St.Vladimir Orthodox Church

May 2, 2025

Saturday May 3rd
6pm Vigil

Sunday May 4th
Sunday of the Myrrh Bearing Women
10am Divine Liturgy

Remember the Lamb Roast after Liturgy (weather permitting)

Christ is Risen!
This is the second Sunday after Pascha, on which we commemorate the Myrrh-bearing Women. On this day we give thanks and celebrate the roles of women in our lives and in our church. When the men, the apostles fled, the women stood by Christ during His Passion. Of the apostles, only John remained, but the women stood by and watched Jesus die upon the cross. They were there with Joseph of Arimathea when He was quickly taken down and buried before they had to stop all labour for the Sabbath. Then, early in the morning, after the Sabbath, they arose early and went to the tomb to anoint His Life bearing Body. Their reward? Christ appeared first to them, and only later to his disciples. May we follow their example and stand by the Church as they stood by Christ.

I'm writing this just after the close of the Archdiocesan Council meeting. The delegates came from all across this country; meeting together to discuss not only the problems which occur from time to time within the archdiocese, but to make plans for the future. It is important that we know that the governance of the archdiocese is in safe hands under the deliberations of the Archdiocesan Council with guidance from Vladika Irenee.
It was very good that the Council, for the first time, met here in Halifax, the East Coast. Many had not been to this eastern part of Canada before. Not only that but they came to our church for a Liturgy at 8am on Wednesday morning. They saw our church and that was a good thing. A number of photos were taken of the Council in our church and of all the congregation. When they are sent to me, I shall include them, or at least a small selection of them in the bulletin.
This afternoon some of the candidates have gone to visit the Hermitage of the Annunciation. May God bless them as they make their various ways home. I personally, shall miss them. You and I shall pray for them.

The funeral of Father Vladimir was conducted at 5pm on Tuesday at the St. George Church, which was where Father Vladimir went for communion on special occasions. The service was conducted by Father Panagiotis, Father Maximos, Father John-Baptiste and Father Paisios. It was a beautiful service and there was good attendance of mourners; this was really good to see. There was a decent number of our congregation present. Two of our parish who are wheelchair bound were present, the two funeral attendants even moved the coffin so the two wheel-chair bound could reverence the body of Father Vladimir, that made the service even more blessed. I think the parish respectfully said a good farewell to Father Vladimir. May he rest in Peace and may his memory be eternal. Christ is Risen!

From Alina:
Christ is Risen! Me and my husband went to Pinehurst for the burial service and a reception afterwards. It was a nice crowd of mostly local people. Here is Fr Vladimir's grave, if anyone wants to visit it later. It's not marked yet but easy to find, right in the very corner of the cemetery lot closest to the road to his house (the one with a blue roof you can see across the field). -- Best regards, Alina

From Dcn. Michael:
Christ is Risen!
We currently have only one translator (English to Russian) for the parish newsletter. If you are willing and able to help with translations, please contact me. I would like to create a rotating list of translators so that no one person has to do it every single week. We currently use an online translating tool to do the bulk of the work, but we need volunteers who can correct grammatical errors, especially with church-related words.
Thank you in advance,
Dcn. Michael

We must be very thankful particularly to the women, for the incredible meals provided to the members of the Archdiocesan Council. There were meals and snacks available all the time the Council was in session. Thank you for an incredible job.

We must also thank the parishioners who provided accommodation to the members of the Council. Thank you. You made it possible for us to invite the Council to Halifax.

Thank you, Anchor Group, for the use of the meeting room at 3 Anchor Drive, and for the use of the Guest bedroom. They helped us every time they were asked.

I'm sure there were many more to thank.

Christ is Risen! Love in the Risen Christ,
Father David
(Please forgive if I have forgotten to thank anyone)

April 25th, 2025

Saturday April 26th
6pm Vigil

Sunday April 27th
Thomas Sunday
10am Divine Liturgy

Remember the Lamb Roast after Liturgy

Tuesday April 29th
5pm Funeral for Fr. Vladimir (Tobin) - St. George's Greek Orthodox Church (followed by reception)

Wednesday April 30th
10am Divine Liturgy - St. George's Greek Orthodox Church
2:30pm Interment of Fr. Vladimir at New West Pine United Church Cemetery (followed by reception)

Christ is risen! Indeed He is Risen! In these words rest the core of our faith as Christians. These words will continue to resonate in our Church (and our everyday lives) until the Ascension (May 29th this year). We greet each other with these words when we meet. Other than a few times at the beginning of the service when it is sung by just the priests and deacon, the faithful are encouraged to join in with the choir. This is our faith, this is our hope. The walls should tremble with it!

You can see more Paschal Photos here

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Igumen Vladimir (Tobin), the founder (along with Archimandrite Luc) of this parish of St. Vladimir Prince of Kiev.
You can read more about Fr. Vladimir and his contributions to our parish here

May his memory be eternal!

His funeral will take place at St. George's Greek Orthodox Church at 1146 Purcells Cove Rd, Halifax at 5pm on Tuesday April 29th.

His interment will take place on Wednesday April 30 at 2:30pm at New West Pine United Church Cemetery 3448 Highway 10, Pinehurst, NS. There will be a reception afterward at Pinehurst Community Hall. If you would like to attend, please consider bringing something for the potluck.

Just a reminder that the Archdiocesan council will take place from April 28 to 30th here in Halifax. All are invited to celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. George's on Wednesday April 30th at 10am with them.

From Mark:
Please take a look in the Lost and Found box above the coat rack. Anything left after this Sunday will be donated. Thank you!

CHRIST IS RISEN!
Dcn. Michael

April 18th, 2025

Holy Friday April 18
1pm Vespers Bringing out of the Shroud
6pm Matins Lamentations and Procession

Holy Saturday April 19
10am Vesperal Liturgy
11pm Nocturns
12am Matins and Liturgy of Pashca

Pascha Sunday April 20
4pm Agape Vespers of Pascha and Potluck

I want to thank those who buy and arrange the flowers. They do such an excellent job.

Mark would like to ask that we encourage people to carpool if possible, especially the evening of April 19th as there will hopefully be a great number of people in attendance.

Did you remember that the Lamb Roast will be following the Liturgy, the Sunday after Pascha?

We must thank those who will prepare the feast after the Paschal Liturgy, (no screaming this year, to attract the police!), who will prepare the feast after the Agape Vespers, which is at 4pm on Pascha afternoon. And the Lamb Roast the Sunday following, after Liturgy. Lots of feasting to make up for the Great Fast. And we must thank those who do the cleaning up. Thank you, all!

Parish Council Meeting 7pm Wednesday 23rd April at the usual venue. (Mark please book as usual.)

Did you notice or will you notice the floor downstairs? I have been completely renewed with tiles that will resist water for a considerable time. Thank you to the workers, led, I believe, by Sergey, who accomplished this and also did you notice the painted walls downstairs? Thank you whoever did that.

Christ is Risen,
Love in that same Christ, His Father and the Holy Spirit,
Father David

April 11th, 2025

Saturday April 12
10am Divine Liturgy and Baptism of Catechumens
6pm Vigil

Sunday April 13
9:40am Hours and Divine Liturgy of Palm Sunday
(Procession of Palms around the church if weather permits)
6pm Bridegroom Matins

Monday April 14
6pm Bridegroom Matins

Tuesday April 15
6pm Bridegroom Matins

Holy Thursday April 17
10am Vesperal Liturgy
6pm Matins and 12 Passion Gospels

Holy Friday April 18
1pm Vespers Bringing out of the Shroud
6pm Matins Lamentations and Procession

Holy Saturday April 19
10am Vesperal Liturgy
11pm Nocturns
12am Matins and Liturgy of Pashca

Pascha Sunday April 20
4pm Agape Vespers of Pascha and Potluck

Confessions: Please remember that Holy Week is a very busy week. Most of us want to make our confession so that our souls are as clean as possible for Pascha. Please therefore, make your confession as early as possible. During Holy Week, come to confession only in dire circumstances. May God bless us all as we prepare for the glorious death on the Cross and Resurrection of Christ.

Father Theodore, who is presently in Greece, sent me this and I want to share it with you (I have only adjusted spacing):
Dear loved ones in the Lord,
"The Lord commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden you may freely eat, but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it, for the day that you eat you shall truly die."
(Gen. 2:16-17)
Theologians influenced by Monastics, tells us that the first order by God was fasting, seeing only things from a narrow side of the order, "not to eat". So, Christians try hard to abstain from certain foods replacing them with other, and missing the most important. But is this all? So everyone who cannot fast from food for health reasons, age, or working hard, will then die?
I think, what destroyed the relationship between God and man, was disobedience. God gave everything to humans to eat and be in charge of, but for our good, He asks us not to eat from that tree, because such an action will lead us into the evil world and as result, death.
So humans, as result of their free will, disobeyed their Creator and listened to the devil who told them." You shall not surely die. For God knows that the time you will eat therefore, then your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. " (Gen.3:4-5)
Therefore, the essence here, is free will and how we handle it. If we handle free will responsibly and in obedience to God's will, then we will become gods by grace. If you act in disobedience to God's will, then we are separated from God, by evil for eternity.
The Lord Jesus Christ, became (the second Adam) man in obedience to the Father, to restore the ability to men to freely choose God's will in their lives, because this ability had been weakened by sin, so we can follow God's will and not our own, since we are created in God's image and happiness is found into becoming in His likeness. (Luke22:42)
Yes, we need to fast from foods, but more importantly, seeking God's will in our lives!
Fasting is not suppression of the body, but rather of the flesh. The body is as important as the spirit we possess, because both will be raised from the dead. In Orthodoxy we do not suppress the body to free the spirit, because this is Platonic philosophy.
In fasting we exercise self control. We do that as result of metanoia, full regret for our sins, and love for God for His lovingkindness and mercy, accompanied with my free will's decision to follow Him.
St.Isidore Pilousiotis said: fasting of food does not benefit us, if we do not practice self control in all our senses. God in the O.T. accepted fasting only done in Metanoia from the heart and obedience. (Is.58:3:4) and (Joel l2:12-15) Therefore, during fasting, I turn to God with all my heart and I seek to find His will, as well as, the grace of the H.S. Who will strengthen me to fulfil the purpose of fasting, which is to return back to God and share my life with others. Then, in Communion with God, I become fully human again, to celebrate the Holy Resurrection and be raised with Him from dead religious and worldly works.
In Christ, +Theodore

Bright Week and Beyond

• Bright Monday April 21
  • 10am Divine Liturgy at St. Vladimirs
  • 10:30am Divine Liturgy at Cape Breton (Fr. Stelian)
• Sunday April 27
  • Divine Liturgy and Parish Celebration of Pascha

May God bless us all as we approach Holy Week and the Glorious Resurrection.
Love in Christ
-Father David

April 4th, 2025

Saturday April 5
6pm Vigil

Sunday April 6
St. Mary of Egypt
Tone 8
9:40am Hours and Divine Liturgy

Monday April 7
Annunciation of the Theotokos
10am Vesperal Liturgy

Wednesday April 9
6pm Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

Saturday April 12
Lazarus Saturday
10am Liturgy and Baptism of Catechumens

I'm sure you will remember the story of the raising of Lazarus. If you can't recall the text, you can look it up in St. John's Gospel chapter 11 verses 1-44. It would be a good idea to read the story before coming to the Liturgy. Then you will know exactly what we are celebrating, an incredible miracle.

As everyone is aware, April 28 to 30, the members of the diocesan council will be meeting here in Halifax. There will be 15 to 20 members attending, both clergy and lay people. We need to feed these guests of of ours. The easiest way to impress members of the Council is with good food and we have fabulous cooks in this parish. If you are able to help either with preparing food or with being available to serve at mealtimes, please speak to Matushka Lena. Prepared food can be brought to church ahead of time and it will be heated if necessary. Thank you so very much for your help.

My Goodness, we are near the end of Great Lent. Perhaps a time to make a renewed effort. Holy Week is just a week away - can you believe it and yesterday we were worried about the start of Great Lent. Let us gather ourselves together for this last push towards PASCHA The incredible Resurrection of Christ.

Message from Dan about the Lenten Study Text
Dear all:
Our Lenten study of the practical spiritual teachings of Abba Dorotheos of Gaza will meet again this weekend before Vigil in the church basement: Saturday, April 5, at 4:30 p.m.
This week we will discuss Lessons 5 and 6. If time permits, we may also try to look briefly at some parts of Lesson 15 on Great Lent. I am attaching PDF scans of the readings well in advance this time, by popular demand.
Another translation of the whole book is available to read online here and you can listen to an audiobook version here (YouTube).
Streaming participation in our discussion will be available through the Teams link as usual.
I think participants have found this an edifying book to read and discuss as we prepare our hearts for Holy Week and Pascha. All are welcome! Hope to see you this Saturday.
In Christ
Dan

A message from Matushka Maria:
The OCA has recently put out a movie geared towards children about St Tikhon. I find it's very interesting. Perhaps a good idea to share with the families of our parish.
Here's the link: https://youtu.be/HzxGMFuEC7E?si=w0UNyJn26V_iu9Zf

A message from Alina Kirsanova:
This year again, we will have a collection of authentic Ukrainian hand-painted wooden eggs (Pysankys) for sale. These eggs were painted by artists in Western Ukraine and delivered directly to Halifax from Ivano-Frankivsk. The eggs will be in a basket at the church entrance. The suggested donation is $15 per egg. Please put money into a specially marked collection box.
I also have some real eggshell wax-painted eggs, they are $30 each. Please contact me directly if you want to purchase some as they are breakable and I cannot leave them unattended in the lobby. You can contact me by phone 902-830-7803 or in church in person.
All proceeds will be forwarded to Rubikus Help UA, a non-profit project that facilitates the evacuation of Ukrainian citizens to Europe (https://helpua.rubikus.de/en/).

Courage and strength, my dear ones, May God strengthen us for the fast, the coming of Holy Week, and for the great feast of come.

May God bless you
Love in Christ,
Father David

March 30th, 2025

Saturday March 29
10am Holy Unction
6pm Vigil

Sunday March 30
St. John of the Ladder
Tone 7
9:40am Hours and Divine Liturgy

Wednesday April 2
6pm Pre-Sanctified Liturgy
*Note the time change for this service*

Friday April 4
6pm Akathist to the Theotokos

How has Great Lent so easily slipped through our prayerful hands? Just yesterday, it seams, we were warning about the start of the Lenten Fast and this Sunday, we are already at St. John of the Ladder and hoping we will not be one of those souls plucked off of the ladder and finding ourselves in a most unholy mess. May God protect us!

Father Stelian is a member of the Archdiocesan Council. For the first time ever, the Council has asked to meet here in Halifax. Father Stelian is in charge of billeting the other members of the Council; he has to find accommodation for them and has asked that we, the parish, find within ourselves, beds for two nights, April 28th and 29th. If you have a spare bed for these dates, please contact Father Stelian. This is important; it is our chance to show our parish to the Archdiocese. The Archbishop already knows who we are, others in the Archdiocese may not. I leave this in your capable and loving hands.

There is a general Baptism of Catechumens on Lazarus Saturday (April 12) at 10 am, If you would like to be baptized, please speak with Father David or one of the priests.

We will want the temple to be clean, prepared and ready for the great celebration of Pascha. That is why Mark has arranged a clean-up morning on April 5. There's lots to be done. Believe it or not Sergey thinks that the new basement floor will be finished by then and so there will be a real clean-up. We can't supply donuts, it is still fasting time, but coffee does not break the fast and perhaps someone will find, or bake some Lenten scones, with which to reward the workers.

The clergy have discussed the wording of certain prayers that we use liturgy by liturgy and we have decided that we should be bringing our parish into synch with our Archdiocese and thus the OCA. When our people go to other OCA parishes, we want to make sure that we know the correct wording. The first we have looked at is the Pre-Communion Prayer. Here is the prayer as it appears in the OCA liturgy book and this is the wording we shall be using. It comes directly from the OCA HIERATICON VOLUME TWO:

I believe, O Lord, and I confess that thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who camest into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first. I believe also that this is truly thine own most pure Body, and that this is truly thine own precious Blood. Therefore, I pray thee: Have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, committed in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy to partake without condemnation of thy most pure Mysteries, for the remission of my sins and unto life everlasting. Amen
Of thy mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant, for I will not speak of thy Mystery to thine enemies, neither like Judas will I give thee a kiss; but like the thief will I confess thee: Remember me, O Lord, in thy kingdom.
May the communion of thy holy Mysteries be neither to my judgement nor to my condemnation, O Lord, but to the healing of soul and body.

Voting has closed for the date of the Parish Camp. The weekend of July 18-20 won by a wide margin.

A message from the Monks of the Hermitage of the Annunciation
Dear Friends,
What's New for 2025?
We need a rest!
Growing & preparing vegetables for market is hard work. The monks need a sabbatical year to rejuvenate. Thank you to everyone who has supported us by buying our vegetables over the past several years.

Need Garlic?
We will still be selling garlic. The garlic will be ready at the end of August. And we always have garlic scape pesto for sale.

May God bless all of us
Love in Christ
Father David

March 21st, 2025

Saturday March 22
10am Divine Liturgy (40 Martyrs)
6pm Vigil

Sunday March 23
Sunday of the Cross
Tone 6
9:40am Hours and Divine Liturgy
Sunday School
1pm Catechumens

Wednesday March 26
10am Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

Saturday March 29
10am Holy Unction
6pm Vigil

Very soon it will be Pascha and that means Flowers. We have two very competent ladies who arrange flowers for us. We will need a lot of flowers to decorate the Tomb of Christ and the rest of the church. For this, we need to make a special collection - flowers cost a lot of money, they probably always did. Please put the special money into an envelope and mark it Flowers for Pascha. Electronically - mark it the same way.
Just a little reminder of the many flowers it takes to decorate the Tomb of Christ at Pascha.

Father Stelian is a member of the Archdiocesan Council. For the first time ever, the Council has asked to meet here in Halifax. Father Stelian is in charge of billeting the other members of the Council; he has to find accommodation for them and has asked that we, the parish, find within ourselves, beds for two nights, April 28th and 29th. If you have a spare bed for these dates, please contact Father Stelian. This is important; it is our chance to show our parish to the Archdiocese. The Archbishop already knows who we are, others in the Archdiocese may not. I leave this in your capable and loving hands.

The Catechumen Class will be on Sunday at 1 pm as usual. This will be the final session until after Pascha. You can join by Teams here. You can download the PDF for free here. There is a general Baptism of Catechumens on Lazarus Saturday (April 12) at 10 am, If you would like to be baptized, please speak with Father David or one of the priests.

The surgery on my back went very well indeed, I no longer get a numb left foot so I can stand at the altar. What has happened since that surgery is a pain on the left side of my back. It makes ascending and descending steps really difficult, thank goodness those poles that Ben installed are there and thank goodness there are folk willing to let me use them as a steadier. (The back pain is likely muscular or arthritis, it has nothing to do with the surgery.)

Mark asked us to note that there will be a cleaning session on April 5. What needs to be done? Only from my point of view, I see that the carpets need a deep clean, the carpet in the altar needs deep cleaning, The big brass candle holder behind the altar needs cleaning (as it always does), wax needs removing from the floor, the candle stands need cleaning. The downstairs needs cleaning. Speaking of all this, there are people who clean upstairs and downstairs after services - we are very grateful for all that work and those who do that cleaning week-in and week-out and of course those who bring the food - it is so excellent. We are very blessed to have so many who don't complain but just get on with the task at hand. Thank You - All of you!

It is really important that when new faces appear you make sure they are noticed and also invited down for coffee. The system of placing food on the tables is working; we no longer have a long queue of hungry children and adults. By the way, the coffee is delicious, whoever buys that.

The translation of this bulletin into Russian was done by Oksana Kim who has volunteered to continue translating even while she is absent from us. We should give her a rest and say thank you to Oksana. There are several people we can call upon. I hear that the family arrived in Warsaw, with a little incident in Germany costing them another plane fare to Warsaw. The details of this are not clear to me - ask Julian.

Father Stelian has asked us to consider a Parish Camp for this year. The possible dates are:

• June 13-15
• July 18-20
• August 8-10
• September 5-7

He asks that people vote on which date they would prefer, giving first and second choice. Please respond to the survey linked here. This is a really good family activity, bringing families and people closer together.

You can download the schedule for lent here. You can download the translation here.

We have a google calendar, which is kept up to date with the upcoming service schedule. You can find it here and add it to your google calendar with the link at the bottom.

That's it -
May God bless us all,
Love in Christ,
Father David

PS I send this now to Deacon Michael who will add some stuff, correct, then send it on for translating into Russian.

March 14th, 2025

Saturday March 15
10 am Memorial Liturgy
6 pm Vigil

Sunday March 16
10 am Divine Liturgy
Tone 5

Wednesday March 19
6 pm Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

Saturday March 22
40 Martyrs Sunday
10 am Divine Liturgy

Mark and I went to St. Alban Anglican Church and spoke to the Priest and the parish council. We thought they had indicated that they were ready to sell but the signals got crossed and they were willing to give us space if we were needing somewhere to serve liturgies. It was most considerate of them and we thank them for their willingness to help us. We continue to look.

The Vespers service at St. Antonios was well attended by our parishioners, Glory to God! It was good, with a procession right around the block we carried icons and relics.

Father Stelian has asked us to consider a Parish Camp for this year. The possible dates are:
June 13-15
July 18-20
August 8-10
September 5-7
He asks that people vote on which date they would prefer, giving first and second choice. Please respond to the survey linked here (please see the mailed newsletter for the link).This is a really good family activity, bringing families and people closer together.

Please remember that if you are able to house for two nights members of the Archdiocesan Council (April 28 and 29). Please speak with Father Stelian.

Please pray for the Kim family as they make their way back to Poland. May God bless them.

You can download the schedule for lent here. You can download the translation here.

We have a google calendar, which is kept up to date with the upcoming service schedule. You can find it here and add it to your google calendar with the link at the bottom.

May God bless us all,
Love in Christ,
Father David

March 7th, 2025

Saturday March 8
6 pm Vigil

Please remember that the clocks will jump forward by one hour between Vigil and Liturgy. Atlantic Daylight Time will begin. (Not an excuse to stay home!)

Sunday March 9
10 am Divine Liturgy
Tone 4

Wednesday March 12
10 am Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

Saturday March 15
10 am Memorial Liturgy

The Catechumen Class will be on Sunday at 1 pm as usual. These are open to everyone who wishes to learn more about our faith (inquirers, catechumens, and Orthodox), but are crucial for any catechumens who are considering baptism in the near future. We will continue with questions 18, 19, and 20. Please note the new link. We now are using Teams rather than Zoom. You can join by Teams here. You can download the PDF for free here.

Did you notice how full our church was for the service of Forgiveness? That is always a service full of emotion. People going to people they know, or do not know and, asking for forgiveness and forgiving - and there is usually a hug involved. That is purely brilliant.

We have been invited to join with Father Maximus and his people to celebrate the Triumph of Orthodoxy on Sunday, March 9th at 6pm. We will meet at St. Antonios Church (2480 Windsor St, Halifax, NS B3K 5B9) and there will, I'm sure, be a procession and a Lenten but delicious repast afterwards. Please come if at all possible.

I notice that there are lots of the Parish Calendars left. You need one for your wall so please take an English or Russian/English one as necessary. They cost us $15 if you can please donate but if not, take one anyway. It will tell you about the fasting rules and other things.

The Archdiocesan Council meeting will be held at St. Vladimir's from April 28-30. If you are able to help billet any of the council members for these dates, please contact Fr. Stelian. We have at least 5 that need billeting.

You can download the schedule for lent here. You can download the translation here.

There is a general Baptism of Catechumens on Lazarus Saturday (April 12) at 10 am, If you would like to be baptized, please speak with Father David or one of the priests.

We have a google calendar, which is kept up to date with the upcoming service schedule. You can find it here and add it to your google calendar with the link at the bottom.

Tax receipts for donations have been sent out by email. If you have not received one yet, please check your Spam folder. If you still cannot find it, please reach out to Jarod ( treasurer (at) halifaxorthodox.org )

May God bless all of us and strengthen us for the continuing fast. It takes strength - we all know that.

Lots of Love in Christ,
Father David

February 28th, 2025

Saturday March 1
6 pm Vigil

Sunday March 2
10 am Divine Liturgy
Followed immediately by the
Vespers of Forgiveness
Cheesefare and Forgiveness

Reminder: The three priests then deacon ask each other for forgiveness, the subdeacons follow, then the altar men and boys, then each member of the congregation - by then you will see how it works. Each person will forgive each person. Everyone joins in this.
In front of each person, we touch the floor, and each person says at the same time, sincerely, 'Please forgive me - I forgive you - May God forgive us both', and then move on to the next person.

Then well-earned coffee downstairs.

The Archdiocesan Council meeting will be held at St. Vladimir's. The date of the Council has been changed to April 28-30. If you are able to help billet any of the council members for these dates, please contact Fr. Stelian.

Please remember David's quest to build a new church

Please remember the shut-ins and if possible, visit them. Theresa, Ludmilla and Zainab (the Chechan lady), For information about Ludmilla, ask Father Alexander (I believe she only speaks Russian), For information about Theresa, please ask Heather and for information about Zainab, please ask Stephen. If there are others, please let Deacon Michael know.

There is a general Baptism of Catechumens on Lazarus Saturday (April 12) at 10 am, If you would like to be baptized, please speak with Father David or one of the priests.

You can download the schedule for lent here. You can download the translation here.

We have a google calendar, which is kept up to date with the upcoming service schedule. You can find it here and add it to your google calendar with the link at the bottom.

Tax receipts for donations have been sent out by email. If you have not received one yet, please check your Spam folder. If you still cannot find it, please reach out to Jarod ( treasurer (at) halifaxorthodox.org )

If you have something you would like added to the Bulletin, please forward it to Deacon Michael. He will add it. as space allows

Remember that the fasting during Great Lent as at other fasting periods is your choice. The Church makes suggestions and perhaps point to how Fasting should be. This does not mean that many of us manage it. We try our best. Children are not able to fast until they are old enough to choose their fast, even then parents will be careful about nutrition. The older and infirm will choose their way of fasting. Be careful and be vigilant, your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, will seek us.

May God bless all of us,
Love in Christ,
Father David

February 21st, 2025

Saturday February 22
10 am Divine Liturgy - Commemoration of the Departed Parish Panikhida
6 pm Vigil

Sunday February 23
10 am Divine Liturgy
Meatfare Sunday
Sunday of the Dread Judgement

The Catechumen Class will be at 1 pm on Sunday, as usual. These are open to everyone who wishes to learn more about our faith (inquirers, catechumens, and Orthodox), but are crucial for any catechumens who are considering baptism in the near future. We will continue with questions 15, 16 and 17. Please join by zoom here. You can download the PDF for free here.

You can download the schedule for lent here. You can download the translation here.

If you have something you would like added to the Bulletin, please forward it to Deacon Michael. He will add it. as space allows.

Jarod our treasurer informs me that the money collected by the children in excess of $300 has been sent to Save the Children. It will be doing good things.

Don't forget to collect for David's fund to buy a new church. The best way to get involved in this is to ask David what he is collecting and how to go about it. I know that some are taking the stuff to the recycling themselves and giving David the proceeds and some are giving David the stuff to take for recycling. Don't for one moment think that one thing is too little. It all adds up. You can also add money to the church's bank account on line, labelled 'Building fund'. Ask Jarod about that.

Can you believe - yesterday we were eating Christmas Cake and now we are at the start of Great Lent. The two might cancel each other out in terms of calories.

Please remember the shut-ins of the parish: Ludmilla, Theresa and the Chechen lady, who some of our parish visit. Please pray for the safe return of Sergey, Kateryna and the boys as they return from holiday. Please pray for Alena as she faces surgery. Continue to pray for Leslee.

I will never get over the generosity and courage of the parishioners who looked after me following my surgery, that I'm still recovering from. The food that was delivered and the lads who looked after me making sure that I was never alone. They had to dress my wound and do all sorts of personal things for me. Again, Thank You.

Whereas the calendars cost $15 dollars, it is important that we all have a copy for our homes. Please make sure you have a calendar. There are some all English and there are some English Slavonic. Please make sure you get the one appropriate for your family. If you have to forgo the $15 please take one anyway.

The Archdiocesan Council meeting will be held at St. Vladimir's from April 30th - May 2. If you are able to help billet any of the council members for these dates, please contact Fr. Stelian.

There is a general Baptism of Catechumens on Lazarus Saturday (April 12) at 10 am, If you would like to be baptised, please speak with Father David or one of the priests.

We have a google calendar, which is kept up to date with the upcoming service schedule. You can find it here and add it to your google calendar with the link at the bottom.

Tax receipts for donations have been sent out by email. If you have not received one yet, please check your Spam folder. If you still cannot find it, please reach out to Jarod ( treasurer (at) halifaxorthodox.org )

-Fr. David

February 14th, 2025

Meeting of the Lord
Friday February 14, 6 pm
Vespers

Saturday February 15, 10 am
Baptismal Liturgy

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Tone 1
Saturday February 15, 6pm
Vigil

Sunday February 16, 10 am
Divine Liturgy

Baptismal Liturgy
Saturday at 9:30 am we will start the Baptism of Cyrus Mark Blaauw. Portions of the baptismal service will be interwoven with the Liturgy.

Father David
It was wonderful to see Fr. David back in Church on Sunday.

Just around the corner:

Meatfare Sunday
February 23rd is Meatfare Sunday. This week is the final regular fasting week (Wednesday and Friday) before we begin more in earnest preparations for Great Lent.

Cheesefare week begins February 24th.

Great Lent begins March 3rd.

Catechumen Lessons
The next catechumen lesson will be on February 23rd at 1 pm.

Calendars
Our calendars have arrived and are available for purchase. They will be available in the narthex for $15. Specially marked envelopes will be provided for their purchase.

-Dcn Michael

February 7th, 2025

Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee

Tone 8
Saturday February 8, 6pm
Vigil

Sunday February 9, 10 am
Divine Liturgy

Meeting of the Lord
Friday February 14, 6 pm
Vespers

Saturday February 15, 10 am
Divine Liturgy

Where are our clergy?

• At the time of writing, Fr. David is still recovering from his surgery at home. He is improving considerably and would like to thank everyone who has stayed with him and provided meals. We continue to pray for him.
• Fr. Stelian is serving in Cape Breton this weekend.
• Fr. Alexander will be serving this weekend, assisted by the deacon.

Catechumen Class
The Catechumen class is canceled for this week, due to logistics. Fr. Stelian will likely do some catechism at Cape Breton. The next class will be on February 23rd. As always, please reach out to any of the clergy if you have any questions about Orthodoxy. If we do not know the answer, we can find out.

Confessions
Due to the current shortage of priests, please try to come to church on Saturday evening for Vigil to have confession if at all possible. Please leave Sunday morning open for those who cannot come on Saturday due to distance, work, or numerous other circumstances. This will ensure that the serving priest(s) can adequately meet the needs of the parish as well as serve the Divine Liturgy in a timely manner. This is also important to remember as we enter Great Lent with all its additional services.

Fast Free Week
The Pharisee proudly, arrogantly, proclaimed to God that he upheld all the laws to the letter. Conversely, the Publican could not turn his eyes up to heaven, but humbly prostrated himself, begging for God's forgiveness for his numerous sins.
The Holy Fathers declared this week (February 10-16) to be fast free for two reasons: first to fortify ourselves before the coming Lent, and second to recall to our minds that God forgave the humble, repentant man rather than the proud man who fasted twice a week. It is not merely an allowance for human frailty, it is strictly forbidden to fast this coming week (except for the normal fast before receiving Communion).

Teens Evening
For kids/teens of a certain higher level of maturity, at the church on Saturday at 4pm, before Vigil, we will have a fire, hotdogs, and a Q&A with whatever clergy are there. So bring any questions with you. I will bring something sweeter to cook over the coals as well...
-Julian

Upcoming Baptisms
Please pray for those who will be baptized in Cape Breton this weekend!

Calendars
Our calendars have arrived and are available for purchase. They will be available in the narthex for $15. Specially marked envelopes will be provided for their purchase.

-Dcn Michael

January 31, 2025

Thirty-second Sunday after Pentecost (Zaccheaus Sunday)

Tone 7
Saturday February 1, 6pm
Vigil

Sunday February 2, 10 am
Divine Liturgy

Where are our clergy?

• At the time of writing, Fr. David is still recovering from his surgery at home. We continue to pray for him.
• Fr. Stelian is on vacation for 1 more weekend, then will be serving at the cape the following weekend.
• Fr. Alexander will be serving this and next weekend, assisted by the deacon.

Around the Corner

• Saturday February 15 - Meeting of the Lord
  • Divine Liturgy 10 am

Fr. David
Father David would like to thank everyone who has stayed with him since the surgery and helped him to recover (he has been watched over by parishioners continuously since coming home), those who have provided food for him, and all those praying for him. He is getting stronger each and every day, and it is thanks to this parish.

Cape Liturgy
The next Divine Liturgy at the Mission in Cape Breton will be on Sunday February 9th. There will also be services at St. Vladimir's that weekend as usual.

Fundraiser for New Building
The following is a list of recyclables brought to the Beaver Enviro Depot for refund.

1. pop cans
2. energy drink cans
3. beer cans
4. glass beverage bottles
5. plastic beverage containers
6. drink boxes
7. juice boxes

NO MILK / SOYA / RICE BOTTLES

The goal is to raise $50,000.00

First deposit 4 Jan 25 = $4.35
Second deposit: not counted yet

If parish members would like to help in this initiative, they can do the following:

1. Bring any item list above to church in a blue plastic bag. I will bring any donated recyclables to Beaver Enviro Depot for a refund.

OR

2. Parishioners bring their own recyclables to their local recycling depot for a refund. Place their refund in an envelope labelled donation for fundraising and place in either the donation box or collection plate on Sunday.

Love in Christ
Subdeacon David

-Dcn Michael

January 24, 2025

Thirty-first Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 6
Saturday January 25, 6pm
Vespers followed by Panikhida

Sunday January 26, 10am
Divine Liturgy

Catechumens
The Catechumen Class will be at 1 pm on Sunday, as usual. These are open to everyone who wishes to learn more about our faith (inquirers, catechumens, and Orthodox), but are crucial for any catechumens who are considering baptism in the near future. We will continue with question 11 and, time permitting, cover 12 and 13 as well. Please join by zoom here. You can download the PDF for free here.

If you have any questions about the topics in this book, or otherwise related to Orthodoxy, please feel free to ask during the class or reach out to any of the clergy. Our contact information can be found above as well as on the church website.

Where are our clergy?

• At the time of writing, Fr. David is still recovering from his surgery. We continue to pray for him.
• Fr. Stelian is on vacation for 2 weekends
• Fr. Alexander will be serving this weekend and next weekend, assisted by the deacon.

Donation Tax Receipt
Jarod has begun distributing Tax Receipts. They are coming from treasurer@halifaxorthodox.org. They may appear in your spam folder.

Cape Liturgy
The next Divine Liturgy at the Cape will be on Sunday Feburary 9th. There will also be services at St. Vladimir’s that weekend as usual.

Blessing of the Ocean
There was an excellent turnout for the ocean blessing last Sunday. Several dove in after the cross. Luke (Cameron) retrieved it, with John (Nolan) right behind him.

Thank you to everyone who helped to prepare for the bishop's visit. A lot of work went into the altar, the choir, the church itself, the lunch afterwards, lugging all that water for the various blessings, and myriad other tasks leading up to, during, and following Vladika Irenee's visit.

Thanks again to Oksana, who is helping to translate this bulletin every week. We seem to be having an issue with slavic characters on certain pages of the website. Hopefully we can resolve that so that we can also post the translations online.

-Dcn Michael

January 17, 2025

Saturday January 18, 9:30am
Greeting and vesting the Archbishop
Hierarchical Liturgy - Vespers
Eve of Theophany
Great Blessing of Water
His Eminence Archbishop Irenee
Lenten Style Coffee Hour

Theophany
Tone 5
Saturday January 18, 6pm
Compline and Matins
Sunday January 19, 10am
Divine Liturgy
Great Blessing of Water
Blessing the Atlantic Ocean with Swim for the Cross
Coffee Hour at the Swim site, The Dingle

The dashing to find the cross and the blessing of the Atlantic Ocean will take place at Dingle Park - not very far from the church (see the map).

I shall likely be away from Tomorrow (Monday, January 20th). I have to report to the hospital by 0530 - that's in the morning. The surgery on my back is scheduled for 0700. They estimate that I shall be in the hospital for 2 days. They get you up right away, I remember. I shall be back in church the moment I am able, even if I have to have help. Please pray for me.

Deacon Michael will continue the bulletin while I am recovering. Thank you, Father Deacon.

Please remember Father Stelian's talk about an extra $100 if possible. We want to move and having a stash of cash is the only way whether we build, buy or refurbish - Let us see what we can do. May God Bless our efforts and the Holy Spirit inspire us.

Here is how we get to the Dingle; thank you David.

May God Bless us,
Love in Christ,
Father David

January 10, 2025

Twenty-nineth Sunday after Pentecost
Afterfeast of the Nativity of Christ
Commemoration of the Holy & Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, David the King, & James the Brother of the Lord

Tone 4
Saturday January 11, 6pm
Vigil
Sunday January 12, 10 am
Divine Liturgy

Following this Liturgy, Luke (Cameron) and the choir will lead us in singing Christmas Carols, that's the real Carols, not the ones that are the jingly bells sort that are used in stores to help us buy. These Carols will be about the Birth of Christ.

This is Sunday School Sunday, and

This is also Catechumens Sunday. Anyone who wants to continue learning about the Faith and the Orthodox Church will meet downstairs at 1pm. We continue our Trek through the document -
I'm Orthodox: What Does That Mean?
This is a document produced by Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios of the Greek Archdiocese of Canada. Now we must start recording which Catechumens are attending these sessions as we are coming up to Great Lent and at the end of Lent there will be the Baptism or Reception of those who have attended.

Subdeacon David Decaire has started a fund-raising scheme. He has decided to collect cans, bottles and anything that can be turned into money. His intention is to raise enough money to buy a church - a place to replace our present building. Did you notice how 'sardine' like our church felt at the Christmas Liturgy? We need a bigger place. Have a word with Subdeacon David. He will tell you how much he intends to raise and what you can do to help him reach that goal.
Note: The moment we take hold of these raising money schemes, the Holy Spirit will inspire and help - I have no doubt. We must take hold and make effort for the Holy Spirit to use. This is the first scheme; there may be others. The Holy Spirit has been known to multiply the results of effort. We must give the Holy Spirit something to work with - our effort.

Did you know that there are shut-ins who belong to this parish? There are. You can make a difference by visiting. The best people to ask about this, are Father Alexander and Heather Decaire. I happen to know that Theresa would love visitors.

Thank you for all of the incredible gifts. You have blessed me as much as I have ever blessed you. The Lord brought me to you and I thank Him constantly for that blessing.

This has been a wonderful Christmas celebration. Thank you everyone for being there. The fast is over (for the time being). We've been waiting for the Christmas feast - now enjoy it!

Some may know that I am scheduled for lower back surgery on January 20th. This is apparently thought of as major surgery and so I ask for your prayers. Julian will take me to the hospital for 0530 on that date. I shall be incapacitated for a few days afterwards but I hope not for long. May God bless all of us.
Love in Christ,
Father David

St. Stephen the Protomartyr

January 1, 2025

Twenty-eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 3
Saturday January 4, 6pm
Vigil
Sunday January 5, 10 am
Divine Liturgy
Monday January 6, 10 am
Vespers with Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
10 pm
Nativity of Christ Matins and Liturgy
Wednesday January 8, 10 am
Synaxis of the Theotokos Divine Liturgy

December 2024 Decembre

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
Le Christ est Ne! Glorifions-Le!

Bethlehem this day resembles heaven; hearing from the stars the singing of angelic voices; and in place of the sun, enfolds within itself on every side, the Sun of justice. And ask not how: for where God wills, the order of nature yields. For He willed; He had the power; He descended; He redeemed; All things yielded in obedience to God. (Saint John Chrysostom's Christmas homily.)

Bethleem ressemble aujourd'hui au ciel; des etoiles lui parvient le chant des voix angeliques; et a la place du soleil, elle renferme en elle-meme, de tous cotes, le Soleil de justice. Et ne demandez pas comment : car lorsque Dieu le veut, l'ordre naturel est aboli. Car Il l'a voulu; Il en avait le pouvoir; Il est descendu; Il a rachete; toutes choses se sont soumises en obeissance a Dieu. (Homelie de Noel de saint Jean Chrysostome)

Dearly beloved Fathers, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Bien-aimes peres, freres et soeurs en Christ,

These words of our father among the Saints, John Chrysostom bring comfort as we are reminded that true power resides in God not in men. The Incarnation of the God-man, renews in us hope. True life is restored to us.

Ces paroles de notre pere parmi les Saints, Jean Chrysostome, nous reconfortent en nous rappelant que le veritable pouvoir reside en Dieu et non dans les hommes. L'incarnation de Dieu-homme renouvelle en nous l'espoir. La vie veritable nous est restituee.

May this festal season bring you and your loved ones peace in our Newborn Saviour.

Que cette saison festive vous apporte, ainsi qu'a tous vos proches, la paix en notre Sauveur nouveau-ne.

With love in the New-Born Christ. Dans l'amour du Christ Nouveau-Ne,

+ IReNeE
Archeveque d'Ottawa et du Canada (eOA)
Archbishop of Ottawa and Canada (OCA)

May God, born in a stable in Bethlehem, laid in a manger, with an ox and an ass looking on and with a Virgin Mother to soothe Him, bless every one of us -

With love to all, in that Baby, Christ Himself, lying in a manger!

Your clergy:
Father David
Father Stelian
Father Alexander
Father Deacon Michael

MERRY CHRISTMAS