Holy Ascension Orthodox Church, Skaro

The Holy Ascension Russo-Greek Catholic Orthodox Church of Skaro, is located approximately 70 km N.E. of Edmonton. The location of the church is unique, as it shares a common cemetery with the Skaro Greek Catholic Church of the Holy Cross.

The parish of the Russo Orthodox church at Skaro was organized in the years 1897 -1898. The founders and builders of the first church were Ivan Sachman and Wasyl Lopushinsky. The first Founding parishioners were: Pavlo and Palahna Gudzan, Wasyl and Anna Hunka, Feodor and Katryna Kinash, Petro Kinash, Anton and Hazel Krys, Wasyl and Hafia Krys, Nikolai and Domka Lakusta, Hrihori and Rosalia Lopushinsky, John and Katerina Lopushinsky, Matvi and Katerina Lopushinsky, Safat and Matronka Lopushinsky, Theodore and Euphemia Lopushinsky, Wasyl and Eva Lopushinsky, John and Katarina Makowesky, Makita and Pearl Moschansky, Ivan and Elena Sachman, Wasyl and Fimka Zarcharko and families

The first log church was used until 1920, when it was dismantled and the logs were hauled to a nearby sawmill. The logs were sawn into lumber and the present day structure was buiIt.

In 1942, the parish realized another great achievement by purchasing a beautifully toned church bell. The bell is mounted on a 20 foot high tower built from local fieldstone. At the sound of the bell, emotional joys and memories are aroused in the hearts of the living parishioners who continue to remember and appreciate the faith and sacrifices of their forefathers and founders of the parish.

In the Millennium year, 1988, the parish undertook two projects, one for beautification of the grounds and the second was to provide a small social centre for the parish. A dedicated workforce of parishioners completed both projects and the social centre today is used for various Church functions;

Although the parish is relatively small, it is active and functions very well to provide its parishioners an Orthodox Christian Life. The church and cemetery are maintained by fourth and fifth generation descendants of the early pioneers.