In the morning hours of January 17, 2009, approximately 20 volunteers met at Camp Kiev's-K-Hi to help construct an ice cross for Theophany and the Great Blessing of the water. His Grace Bishop ILARION, Bishop of Edmonton and the Western Eparchy of UOCC was present to witness the work of the volunteers. With Alberta temperatures above zero for the 3 days preceding, this task was rather difficult to achieve. When the volunteers walked onto the lake at the camp, they were met with 3 inches of standing water on top of the ice. This put up a road block. The volunteers were determined to get ice blocks for the cross cut anywhere, so they drove to Pelican Point (a shadier spot) Approx. 10 km away from the camp to cut the ice and hauled it back to the camp. Everyone worked hard and the task was completed before nightfall.

On the beautiful warm morning of January 18, 2008, more than 60 people from the Bonnyville and St. Paul Parish District, family and members of the Kiev's- K-Hi summer family, ventured out to camp for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. This liturgy was celebrated by his Grace Bishop ILARION and Rev. Fr. John Lipinski. Immediately following the Divine Liturgy, the children led a procession out to the ice cross in front of the church where the Great Blessing of the water took place. It was a beautiful service on an equally beautiful day. We were honoured to have His Grace Bishop Ilarion visit us as our spiritual leader for this last celebration of the Christmas season. We look forward his next visit to our camp and parish district.

Following the service, all who attended were invited to share in the Lenten meal prepared in the mess hall. The fellowship that followed was a wonderful way to finish up our day. The children took advantage of the beautiful weather to play in the snow and just reconnect with friends they have not seen in a while. The adults also enjoyed each others company. It was the perfect ending for the joyous Christmas season.