Take a Load Off

Photographed in Flora, North Dakota September 16, 2023.

Popowich Cemetery

On a road trip a couple of years ago I came across this tiny country cemetery in the snow.  I can't help but think of these little discoveries in the countryside as a gift of the moment.            

I'm always captivated by the mauve-gray light of winter...something I'd best describe as divine light...and the snow looks so pure.             

The only information I could find about the cemetery was that between 1930 and 1949 there were a dozen burials. 

Information courtesy of the Saskatchewan Cemeteries Project.           

Photographed near Krasne, Saskatchewan on January 21, 2021.

Hay Bossy!

Isn't she a beauty!

Some generous soul has even been hand-feeding her hay.

Photographed near Towner, North Dakota on September 24, 2023.

"Церква Святої Трійці"

"Church of the Holy Trinity"

The church was built in the early 1900's.  

But after years of rural depopulation the church was eventually closed and then forgotten.  

Sadly, no one mows the lawn here anymore.

If you look closely you'll see that a hawk has made a nest in the open lantern above the dome.

Information courtesy of the Canadian Orthodox History Project.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity was photographed in Arran, Saskatchewan on September 24, 2023.

Guard Duty

Nice gate sign...

...complete with big teddy bear on guard duty. 

Photographed near Noonan, North Dakota on June 18, 2023.

Another View of Saint Elias

First look inside the country church.  Breathtakingly beautiful!

Heaven up above the chandelier.  The inner dome is painted sky blue and filled with gold stars.

The choir loft.

Something about blue and white is so comforting. 

A side view of the iconostasis and royal doors.

Each window is glazed with a blue and gold cross.    

The view from the choir loft.

Behind the royal doors.

This is Saint Michael the Archangel.  The face is hand-painted onto a wooden sculpture that hangs between the royal doors and chandelier.  He is attached to a pully that can be lowered in order to light the candles then raised again to "shine the light."  

The chandelier has now been turned on.

When the church was built the parishioners would have been standing all the way through a service.  Now that everyone is a little older there are chairs with a soft back and seat.

The outside view of Saint Elias.

Each of the three domes is topped with a simple wrought iron Orthodox cross.

Historical grave markers in the cemetery. 

During a short walk through the Prayer Garden I found these delphiniums in full bloom.  Beautiful way to end my visit.

Saint Elias truly is a treasure on the Alberta landscape.  

A special thanks to Sylvia and all the ladies who made my visit to Saint Elias so memorable and a heartfelt "thank you" to all those who keep things looking beautiful.

Photographed near Pakan, Alberta on July 19, 2023.

Lilac Time at Saint Elias

A little late in the season for lilacs but...

This is the beautiful Saint Elias Russo Greek Orthodox Church near Pakan, Alberta.

Click the following link to view a brief history of Saint Elias: "Щасливого Різдва!"

The photos seen here were taken the spring following the return of the historical bell house to the churchyard.  The old bell house had been tucked away in a museum near Shandro for some sixty years and it was time to bring it back home.

Over the years a Prayer Garden has been established in a grove of trees on the south side of the churchyard.  

A large memorial rock is surrounded by flowers and hand-decorated stones that have been contributed by parishioners.  Along a winding path through the trees are several sitting areas, each enhanced by the addition of flowering plants and shrubs together with an icon.

A view of the cemetery and church from the Prayer Garden.

And, of course, lilacs in full bloom.

Saint Elias is definitely "a beautiful place out in the country."

Photographed on June 27, 2022.

Long Shot - Holy Ascension at Maryville

A long shot of Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church at Maryville, Saskatchewan...one of my favourite places to visit and revisit.

The photo shows the approach from the east and reveals a distinct perspective...the creek bordered by shrubs in fall colour with the church rising above it all in the hazy distance.  Quite a beautiful sight in my eyes.

Photographed on September 24, 2023.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Get stuffed...have a nap...go back for more.

Photographed near Tolstoi, Manitoba on September 19, 2023.

After the Frost

Reached a frosty -5°C early Friday morning but by mid-afternoon it was +18°C and I was out tending to some fall pruning.  (What I get done in the fall I don't need to do the following spring.)  And of course, there are leaves everywhere.

So far, fall looks pretty nice.

Not a hint of damage to the Autumn Joy sedums.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on October 6, 2023.