St.Vladimir Orthodox Church

Archimandrite David (Edwards)
Rector of St. Vladimir Prince of Kiev Orthodox Church, Halifax
1940 - 2025
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Archimandrite David (Edwards), beloved Rector of St. Vladimir Prince of Kiev Orthodox Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia, lovingly known as Father David, fell asleep in the Lord on June 14, 2025, unexpectedly at his residence. May his memory be eternal.

Born in Southampton, England, in 1940, Father David's early years were shaped by the trials of wartime Britain. His family endured the bombing of Southampton before relocating to the peaceful countryside of Dorset near Dorchester in 1945. In 1954, the family embarked on a new chapter, crossing the Atlantic to Canada during a fierce hurricane.

Father David's educational and professional background reflected his deep curiosity about the world and commitment to service. After working for the Toronto-Dominion Bank, he pursued his Bachelor of Arts at St. John's College, University of Manitoba, graduating in 1965. He continued his theological studies at St. Chad's College, Durham University, England, earning his degree in Theology in 1967.

Initially ordained as an Anglican deacon and priest, Father David served as curate at Brandon Cathedral and later as vicar of Fairford in Interlake Manitoba. His pursuit of learning led him to complete a third degree at Leeds University in teaching and drama in 1971. He dedicated several years to education, teaching drama at Newport High School in South Wales while serving as Officer Commanding 633 Squadron ATC (RAF).

Father David's spiritual journey took a decisive turn in 1979 when he left the Anglican Church. After a period of discernment that included tonsure into the Roman Catholic Church in Montreal in 1981, he was received into the Orthodox Church in 1982. The following year marked the beginning of his distinguished 42-year Orthodox ministry, when he was ordained subdeacon, deacon, and priest, becoming Rector of St. Mary the Virgin Western Rite Orthodox parish in Winnipeg. He was subsequently tonsured to the monastic habit, embracing the ascetic life that would define his spiritual leadership.

In 2000, Father David retired from teaching and moved to St. Albert, Alberta, where he primarily attended St. Herman Church in Edmonton. His ministry also took him to St. John's, Newfoundland, and Ottawa, touching countless lives across the country.

The final and perhaps most fruitful chapter of Father David's ministry began on November 1, 2019, when he arrived in Halifax to serve a small Orthodox community that had been established a quarter-century earlier. In October 2020, he was officially appointed Rector of St. Vladimir Prince of Kiev Orthodox Church. Father David often spoke with profound gratitude of this appointment, describing the parishioners as "the most incredible people" and "the most beautiful people I have ever met."

Under Father David's spiritual guidance, St. Vladimir parish experienced remarkable growth and maturation. His unconditional love and attention to every person he encountered drew together a vibrant international community of faithful and inquirers. All who knew Father David would attest to his extraordinary gift for making each person feel valued and loved, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Father David's legacy extends far beyond the parish community. His enthusiastic initiative gave rise to the active and vibrant community of the Mission of St Seraphim of Sarov in Cape Breton. His life taught us by example about the transformation of the human person through divine grace. He showed us that true spiritual leadership requires pastoral tenderness, monastic discipline and missionary zeal.

His impact on the Nova Scotia Orthodox community and beyond is profound. We will all be changed by what he taught us. Father David's ministry demonstrated that the Gospel message transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, uniting all people in the common pursuit of holiness and truth.

In his final church bulletin, written just days before his passing and his 85th birthday on June 18th, Father David penned words that perfectly encapsulated his grateful heart and deep love for his parish: "I want to give thanks to God that He sees fit that I should be strong enough to remain the Rector of this beautiful parish - that's you, each of you and that is a privilege that I thought could never be mine. On my actual birthday, I shall come to the church and with difficulty, prostrate myself before the altar and thank God for all His blessings."

These words reveal the essence of Father David's character-his humility, his recognition that his ministry was a divine gift rather than a personal achievement, and his deep appreciation for the privilege of serving God's people in His Holy Church. Even as his earthly strength waned, Father David's unwavering commitment and spiritual vision remained clear: he truly saw his parishioners not as an organization to be managed, but as beautiful children entrusted to his loving care by Christ Himself.

Archimandrite David will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, a devoted spiritual father, and a deeply loving brother and uncle whose life bore witness to the transforming power of the Orthodox Faith. His circuitous earthly journey from wartime England to the shores of Nova Scotia served as material for the building of the Kingdom of God. His final act of thanksgiving, planned for his birthday at the altar at which he served so faithfully, stands as a testament to a life lived in love, gratitude, and surrender to the divine will. He is predeceased by his parents William Edwards and Louisa Edwards and survived by his siblings Garth Edwards (Barb), Marty Edwards (Jude), Robin Edwards (Dave), and his nieces Ann (Alfred) and Louisa (Namit), nephew Alex, and grand-niece Viola.

May his memory be eternal!