Ukrainian musician finds peace playing at tiny P.E.I. church

Tetiana Kiriienko fled the war in Ukraine in 2022, and now she is finding solace and camaraderie at a historic church in a small community on P.E.I.

Kiriienko came to P.E.I. with her son via Italy, Paris and Montreal. When she was in Montreal she connected with a fellow Ukrainian who was working as a truck driver on the Island. He came to collect them, and they made the drive to P.E.I. together.

While taking English as a second language lessons at Holland College in Charlottetown, she met English teacher Beverley Fullerton Lewis, who was also an elder at St. James United Church in West Covehead. Constructed in 1837, St. James United is one of the oldest churches on the Island.

The church was losing its pianist. Margaret Power was retiring after 39 years in the position. They needed a new accompanist for the choir, and Fullerton Lewis had heard Kiriienko play at college talent shows.

St. James United Church is one of the oldest on the Island. (St. James United Church)

"She's a very talented pianist," she said.

"I also knew that she needed community and she also needed help with the income."

Power also believed it would be a good opportunity for the newcomer to Canada.

"With the choir you get great camaraderie," she said.

'It seemed like they had always been playing together'

Kiriienko would find something of a kindred spirit in her fellow accompanist at the church.

Kathryn Dau-Schmidt, who has received the Order of P.E.I. for her traditional fiddle playing, is also an immigrant. She grew up in the American midwest, and she understands the comfort that music can bring, particularly when it is shared.

Margaret Power, right, brought Kathryn Dau-Schmidt into St. James United Church to play in one service, but the partnership worked for everyone. (Josefa Cameron/CBC)

"Many times it's what's held me together, being able to play the music," said Dau-Schmidt. "I don't have as much fun playing alone. I like playing with people."

It is a thrill to have brought Dau-Schmidt and Kiriienko together, said Fullerton-Lewis.

"It's awesome. I'm really pleased," she said. "Right from the beginning it seemed like they had always been playing together."

'Very polite, very fun people'

The church is a familiar venue for Kiriienko.

"I sing in the choir in my country," she said.

"This choir, very, very kind people. Very polite, very fun people. And for me, every rehearsal on Thursday and service every Sunday, I very [much] like it."

And the tiny church, nestled among trees on North Shore, has worked its way into her heart, as has P.E.I.

"I like the beautiful nature, very polite and friendly people, and very clean air," said Kiriienko.

"And, a lot [of] peace."