St. Mary's Russian Orthodox Church - Calmar, Alberta

Daniel B.

While out touring with my 6 year old daughter looking for photo opportunity’s, we happen to pass this church. She wanted to stop and take pictures because of the architecture. While walking the site, a maintenance man offered to open the church so we could see inside and shared some knowledge about the church with us.
We were very appreciative and felt welcomed.

Mckenzi

On Tuesday September 27th around 6pm, I was driving down highway 19 with my dog and my boyfriend in my 2017 Jeep suv. I needed to pull off the road and felt a safe place to do this was this church parking lot. I was parked adjacent the side of the church with my vehicle off. A very heavy conversation was taking place, I was very upset and crying and didn’t see the black truck pull up beside me with its drivers window down until my passenger directed my attention to the large man behind the wheel and the smaller women in the passenger seat (both caucasian and early 50’s). I was motioned to open my window but it wasn’t working so I opened my door (my vehicle was off but I was to upset to process this). I was interrogated very aggressively asking if I was a part of the church, of course I said no and I just needed to pull off the road- I had lied due to the accusatory and threatening volume and tone and said I was looking for directions. The man aggressively told me “best be on your way” to which I replied I’m good thank you only to have him say “NO- best be on your way” again very aggressively and threatening. I closed my door and immediately locked them. The truck pulled behind my suv where the women was hanging out of the window taking photos of my vehicle/plate. They parked on the landing entry between the church parking lot and highway and waited. I tried to gather myself to be able to drive as quickly as possible and within 5 minutes pulled away with them still watching me.
I mentioned my vehicle year and model to say that it would not have appeared as though I was attempting to vandalize or steal from this church… no one even got out of my vehicle anyways. Not that it should matter.
I grew up attending Ukrainian Orthodox Church so in the moment I thought I would be safe pulling off at a church with the familiar symbol only to be met with hostility, aggression, and a very threatening interaction. What a scary and disappointing encounter created by what I can only assume are constituents of this church.
I reflected on wether I would post anything regarding this and decided yes- for anyone dealing with something terrible, feeling unsafe, scared, or simply unable to be driving on the highway… DO NOT STOP at this church. If you are a caring/empathetic human looking for a new church to call home or attend, this is likely not the place for you. And for the couple with far more then enough life experience years to know better and to have been able to read the situation- you could have been helpful or shown empathy. Shame on you.

Tymofiy H.

Caring priest and loving generous people.

Max M.

Justin R.

Wasn't what I expected. 😥

Sergey K.

Inside the church

Nadezhda V.

Andrey K.