The Wasel Holy Ascension Russo Orthodox Church was built in 1901 in Wasel, Alberta. Wasel is 140 km (87 mi) northeast of Edmonton. The founders were from the region of Bucovina, in what was then all within Romania. They came from similar part of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire as those who founded the nearby Temple of Saints Peter and Paul in Dickie Bush. This Temple rested in the midst of their homes and farms.
Although the foundation of the parish occurred early, it was not able to be legally registered until 1912. There were often complications in fulfilling government requirements.
The Temple is situated in an open and well-cared-for field in Smoky Lake County, somewhat to the north of the North Saskatchewan River. To the west of the Temple is a separate, dual-purpose building. It provides a space for people to gather, and it also houses the bells. Outside the Temple and to one side is the typical cement table and Cross, on which water is usually blessed, and at which other prayers are offered from time to time.
Although this Temple was erected in the midst of many small farms, such farms no longer exist in the region. Farms have been consolidated into very large agricultural businesses. This Temple is also very near to the Temple of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Dickie Bush. For such reasons, there are very few services offered annually in this Temple after a century of service to the Faithful.
The Holy Ascension Cemetery, which is on the same parcel of land, continues to receive those who have fallen asleep in the Lord. In this cemetery are interred the Archpriest Vasyl and Matushka Vasylyna Ostashek, who served this parish faithfully for many years, and in which parish Matushka Lena was born and raised. It was in this parish that they also had been married.
Go HERE for more information and history of this parish.
Play Memory Eternal Chants
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GPS Co-ordinates: 53.986232, -112.108017
Cemetery Co-ordinates: 53.986982,-112.105796
Affiliation: Orthodox Church in America
