On a beautiful sunny day on June 14th, 2009 a large crowd of over 400 people joined in the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas in the Drobot district. The people came together, traveling from as far as Ontario, British Columbia including many from in and around the district. The church is located approximately 12 miles northeast of Theodore, SK. The parish was established in December of 1909 and named in honour of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, whose feast day is celebrated on December 19th. Although this is the “Khram” of the parish, the parish has traditionally celebrated its feast day around the time of Pentecost. The original church, along with most of its contents and parish records was destroyed by fire in 1927. A current larger church was then built and completed in 1928 on the original site. A parish manse and district school (Dobronoutz) were also built on this site. All that remains on the school is a portion of the foundation and the original barn still stands on the site. The hall, located across the road from the church, was purchased and moved on site in 1947.

The Anniversary Committee has been working for a year to plan this event. The day began with an outdoor Blessing of Water service prior to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Following this service, the clergy waited for the arrival of His Eminence, Metropolitan John (Stinka), Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and son of one of the pioneer families of the parish. Upon his arrival, His Eminence was greeted at the doors of the church by the President of the parish, Mr. Metro Skwarchuk and Judy Schigol, with the traditional bread, salt and roses. He then was greeted by Very Rev. Fr. Mykolaj Derewianka, the parish priest and the other clergy present. The Liturgy was celebrated in the church while the majority of the attendees watched via video feed in a tent erected by the church. The responses were sung by the Canora church choir. The officiating clergy were: Very Rev. Fr. Mykolaj Derewianka, the current parish priest, Very Rev. Fr. Mel Slashinsky, who served as parish priest at one time, V. Rev. Fr. Taras Makowsky, Rev. Fr. Eugene Maximiuk and Rev. Fr. Evan Maximiuk, who are descendents of the pioneer homesteaders of the Drobot district.

Following the Liturgy, the clergy lead a cross procession around the church. When this was completed, the faithful were invited to venerate the cross and receive some of the Holy Water blessed earlier that morning. After this, all the attendees gathered by the church for a group photo. The next part of the celebration was to go to the cemetery for a Memorial Service in honour of the pioneers and those resting in the cemetery. At this time a newly erected commemorative cross was blessed. This cross was donated and built by Rose Popowich (the oldest descendent of one of the pioneer families present) and Jerry and Phyllis Viczko to mark the 100th Anniversary of the congregation. The well-maintained cemetery at St. Nicholas Church is one of the largest rural cemeteries (325 – 340 graves) in Saskatchewan. Once the new cross and fruits were blessed, the memorial service completed, the priests went onto the cemetery to bless each of the graves, thus completing the worship services for the day.

Everyone was asked to proceed to the church hall for a catered dinner provided by Dan Rudey and staff of Sheho. A short program featured greetings from: Deputy Premier and local MLA Ken Krawetz, the priests in attendance, musical numbers by Nevalea Tkachuk, and the cutting of the anniversary cake completed the official festivities. The program was designed so that there was ample time for people to re-connect with each other. Old friends, previous area residents and family members enjoyed the opportunity for fellowship and reminiscing.

A display of pictures of the church, the pioneer families, the school and its students was set up for all to enjoy and rekindle memories. Also on display were letters of congratulations from federal, provincial and local government leaders. An honorary Metropolitan’s ‘Hramota’ was presented to the parish, on the occasion on this centennial celebration by His Eminence Metropolitan John. Members of the Krunek pioneer family created a large commemorative sign, which will be permanently on display in the church hall. Each family present was given a commemorative booklet and an icon card to remember the day.

A commemorative cookbook entitled “100 Years of Family Favourite Recipes” was published in honour of this occasion. The souvenir cookbook also includes brief histories of St. Nicholas church and Dobronoutz School. Also available are maps of the cemetery. If anyone wishes to purchase this cookbook or the map, please contact Phyllis Viczko at 306-783-7910 or Wendy Koshman at 306-849-4535.