Help Ruskoka Build a Russian Chapel Church for Orthodox Camp Youth

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Bless ye the Lord, ye that stand in the house of the Lord.

St. Alexis Chapel

Ruskoka, Ontario, Canada

    January, 2009 - Chapel Construction Continues
    In the dead of winter, with more than 1.5 metres of snow all about, committed craftsmen continue the interior construction work in the chapel. Most of December and January were spent high up on scaffolding, finishing the 18 meter tall spire in solid pine. Thanks are extended to Mark Grand and Ron. The next area will be to similarly finish the tall ceiling inside the chapel, and then finish the interior walls. We call to you, and gladly welcome donations to cover this work and materials.


    October 19-21, 2008 - Canadian Diocese Pastoral Conference.
    Bishop Gabriel together with clergy from London, Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary and Winnipeg gathered at Ruskoka for their regular Diocesan Pastoral Meeting. A huge thank you to the group of volunteers that prepared before and during the visit. In attendance at the 3 day Clergy Conference were Bishop Gabriel, Fr. George Primak (Calgary), Fr. Raphael (Vereschak from Winnipeg), Fr. Vladimir Malchenko, Fr. Vladimir Morin, Fr. George Lagodich, Fr. Mikhail Luboschinsky, Fr. Vyacheslav Davidenko, Deacon Basil Milonow, Deacon Alexander Morin, Rd. George Skok, Rd. Yuri Miloslavsky, Rd. Ilya Dubelstein, Rd. Alexander Pushchin, and Peter Antonoff.

    Read the article about this conference in English or in Russian.

    October 20/21, 2007 - Work Weekend A small group of volunteers completed the interior back wall of the altar and ceiling. Work will continue next spring to complete the interior walls of the altar.


    October 1/2, 2007 - Pastoral Conference Clergy Bishop Gabriel planned to hold the Diocesan Pastoral Conference again at Ruskoka. Unfortunately, due to last minute schedule conflicts, the conference has been postponed until the fall of 2008. We look forward to once again hosting clergy from London, Toronto, Hamilton, Kanata, Ottawa, and Montreal at Ruskoka.

    September 22/23, 2007 - Work Weekend The sixth Ruskoka work weekend of 2007 focused the work around the chapel: the chapel porch ceiling was completely finished, the entire exterior of the chapel was stained, the back wall of the altar was finished in pine boards, and brush around the chapel was cleaned up. Watch here for photos soon.

    July 29 - August 11, 2007- Children's Summer Camp Warm, sunny weather greeted 70 campers and 25 volunters for the session of Ruskoka Camp 2007.

    We are grateful to Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan, and Fr. George Sachewsky for leading religious discussions and church services. The camp was also fortunate to participate in the 50th anniversary of the parish of Our Lady of Smolensk in Jackson's Point, Lake Simcoe. More information and photographs to follow.

    July 15, 2007 - St. Alexis Feast Day The Family Weekend activities were not deterred despite ominous clouds and occasional showers. Participants enjoyed a canoe trip to Slater Falls, and various group games, and volleyball. Following the Vigil, all enjoyed a delicious dinner followed by hot tea from two authentic Russian samovars. As the torrential rains approached, the 70 weekend family campers retreated to their tents under the Ruskoka pines. By Sunday morning, the clouds cleared, and the campers were joined by another 80 visitors that arrived for the Liturgy served by Fr. George Sachewsky. A large group from the Holy Resurrection Church on Winona and Holy Trinity Church on Henry arrived by coach. The afternoon was enjoyed by all, either swimming, touring around the property or enjoying a scenic canoe trip beyond Duck Chutes. We look forward to seeing everyone back at Ruskoka next summer. Please watch here for photographs from the weekend.

    25 photos of the St. Alexis Feast Day are posted in the Gallery section. Take a look!


    June 16/17, 2007 - Work Weekend Volunteers cleaned and prepared the chapel for the summer season.


    April 8, 2007 - Ruskoka Easter Cards The Easter Card greetings were mailed to more than 200 supporters, and raised an additional $1000 towards the camp and completion of the chapel. We still require close to $15,000 to complete the chapel. Please consider making a donation towards this very worthy cause.
    Click here to see the Ruskoka Easter Card .

    March 17, 2007 - St. Alexis Chapel wins OCA Award The St. Alexis Chapel was selected by the OCA facilities committee for the Golden Hard Hat Award for the best new camp facility. Competing with several hundred camps across Ontario, this prestigious award recognized the unique design and the efforts of volunteers in constructing such a significant camp facility. Thank you to Alex Shishkov and the volunteers that may this project a reality.

    November 11/12, 2006 - Work Weekend Once again, in a cold winter wind, volunteers installed the soffit in the south roof, and partially completed the north porch ceiling. Thank you to all volunteers that helped with the chapel construction throughout 2006, and we look forward to seeing you once work resumes in the early spring.


    October 14/15, 2006 - Work Weekend Despite freezing temperatures and snow, volunteers installed and completed the deck ceiling on the chapel south roof. Please help us finish the chapel.

    September 23/24, 2006 - Work Weekend Volunteers built door shutters, stained, and complete building the soffit in the chapel south roof. We need your help and support to complete the chapel.

    September 9/10, 2006 - Work Weekend Volunteers unpacked, sorted and stacked 1000 pieces of solid pine siding that will be used for the door shutters, soffits and deck ceiling. Over $3000 in materials. We need your support to help pay for materials to complete the chapel. Also, the door panels were cleaned and stained, as was material for shutters.

    September 1, 2006 - Read the latest Ruskoka newsletter (67 kB HTML)
    Click here to download.

    July 30 to August 12, 2006 - Ruskoka Children's Summer Camp
    In it's sixth year, the summer camp was attended by over 63 campers. More than a third of those attending were first-time campers, and many of the senior counselors were attending their 6th camp! We are grateful to Fr. George Sachewski, Fr. Vladimir Malchenko and Fr. Viatcheslav Davidenko for serving a full cycle of services, a camp blessing and a panikhida. The visiting clergy spent time with the campers, leading lessons and discussions. At the conclusions of camp, the campers (with the generous help of Andrei and Svetlana Pendik) put on an impressive program of Russian folk dances and songs for parents and visitors. Camp activities included hiking, mountain bike and canoe trips, swimming and tubing, soccer, volleyball, archery, wilderness training, choir rehearsals and talent shows, arts and crafts, and bonfires. More information and photographs to follow.


    July 16, 2006 - St. Alexis Feast Day Sunny, warm weather greeted almost 90 weekend family campers for the seventh annual Ruskoka Family Weekend. Participants enjoyed the fresh air, delicious meals, swimming, a canoe trip, volley ball and a mountain bike trip. Fr. George Sachewski came from Toronto to serve Vigil and Liturgy. A large contingent from the Holy Resurection Church on Winona and Holy Trinity Church on Henry arrived Sunday morning by bus. The festal banquet following Liturgy was enjoyed by 180 guests, who left in the evening, relaxed and with fond memories.



    June 15 to June 18, 2006 - Russian Orthdox Camp Leadership Workshop
    Over 25 camp leaders and counsellors from ORPR and Ruskoka Orthdox Russian Camps met at Ruskoka to learn and share their camp leadership skills and experiences. A full cycle of services were served by visiting Bishop Peter of Cleveland.


    March 18 and 19, 2006 - Winter Retreat 2006
    Volunteers and camp children spent a crisp winter weekend enjoing the snow and clearing roofs.




    October 16 and 17, 2005 - Diocesan Pastoral Conference.
    Bishop Gabriel together with clergy from London, Toronto, Hamilton, Kanata, Ottawa, and Montreal gathered at Ruskoka for their regular Diocesan Pastoral Meeting.
    Thank you to the volunteers that prepared before and during the visit.
    The next Diocesan Pastoral Meeting at Ruskoka is scheduled for October 14 to 16, 2007.



    Read the article about this conference in Russian or in English .

    July 17, 2005 - Consecration of the Chapel of Tsarevich-Martyr Alexei by His Grace Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan.


    Construction of the St. Alexis Chapel exterior shell is now complete, but work continues to finish the interior! Please support this endeavour. Be a part of Ruskoka's history. Your generous donations are appreciated.





    In Progress - Construction by Volunteers

    The main structure of the chapel is now complete. Thank you to the many dedicated volunteers that worked tirelessly this fall. Construction on the chapel will continue into the Fall of 2007 to complete the back wall of th altar.

    Currently, we are $15,000 in debt. We need your help. If you would like to donate, volunteer or for more information, please call Alex Sakuta at (416) 232-0829 (Toronto) or (705) 645-3783 (Ruskoka).

    Amercian residents who would like to make a US tax deductible donation to the St. Alexis Chapel in Ruskoka, Canada, should send cheques earmarked "Ruskoka" to:

    ORTHODOX BENEVOLENT FUND
    P.O. Box 203
    Fly Creek, NY 13337-0203, U.S.A.

Building our faith for future generations.

Upcoming Events

News Flash

  • December/January 2008: Interior upper walls of chapel are completed.
  • October/November 2008: Volunteers completed exterior logs on chapel.
  • November 1, 2007: We need your help. Please donate for materials to complete the chapel interior.
  • Oct. 20 - 21, 2007: Volunteers complete back wall and ceiling above altar.
  • Oct. 1 - 2, 2007: Bishop Gabriel plans Diocesan Pastoral Conference at Ruskoka! (Cancelled)
  • September 28, 2007: Donations/pledges exceed $85,000!! Only $15,000 to go. Please donate.
  • September 23, 2007: Volunteers complete front roof ceiling.
  • September 22, 2007: Volunteers stain entire exterior of chapel!
  • September 22, 2007: Volunteers complete south roof ceiling.
  • September 15, 2007: Alex and Lydia Shishkov donate another $1000. Thank You!
  • August 4, 2007: Bishop Gabriel visits and blesses Ruskoka Camp.
  • July 29 - August 11, 2007: Ruskoka Summer Camp 2007.
  • July 15 2007: Dragomir Radojkovic donates another $1000. Thank You!
  • July 14 - 15, 2007: St. Alexis Feast Day and Family Camping Weekend.
  • June 29 - July 2, 2007: Russian Orthodox Camp Leadership Workshop in Chicago.
  • March 17 - 18, 2006: Ruskoka Winter Work Weekend.
  • November 11/12, 2006: Volunteers build south roof soffit and part of ceiling.
  • Summer 2006: Alex and Luda Najda donate $1000. Thank You!
  • Summer 2006: Dragomir Radojkovic donates another $500. Thank You!
  • Summer 2006: Alex and Lydia Shishkov donate another $1000. Thank You!
  • Summer 2006: Wickeler family donate another $500. Thank You!
  • October 14/15, 2006: Volunteers build south roof ceiling.
  • September 23/24, 2006: Volunteers build shutters and south roof soffit.
  • September 9/10, 2006: Volunteers stack and stain 1000 pcs. of pine siding.
  • July 30 - August 12, 2006: Ruskoka Summer Camp 2006.
  • July 15 - 16, 2006: St. Alexis Feast Day and Family Camping Weekend.
  • June 15 - 18, 2006: Russian Orthodox Camp Leadership Workshop (w/ Bishop Peter).
  • March 18 - 19, 2006: Ruskoka Winter Work Weekend.
  • February 22, 2006: Article on the St. Alexis Chapel at http://zao-grant.ru/tserkov/.
  • February 17, 2006: St. Alexis Chapel Slideshow at the Ruskoka "Matryoshka" Ball.
  • February 4, 2006: Fr. George Bielay of Toronto passes away. Eternal Memory.
  • February 1, 2006: Ruskoka Volunteers drywall storage rooms. Thanks for your help.
  • January 29, 2006: St. Alexis Chapel Construction Slideshow at Holy Trinity Church.
  • Jan. 23 - 24, 2006: Ruskoka Volunteers build two storage rooms at Henry St. Church.
  • Nov. 22 - 27, 2005: Ruskoka Fundraising Concerts by Konevets Quartet from Russia.
  • Nov. 20, 2005: Fundraising Luncheon by the Christ the Savior Church in London, ON.
  • Nov. 14, 2005: Chapel Supporter Serge Gresserow passes away. Eternal Memory.
  • Nov. 10, 2005: Photo Gallery Updated with 400 NEW Chapel and Camp photos.
  • Nov. 5 - 6, 2005: Thank you to the volunteers that came to help with closing the chapel.
  • Directions to the St. Alexis Chapel at Ruskoka. Call Ruskoka at 705-645-3783.
  • October 26, 2005: Read about the Pastoral Conference in Russian or in English .
  • Oct. 16 - 17, 2005: Bishop Gabriel holds Diocesan Pastoral Conference at Ruskoka!
  • Oct. 14 - 16, 2005: Thank you to the volunteers that came to help with the Chapel.
  • Oct. 10, 2005: Donations from the USA of $1000. Thank You!
  • Oct. 1 - 2, 2005: Thank you to the 19 volunteers that came to help with the Chapel.
  • Sept. 17 - 18, 2005: Thank you to the 20 volunteers that came to help with the Chapel.
  • Sept. 6, 2005: Anonymous donations of $1000. Thank You!
  • August 28, 2005: Bishop Gabriel announces Pastoral Meeting will be at Ruskoka.
  • August 14, 2005: Oleg Mikhailov donates another $1000. Thank You!
  • August 1 to 13, 2005: The chapel is attended twice daily by 55 camp children!
  • July 26, 2005: US Residents can now make tax deductible donations. Donate today.
  • July 23, 2005: Anonymous donation of $1000. Thank You!
  • July 17, 2005: Over 270 people attend Chapel Blessing, and raise $5,000.
  • July 17, 2005: Anishchenko family donate $1000. Thank You!
  • July 17, 2005: Dragomir Radojkovic donates $1000. Thank You!
  • July 12, 2005: Roof and cupolas are craned into position.
  • July 10, 2005: The cupolas and crosses are blessed by Fr. George Sachewski.
  • July 4, 2005: Leonid Segalov donates $3000. Thank You!!
  • July 4, 2005: Iconostas, ambo and lightning protection installed.
  • July 1/2/3/4, 2005: Over 50 volunteers help with construction and prepare the property.
  • June 27, 2005: Oleg Gipp donates $1500. Thank You!
  • June 24/25, 2005: Over 40 volunteers help with construction and staining the log siding.
  • June 24, 2005: Cupolas arrive at Ruskoka from Volgadonsk!
  • June 22, 2005: Vadim ann Natasha Spirkov donate $1000. Thank You!
  • June 22, 2005: Read the latest news in the June Ruskoka E-Letter (click to download).
  • June 20, 2005: Evgueni and Irina Martynov donate $1100. Thank You!
  • June 17, 2005: Book your seat for the July 17th bus. $25. Call Marina at 416-487-2993.
  • June 14, 2005: Olia and Andy Melnyk donate $1000. Thank You!
  • June 13, 2005: Our cupolas and crosses arrive in Montreal from Volgadonsk, Russia.
  • June 10, 2005: Oleg Mikhailov donates $1000. Thank You!
  • June 9, 2005: $3000 donation In Memoriam of Mary and Peter Parwan. Eternal Memory.
  • June 9, 2005: The Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God will visit Ruskoka on July 17th
  • June 8, 2005: Tony and Tania Burlachenko donate $3000. Thank You!!!
  • June 8, 2005: Anthony and Marlene Tolomizenko donate $1000. Thank You!
  • June 3/4/5/6, 2005: 31 volunteers build the chapel floor/decking and erect 20 posts.
  • May 27, 2005: Kanata Orthodox Church Foundation donates $1000. Thank You!
  • May 27, 2005: The ROCOR Canadian Diocese donates $1000. Thank You!
  • May 30, 2005: Tamara and Gaetan Racette donate $1000. Thank You!
  • May 29, 2005: Anatol Skok donates $1000. Thank You!
  • May 25, 2005: Excavation of the chapel foundation is completed.
  • May 12, 2005: Tania Eaglesham donates $1000. Thank You!
  • May 12, 2005: Dr. Vera Garber donates $1000. Thank You!
  • May 11, 2005: Our Lady of Smolensk Russian Church donates $1000. Thank You!
  • May 7, 2005: The site is blessed by Fr. Vladimir Malchenko.
  • May 6/7/8, 2005: A group of 20 volunteers cuts trees and clears the chapel site.
  • May 5, 2005: Building Permit issued for Chapel Construction.
  • April 27, 2005: Read the latest news in the Ruskoka E-Letter (click to download).
  • April 20, 2005: Download flyers and letters at bottom of the Fundraising page.
  • April 14, 2005: Cupolas clear customs in Volgodonsk, en route, to arrive end of May.
  • April 6, 2005: Building permit application submitted to Township for final approval.
  • March 25th, 2005: St. Xenia's parish in Ottawa provides their temporary iconostasis.

Chapel Construction Work Weekends

    Thank You to all Volunteers !!

  • November 5 and 6, 2005 - Chapel Work Weekend. Thank you to the volunteers that came to help close the chapel and camp for the winter. Chapel construction will resume in May 2006.


    Directions to the St. Alexis Chapel at Ruskoka.
    Contact Alex Sakuta at (416) 232-0829 (Toronto) or (705) 645-3783 (Ruskoka) if you would like to donate.


  • May 7/8, 2005 - Ground Breaking and Chapel Site Preparation
    Thank you to the following 20 volunteers for their hard work: Alex, Nika, Michelle, Luba, Henry, Misha, Katyusha, Victor, Kira, Natasha, George, Sergei, Igor, Roma, Maxine, Andrew, Alex, Rostik, Marina, Dennis and especially to Lee!


  • June 3/4/5/6, 2005 - Chapel Floor Construction
    Thank you to the following 31 volunteers for their dedication and hard work: Alex, Lidia, Peter, Grisha, Victor, Sergei, Roma, Igor, Nika, Sasha, Volodya, Oleg, Andrew, Maxine, Marina, Peter, Alexander, Oleg, Andrei, Valya, Peter, Leon, Victor, Alexander, Marina, Masha, Victor, Igor, Vera, Victor, George, and Alik


  • June 24/25/26, 2005 - Construction of Altar Walls, Chapel Spire and Pre-assemblies. Thank you to the 40 volunteers that came to help and work.

  • June 30 to July 4, 2005 - Completion of the spire, construction of the lower roofs and peaked roof. Thank you to over 50 volunteers that came to help!

  • July 9 to July 10, 2005 - Completion of the log siding, facia and soffits. Craning the rood and cupolas into position.

  • July 17, 2005 - Consecration of the Chapel of Tsarevich-Martyr Alexei by His Grace Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan.


    following fervent voices
    dazzled by the jewel which presented itself
    a backdrop of greenery and liquid blue
    moved by sight and sound
    gold-enveloped priests
    adoration
    partnership of quiet and reverence
    joy and exultation -
    St. Alexis Chapel
    An inspirational accomplishment -
    A spiritual centre of beauty and peacefulness

    Helen Grande - July 27, 2005

The Konevets Quartet of St. Petersburg -
Ontario Tour 2005

Thank You for your Patronage
Benefit Concerts of Russian Sacred and Secular Music from the 18th to 20th Centuries by the renowned male a cappella ensemble from St. Petersburg, Russia.


  • Waterloo
    Tuesday, November 22nd at 7:30 p.m.
    First United Church
    16 William Street, West (at King in Uptown Waterloo)
    Info 519-576-6673, george@ruskoka.com
    Tickets $15


  • Oshawa
    Wednesday, November 23rd at 7:30 p.m.
    St. George's Memorial Church
    39 Athol Street West (across from City Hall)
    Info 905-665-7705, george@ruskoka.com
    Tickets $15


  • Ottawa
    Thursday, November 24th at 7:30 p.m.
    Church of St. Barnabas, Apostle and Martyr
    70 James Street (Centretown at Kent Street)
    Info 613-260-8092, konevets@stxenia.ca
    Tickets $18 general admission, $28 with post-concert Russian reception with Quartet


  • Perth
    Saturday, November 26th at 7:30 pm
    St. Paul's United Church
    25 Gore Street West (downtown Perth)
    Info 613-267-1900 (Perth School of Dance), konevets@stxenia.ca
    Tickets $13 general admission, $10 seniors and students and $28 family

  • Toronto
    Sunday, November 27th at 2:30 pm
    Eglinton St. George's United Church
    35 Lytton Boulevard (at Duplex near Yonge and Eglinton, one block west of Sporting Life)
    Featuring a lobby exhibition of works by Russian Canadian artists Guennadi Kalinine and Vladimir Prokhorov and a post-concert reception with Quartet
    Info 416-483-2441, george@ruskoka.com
    Tickets $18
    • More information at Konevets website or St. Alexis Chapel website.

    Proceeds towards the Konevets Monastery (Russia), Ruskoka (Canada) and St. Xenia's Church (Kanata, Canada)

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