Pysanka

Sunrise at the Ukrainian Pysanka monument in Vegreville, Alberta.

When unveiled in 1975 it was the largest Ukrainian Easter egg in the world.  It held that claim for twenty-five years when in 2000 an even larger one was built for the  Kolomyia Pysanka Museum in Ukraine.

The egg turns on its base when the wind changes direction, just like a weather vane.

These were the first photos I took on the last day of a week-long road trip in and around  Vegreville.  It was a wonderful time...days on the road exploring the countryside, evenings spent visiting with my big sister...enjoying good food, catching up and enjoying each other's company.  The last night she had roast beef and mashed potatoes...just like our mom used to make...mmmm.  The best of times.

Photographed on September 29, 2021.

святий параскевія (у вересні)

Saint Paraskevia (in September).  A tiny church near Cossack, Alberta.

Formally known as Saint Paraskevia Ukrainian Catholic Church and Cemetery.

The wrought iron cross up top.

The openings on the bell tower are covered when not in use.

It was a beautiful fall afternoon at Saint Paraskevia.

The cemetery is large for such a small church.

The grounds are well kept and very inviting.

In winter it looks like this: святий параскевія

Photographed on September 20, 2021.

It's October...

...and no frost yet.

That's just fine with me.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on October 1, 2021.

On the Road Day Seven - Chailey

Chailey Cemetery and...

...Saint Alban's Anglican Church.

Some fall colours are beginning to show.

The church was built in 1908.

The cemetery...

...with late afternoon shadows.

Little church in the countryside.

Photographed at Chailey, Alberta on September 22, 2021.

On the Road Day Six - Sich-Kolomea

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Dormition of Saint Mary at Sich-Kolomea.

This Byzantine style church was built in 1926.

The central dome is accompanied by four cupolas.

The church yard is surrounded on all sides by mature trees. 

Behind the church is a pasture with a great view.

The cornerstone.

A small bell tower stands on the north side of the church.

Photographed near Warwick, Alberta on September 21, 2021.

On the Road Day Five - Shewchenko

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Michael the Archangel dates back to the 1920's.  The first service was held on December 4, 1925. 

The simple and attractive wrought iron Orthodox cross adorning the cupola. 

The cemetery was established in 1916 and named Shevchenko Cemetery.  

Many of the early burials were children, victims of the flu epidemic of 1918.

The church was also known as North Kotzman Ukrainian Greek Church in the early days.

Shewchenko is also spelled Shevchenko.

Information courtesy of Find a Grave.  

Photographed near Smoky Lake, Alberta on September 20, 2021.

On the Road Day Four - Boian Marea

A large schoolhouse built in 1937 at Boian, Alberta.

In my opinion, the most impressive stone school in the central prairies.

I believe it's still used as a community hall on occasion.

This area was settled largely by Romanians in the early 1900's.

Photographed on September 19, 2021.

On the Road Day Three - Sacred Heart

A country church near Downing, Alberta.

This is Sacred Heart of Jesus Ukrainian Catholic Church.

The cupolas and dome are unmistakable features from Eastern Europe.

About midway between the church and cemetery.

More often than not I experience a state of well-being in a graveyard...a feeling that all is well with the world.

There are several hundred feet between the church and cemetery but this view brings them together.

A sense of mystery from the far edge of the cemetery.

Photographed on September 18, 2021.

On the Road Day Two - Notre Dame de Savoie

On my way to a planned destination I noticed a sign beside the road for Notre Dame de Savoi Cimetière.  Never one to pass up an opportunity to see a country cemetery I followed the directions.  Upon arrival I saw a well manicured cemetery on one corner of the intersection and just opposite was this old church...

...which hasn't hasn't seen any love in a long, long time.

Not a straight line anywhere to be seen.

The building is slowly being dismantled by nature.

On a happier note...the cemetery sees some love on a regular basis.

Notre Dame de Savoie is near Halkirk, Alberta.

In another time...this where the local people would congregate on Sundays and special occasions.

Photographed on September 17, 2021.