Kaplychka

"Kaplychka" is a Ukrainian word that means "little chapel."

The formal name is Holy Ascension Orthodox Chapel and is near Rhein, Saskatchewan.

It is considered the oldest Orthodox Christian Temple in all of Saskatchewan making it a significant historical artifact. Seeing Kaplychka first hand was both a privilege and an honour. 

Settlers built the chapel soon after arriving in 1900.  According to oral history there were five Temples under construction during 1902-1903 and, as far as I know, this is the only one still standing.  Thankfully someone with foresight covered the little chapel with a metal roof which is most likely why it is still in such good condition.  There are graves beside the church...

...as well as across the open yard in front of the Temple. 

There is also a log belfry on the grounds.

A small table inside the belfry.

The gaps between the logs are filled with a mix of mud, manure and straw chinking.  This photo also shows that at one time the chapel had a whitewashed stucco finish.

The Temple has not been used in well over five decades but in the meantime lots of birds have made the chapel a home.

The logs on the uppermost part of the walls are longer than those at the bottom making it possible to build a roof that would extend well beyond the log walls keeping them safe from the elements, especially rain.  A simple wrought iron Orthodox cross stands alone at the roof peak. 

Of note...one of the last weddings performed at the Temple was on November 11, 1924.  The bride wore a crown of willow twigs and the young children wore flowers in their hair.  After the wedding was blessed the bride and groom returned to their own homes because the houses were too small for everyone to congregate.  In the evening the groom along with his sponsor, or "best man" as they are now called, went to collect the bride on a sleigh for a memorable night!

In later years a larger church was built nearby and named The Church of Saint Michael.  Both sites are still maintained by members of Saint Michael's. 

Information courtesy of the Canadian Orthodox History Project.  

Photographed on January 4, 2020.