This small Ukrainian Orthodox church was built in 1904 and stands in the countryside about a mile north of the Manitoba/Minnesota border.
The prominent structure at the front of the building could easily be mistaken for a bell tower but is actually a prominent entryway to the temple (a characteristic design of people originating from the Carpathian Mountains).
Across the churchyard is the cemetery.
Handsome old headstones mark the graves of pioneers.
When the church was the centre of activity for the area there most likely would have been a wooden belfry that stood separately from the church and housed the bell that now stands on blocks beside the church.
Locally the church is known as "Bilawchuks" as the land for the church and cemetery were donated by the Bilawchuk family.
Three simple budded crosses grace the roofline of the church.
The grounds are bordered on three sides by trees creating a park-like feeling...really quite a lovely place to visit. A picnic table would be a welcome addition.
Information courtesy of the Canadian Orthodox History Project.
Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Temple and Cemetery was photographed near Arbakka, Manitoba on August 21, 2022.
