History of the St. George Orthodox Parish in Alberta

Our Orthodox church in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada, has a rich and meaningful history that continues to grow together with the life of our parish community.

In this section, you can learn about the establishment of the parish of the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious, about the first Orthodox services held in our community, about the people who helped create and support the parish, and about the spiritual life of the Orthodox community in Canada.

We will gradually publish historical materials, parishioners’ memories, photographs, and stories about church feasts and the most important events in the life of our Orthodox parish.

Please follow our website for updates - we are happy to share the history of our community while preserving the memory of the path the Lord has given to our parish and its faithful members.

 

Parish History

 

The history of our church is in many ways similar to the histories of many Orthodox parishes, especially those formed far from their native lands - far from the churches where we were baptized, where our parents were married, and where the warmest and most cherished memories of the heart are kept.

By God’s providence, we found ourselves in a blessed country where everything necessary for earthly life is available, but for a long time the most important thing was missing - the House of God.

The Lord gathered us here in the city of Red Deer, where Orthodox Christians who had come from different places met one another, became one family, and began to share both joys and sorrows. Yet the soul continually longed for spiritual nourishment - participation in the Holy Sacraments of Christ.

As it is written in the Gospel: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.”

In 2011, by the will of God, at the initiative of Priest Father Peter Shashkov and through the efforts of devoted parishioners: Alla Mysko-Henke, Sviatoslav and Valentyna Mysko, Tatyana Golova, Nikolai Boychuk and Nataliya Ilyina, Vadim and Yuliya Pirozhok, Svetlana (restaurant “Siberia”), and other residents of Red Deer - the beginning of the Orthodox community was established. With diligence and faith, practically from nothing, the formation of a new parish began.

By the mercy of God, the parish in honor of the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious was established in the city of Red Deer. In the early years, the parish did not have a permanent priest, but the Lord did not abandon His people: Father Peter Shashkov and his wife, Mother Nina, traveled from Calgary to serve divine services whenever possible.

Without a church building of its own or necessary liturgical items, the community nevertheless continued to live and grow in faith.

A moment of special spiritual significance, by God’s blessing, came in the autumn of 2013 with the appointment of Deacon Viktor Kramarenko, through the blessing of the ruling hierarch, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada.

On November 4 of the same year, he was ordained to the priesthood.

On December 25, 2013, on the day of commemoration of St. Spyridon of Trimythous, the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated, led by Father Viktor. From that time on, he has faithfully and zealously carried out his pastoral ministry as the rector of our parish.

Since then, much time has passed. The parish has strengthened, grown, and become a truly large Orthodox family. At present, services are held in a rented facility, where parish meals also take place - as a living continuation of the Divine Liturgy.

We firmly believe that, with God’s help and through the efforts of the community, an Orthodox church will be built in our city of Red Deer - a House of God open to all who seek salvation. The construction of the church is a shared work of faith, love, and sacrifice. Throughout history, churches have been built through the labor and donations of believers, for whom the House of God became a visible testimony of their faith and gratitude to the Lord.

Today, we also have the opportunity to contribute to this holy work - the construction of an Orthodox church in Red Deer. Every contribution, whether large or small, has great value before God.

We invite all who are willing to take part in this good endeavor through prayer, practical help, and donations.

By God’s mercy, a fund has been established for the construction of the church, through which support can be offered.

May the Lord bless all those who donate and help in the building of His holy house.

Glory to God for all things.