly made jokes about it himself.

	In 2003-2004, Father Dennis participated along with Bishop Seraphim in important meetings at [[Vancouver BC Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor 1924 \|Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor]] in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/vancouver Vancouver], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/british-columbia British Columbia]. At this time, particularly on 1 January, 2004, 9 parish council members signed the "Declaration of the Re-establishment of the Parish". The "Russian Orthodox Society" was dissolved, and the Holy Resurrection parish was created as part of the Archdiocese of Canada. The new constitution and by-laws, which were in conformity with normal parish organisation, were adopted and registered.		In 2003-2004, Father Dennis participated along with Bishop Seraphim in important meetings at [[Vancouver BC Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor 1924 \|Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor]] in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/vancouver Vancouver], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/british-columbia British Columbia]. At this time, particularly on 1 January, 2004, 9 parish council members signed the "Declaration of the Re-establishment of the Parish". The "Russian Orthodox Society" was dissolved, and the Holy Resurrection parish was created as part of the Archdiocese of Canada. The new constitution and by-laws, which were in conformity with normal parish organisation, were adopted and registered.
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	Father Dennis travelled in official delegations to represent [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America] to the Churches of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/index.php?title=Church_of_Ukraine&mobileaction=toggle_view_desktop Ukraine], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Georgia Georgia], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Russia] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Poland Poland].		Father Dennis travelled in official delegations to represent [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America] to the Churches of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/index.php?title=Church_of_Ukraine&mobileaction=toggle_view_desktop Ukraine], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Georgia Georgia], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Russia] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Poland Poland].

	He was a founder of the Canadian diocese’s "Project Ukraine", a charitable organisation that gives aid to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Ukraine canonical Orthodox Church in Ukraine] in order to assist the bishops, parishes, seminaries and orphanages there. He facilitated a great improvement in communication and co-operation between the Archdiocese of Canada and the ~~canonical~~ Orthodox Church ~~in Ukraine~~.		He was a founder of the Canadian diocese’s "[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Savelia_Curniski#Founding_of_the_NASHI_%E2%80%93_Our_Children_Charity Project Ukraine]", a charitable organisation that gives aid to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Ukraine canonical Orthodox Church in Ukraine] in order to assist the bishops, parishes, seminaries and orphanages there. He facilitated a great improvement in communication and co-operation between the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodox_Church_in_America_Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada] and the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church Ukrainian Orthodox Church].

	He took part many times in leading pilgrimages of Canadians to holy sites in Ukraine, and he participated also in many other pilgrimages. Partly in response to these visits to Ukraine, Father Dennis became a long-time and strong supporter of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASHI "NASHI --- Our Children"] organisation against human trafficking. Its headquarters is in Saskatoon, and it is led by Father Pihach's long-time friend [[Savelia Curniski]].		He took part many times in leading pilgrimages of Canadians to holy sites in Ukraine, and he participated also in many other pilgrimages. Partly in response to these visits to Ukraine, Father Dennis became a long-time and strong supporter of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASHI "NASHI --- Our Children"] organisation against human trafficking. Its headquarters is in Saskatoon, and it is led by Father Pihach's long-time friend [[Savelia Curniski]].

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:19, 8 October 2026
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	On 1 February, 2018, The Orthodox Church in America announced the [https://oca.org/news/headline-news/fr.-daniel-andrejuk-begins-duties-as-oca-representative-to-moscow-patriarch assignment of the successor] of Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) :		On 1 February, 2018, The Orthodox Church in America announced the [https://oca.org/news/headline-news/fr.-daniel-andrejuk-begins-duties-as-oca-representative-to-moscow-patriarch assignment of the successor] of Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) :

	Archpriest Daniel Andrejuk will begin his duties as the Orthodox Church in America’s Representative to the		[https://www.oca.org/clergy/daniel-andrejuk Archpriest Daniel Andrejuk] will begin his duties as the Orthodox Church in America’s Representative to the
	Moscow Patriarchate and Rector of the OCA’s Representation Church of the Great Martyr Catherine, Moscow, on		Moscow Patriarchate and Rector of the OCA’s Representation Church of the Great Martyr Catherine, in Moscow, on
	February 1, 2018.		February 1, 2018.

	Father Daniel was appointed to the position by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon and the Holy Synod of		Father Daniel was appointed to the position by [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Tikhon_(Mollard) His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon] and the [https://www.oca.org/holy-synod Holy Synod of Bishops].
	Bishops. He succeeds the late Archimandrite Alexander [Pihach], who served as OCA Representative to the		He succeeds the late Archimandrite Alexander [Pihach], who served as OCA Representative to the
	Patriarchate from November 30, 2012 until his repose on October 7, 2016.		Patriarchate from November 30, 2012 until his repose on October 7, 2016.

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	It was a feast of faith and love on behalf of Archmandrite Alexander (Pihach) who fell asleep in the Lord this		It was a feast of faith and love on behalf of Archmandrite Alexander (Pihach) who fell asleep in the Lord this
	October 2016. Archbishop ~~Irenée~~ (Rochon) was officiating at the Parastas and Divine Liturgy services with		October 2016. [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Ir%C3%A9n%C3%A9e_(Rochon) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)] was officiating at the [https://ro.orthodoxwiki.org/Parastas Parastas], and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy] services with
	Father Leonard Herrem, Priest-in-charge of Holy Resurrection Sobor, along with many priests and deacons from		[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/herrem-archpriest-leonard Father Leonard Herrem], Priest-in-charge of Holy Resurrection Sobor, along with many priests and deacons from
	all across Canada. In addition, there were Deacon Kirill Dotsenko (who was Archimandrite Alexander’s Deacon		all across Canada. In addition, there were [https://www.oca.org/clergy/Kirill-Dotsenko/ Deacon Kirill Dotsenko] (who was Archimandrite Alexander’s Deacon
	from Saint Catherine’s Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow) and the retired [[Metropolitan John (Stinka)]] of the		from Saint Catherine’s Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow) and the retired [[Metropolitan John (Stinka)]] of the
	Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.		Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.
	(Subdeacon James Nicholas Davis)		(Subdeacon James Nicholas Davis)

	'''A reflection by the Archpriest Lawrence Farley of Langley, BC'''		'''A reflection by the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/farley-archpriest-lawrence-retired Archpriest Lawrence Farley] of Langley, BC'''

	Saturday morning began with a thunderbolt: a dear fellow-priest from my diocese began his phone call to me		Saturday morning began with a thunderbolt: a dear fellow-priest from my diocese began his phone call to me
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	[This reflection by Father Farley expresses the confusion that prevailed immediately after the repose, regarding the precise circumstances under which Father Alexander was in Toronto at the time. Some days later, the facts were clarified.]		[This reflection by Father Farley expresses the confusion that prevailed immediately after the repose, regarding the precise circumstances under which Father Alexander was in Toronto at the time. Some days later, the facts were clarified.]

	'''A reflection by the Priest A Gregory Scratch of Narol, Manitoba, from the parish blog :'''		'''A reflection by the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/scratch-archpriest-gregory Priest A Gregory Scratch] of Narol, Manitoba, from the parish blog :'''

	On Saturday night, I usually pack my pipe and go for a walk to fine-tune and shape my sermon, in an attempt to		On Saturday night, I usually pack my pipe and go for a walk to fine-tune and shape my sermon, in an attempt to
	avoid rambling. That morning, I had been informed about the sudden repose of Archimandrite Alexander (Dennis		avoid rambling. That morning, I had been informed about the sudden repose of Archimandrite Alexander (Dennis
	Pihach), and it had weighed heavily on my heart throughout the day. I was working on my sermon about Saint		Pihach), and it had weighed heavily on my heart throughout the day. I was working on my sermon about [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saint_Tikhon_(Belavin) Saint Tikhon]
	~~Tikhon~~ (whose feast day of glorification it was to be), yet every time I would go over my sermon, I would get		(whose feast day of glorification it was to be), yet every time I would go over my sermon, I would get
	lost in thoughts of Father Alexander. I would re-focus and get back to my sermon only to slip back into		lost in thoughts of Father Alexander. I would re-focus and get back to my sermon only to slip back into
	thoughts about Father Alexander.		thoughts about Father Alexander.
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	that we bear witness to, or the divine Word, who breathed the Holy Spirit upon all creation ?		that we bear witness to, or the divine Word, who breathed the Holy Spirit upon all creation ?

	If we are true to the work of Saint Tikhon and to holy men and women who have served the Lord in Canada (like our		If we are true to the work of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saint_Tikhon_(Belavin) Saint Tikhon] and to holy men and women who have served the Lord in Canada (like our
	beloved Archbishop Arseny) ; and if we are true to the memory of Father Alexander, our proclamation will be of		beloved [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_(Saint)_Arseny_(Chahovtsov) ) Archbishop Arseny]) ; and if we are true to the memory of Father Alexander, our proclamation will be of
	the Lord’s saving mercy poured out onto a new land, a proclamation that cuts through the noise of sin so that		the Lord’s saving mercy poured out onto a new land, a proclamation that cuts through the noise of sin so that
	we hear the voice of God calling us to life eternal.		we hear the voice of God calling us to life eternal.
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	May His memory be eternal.		May His memory be eternal.

	'''Message from Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard) of Washington to Saint Catherine’s Church in Moscow'''		'''Message from [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Tikhon_(Mollard) Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard)] of Washington to Saint Catherine’s Church in Moscow'''

	Beloved clergy and parishioners of St. Catherine’s Church:		Beloved clergy and parishioners of St. Catherine’s Church:
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	May the blessing and consolation of the Lord be with you, through His grace and love for mankind.		May the blessing and consolation of the Lord be with you, through His grace and love for mankind.

	On Saturday, 16 October, 2021, [[Savelia Curniski]] organised the serving of a Panikhida (memorial service) for Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) at the fifth anniversary of his repose. The ~~serivce~~, led by Archpriest Leonard Herrem at Holy Resurrection Sobor in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, was served at 11:00 a.m., and the service was made available to those at a distance [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjRRVOOn4G0 on the internet].		On Saturday, 16 October, 2021, [[Savelia Curniski]] organised the serving of a [https://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/content/panikhida-adult-faithful Panikhida] (memorial service) for Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) at the fifth anniversary of his repose. The service, led by [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/herrem-archpriest-leonard Archpriest Leonard Herrem] at [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saskatoon_SK_Holy_Resurrection_Orthodox_Sobor_1975 Holy Resurrection Sobor] in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, was served at 11:00 a.m., and the service was made available to those at a distance [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjRRVOOn4G0 on the internet].

	==References==		==References==