Mitred Archpriest John and Matushka Maria Diachina - Revision history

Vladyka Seraphim at 03:24, 20 January 2026

2026-01-20T03:24:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:24, 20 January 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:

	[[File:Diachina-John.jpg]]		[[File:Diachina-John.jpg]]


	'''Mitred Archpriest John Diachina (1904-1976)'''		'''Mitred Archpriest John Diachina (1904-1976)'''

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Repose of Matushka Maria, 1993 */

2025-03-25T20:45:47Z

Repose of Matushka Maria, 1993

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:45, 25 March 2025
Line 132:		Line 132:
	On Wednesday, 27 October, 1993, Matushka Maria Diachina [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/240275913/mary-djachina fell asleep in the Lord] in Toronto, Ontario.		On Wednesday, 27 October, 1993, Matushka Maria Diachina [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/240275913/mary-djachina fell asleep in the Lord] in Toronto, Ontario.

	The [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/res/reading/funeral/Service_for_Orthodox_Lay-Persons.pdf Funeral Services for the Burial of a Lay-person] were offered at [Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Toronto], Ontario, by the [https://www.oca.org/in-memoriam/archpriest-nicolas-boldireff Priest Nicolas Boldireff].		The [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/res/reading/funeral/Service_for_Orthodox_Lay-Persons.pdf Funeral Services for the Burial of a Lay-person] were offered at [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Christ_the_Saviour_Russian_Orthodox_Sobor_1915 Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Toronto], Ontario, by the [https://www.oca.org/in-memoriam/archpriest-nicolas-boldireff Priest Nicolas Boldireff].

	After the services, her body was transported to the [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/639389/york-cemetery York Cemetery], where she was interred with her husband.		After the services, her body was transported to the [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/639389/york-cemetery York Cemetery], where she was interred with her husband.

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Marriage, 1929 */

2025-03-25T20:39:16Z

Marriage, 1929

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:39, 25 March 2025
Line 41:		Line 41:
	==Marriage, 1929==		==Marriage, 1929==

	In 1929, John (Ivan) Markovich Diachina met Maria Simeonovna Ivanoff, and later that year they were married in Kayville, Saskatchewan.		In 1929, John (Ivan) Markovich Diachina met Maria Simeonovna Ivanoff, and later that year they were married in Kayville, Saskatchewan. They received from the Lord 2 daughters, Pauline and Larisa.

	==Ordinations, 1929==		==Ordinations, 1929==

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Repose of Matushka Maria, 1995 */

2025-03-25T20:38:17Z

Repose of Matushka Maria, 1995

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:38, 25 March 2025
Line 128:		Line 128:
	[[File:Mitred Archpriest John Diachina 1.png]] '''Mitred Archpriest John Diachina'''		[[File:Mitred Archpriest John Diachina 1.png]] '''Mitred Archpriest John Diachina'''

	==Repose of Matushka Maria, ~~1995~~==		==Repose of Matushka Maria, 1993==

	~~In 1995~~, Matushka Maria Diachina fell asleep in the Lord in Toronto.		On Wednesday, 27 October, 1993, Matushka Maria Diachina [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/240275913/mary-djachina fell asleep in the Lord] in Toronto, Ontario.

	The Funeral Services for the Burial of a Lay-person were offered at Christ the Saviour ~~Cahedral~~ in Toronto, Ontario, by the Priest Nicolas Boldireff.		The [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/res/reading/funeral/Service_for_Orthodox_Lay-Persons.pdf Funeral Services for the Burial of a Lay-person] were offered at [Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Toronto], Ontario, by the [https://www.oca.org/in-memoriam/archpriest-nicolas-boldireff Priest Nicolas Boldireff].

	After the services, her body was transported to the York Cemetery, where she was interred with her husband.		After the services, her body was transported to the [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/639389/york-cemetery York Cemetery], where she was interred with her husband.


Line 142:		Line 142:
	Many decades later, the memory and the good reputation of both Father John and Matushka Maria Diachina remain alive in the parish.		Many decades later, the memory and the good reputation of both Father John and Matushka Maria Diachina remain alive in the parish.

	May their memory be eternal !		May their memory be eternal !


			[[File:DiachinaMarker 1.jpeg]] '''Grave-marker'''

			==Repose of Larisa Myers (born Diachina), 2015==

			On Monday, 1 June, 2015, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/240102201/larisa-myers#view-photo=251636543 Larisa Myers] (born Diachina) fell asleep in the Lord unexpectedly in Toronto, Ontario. She was the daughter of Father John and Matushka Maria. A teacher, she had sung in the Christ the Saviour Cathedral choir for many decades.

			Larisa was predeceased by her parents, and by her sister Pauline Skrinnikov (born Diachina). She was mourned by Stan Myers, Tatiana Skrinnikov, and Janet Thomas, as well as her children Kathryn Ann and John Joseph.

			On Thursday, 4 June, 2015, a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Memorial_Services Panikhida] (Memorial Service) was served for her at the [https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/funeral-homes/ontario/toronto/jerrett-funeral-homes/3003 Jerrett Funeral Home] Chapel.

			On Friday, 5 June, 2015, the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/res/reading/funeral/Service_for_Orthodox_Lay-Persons.pdf Funeral Service for the Burial of a Lay-person] was served for the newly-departed at the Jerrett Funeral Home Chapel.

			Following the funeral obsequies, the body of Larisa Myers was interred at the [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/639389/york-cemetery York Cemetery].

	==Reflections==		==Reflections==

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Repose of Father John, 1976 */

2025-03-25T19:49:03Z

Repose of Father John, 1976

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:49, 25 March 2025
Line 121:		Line 121:
	On 17 January, 1976, the Mitred Archpriest John Diachina fell asleep in the Lord in Toronto.		On 17 January, 1976, the Mitred Archpriest John Diachina fell asleep in the Lord in Toronto.

	The Funeral Services for the Burial of a Presbyter were offered at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Toronto, Ontario.		The [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/res/reading/funeral/Funeral_Bishop_or_Priest.pdf Funeral Services for the Burial of a Presbyter] were offered at [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Christ_the_Saviour_Russian_Orthodox_Sobor_1915 Christ the Saviour Cathedral] in Toronto, Ontario.

	After the funeral services, Father John's body was transported to the York Cemetery, where it was interred.		After the funeral services, Father John's body was transported to the York Cemetery, where it was interred.

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Pastoral service */

2025-03-25T16:30:50Z

Pastoral service

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:30, 25 March 2025
Line 53:		Line 53:
	By this time, following the retirement of Vladyka Arseny, the pastoral school at Sifton had closed, since it had depended directly on the person of the bishop in order to function properly (he had been transferred to the USA in 1936).		By this time, following the retirement of Vladyka Arseny, the pastoral school at Sifton had closed, since it had depended directly on the person of the bishop in order to function properly (he had been transferred to the USA in 1936).

	Finally, Father John was assigned to serve as the rector of [[Toronto ON Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Sobor 1915 \|Christ the Saviour Cathedral]] in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/toronto Toronto], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ontario Ontario], in 1941. He arrived on 9 March, 1941.		Finally, Father John was assigned to serve as the rector of [[Toronto ON Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Sobor 1915 \|Christ the Saviour Cathedral]] in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/toronto Toronto], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ontario Ontario], in 1941. He arrived there on 9 March, 1941.

	When he arrived, Father John found that he was inheriting a community that had endured a period of instability since 1936, when the priest of that time, the Archpriest Alexander Pyza was transferred away to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit Detroit], USA. Subsequently, the parish was served by a succession of several priests and some of the parishioners moved away (they left the city for various reasons). The effects of the [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/great-depression/ Great Depression] were great, and World War II had caused further difficulties. The community was struggling to pay for the Temple on Glen Morris Avenue which had been bought in 1930.		When he arrived, Father John found that he was inheriting a community that had endured a period of instability since 1936, when the priest of that time, the Archpriest Alexander Pyza was transferred away to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit Detroit], USA. Subsequently, the parish was served by a succession of several priests and some of the parishioners moved away (they left the city for various reasons). The effects of the [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/great-depression/ Great Depression] were great, and World War II had caused further difficulties. The community was struggling to pay for the Temple on Glen Morris Avenue which had been bought in 1930.

	Shortly after his arrival, Father John gathered the parishioners together. Despite the absence of many active members of the parish (because of war), he restored the sisterhood, the choir, bazaar organisation, and the parish school. The life of the parish once again normalised.		Shortly after his arrival, Father John gathered the parishioners together. Despite the absence of many active members of the parish (because of war), he restored the sisterhood, the choir, the bazaar organisation, and the parish school. The life of the parish once again normalised.

			'''Post-war immigration'''

	In 1947, the first post-war Russian immigrants from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Europe Western Europe] and from the [https://www.britannica.com/place/Philippines Philippines] (most having first fled from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China China]) started arriving to Toronto and the Temple was filled with worshippers during every Sunday service. Indeed, the majority of Russian-speaking immigrants, who settled in Toronto at the end of the 1940s and beginning of the 1950s, passed through the doors of Christ the Saviour Cathedral. Many of those immigrants were able to come to Canada thanks to the efforts of Father John Diachina, and of [[Oleg Vladimirovitch Rodomar Vukotitch \|Mr. Oleg V Rodomar-Vukotich]].		In 1947, the first post-war Russian immigrants from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Europe Western Europe] and from the [https://www.britannica.com/place/Philippines Philippines] (most having first fled from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China China]) started arriving to Toronto and the Temple was filled with worshippers during every Sunday service. Indeed, the majority of Russian-speaking immigrants, who settled in Toronto at the end of the 1940s and beginning of the 1950s, passed through the doors of Christ the Saviour Cathedral. Many of those immigrants were able to come to Canada thanks to the efforts of Father John Diachina, and of [[Oleg Vladimirovitch Rodomar Vukotitch \|Mr. Oleg V Rodomar-Vukotich]].

			'''Grand Duchess Olga'''

	Also in 1947, the [[Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna Kulikovskaya \|Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna]], sister of the last Russian [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_II_of_Russia Emperor Nicholas II], arrived to Toronto. She and all the members of her family became devoted parishioners of this Temple. The Grand Duchess and her husband, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikolai_Kulikovsky Nikolai Alexandrovich Kulikovsky] were constantly present at services, and they showed great care about the Temple’s decoration and the well-being of the parish. Therefore, the Grand Duchess herself created icons for the second level of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconostasis iconostas] (Grand Duchess Olga was an able and competent artist). The Grand Duchess also donated a “shrine” for the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography Icon] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Theotokos Mother of God] which the parish had recently received.		Also in 1947, the [[Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna Kulikovskaya \|Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna]], sister of the last Russian [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_II_of_Russia Emperor Nicholas II], arrived to Toronto. She and all the members of her family became devoted parishioners of this Temple. The Grand Duchess and her husband, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikolai_Kulikovsky Nikolai Alexandrovich Kulikovsky] were constantly present at services, and they showed great care about the Temple’s decoration and the well-being of the parish. Therefore, the Grand Duchess herself created icons for the second level of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconostasis iconostas] (Grand Duchess Olga was an able and competent artist). The Grand Duchess also donated a “shrine” for the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography Icon] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Theotokos Mother of God] which the parish had recently received.

			'''Toronto as the diocesan seat (1952-1958'''

	From 1952 until 1958, [[Archbishop Nikon (de Grève) \|Bishop Nikon (de Grève)]] lived and served in Toronto as the Bishop of Toronto and the Archdiocese of Canada. From Toronto, Bishop Nikon made his pastoral visits to various parishes in Canada, and Father John assisted him in the administration of the archdiocese. At the end of 1958, Bishop Nikon was transferred away to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo Tokyo], the capital of the Empire of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan Japan]. He was assigned to serve as the Archbishop of Tokyo and the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Japan Japanese Orthodox Church].		From 1952 until 1958, [[Archbishop Nikon (de Grève) \|Bishop Nikon (de Grève)]] lived and served in Toronto as the Bishop of Toronto and the Archdiocese of Canada. From Toronto, Bishop Nikon made his pastoral visits to various parishes in Canada, and Father John assisted him in the administration of the archdiocese. At the end of 1958, Bishop Nikon was transferred away to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo Tokyo], the capital of the Empire of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan Japan]. He was assigned to serve as the Archbishop of Tokyo and the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Japan Japanese Orthodox Church].

	Then, at the beginning of 1966, the government announced that it was going to expropriate several buildings and houses, including the building of the Christ the Saviour Cathedral on Glen Morris Avenue for the needs of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Toronto University of Toronto]. Compensation was given for this action. Providentially, at this same time, the [https://lostanglicanchurches.wordpress.com/2012/04/27/st-cyprians-manning-avenue/ Anglican parish of Saint Cyprian], located at the corner of Manning and Follis ~~Avenue~~, was being closed down. Thus, on 1 June, 1966, the parish of Christ the Saviour acquired a large Temple and an adjoining parish hall. Immediately, the repairs, the reconstruction, and the arrangement of the internal premises began. It is necessary to note the unusual level of help and sacrifice of both priest and parishioners, who worked hard and spared no effort and time. The Temple was [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Consecration_of_a_church sanctified] on 30 October, 1966. At this same time, the parish hall adjoining the Temple was named in honour of the Grand Duchess Olga. Such was the respect and love for her personally by the parishioners.		'''Required move from Glen Morris Avenue to Manning Avenue'''

			Then, at the beginning of 1966, the government announced that it was going to expropriate several buildings and houses, including the building of the Christ the Saviour Cathedral on Glen Morris Avenue for the needs of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Toronto University of Toronto]. Compensation was given for this action. Providentially, at this same time, the [https://lostanglicanchurches.wordpress.com/2012/04/27/st-cyprians-manning-avenue/ Anglican parish of Saint Cyprian], located at the corner of Manning and Follis Avenues, was being closed down. Thus, on 1 June, 1966, the parish of Christ the Saviour acquired a large Temple and an adjoining parish hall. Immediately, the repairs, the reconstruction, and the arrangement of the internal premises began. It is necessary to note the unusual level of help and sacrifice of both priest and parishioners, who worked hard and spared no effort and time. The Temple was [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Consecration_of_a_church sanctified] on 30 October, 1966. At this same time, the parish hall adjoining the Temple was named in honour of the Grand Duchess Olga. Such was the respect and love for her personally by the parishioners.

	Vladimir Handera wrote :		Vladimir Handera wrote :
Line 75:		Line 83:

	In 1967, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishops_of_the_Russian_Metropolia_in_North_America Holy Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America] (predecessor of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America]) awarded Father John with the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Miter mitre] (an award given to priests primarily by the Russian Orthodox Church) because of his zealous work for the church.		In 1967, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishops_of_the_Russian_Metropolia_in_North_America Holy Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America] (predecessor of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America]) awarded Father John with the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Miter mitre] (an award given to priests primarily by the Russian Orthodox Church) because of his zealous work for the church.

			'''Multi-ethnic Metro Caravan'''

	From the beginning of "[http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/it/newsrel.nsf/2121735169a9151e85257aa70063f645/f6512d8ec27b800185256df6004655ac?OpenDocument Metro Caravan]" in 1969, and under the leadership of Father John, the parishioners began to participate in this multi-ethnic festival, which also benefitted the parish in fundraising. This festival continued for several decades afterwards, and the parishioners continued to be active participants.		From the beginning of "[http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/it/newsrel.nsf/2121735169a9151e85257aa70063f645/f6512d8ec27b800185256df6004655ac?OpenDocument Metro Caravan]" in 1969, and under the leadership of Father John, the parishioners began to participate in this multi-ethnic festival, which also benefitted the parish in fundraising. This festival continued for several decades afterwards, and the parishioners continued to be active participants.
Line 105:		Line 115:
	In his last years, when he felt that his health was deteriorating, Father John repeatedly asked to be relieved of his responsibility as pastor of Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Toronto.		In his last years, when he felt that his health was deteriorating, Father John repeatedly asked to be relieved of his responsibility as pastor of Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Toronto.

	In November, 1975, Father John told [[Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns)]] that he would stay until the mortgage of the Temple would be paid off (in October, 1976), and that he would then retire : “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace” (Luke 2:29). However, he did not live to see this come to pass.		In November, 1975, Father John told [[Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns)]] that he would stay until the mortgage of the Temple would be paid off (in October, 1976), and that he would then retire : “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace” (Luke 2:29). However, he did not live to see this come to pass.

	==Repose of Father John, 1976==		==Repose of Father John, 1976==

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Early life of Maria Simeonovna Ivanoff */

2025-03-25T16:22:23Z

Early life of Maria Simeonovna Ivanoff

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:22, 25 March 2025
Line 37:		Line 37:
	==Early life of Maria Simeonovna Ivanoff==		==Early life of Maria Simeonovna Ivanoff==

	In 1910, Maria Simeonovna Ivanoff, was born to the Archpriest Simeon Ivanoff and his wife. Father Simeon lived and served in the village of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayville,_Saskatchewan Kayville], Saskatchewan. Kayville is south of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moose_Jaw Moose Jaw]. In fact, ~~Fahter~~ Simeon reposed in the Lord in Kayville, and his grave and that of his wife are at [[https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/holy-trinity-church-cemetery-kayville-sk \|Holy Trinity Church, Kayville]].		In 1910, Maria Simeonovna Ivanoff, was born to the Archpriest Simeon Ivanoff and his wife. Father Simeon lived and served in the village of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayville,_Saskatchewan Kayville], Saskatchewan. Kayville is south of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moose_Jaw Moose Jaw]. In fact, Father Simeon reposed in the Lord in Kayville, and his grave and that of his wife are at [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/holy-trinity-church-cemetery-kayville-sk Holy Trinity Church, Kayville].

	==Marriage, 1929==		==Marriage, 1929==

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Early life of John Diachina */

2025-03-25T16:20:05Z

Early life of John Diachina

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:20, 25 March 2025
Line 19:		Line 19:
	==Early life of John Diachina==		==Early life of John Diachina==

	In 1904, Ivan (John) Markovich Diachina was born to Mark and Dominica Diachina in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volhynia Volyn] (Volhynia), ~~which at that time~~ belonged to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poland Poland].		In 1904, Ivan (John) Markovich Diachina was born to Mark and Dominica Diachina in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kremenetsky_Uyezd Kremenets Uyezd], in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volhynia Volyn] (Volhynia), in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Empire Russian Empire]. At other times, this region belonged to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poland Poland].

	Ivan Markovich was the youngest of 3 children. He and the others were raised as [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christians] in the bosom of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Russian Orthodox Church], and even as a young boy he was interested and involved in the services and the life of the Church. By the time he was 7 years old, he was singing in the choir. In his youth, Ivan Markovich became a proficient church [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Reader reader], who was often called upon to take part in the services.		Ivan Markovich was the youngest of 3 children. He and the others were raised as [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christians] in the bosom of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Russian Orthodox Church], and even as a young boy he was interested and involved in the services and the life of the Church. By the time he was 7 years old, he was singing in the choir. In his youth, Ivan Markovich became a proficient church [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Reader reader], who was often called upon to take part in the services.

	==Emigration to Canada, 1927==		==Emigration to Canada, 1927==

Vladyka Seraphim: /* References */

2025-03-25T16:14:18Z

References

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:14, 25 March 2025
Line 161:		Line 161:

	[http://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/messenger/Com1993-3.4-3.pdf 'Remembering Our Recent Past : Father John Djachina' in "Canadian Orthodox Messenger" (Summer, 1993)], p. 11.		[http://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/messenger/Com1993-3.4-3.pdf 'Remembering Our Recent Past : Father John Djachina' in "Canadian Orthodox Messenger" (Summer, 1993)], p. 11.

			Obituary : 'Memory of Mitred Archpriest John Diachina' in "Canadian Orthodox Calendar" (Montreal, 1976), pp, 121-122.

Vladyka Seraphim at 20:45, 2 July 2024

2024-07-02T20:45:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:45, 2 July 2024
Line 209:		Line 209:


	~~Please send your suggestions, additions, corrections or contributions to this address :~~

	~~info@orthodoxcanada.ca~~


	[[Category:Clergy]] [[Category:Manitoba, Saskatchewan, & Nunavut]] [[Category:Ontario]] [[Category:ROGCCNA]] [[Category:ADOCA]] [[Category:OCA]]		[[Category:Clergy]] [[Category:Manitoba, Saskatchewan, & Nunavut]] [[Category:Ontario]] [[Category:ROGCCNA]] [[Category:ADOCA]] [[Category:OCA]]