Profitis Ilias

Gratitude

This church could not have been built without the effort and skill of many people. This church is the culmination of communal effort and inspiration. Therefore, I would like to thank all that have worked on this project from the very beginning.

First, with the landscaping, I would like to thank Mervin Buchinski, who started the groundwork for the site. Rick Presie’s crew for the rock and gravel. Merlin and Mervin Alberts for their expertise in landscaping and shaping this area. David Knihniski, for his tireless work and dedication on this corner, whether it was removing trees, fence posts, wire, rock picking, mowing, snow-blowing, landscaping, general clean up, or meeting contractors and R.M. officials.

A special thanks to Nestor Todosichuk for selflessly donating his time, machinery, and other materials to cultivate, level, and seed this area. And, thanks to Foreman Ted Wardle and Councilor Reg Yaremchuk from the Rural Municipality of Preeceville, for their understanding and cooperation in allowing this landscaping project to proceed despite uncertain weather and road conditions.

Secondly, for the church itself, I would like to thank Gordon Williams with high regard for his expertise in the art of stucco, with the assistance of James Fisher. Thanks to Ron Schiller and his crew for coming through on the tile work. And, with great admiration, I would like to thank master carpenter Lawrence Korney for taking such great pride in building this beautiful church without any architectural drawings, and for not complaining when I had him change the roof line. And to those who assisted Lawrence, like his son Colin, Allan Galiz, and his nephew Gerry Kortello, who creates artistic sculptures, but took time out to help with the church construction - thank you all for a job well done.

Thirdly, I would like to thank all of my neighbours and friends in the Endeavour area who have helped me over the years, and imparted me with countless memories. Starting with Lawrence and Jane Korney and family, for their friendship and the unforgettable visits over the years. Next, I would like to thank my neighbours, Nestor Todosichuk and the Zilch family, for their constant willingness to help me, and lend me anything that I needed; but most importantly, for their friendship. To Alan Palagian, for his skillfulness and willingness to help with some difficult tasks, which he usually made look easy and to Paul Selinger of Saskatoon for volunteering his time and resourcefulness in solar energy to light up the holy icons.

I would also like to extend my thanks to Bob Panagopoulus from Sturgis, and his best friend, Zeus, as well as Chis Giannios and his family from Preeceville, for their enthusiasm and support of this church. From Saskatoon, I would like to thank Bill Davis, for his attentiveness to listen and willingness to help. And Gerald and Catherine Hupet, for all the help they gave me in the beginning and having been there on our hunting trip when I had my inspiration to build this church.

Lastly, I would like to say that none of this would have been accomplished without the help, guidance, and extremely hard work of David Knihniski, along with his wife, Nellie, and daughter, Jasmine. I would like to thank you for your friendship, your vision, and all the times we spent together - planning, working, and enjoying our families as they have grown together and learned to respect the natural environment around us. I know this place has special meaning for Dave as well, and has become a part of him too - having worked so hard here, spent so much time here, and having experienced so many things.

In closing, I would like to thank all of you that came out to celebrate our Profitis Ilias day with me and my two children Tasos and Angeliki, as well as with my mother, sister, two brothers, and all of their families.

As friends, neighbors, and members of the community, I am happy to share this small church with you, for you to visit, enjoy, and respect.

Ilias Barlas