Thunder Bay Unseen

At the rear of the Cemetery lies this mound comemorating the Millennium of Christianity in the Ukraine. The upper script is the Ukrainian language written in the Cyrillic alphabet. It is translated into english immediately below. The centre of the cross is emblazoned with a stylized crown - symbolic of the royal authority given Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, in christian writings.

Millenium Of Christianity in Ukraine
Glory to Ukrainian Heroes and Pioneers in Canada
Parish of Transfiguration Thunder Bay

Many stones, however, bear not one word inscribed in english.

It is interesting to note the font used to inscribe the family name on this stone as well as the unusual shape of the stone itself.

On the left of the stone is an 'eternal flame' signifying these people's lastly significance to the lives around them. They are very common in the Catholic Cemeteries around the city. The budded cross at the centre signifies the trinity with the trefoil on the ends of the cross.

The stone at left sports the same trefoil crosses as the previous, along with the roses found in the first stone. In the centre is a depiction of Christ, with his arms wide, surrounded by roses. Above his head is the nimbus or aura.

Between the owner's names is another unique collection of symbols: There is a crown (symbolizing the authority of Christ) superimposed onto an Ionic Cross which is, in turn, superimposed on a maple leaf, symbolizing Canada.

Msgr. Julian Habrusevich was the Dean of North-Western Ontario in the Eparchy of Toronto and all Eastern Canada of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada.

His stone features the stylized cross and the same crown-cross-maple leaf crest as seen before.

The grapes are a symbol of Fruitfulness, one of the fruits of the spirit in Christian teachings. They also signify the wine of communion and a forgiveness from sin.

The Chalice at the top is also a symbol of holy communion. The remaining symbolism is not yet known to me. When I manage to uncover it through my own research or through the help of visitors to this site I will update this entry. I will also update it if I manage to uncover more about Msgr. Julian Habrusevich.

This stone is unique in the entire cemetery as it has an ornate enclosure. I suspect it is a family plot of some sorts but can only make out the two dates on the engraving. If anyone out there is able to translate this for me I would be greatly appreciative.

Typical of much of this cemetery, however, is the forgotten monuments throughout the grounds. Many stones bear only the most frail of inscriptions and many bear no marks at all. This is not a case of neglect on the part of the grounds keepers as the grounds are in great shape but it is an older cemetery and many families with members interred here have simply moved on.

Unique for the english writing - a rarity in this cemetery

This stone looks as though the inscription was hand-carved and it probably was considering the dates upon it.

Further along Arthur Street is the Shaarey Shomayim Cemetery established by the local Jewish Community in 1910.

The cemetery is a typical jewish cemetery in that it is solely for the use of Jews alone and there is no place for gentiles or people not of the jewish faith to be buried on site. The land contained within the fence is considered holy and was consecrated upon the completion of the site's purchase. Burial rights within a Jewish Cemetery are permanent - that is - the remains cannot be moved by the cemetery once they have been interred into the grave.

The following pictures were taken from the lands beyond the fence - not once did I step onto the grounds of this cemetery. The pictures included below are not meant as a disgrace but rather for those who are ignorant of these places an opportunity to see and possibly understand them some more.

All of the stones within the cemetery are inscribed in Hebrew and are read from right to left.

In keeping with Jewish Traditions there are many unique symbols on their stones: At left you can see the Star of David on either side of the Menorah.

The menorah symbolizes the Holy Spirit and the seven gifts associated with it:
wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear of the Lord, and delight in the Lord.

Some stones feature both english and hebrew. Simple in adornments many stones feature only the Star of David as a lone symbol.

These are the stones of the parents of The Right Honourable Bora Laskin, P.C., C.C. - Bora Laskin served as Chief Justice of Canada and on the Supreme Court of Canada for fourteen years - and of Saul Laskin, First Mayor of Thunder Bay and Mayor of Port Arthur from 1962-69. Both are key people in the development of Northwestern Ontario.

Though it is difficult to make out at a distance this stone seems to be reminiscent of cut wood - which would symbolize the brevity of life - or a broken column - also symbolizing a life cut short.

In addition to the Star of David, this stone also features Doves which are the symbol of Israel.

Some feature only english and don't seem to mention their Jewish heritage in the slightest.