I've stopped at Saint Mary's of Boian half a dozen of times over the past few years but this visit was special...I was fortunate to visit with Father Panciuk.
And it was all quite by chance...I was out for a "Sunday drive" and had stopped at the church to take some photos, while at the same time, he was just getting ready to leave after the Sunday service. On his way out he paused to say hello, and though he had an engagement elsewhere, made some time to share his knowledge of the church and invite me into the place of worship where he has served since 1969...something I find both exceptional and honorable.
Above is Father Panciuk standing to the left of a heavenly starlit sky above the iconostasis and royal doors.
Three featured stained glass windows...
...and the view from the balcony.
Behind the royal doors sits the tabernacle surrounded by icons from the distant and recent past.
Saint Mary's of Boian truly is a treasure.
Photographed at Boian, Alberta on September 19, 2021.
Indeed lucky that you were able to visit with the Father and also get a guided tour of the inside. It looks quite opulent for sure.
ReplyDeleteIt's a rare occurrence to meet someone who is so closely connected to a country church...and also quite wonderful.
DeleteYou have a knack for getting access to churches. You are right, it is a treasure.
ReplyDeleteJust lucky.
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