Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of St. John the Baptist Russo-Orthodox Parish in Chipman, Alberta

On Thursday July 7th, St. John the Baptist day, the Russian Greek Catholic Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist in the Village of Chipman, AB celebrated one hundred years of service to the Orthodox community. The service was attended by Bishop Iov, and an assembly of nine Priests, two Deacons, two Subdeacons and three altar boys. The Clergy came from Vancouver, Saskatoon, Regina, Red Deer, Edmonton, Spillimacheen, BC, and the local Priest from Lamont. In attendance were 150 adults and children, plus the Clergy. The service started with the greeting of His Grace, Bishop Iov and the clothing of him by the clergy. After the Divine Liturgy, blessing of Holy water took place in the church, then a procession followed around the Church, blessing all four sides, with a stop at the bell tower where a short memorial was held for all the deceased. The day finished with a sumptuous meal served in the church basement.
Fred Pewarchuk

Archpastoral Greeting on the 100th anniversary of the St. John the Baptist Parish in Chipman, Alberta, Canada

Very Revererand Fathers, beloved Brothers and Sisters, dear Mr.President and members of the Church Board, dear parishioners and distinguished guests!

I wholeheartedly congratulate all those whom are gathered here in this holy temple with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of St. John the Baptist parish in Chipman. Today, thanks to its location and beautiful church building, this parish is the most important one from the Patriarchal Churches in the area of Lamont.

I would like to remind you, that the Holy Fathers call the founding of a temple its ‘birth’. We, as we celebrate our birthday, gratefully remember our parents, teachers and friends. Likewise, today’s celebration, first of all, is a day of thanksgiving to God for his Godly blessings to the builders and parishioners of the past 100 years, as attested by our liturgy and prayers. Memory eternal and gratitude to all the deceased founders fo the first and second temples of this parish, to all the departed priests whom served in them, to all the members of the church boards and parishioners! They all had faith in Christ, which was greater than flames of fire. Although fire destroyed walls of the temples, prayer and effort of the parishioners, with God’s help, each time restored the temple more beautiful than before.

I wholeheartedly thank the rector of Orthodox V Parishes in Canada, Fr. Oleksii Suraiev for his zealus pastoral service and the parishioners of this Holy Temple for organizing this celebration. I bow with reverence to the singers and choir director for their excellent and prayerful singing. I especially would like to thank deacon Joseph Winnick for his service as well as his relatives for decorating this temple after the fire. Thank you to the church board headed by President James Antoniuk, Fred and Lil Pewarchuk, Laura and the Antoniuk family for good deeds towards this temple, and give them the Hirerarchial Award!

I am very pleased to see Fr. Micheal Fourik from Vancouver at our celebration, who diligently served in this temple for 11 years. Today, we also prayed for other priests whom served here in Chipman over the past 100 years. In particular I would like to remember Fr. John Shandra who today is celebrating his Namesday. I also would like to congratulate the clergy from our parishes and other Orthodox parishes in and around Edmonton, the Province of Saskatchewan, and all guests who came to our celebration which today truly became a Pan-Orthodox gathering around Christ’s Chalice. With brotherly joy i congratulate the rector of the Romanian Orthodox Parish of St. Mary in Boyin, Archpriest Fr. Mircea Panciuk with the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood and thank him for continually supporting me as Administrator of Patriarchal Parishes in Canada at St. Barbara’s Cathedral and other parishes. Wishing you to serve God earth, good health and physical strength for at least another 50 years.

I wholeheartedly congratulate all those of you here present, with the celebration of the anniversary of this parish and wish to give this temple an icon of Chris-Saviour hoping that the doors will remain open for services till the Second Coming of Christ!!

Finally I would like to say, if it is God’s will, I will be very glad to see you all in good health at the next anniversary celebration of this parish in 25, 50 and 100 years. Concerning which, I ask God to grant you all — Many Years!!!