St.Vladimir Orthodox Church

3163 Purcell's Cove Road, Halifax, NS

News and Events — 2023

December 29, 2023

Thirtieth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday December 30 Vespers 6:00pm

Sunday December 31 Hours 9:30am
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
Tone 5

Monday January 1 Vespers 6:00pm

Tuesday January 2 Repose of Righteous John of Kronstadt
Divine Liturgy 10:00am

Saturday January 6 Matins 9:00pm
Followed by Liturgy of Christmas

Sunday January 7 NO liturgy

Monday January 8 Liturgy at 10:00am
Synaxis of the Theotokos

A message from Holly Holmstrom:

Dear Father David! Thank you for your quick and kind reply! I was able to go to our Divine Liturgy for the Protomartyr St Stephen. This is me at church. Perfect placement Eh?! The Icons behind me are of St Mary Magdalene and of St Sophia and her three daughters Faith, Hope and Charity. Here I am by the Icon of the Woman at the Well. I am so blessed. We are all so blessed in Orthodoxy to be able to worship in Spirit and in Truth!! You may include either of these pics if you wish. I pray for St Vladimir's always! I am reading On the Incarnation by St Athanasius now. It is so enlightening, "One cannot possibly understand the teaching of the Saints unless one has a pure mind and is trying to imitate their life... Similarly, anyone who wishes to understand the mind of the sacred writers, must first cleanse his own life ...and a person wishing to see a city or a country goes to the place in order to go so..." How wonderful it is to be part of the Body of Christ! I am eternally grateful for my Baptism and Chrismation! Christ is born! Love in Christ, Holly Anna

You will certainly remember Holly, John Joseph's mother Holly (Anna) was baptised with her son, daughter-in-law, and grandkids in the ocean. Lovely to see you and know that you are well, Anna.

It has been suggested that the Choir rehearse Christmas Matins and Liturgy on Saturday at 4:45 and Sunday after Liturgy and a sup of coffee to renew vocal energy.

Please remember the gift cards for the homeless. Canadian Tire and others not usable in liquor outlets.

Catechumens following coffee.

How the time has flown, very soon after you receive this newsletter, we shall be in 2024, the days are getting longer and soon we shall be celebrating December 25 on our Old Calendar. My apartment block even keeps the Christmas Decoration up until the 8th of January. They didn't the first year I was here but since then they very kindly have. Nice people! I met Danny, the owner of the whole complex - nice fellow. He was very insistent that I let him know if I need anything. I shall happily oblige.

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

December 22, 2023

Twenty-ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday December 23 Vespers 6:00pm

Sunday December 24 Hours 9:30am
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
Tone 4

Monday December 25 St. Herman Wonderworker of Alaska
Divine Liturgy 10:00am

Monday January 1 Vespers 6:00pm

Tuesday January 2 Repose of Righteous John of Kronstadt
Divine Liturgy 10:00am

We must remember that we are still in a fasting period and will remain in it until the Christmas Liturgy on the Eve of Christmas - January 6, starting at 9pm. Following this Liturgy, I'm hoping we can have a Pot-Luck feast downstairs. Remember that there will not be a Liturgy on Sunday because we will have celebrated the Christmas Liturgy at midnight.

There will also be a Liturgy on January 8 Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos. Synaxis - meeting - that is us, meeting to honour the Theotokos who gave birth to Christ.

As you will remember, Father Maximos has been serving Daily Liturgies at his church with Father Panagiotis serving on Thursdays. To follow in some way, we shall serve a liturgy on the two weeks between the New Calendar Christmas and our Old Calendar Christmas. You will notice therefore that we shall observe the feast of St. Herman the Wonderworker on December 25 (no vespers the evening before), and the Repose of John of Kronstadt on January 2 with Vespers at 6pm the evening before this celebration.

Silouan, has asked me to make an appeal for gift cards for the Homeless. Simple gift cards to Canadian Tire or Walmart but not from grocery stores as these apparently can be used at the Liquor Store. Please be careful that the card you buy is not usable at the Liquor Stores, which now sell drugs as well as liquor. Silouan is very sensitive about this.

Alina has asked that I include the following message re Parish Calendars:

1. Icons donated to our church by Father Theodore and Presbytera Joy are available for purchase. There are two types of icons: on rocks and on real shells. Prices vary from $10 to $30 depending on size. All proceeds will go towards our church. Please approach Michael the treasurer, Leslee, or Alina to make a payment so that we could track this sale separately from regular donations.

2. 2024 old-style church calendars have arrived and will be delivered to the church this weekend. There are English only and English+Russian versions. The suggested donation price is $15. This will allow us to cover expenses of ordering and shipping them from USA. Please mark an envelope with your payment ("for calendars") and put it in the donation box (or send an EMT with the corresponding note) so that we could track them separately.

Thank you, Alina.

If you find that when it is dark, you can find your car in the parking lot and you are able to walk around the church without stumbling, thank Subdeacon Jimmy for installing the lights and the switch that controls them. Thank you, my son.

If you find that there is no water on the floor of the church, and that the roof no longer leaks, thank Silouan who I came across up on the roof last Saturday, repairing the tiles. Thank you, my son.

And all who cleaned, repaired and worked, Thank you.

You will note on the page following, the poster from the Hermitage of the Annunciation re their Quiet prayer initiative.

This following week, those (including OCA parishes across the country) who follow the New Calendar will be observing Christmas. It is proper for us to pray for them and it is proper to greet them with 'Christ is Born!' This includes the parishioners of St George Greek Orthodox Church and parishioners of St. Antonios Antiochian Orthodox Church. Both of those parishes celebrate the Birth of Christ on the New Calendar. May God bless them. There will be others outside of Orthodoxy that celebrate at this time, we pray for them and wish them 'Merry Christmas' when it is appropriate.

May God bless us as we continue the Nativity Fast
Love in Christ,
-- Father David

December 13, 2023

Twenty-eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday December 16 Vespers 6:00pm

Sunday December 17 Hours 9:30am
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
Tone 3

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
December 18 Vespers at 6:00pm
December 19 Liturgy at 10:00am

December 22 The Conception of St. Anna the Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos

This is the week that we celebrate St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. We celebrate him in several ways. As a revered saint. We celebrate him as a Generous Bishop:

There was a certain formerly rich inhabitant of Patara, whom Saint Nicholas saved from great sin. The man had three grown daughters, and in desperation he planned to sell their bodies so they would have money for food. The saint, learning of the man's poverty and of his wicked intention, secretly visited him one night and threw a sack of gold through the window. With the money the man arranged an honorable marriage for his daughter. Saint Nicholas also provided gold for the other daughters, thereby saving the family from falling into spiritual destruction. In bestowing charity, Saint Nicholas always strove to do this secretly and to conceal his good deeds. (OCA Website)

There is, of course, another way that St. Nicholas is remembered and honoured. Society uses him quieten children and I'm sure that the majority of people do not know that they are honouring one of the Saints of God when they talk, sing and wait for the man in red to appear down their chimneys. The man is right, the name is right, 'Santa Clause' that's Saint Nicholas, the gift giving is right, but most of the other things are accretions. St. Nicholas was the real thing - a real man.

Gift Giving

Please remember as we approach the New Calendar feast of Christmas, that we have people within our parish who try to feed and support the homeless as much as they are able. I'm speaking of the group of volunteers led by Silouan (Taran). There is a tin in the entrance that is marked so that money can be collected to feed the homeless. Michael's (Jarrod's) parent send a number of replaced comforters down from the business they administer, and they have been delivered to the Salvation Army (you can ask Jarrod about this). You might ask Silouan how you can help with the homeless; he mentioned that garbage bags to keep bedding dry and candles would be helpful. Please ask him what else.

Mission

Jarrod and I went up to the Mission on Sunday. We started off at 6am and arrived at about 10. The drive up and back it far too onerous for one driver so I am insisting that there be two drivers from now on. Luke (Cameron) drove up and was the excellent choir, thank you Luke for making that trek. Surprisingly there were about 20 in attendance for the Liturgy. It went very well except for the problem with the censer. One of the chains became unattached. Jarrod had to fix it with the help of one of Father David's fingernails. On the way home we stopped in to visit with Jarrod's mom and dad and the monster that attacked Father Alexander in a previous photo - a beautiful dog called Bailey.

I thoroughly enjoyed that visit.

We got back to Halifax at about 7.45pm. I really don't know how Jarrod stayed awake with all that driving. Thank you!

I tried to have my mouth shut for this picture but it didn't quite work. Bailey made a new friend, now she has two priest friends, Father Alexander and me.

A heads-up. In case I haven't mentioned this:

January 6 in the evening, we will have our Christmas Liturgy starting with the Vigil at either 9pm or 9:30pm. I'll let you know. The Christmas Liturgy itself will start at about 11 so that we will be receiving Communion on Christmas Day, January 7. There will also be a Liturgy on January 8 at 10am.

Unction

Father Maximos has just texted me and asked if we could serve Unction at 6pm on Friday December 15. Unction is for all of us and I hope lots of our parish will attend if at all possible. Please try to attend, it is a sacrament we don't often serve. The Unction Service is at St. Antonios Antiochian Church and not at St. Vladimir's.

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

December 8, 2023

Twenty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday December 9 Vespers 6:00pm

Sunday December 10 Hours 9:30am
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
Tone 2

The photos are from the Baptism of Matvey (Matthew). Silouan (Taran) was Godfather and Olga Malyk was Godmother to Matvey. The parents Constantin and Juliana Khomenko look so happy. Father Alexander baptised and Chrismated the little Matvey. It was really a joyous occasion.

Just a reminder that this is Sunday School Sunday. Another reminder that the Adult Study Group meets at 4:30 on Saturday.

If you are looking for a Christmas Gift. Please consider the many gifts available from the Hermitage of the Annunciation. Check their website for a catalog of the lovely things they have available. Remember - everything you buy from them, helps them to maintain the monastic life of a monastery. Really important for the life of the Church.

Just look at this happy baptism. The dad Constantin is holding the certificate and the mom Juliana is on his left with grandma on her left. Beautiful!

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

December 1, 2023

Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday December 2 Vespers 6:00pm

Sunday December 3 Hours 9:30am
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
Tone 1

The Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple
Sunday December 3 Vespers 6:00pm
Monday December 4 Liturgy 10:00am

You may have noticed that we are now in the Christmas Fasting Season. Many of us will ask what that means. I found a good explanation in an item from the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Edmonton. I print it with edits here:

Regarding Nativity Lent: During this time, the general rule is that from November 28 and up until the Feast of the Nativity, no meat, meat-products, dairy, dairy-products, or egg and egg-products are eaten. Children under 7, lactating and pregnant women are exempt. For those very ill or very aged, the fast can be lessened. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask Father David or Father Alexander.

Fish and fish products, wine and oil are allowed on weekends and certain week days. Shellfish (shrimp, scallops, lobster, crab, oysters, mussels, squid, clams, abalone, etc.) is always allowed. The last five days of Christmas Lent gets stricter - no fish allowed, even on a weekend. The day before Nativity, the Eve of the Feast - there is a custom of eating nothing until the First Star appears in the early evening.

Beginning with the day of the Feast of the Nativity, an 11-day fast-free period until the Eve of Theophany, which is a strict fast day. The Feast of Theophany, the Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ. January 19 is always a fast-free day no matter what day of the week it falls on.

(This article started with St. Vladimir Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Edmonton, I think. I also noticed it printed on an Australian website. The edits are mine so I take full responsibility for the errors.)

Catechumens will meet following coffee this Sunday, anyone can attend these sessions.

December 10th Liturgy at the Mission of St. Seraphim on Cape Breton.

Following Vespers on Saturday evening, we will have a short Prayer Service for Father Maximos, Father Peter, and Presbytera Joy.

The cleanup session last Saturday was lovely. There were lots of things tackled and cleaned. The carpets, the step up to the iconostas were all cleaned. Tiles were replaced on the roof and a lot was done in the altar area. There was food, coffee and muffins. That is Taran and Jarod on the roof, they're fixing where the water comes in.

Lots of love in Christ,
-- Father David

November 24, 2023

Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday November 25 Vespers 6:00pm

Sunday November 26 Hours 9:30am
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
Tone 8

Reminders:

The name of the book as I promised the Catechumens is The Mystery of the church A Course in Dogmatic Theology by Boris Bobrinskoy.

Adult Discussion Group meets this Saturday at 4.30pm in the basement of the church.

The Clean-up session is on Saturday November 25. There will be another session closer to the feasts of Christmas for the putting up of the decorations honouring the Birth of Christ.

Christmas for us at St. Vladimir Prince of Kiev Orthodox Church falls on January 7th on the Gregorian calendar, (that's our every day calendar) which means that Christmas Day is a Sunday. Here is how the schedule will go: Vigil of Christmas at 9pm on Saturday January 6th with the Liturgy of Christmas following as usual.

Note, this Sunday is exactly one month before Gregorian Christmas. Now about 'Turkey or Santa Christmas' on the 25th of December; if you get invited somewhere, please don't say, "I can't, I'm fasting!" but go and help enjoy their celebration of the Birth of Christ, eat and have fun. The only problem is if the meat will cause a brother to stumble. Read 1 Corinthians 8:13.

Father Maximos usually serves Liturgy every morning during the Christmas fast and I know we would be welcome. It is served from 8am to 10am Monday to Saturday at St. Antonios Antiochian Church, except on Thursday morning when it is served at St. George Greek Church.

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

November 17, 2023

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday November 18 Vespers 6:00pm

Sunday November 19 Hours 9:30am
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
Tone 7

A couple of reminders:

Catechumens meet after Coffee this Sunday. We must arrange a connection for Nick on Cape Breton and Steve in Montreal, and others.
Saturday November 25th Clean-up Saturday. Can we arrange to clean the carpets? The toilet room downstairs is really dirty too.
Adult Study Group at 4:30pm after the Clean-up.

Father Alexander is safely back from Vienna. Perhaps he will speak of his adventures it over Coffee and perhaps some photos.

Silouan (Taran) sent a photo while he was working in New Brunswick.

I think he has found new friends. I'm sure he will tell you all about them.

Catechumens:

When the priest is preparing the Proskomedia. He cuts a cube out of the loaf. What is that cube called?
Why is it called that?
On the right side of the cube (your left) he places another piece of the loaf. In whose memory is this morsel placed?
We remember the living and the departed on the Plate. Can we commemorate just anyone?
There are a further 9 small particles placed in "Ranks." Who do these represent? There are 9 quite long answers to this question.
Why do we come to church services?
What benefit would we have by attending (by some means or other) the Adult Discussion Group that Dan hosts every second Saturday at 4:30?
What is the date, on the secular calendar, of Christmas Day? What precedes the feast of Christmas on the church calendar?
What is the date of Pascha in 2024?
What is odd about the long season that precedes Pascha?

We shall discuss all this, God willing, on Sunday.

May God Bless all of us as we go about His business.
Love in Christ,
-- Father David

November 10, 2023

Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday November 11 Vespers 6pm

Sunday November 12 Divine Liturgy 10am
Tone 6

Look on your wall calendar for Scripture references.

This week has been extra busy. Father Alexander was called to the bedside of Iulia Nikifora, the wife of Envar Karaev. Iulia was a member of the Grace Chapel congregation but had been baptized Orthodox as a child. She wanted to die Orthodox, as she had begun. Father Alexander was able to give her Communion and Iulia asked to be buried as an Orthodox Christian. Since Father Alexander was due to be away at a conference in Vienna where he is delivering several papers, I filled in and asked Katerina and Sergey to be the Slavonic readers. Mark very kindly released Abraham to be the choir, and Michael to be the Altar server. Thank you Mark for allowing them to be away from your very important work; I hope it didn't disturb your schedule too much; it really made a great difference having them along for the funeral. The service was a complete Orthodox Funeral at the Grace Chapel. As you see from the photograph, the Chapel was turned into an approximation of an Orthodox Church for the service. Pastor Ross and his staff were so very welcoming and accommodating. Thank you to them for making the church so available.

Besides giving papers at the conference in Vienna, I hope that Father Alexander is able to have a little fun after all Vienna is such a beautiful city. I have been there several times and would love to go there again. If I went, I would stock up on Mozart Chocolates which are full of Marzipan. Oh! So delicious!

Saturday is the Eleventh of November when we remember those who fell defending the free world from tyranny. We sometimes call it Poppy Day. The poppies were blooming in abundance when John McCrae, a surgeon stood outside of the surgical tent. They inspired him to write that famous poem In Flanders Fields. The Poppy and the Cornflower were the only flowers that would bloom in the churned fields. The French use the Cornflower for remembrance. The new, young, French soldiers in the First World War were called Cornflowers because their uniforms were blue, the colour of the Cornflower.

Let us remember. Eleventh month - Eleventh Day - Eleventh Hour. Wars were supposed to never happen again.

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

November 3, 2023

Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday November 4 Vespers 6pm

Sunday November 5 Divine Liturgy 10am
Holy Apostle James, the Brother of the Lord
Tone 5

Look on your wall calendar for Scripture references.

I hope you enjoyed the extra hour on Sunday morning when the clocks went back. I'm afraid though that we will lose the hour again in the Spring.

Sunday School will be starting next Sunday, November 12. It will meet every second Sunday for the moment. It will work like this: Right after Communion, the children will descend to the basement, where there will be two teachers to organize the activities. They will stay there until the adults arrive for coffee, after the Thanksgiving Prayers. There will be the blessing of the food and the older children will serve the younger children, as usual. That will start on Sunday November 12th.

Father Alexander, Abraham and Michael being attacked by a fierce beast, following the Liturgy at the Mission on Sunday. The picture was taken by Michael's dad at The Keltic Quay, a property that Michael's dad manages. Nice looking place.

It wasn't too soon to take this photo of our garden last Sunday. I bet it doesn't look like that today after the minus zero temperature. We can look forward to the Spring though, God willing! May God bless all of us.

Mother Magdalen is still holding on to life. Please pray for her as she draws nearer to The Immortal God.

Love in Christ,
-- Father David

October 27, 2023

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday October 28 Vespers 6pm

Sunday October 29 Divine Liturgy 10am
Tone 4

Look on your wall calendar for Scripture references.

Thank you for a very successful Parish Meeting. I think it was the most organized meeting we have had. We got through a lot of stuff; a lot was accomplished. As we progress through this next year, we shall be improving the various departments always to the Glory of God.

Please remember to pray hard that Father Stelian and Matushka Lena manage to sell their Ottawa home quickly and move here. Pray also for their daughter Maria and Subdeacon Michael, that their home in Ottawa sells quickly, making it possible to move here as well.

As I write this Mother Magdalen is still preparing for her death in St. Boniface Hospital Winnipeg. Please continue to pray for her as well.

Message from Daniel:

Dear all:

A reminder that our Adult Discussion Group will reconvene this Saturday, October 28 at 4:30 p.m. (before Vespers). For those at a distance, we will stream the meeting here: https://meet.google.com/ket-ekbs-srd.

The purpose of this group is to provide a relaxed opportunity to read about and discuss together important aspects of our Orthodox faith and life, under the guidance of our clergy. With God's help, our worship and life together in Christ might be deepened and enriched thereby. All are welcome.

Our current topic is simply the Divine Liturgy. This week, I will summarize a bit of what we discussed when we last met in the summer, and we will begin to discuss the parts of the Liturgy step-by-step. In following sessions, some other participants may wish to take the lead on parts of the discussion.

We will use the short and accessible book Let Us Attend by Father Lawrence Farley as a basic guide. I have attached here a PDF scan of the first few chapters, for anyone who has not yet obtained a copy. I also recommend taking time to re-read the OCA's detailed guide to the Divine Liturgy as we go through it, to give us another common point of reference.

With Love in Christ,
Daniel

Pray for Father Alexander, Abraham and Michael heading to the Mission this weekend, and please pray for the Mission, its people and an increase in the numbers. May God bless them.

Now, you asked me to contact His Eminence the Archbishop of Ottawa and the Archdiocese of Canada, Archbishop Irénée about a very touchy subject: the possibility that women can and may read lessons at Vespers and other services, and the Epistle at Liturgy. This is a really important subject because his reply affects not only the readers, but the choir and the Sunday School which I'm about to institute. If he says NO! there can be no women in the choir and the Sunday School must be run entirely by men. His Eminence has kindly and immediately replied to my question. Here is his response:

Dear Father David,

May God's blessing and grace be with you always. To answer your question, if it were a convent of nuns, only women would read in church. If it were a monastery for men, then only men would read.

Since you have a parish under your guidance, then all can read and sing.

+ Archbishop Irénée

I don't plan on suddenly springing a great army of women readers on us, but from time to time a woman will be reading lessons at Vespers, women will continue singing in the Choir, and a woman will be teaching the Sunday School children, eventually, a woman will read the Epistle.

Catechumen questions:

What is the date of the New Church Year?
Which feast is the last before that New Year?
Which feast is the first of the New Year?
What are the 4 liturgies of the Orthodox Church?
How is the bread transformed to become the Most Precious Body of Christ?
Besides being present during the Eucharist, where else is Christ present during the Liturgy
Why do Orthodox Christians fast? List the fasting seasons.
Why are the relics of the saints venerated?
List the seven main sacraments of the Orthodox Church.
Why is veneration of icons not idolatry?

May God bless every one of us,

Love in Christ,
-- Father David

October 20, 2023

Pentecost 20

Annual Parish Meeting Sunday

Saturday October 21 Liturgy 10:00am
Vespers 6pm

Sunday October 22 Hours 9:30am
Divine Liturgy 10am
Holy Apostle James, son of Alphaeus
Tone 3

Look on your wall calendar for Scripture references

Please make sure you have completed the first page of the Membership Form. To be a voting member of the Parish of St. Vladimir Prince of Kiev, you must have completed the first page of the membership form, you must be 18 or over, have been a communicant of this parish for 6 months, or have been transferred to us from another Orthodox parish. The second page should be completed if you are new, or if the details of your family have changed. The completed forms should be given to Dan Wilband, the new parish Secretary.

There will be no sermon. Immediately after the conclusion of the Liturgy, before anyone leaves, the food will be blessed so that the children can go downstairs for nourishment, supervised by the "Great Army of Catechumens" who will supervise the children until the meeting is over when the parents will join their children downstairs for the long-awaited Coffee Hours. This will be a learning time for the Catechumens, it is part of learning; part of service to the Church.

Besides the Membership pages attached to this bulletin, you will also find the Proposed Agenda for the meeting. As is the custom of this parish, the list of officers for the coming year is attached. If you have objections to the list, It would be a good idea to indicate before the meeting. Here is the list of officers for 2023-24:

President (Mark Blaauw);
Vice President (David Decaire);
Secretary (Daniel Wilband);
Treasurer (Michael (Jarod) Payne);
Member(s)-at-large (Name(s))

Other Positions in the parish:

a) Prosphora coordinator: Kateryna Lukiian;
b) Adult Study Group: Dan Wilband;
c) Sunday School: TBD
d) Coffee Hour: Kristin McInnis, Heather Decaire;
e) Choir Director: Anthony Leonardo;
f) Outdoor activities: Yan Tsehtik;
g) Archivist and Linens: Leslee Mansour;
h) Building Committee: Colin McInnis, Sergey Lukiian
i) Outreach: Silouan (Taran) Murray

May God bless the parish as we work towards the next year.

May God Bless all of us
Love in Christ,
-- Father David

PS: I shall make sure there is a lot of antidoron so we won't be too hungry to pay attention to the business of the meeting. As you know there will be some really important elements to the meeting and your full attention is required. We will be able to snack on antidoron during the meeting. There will a supply of watered wine as well. God Bless all of us!

October 11, 2023

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Friday October 13 Protection of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
Vespers 6:00pm

Saturday October 14 Liturgy 10:00am
Vespers 6pm

Sunday October 15 Hours 9:30am
Divine Liturgy 10am
Tone 2

Look on your wall calendar for Scripture references

Please note the Vespers and Liturgy for the feast of the Protection of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary, also known as Pokrov. This week. Friday Vespers and Saturday Liturgy before the cleanup.

Another reminder of the Annual Meeting of the Parish October 22 after Liturgy and before Coffee. We will say grace before the children go downstairs to have their snack, supervised by the "Great Army of Catechumens." This is a great task for the Catechumens, who will love every minute of it.

I can't emphasize enough, how really important that you be in church for this meeting, to hear the financial statement, the various other reports, including the plans for the future of the building, and of course, the Rector's Report.

Don't forget the Work Day this Saturday, right after the Liturgy.

I'm sending this bulletin early because of Vespers on Friday and the Liturgy on Saturday, plus the Work Day.

Love in Christ,
-- Father David

October 6, 2023

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday October 7 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday October 8 9:30am Hours, 10:00am Divine Liturgy
Tone 1

Look on the Wall Calendar for Scripture references

We have come to that time of the year when we must start thinking seriously about the next year in the life of the parish. You may have noticed that there are changes in the building. The foyer has been changed considerably, the big whatever it was that had the candles on, has been removed, and the floor which was an old carpet has been tiled. That, on top of the wooden floor of the Nave and the tiles and ceiling in the basement, make the church a nice place for us to inhabit. Thanks to Colin and Sergey, who are responsible for the upkeep of the material of the building, and to all those involved in carrying out these improvements. Brilliant jobs! There are also the work days organized by Mark when lots of small but really important stuff is done. There's also the organizing of the food and coffee and tea, and the cleaning of the floors and carpets. All brilliant work. There are the altar helpers and the choir. Without any one of these we would be a much poorer community. I want to say a special thank you to Leslee, one of the founding members of this parish for the many years she has spent being the secretary. She has retired from that task this year but continues as the Archivist. I also want to thank Oksana for her work as Treasurer. She has done this, not because she wanted to do it, but because it was necessary, and someone had to do it. She has retired from that task this year as well.

As you can see this is turning into the Rector's Report. I shall be able to use it as part of my report.

Now I want to address the Catechumens and those who wish to become Catechumens: How do we learn about the Orthodox Church? How do we learn what Orthodoxy is? How do we learn the secrets of the Orthodox Church? How, finally, do we become Orthodox? The answer is simple: We attend and give our hearts to the One God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (See, there's a secret that must be proclaimed for all to know.) If you don't attend, you'll never know the answer to this. Reading about it all is fine but living it is the real answer. We will have sessions with questions, answers and discussion, but being there at the Liturgy, sharing the Faith is what it is really all about. "Catechumens Depart" Here comes the secret - The Creed - It contains the Faith.

Catechumens and those wishing to explore the Orthodox Church will meet together in the foyer of the church, along with those who have recently been admitted into the Church, after coffee, when we shall be prepared to admit the pre-Catechumens, into the Catechumenate.

Thanksgiving. This feast in Canada has been celebrated for a long time. It tends to be associated with the European desire to give thanks for the crops that have been harvested. There are many such festivals throughout the world. Ours says thank you God for the blessing we have, for the abundance of food and for the abundance of friends and those who love us.

Adult Education Sessions. After taking a hiatus for the summer and early fall, we will soon resume our bi-weekly Adult Discussion Group meetings, at 4:30 p.m. (before Vespers) on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. All are very welcome to attend and participate as much as they feel comfortable. As Dan will be away on the 14th, our first session this month will be on October 28. We will pick up where we left off in June, working our way through a step-by- step discussion of the Divine Liturgy. Our discussion will draw from many sources, but as a guide we will use Fr Lawrence Farley's book Let Us Attend. Let us know if you have trouble finding a copy. As we move through the Liturgy, the hope is that participants will take turns leading parts of the discussion. Pray that these sessions will help keep us enlivened and challenged as we gather each week to worship our Lord 'in spirit and in truth.'

Now to the Annual Meeting of the Parish. Please everyone, please, be at the General Meeting. It's as important as the annual parish photo. I bet there will be special goodies to eat afterwards. Attached to this bulletin you will find the enrollment forms. Please update them as necessary. Remember the earthly presence of a parish depends upon the generosity of its members. Just like a family, the parish dies if it has no income. This is the parish and neither you nor I want to see it die, it represents God's Love and the work of the Body of Christ which you and I must develop and continue in this place. We are the Life of Christ on earth.

When is the Parish Meeting? Sunday October 22 right after Church and before coffee. How long will it take? Less than an hour? Will there be a sermon? I doubt it; the Parish meeting will be the sermon. Will there be coffee after? OH YES!

Officers for the coming year:
Mark Blaauw - Parish President
David Decaire - Past President
Dan Wilband - Secretary
Michael Payne - Treasurer
Anthony Leonardo - *choir Director
Colin McInnis and Sergey Lukiian - *materials (fabric) of the building
Heather Decaire and Kristin McInnis - *food and coffee coordinators
Alina Kirsanova - Website
Silouan Murray - *Outreach and feeding the homeless

*Requires a lot of help!

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

September 29, 2023

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday September 30 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday October 1 9:30am Hours, 10:00am Divine Liturgy
Tone 8

Look on the Wall Calendar for Scripture references

Sunday October 7. After the Coffee Hour, the Catechumens will meet in the body of the church for an instruction session. These sessions will not be long but will assign homework and discussion responses to homework already assigned. These sessions will happen every two weeks and will prepare Catechumens for reception on Holy Saturday. Anyone who is not yet a Catechumen is welcome to attend.

You remember the photo of the Liturgy at the Mission and my mentioning that Mary's friend from England took the picture so was missing from the photo. Father Stelian sent the second picture, this time with Vyvyan Almond, Mary's friend, and Matushka Lena taking the picture. Mary assures me that this is the correct name of her friend. Nobody doubted it, I'm sure. It appears that Vyvyan was or still is a choir singer in England and so was able to help Matushka with the singing. Thank you, Vyvyan.

As regards the Garlic from the Hermitage of the Annunciation, I hope sales went very well. If anyone still needs garlic, we have young men frequently travelling to and from the Hermitage and I'm sure they would be only too pleased to pick some up for you. Remember these sales of vegetables and garlic is the income that the monks depend on.

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

September 22, 2023

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday September 23 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday September 24 9:30am Hours, 10:00am Divine Liturgy
Tone 7

Look on the Wall Calendar for Scripture references

Tuesday September 26 6:00pm Vespers with Litia

Wednesday September 27 9:30am Hours, 10:00am Divine Liturgy
The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross

Father Stelian and Matushka Lena travelled to the Mission in Cape Breton. Mary and her family were there plus Vyvyan Almond a guest from England, invisible because he took the photo. Unfortunately, Nick and Jen and their family were unable to attend due to rather bad colds; we hope the four of them are getting better. The picture was taken by the guest. Thank you for travelling to Cape Breton, Father and Matushka. Nick has found that there is a sizable Ukrainian population in Cape Breton. We look forward to contacting them.

I've been looking into the newspapers on Cape Breton. There is one and I've emailed for advice. I doubt that I'll get a reply but I or someone will persist.

This was a picture I found in the Daily Telegraph a week or two ago (I hope they don't mind me sharing it with you). Does it remind you of anyone - a man, perhaps a shepherd, perhaps just someone passing by, rescuing a sheep?

Catechumen meetings are not going well. It is difficult for the catechumens to get to my apartment after work on Friday. Some live a long way away so we will change the time and the venue to after Liturgy on Sunday and at the church. The first of these will be October 1st after the coffee hour and will continue fortnightly.

Don't forget the Vespers and Liturgy September 26 and 27 for the Exaltation of the Cross.

Don't forget the Garlic from the Hermitage of the Annunciation. $15 per lb. (that's pound in old signage!). The monks depend on the sale of garlic at the end of the year to finance the sewing of seeds for next Spring. Let's help them as best we can.

Autumn Equinox this year is Saturday, September 23, at 3:50am. The day and night are equal in length. How many shopping days until Christmas, well Santa or Turkey Christmas. Our Christmas will be celebrated on January 7, as usual. Just a reminder, that January 7, 2024 is a Sunday so the Liturgy will start late on January 6, Saturday evening.

Father Stelian and Matushka Lena will be returning to Ottawa during the week. They have a house to sell. Pray that it sells so they can come back to us. Subdeacon James and his family now belong to us.

So, there we have it.

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

September 15, 2023

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday September 16 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday September 17 9:30am Hours, 10:00am Divine Liturgy
Hieromartyr Babylas
Tone 6

Look on the Wall Calendar for Scripture references

Wednesday September 20 6:00pm Vespers
Genesis 28: 10-17; Ezekiel 43:27-44:4; Proverbs 9:1-11

Thursday September 21 9:30am Hours, 10:00am Divine Liturgy
The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

This Sunday is the Second at the Mission, but Circumstances have made it impossible for Father Alexander to go so Father Stelian Liabotis will go. Thank you, Father. You will get a chance to meet him! He's helping subdeacon James and Katya move in to their new Halifax home.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

How do I say it enough times. The greeting, the gifts, the cards and the banquet at York Redoubt were all really appreciated. As I said, the last four years as rector of St. Vladimir parish, really have been, as far as I remember, the most interesting, the most fruitful, the most engaging, and the most instructive years. I've learned such a lot.

I must remind you about the upcoming tryouts for the choir. Anthony wants to have a choir that is tuneful and so is taking trouble to improve the singing. It's important!

A reminder to mothers: If your baby is using a soother, a dummy, or anything that goes in the mouth, please make sure that the baby drinks something to clean the mouth before reinserting the soother. This means that the baby's mouth will be clear, through swallowing, of the Body and Blood of Christ. This too is important.

Thank you to Alina for taking the parish picture, and thank you again for all those who worked on Labour Day. The place and grounds look lovely.

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

PS check https://rb.gy/qh330 for Monks Veggy deals.

This is us:

September 9, 2023

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday September 9 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday September 10 10:00am Divine Liturgy
St. Moses the Black, of Scetis
Tone 4

Look on the Wall Calendar for Scripture references

Monday September 11 Liturgy 10am
The Beheading of the Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John

A message from Anthony (Anton) regarding Choir tryouts:

Next week, Sunday the 10th, is the cutoff for choir sign-up sheet submissions. They should be submitted to me no later than after liturgy that morning. The auditions will be happening at St. Vladimir's on Friday October 13th, at 6 p.m.

Love in Christ, Anthony

I hope we have lots of choir members after the auditions, which I believe, will not be tough or embarrassing.

Last Saturday there was a "Work Day" and a lot of work was done. It was wonderful to see the church being lovingly taken care of.

Labour Day was indeed a day of Labour. Serge tiled, ladies gardened, others did wonderful work. There was chili to eat, thanks to Katereyna, there were muffins too.

I just can't get over the amazing effort that was put in to the beautifying of our church. Thank God and thank all those who worked on those two days. There were more than 15 people on Labour Day. Thank you Mark for organizing the days.

I must thank Abraham for accompanying me to New Glasgow where I had to undergo a colonoscopy. We stayed at a mediocre but expensive (the cheapest available) hotel in New Glasgow, I had to do the gross "prep" and go for the "gross" procedure the next day. Thank God, it was clear. There were no untoward elements present in my gut.

Thank you to all who prayed.

Father Maximus has had his surgery and must recover without speaking, or lose his voice permanently. Please pray for Father Maximos. Father Alexander will be filling in at St. Antonios Church. At the point of writing this, I am trying to arrange for a priest to go to Cape Breton for the Mission Liturgy on the 17th, so Father Alexander can serve the second Sunday at St. Antonios church.

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

August 31, 2023

13th Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday September 2 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday September 3 10:00am Divine Liturgy
Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Martyr Bassa of Edessa and her sons Theognius, Agapius, and Pistus - Holy Forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
Tone 4

Work Day: Saturday September 2

Girls and Boys come out to play,
The Saturday sun will shine bright today,
Come with a whoop, come with a call,
Come with a good will or not at all,
Up the ladder and down the wall,
A halfpenny roll will serve us all!

(Courtesy Mother Goose)

*We will make coffee, and bring muffins too,
Bought from a well-known donut venue!

Here is what Mark wrote:

Dear brothers and sisters. On the first Saturday you are invited to come out for a work day at our little Temple. There will be general clean up and decluttering both inside and outside. It would be good to have someone or two undertake the cleaning of the carpets. This would entail renting and returning the machine as well as doing the work. If this is of interest to you, let me know.

There is also patching of the driveway, clearing of brush and many other exciting activities!

If you have a work you would like to do or see done let me know and we will see what can be done.

Much love in Christ, Mark

Have you noticed that the Dormition Fast is over?

Communion and attendance

Can you believe that on Sunday there were between 60 and 70 communicants? That my dear sons and daughters is absolutely brilliant. Hold on! On Monday, the Feast of the Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos, there were between 30 and 40 communicants, that's even brillianter(sic). There were a lot of us at the feast of the Dormition, and Father Alexander's sermon was absolutely brilliant. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Kristin, for bringing snacks, they were good.

It was good to see Leslee back safe and sound from visiting her family in Germany. Welcome back Leslee.

The flowers on and around the Dormition Shroud of the Holy Theotokos in church were beautiful. Thank you to those who organized them.

There are several things to pray about: Father Maximus will be undergoing a surgical procedure on Wednesday, please pray for him. Continue to pray for Father Panagiotis and for Father Theodore. Pray that we can make some headway with our church building. Please pray for me as I approach 40 years as a priest. If we were to count the time spend in a previous incarnation, it would add up to about 55 years, but we won't speak of that too loudly. Michael and Maria, Father Stelian and Matushka Lena are still not able to sell their homes in Ottawa and so can't really make offers in houses in Halifax. James and Katya have concluded their sale and buying so are settled. Again pray, please.

Please also pray for me. My doctor ordered a colonoscopy with Halifax Health just after I arrived in Halifax. I'm supposed, having had colon cancer twice, to have a colonoscopy every 5 years. That was up ages ago. Doctor Emil made an appeal to the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow. The procedure will happen this Wednesday. Abraham will drive me on Tuesday to New Glasgow, he and I will stay in an hotel while I do the prep. He will then drive us back after the procedure. A second driver is needed in case they insist on using an anaesthetic. Thank you, Eric and Crystal.

The next service at the Cape Breton Mission will be on Sunday September 17. The service will be held at 87 Big Baddeck Road Extension, Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0.

I suspect I won't be preparing a bulletin for the week of the colonoscopy so I'll ask Leslee to do one of her little blurbs.

May God bless all of us, may He keep us strong.

Love in Christ,
-- Father David

PS Catechumens prepare for meeting September 15.

August 25, 2023

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday August 26 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday August 27 10:00am Divine Liturgy
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
St. Matthew 19:16-26
and the Forefeast of the Dormition
Tone 3

Sunday August 27 6:00pm Great Vespers
Genesis 28:10-17; Ezekiel 43:27-44:4
Proverbs 9:1-11

Monday August 28 10:00am Divine Liturgy
The Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
Philippians 2:5-11
St. Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28

Don't be surprised that Jesus is carrying a shrouded small figure; He is carrying the soul of His mother to Paradise.

Before I forget. The Parish Photograph will be taken on Sunday September 3. Please everyone be there for the photograph. You agree by being there that the picture may be used in the Bulletin and on the Internet.

Catechumens' Page

The next Catechumen meeting at my apartment will be announced by Silouan (Taran). We shall be discussing the following questions, the answers to which can be found in Father Anthony Coniaris' book Introducing the Orthodox Church, which is available on amazon.ca either free on line, or next to nothing to buy. So, here are the so simple questions:

What do the words One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic mean?
How is the Orthodox Church a part of a family of Churches?
Where did the people in the Old Testament believe that God dwelt?
Where does God dwell in the New Testament?
How does one become a member of the Body of Christ, the Church?
If Christ is the head of the body, (the Church), who are we?
What then is our responsibility in the Church, and outside, in the world?
How can you and I be the Church in the world today?
Where and why were the creeds developed? What use are they today? Can the creed be altered in any way?
What does the creed tell us about Jesus? The Father? The Holy Spirit? You?
Why did Jesus come to us?
What hope do we have in believing and knowing that Jesus is the first-born from the dead?
If Jesus is the light, what does His light reveal to us about God? Ourselves? About the world?
Why does the priest say, 'Christ is in our midst,' in the Liturgy?
What is the deeper meaning of this greeting?

One of our visitors remarked about coughing and sniffles. And asked that due attention be taken to cover nose and mouth when one has the sniffles, thus preventing the passing to others. Good advice, I must remember that myself.

A long but important note from Silouan (Taran):

"Dearest to Christ, my dear brothers and sisters, Please forgive me for not keeping you all informed regarding our Homeless Outreach. Please forgive me also, all my many sins and transgressions against you and against our Lord who made heaven and earth. I assure you our Outreach is alive and well, through your prayers, and we are constantly in touch with the Homeless and ministering to them in various ways. Though much more can be done, and winter is fast approaching.

Aside from a list of various items that can be of use (see list below) there is a need to set up, as best as we can, through God's Grace, a rotation of cooks, and visitors to the homeless in their various camps. This will hopefully allow us to visit them more often, and deliver more resources (both spiritual and physical) to these poor, suffering, and lonely people. I know many of you have expressed interest already, so I will begin calling upon people soon to become more active, now that we have a small system in place. I will begin by inviting people to tag along with me to visit the homeless in the hopes that more people will be able to go on their own, so that I don't have to go every time, which means we can go more often, God willing. As far as cooking goes, this is a simply matter of scheduling, as many of you are already fantastic cooks, as is plainly obvious every Coffee Hour.

If you are still interested, or expressing interest for the first time, please come speak with me after Liturgy, or email me at murraytaran (at) gmail (dot) com.

I will have you all know that many of the homeless have expressed to me that I am the only one who has continued to visit them in the summer months. All the other institutions and outreach programs have closed down for summer. Fewer people give money, food, or anything to them, and most of the people I know are actually suffering worse for lack of food and resources now than they did in the winter time. They are therefore exceedingly grateful for our ministry.

I always make sure to tell them, that without Jesus Christ, and without His Body the Church (which is all of us), I would not be doing this; so, thank you from the bottom of all their hearts. God is exceedingly pleased with these acts of charity, for it is He Himself who made our hearts and puts such inspiration into our hearts to pray, fast, and give alms. Let all the Glory be God's! And thank you all for being open to God's Grace and cooperating with Him in our mutual struggle to gain the Kingdom.

The Wisdom of Sirach says "Let your almsgiving fight your passions for you." Alms Giving is extraordinarily powerful. This includes our prayer and fasting for others. This includes even spending time with a lonely person. It burns the demons and brings down the Grace of God which is the presence of God Himself, the Holy Spirit. Without Faithful Christians, doing Holy work like this, the world would have ended centuries ago. Let us engage in this Holy Struggle more and more in these most difficult days, to save our souls, to possess the Joy of the Holy Spirit, and to drag as many of God's lost sheep into Heaven with us! To the Glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, NOW, and ever, and unto the Ages of Ages. Amen.

Items for the Homeless:

Toilet Paper
Toothbrushes/toothpaste
Men's clothing
Bug Spray
Sun Screen
Canned Food
Air Mattresses
1 Small Dog Kennel
Canadian Tire Gift Cards (NOT Sobeys or Super Store, they can be used to buy alcohol!)
Your Prayers
Burn a candle at the Divine Liturgy for the Homeless

Thank you for everything my dear Brothers and Sisters. May the Holy Trinity dwell within us all forever and ever. Amen

Your brother, Silouan"

(Silouan will be away this weekend taking some of his belongings to his family in New Brunswick; he is moving nearer to the church soon.)

Here's a note from Mark about the work-on-the-church day coming up:

"Dear brothers and sisters. On the first Saturday you are invited to come out for a work day at our little Temple. There will be general clean up and decluttering both inside and outside.

It would be good to have someone or two undertake the cleaning of the carpets. This would entail renting and returning the machine as well as doing the work. If this is of interest to you, let me know.

There is also patching of the driveway, clearing of brush and many other exciting activities!

If you have a work you would like to do or see done let me know and we will see what can be done.

Much love in Christ, Mark Blaauw"

Also don't forget the Parish photo on September 3rd. I hope everyone will be present for it.

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

August 18, 2023

The Holy Transfiguration of the Lord, and Saviour Jesus Christ
Friday August 18 6:00pm Great Vespers
Saturday August 19 10:00am Divine Liturgy

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday August 19 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday August 20 10:00am Divine Liturgy
1 Corinthians 9:2-12
St. Matthew 18:23-35
Martyr Dometius
Ephesians 6:10-17
St. John 15:17-16:2
and the Afterfeast of the Transfiguration
Tone 2

Please pray for the three families that are planning to move from Ottawa to Nova Scotia and us. It seems that they are running into some problems with the sellers in Halifax. I don't know the details but prayers are needed.

Here is the picture of the first liturgy of the Mission of St. Seraphim of Sarov Mission on Cape Breton. The Mission was named St. Seraphim as Seraphim was the Baptismal name of Will, Mary's late husband. It seems appropriate.

Just so you know, the food was really good. Speaking of food, we are in a fasting time but not for long.

Love in Christ,
-- Father David

August 11, 2023

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday August 12th 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday August 13th 10:00am Divine Liturgy
Forefeast of the Procession of the Precious Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord
Righteous Eudocimus of Cappadocia
Righteous Joseph of Arimathea
Tone 1

Monday August 14 10:00am Liturgy
Procession of Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord
Start of Dormition Fast

The Holy Transfiguration of the Lord, and Saviour Jesus Christ
Friday August 18 6:00pm Great Vespers
Saturday August 19 10:00am Divine Liturgy

The Trip to initiate the Mission of St. Seraphim of Sarov on Cape Breton went very well indeed. Mark drove us to the venue; Anthony sang the Liturgy and I served. We were a little late but we managed. There is a photo which I won't include; it would not be correct to place it on Facebook or any other of those Web sites without the permission of all the folk in the picture.

The next service for the Mission is now confirmed as September 17; as always with the willingness of God. I pray that the weather holds. At the moment, I expect that we shall travel about every 6 weeks to service the Mission. In the event we should have a third Priest, perhaps we could increase. I can certainly affirm that I was extremely tired by the time we got home. I can assure you that Mark, having driven there and back was very tired as well. Anton must have been just as tired. It is agreed that there will always be a driver and always be a singer. That means there will always be three people going to Cape Breton, and that is reasonable.

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

August 4, 2023

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday August 5th 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday August 6th 10:00am Divine Liturgy
Martyr Christina of Tyre
Tone 8
1 Corinthians 3:9-17
St. Matthew 14:22-34

Remember:
Monday August 7th The Dormition of the Righteous Anna, Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos
Wednesday August 9th Holy Great-martyr and Healer Panteleimon

Thank you to the very kind and concerned who gently lowered me to the floor of the church after the liturgy on Sunday. I almost got through the 'giving of the cross' at the end of the liturgy. I remember it very well and I remember starting to feel unwell. The next little bit is a mystery until I resurfaced and asked which part of the church I was in and how I got to be lying on the floor. I have made an appointment to see my doctor on Friday. I'm sure he will tell me several things such as 'heat stroke' 'low blood sugar' 'low blood pressure' and 'dehydration.' It may have been a combination of all of those. Thank you all of you. You are very special people. You know of my love for you.

Wasn't that Picnic at the York Redoubt grounds a marvel? All of those people there - many more than last year. Everyone seemed to be having a lot of fun. Luke (Doctor Cameron) and Vladimir (Paramedic Donald) suggested I stay at home and rest, but I was taken to the Picnic by Mark, and rested there for a short time. I could see that it went well. Silouan (Taran), Anthony (Anton), and Michael (Jarod) stayed with me during the rest of the afternoon and evening to ensure that I was OK. Thank you.

Did you see Ben up the tree? I think there was a ball stuck up there. Not one to rest on the ground when he could be climbing, up he went to shake the ball free from the branches, and it worked. I think the descent was a little tougher the ascent (I seem to remember that from my younger days.

The Parish Picnic

Love in Christ
-- Father David

July 28, 2023

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday July 29th 6:00pm Great Vespers
Genesis 14:14-20; Deuteronomy 1:8-11, 15-17;
Deuteronomy 10:14-21

Sunday July 30th 10:00am Divine Liturgy
Tone 7
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
St. Matthew 14:14-22
Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils
Hebrews 13:7-16
St. John 17:1-13
Great Martyr Marina of Antioch in Pisidia/
2 Corinthians6:1-10
St. Luke 7:36-50

Reminder: August 2nd The Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias (Elijah)

His Beatitude Tikhon Archbishop of Washington and Metropolitan of all America and Canada

In attendance was our own Archbishop Irénée and

His Grace the Right Reverend Alexei, Bishop of Sitka and Alaska.

We learned a lot about the Diocese of Sitka and Alaska. I suspect that most of us think of that diocese in terms of the saints it produced when the first missionaries came from Russia and taught the native peoples who eventually became Orthodox. There are so many stories about this, some of which we know and many are lost. I was heartbroken to hear some of the things that His Grace told us. I have sometimes very lightly referred to the sale of Alaska to America. The story is horrendous. The Americanization of the Alaskan Natives was heavy and wicked. I won't go into the details here but I'm sure either Father Alexander or Mark will explain in another part of this bulletin.

At the Assembly, I met people from all over the country, many of whom I haven't seen for decades. I started my Orthodox Ministry in Winnipeg as the Rector of a Western Right Orthodox Parish of the Antiochian Archdiocese under Metropolitan Philip (Saliba) of Blessed Memory.

I was really pleased to meet, at the Assembly, clergy and people that I came to know when I filled in at the Holy Trinity Sobor on Manitoba Avenue on two separate occasions. That was a real joy. Later when I moved to Edmonton, I worked out of St. Herman of Alaska Church on 100th Avenue, occasionally serving at the Holy Trinity Church near to the Italian Supermarket. There were friends I had made there, at the Assembly. It was indeed a wonderful experience being there; the Liturgies, the talking, the people, the lectures, the learning, the beef stew, the full English breakfasts. I'm just sorry that I didn't find a French Patisserie in Chateauguay, but then I didn't have time to look (I'm very fond of Mille-feuille pastries!).

Father Antoine Athanassiadis sent me the following horrific picture. The Island of Rhodes is suffering terrible fires just as we did and the west of Canada is enduring right at this moment. The Rhodes fire with the hundreds of tourists visiting that island was described as like Dunkirk.

Can you believe waiting to be rescued by the tour companies? Let us make sure that we add these people to our prayer list along with the victims of the war in Ukraine and the victims of wild fires in Western Canada. May God save them; Most Holy Theotokos Save us!

A lot is happening in our world at the moment and we must pray!

Dear Brothers and Sisters. It was my pleasure to be asked by Father David to attend the Tri-Annual Assembly of the OCA.

The travel was chaotic, with broken planes and missing or tired crew, and then the tempest last Friday. However, we were safe and under good care from the crews. Then there was watching Father David as he "tormented" and amused the people all around him. There was never a dull moment.

The Liturgies were beautiful along with the choirs. Being present with so many priests and deacons was very powerful. Especially grand was the Liturgy with his Eminence, Metropolitan Tikhon.

The various sessions were interesting and helpful, although the agenda was completely scrambled with Metropolitan being late by a day due to air travel complications. There was much said about due diligence in the accounting and liability requirements. Regulations are becoming more and more onerous as government and insurance industries put more and more pressure on the church. This, perhaps should not be a surprise as the devil is rightfully afraid of a free and prosperous church, that is free, and prosperous in the Gospel of Christ.

Presentations of a spiritual sort were also very good and even better. The theme was: The Person, the Family and the Church. There was a wonderful emphasis put on the right ordering of things within the creation. What an often-unrecognized blessing we have with the teaching of the Apostles and Prophets and Christ Himself. In a nutshell we were taught that in our various places, fulfilling our different responsibilities there is peace, and is not this what we all seek?

Not least of all, I was roomed with Father Alexander in what once was a monastic cell. It is a great blessing to be able to share our lives with one another and the peaceful and loving priests that God has blessed our little Church with.

Respectfully yours in Christ, Mark Blaauw.

And from Father Alexander:

Last week, Fr. David, Mark, and I travelled to the Archdiocesan Assembly in Chateauguay, QC. You can find some pictures of the Assembly on the archdiocesan website: https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/archdiocesan-assembly-2023-comments-and-photos.

It was a blessing to meet our Metropolitan Tikhon, our Archbishop Irénée, and the Bishop of Sitka and Alaska Alexei. Bishop Alexei spoke to us about the troubled history and the dire present situation of the Native American Orthodox Christians in Alaska. His presentation was very moving. The Native American Orthodox Christians have suffered from decades of neglect and outright oppression. They need our support, including financial support - which can be offered via their website: https://odosa.org/current-fund-raisers! Bishop Alexei mentioned that some remote communities in Alaska have not had a priest visiting them since 1892; yet they have been running reader's services in Slavonic and in their native languages, and still remember how to serve an All-Night Vigil and a Hierarchical Liturgy. Amazing!

Liturgies and Vespers were served every day at the Assembly, with lots of clergy serving and attending. On Friday, we had a primatial Divine Liturgy presided by Metropolitan Tikhon - it was exceptionally beautiful! I had the great blessing of meeting many brother clergy. I would like to specially mention Fr. Stelian Liabotis from Ottawa and his wife Matushka Lena. They are hoping to leave Ottawa and move to Nova Scotia in the fall. We pray that their move will go smoothly. It will be amazing to have them and their family join our parish!

I also had the blessing of meeting Fr. John Palmer, the priest who serves the Our Lady of Vladimir mission in Newfoundland, and his wife Matushka Constantina. It's been years since I last saw them. Fr. John was ordained to the priesthood in Halifax, in our parish, during the Great Lent of 2013 (we had just moved into our current building). I remember his ordination very well. Matushka Constantina is the author of two books "The Scent of Holiness: Lessons from a Women's Monastery" and "The Sweetness of Grace: Stories of Christian Trial and Victory." She has shared her insights on spiritual life and on the role of the Matushka in the Orthodox Church with us.

Going to the Assembly was a wonderful and deeply meaningful experience. Of course, we all know that we are part of the Archdiocese, but it's one thing to know, and another to feel this unity, to speak with clergy and laity from all parts of Canada, to hear about their successes and their struggles, and to pray together.

Thank you, Father Alexander.

I'll leave you with a few pictures from the Parish Camp,

Love in Christ
-- Father David

July 22 - 6:00pm Saturday Vespers

July 23 - 10:00am Sunday Liturgy: Romans 15:1-7; St. Matthew 9:27-35

July 24 - 27 Monday to Thursday: Parish Camp

July 27 - Thursday 6:00pm Vespers for St. Vladimir

July 28 - Friday 10:00am Liturgy for St. Vladimir our Patron Saint

July 30 - Sunday Liturgy 10:00am followed by Parish Picnic at York Redoubt.

July 14, 2023

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday July 15th 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday July 16th 10:00am Divine Liturgy
Tone 5
Romans 12:6-14
St. Matthew 8:9:1-8

There will be no Vespers or Liturgy to Commemorate the Holy Royal Martyrs of Russia: Tsar Nicholas II, Tsaritsa Alexandra Crown Prince Alexis, Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia on Monday as Father Alexander, Mark and I will be on our way to the Archdiocesan Assembly. For the same reason, there will be no Bulletin this next week. Please pray for us and for the Assembly.

Colin has shared a couple of pictures taken when he, Kristin and the family were visiting with his family (whom we know) in the States. Colin's Grandma Elizabeth is not well at the moment and seriously needs our prayers. May God particularly Bless Elizabeth. Shush! Shush! Anastasia, everyone else is enjoying themselves.

If there should be an emergency that can't wait for us to return from the Assembly, please contact the Monastery 902 644 1388 or Father Maximos. Failing that, I'm still on the end of my telephone even in Québec.

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

Remember to pray for all the parish.

July 14, 2023

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday July 15th 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday July 16th 10:00am Divine Liturgy
Tone 5
Romans 12:6-14
St. Matthew 8:9:1-8

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

Remember to pray for all the parish.

July 7, 2023

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday July 8th 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday July 9th Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God
10:00am Divine Liturgy
Tone 4
Romans 10:1-10
St. Matthew 8:28-9:1

This is the copy of the Tikhvin Icon without its covering of Precious metals and jewels. The original Icon was found floating over a lake and is believed to have been written by St. Luke the Evangelist (who wrote the Gospel and The Acts of the Holy Apostles). It has had an interesting journey since being installed in the Tikhvin Assumption Monastery. It seems that the Nazis occupied the monastery during World War 2, looted it, and took the Icon to Pskov. It eventually resided in the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral of Chicago USA and eventually returned to the Tikhvin Monastery in 2004. No matter how many times I try to copy the image of the original Icon in its bejewelled riza, to print here, it won't copy!

Taran is looking for help with supplies for the homeless. He is looking for a second-hand air mattress also he is still feeding the homeless - supplies and willingness to assist would be helpful. Please speak to Taran

Anton has a hand-out regarding the choir. Anyone interested please talk to Anton.

Father David forgot Liturgy for the feast of the Birth of the Forerunner. Please forgive him.

Do you remember Peter going to Greece? While he was there, he became engaged to Evangelia that is (Evangeline). Now that is the first part of the Marriage Ceremony, and it is the Betrothal. There are interesting items on the table that is being used by Peter's dad, Father Theodore. Make sure you ask about them and the reason they are there. When married, Peter will be living in Greece. It seems that his mother and father will be living in Greece for part of the year - the cooler part! May God bless you and Evangelia and may your future together be a beautiful adventure.

Father Alexander's birthday was this past week. I know that for absolute certain we as a congregation love him, thank him, pray for him, give glory to God for him. We thank him and Matushka Ksenia for the beautiful family that means an awful lot to us.

May God grant you Many Years!

It may have slipped your notice that we are still in the Apostles' Fast. I know that you are dreading the end of the fast but all good things come to an end, as the saying goes and this fast comes to an end with the Liturgy on Wednesday morning.

Tuesday July 11th 6:00pm Vespers
1 Peter 1:3-9; 1 Peter 1:13-19; 1Peter 2:11-24

Wednesday July 12th 10:00am
Saint Peter and Saint Paul Liturgy
2 Corinthians 11:21b-12:9
St. Matthew 16:13-19
End of the Apostles' Fast!

And so the Bulletin ends. If I have missed anything, I'm sorry but I've arrived at that age - It's wonderful, you can blame all sorts of stuff on age. Don't forget Vespers and Liturgy

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

June 30, 2023

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday July 1st 6:00pm Great Vespers
Jude 1-10; Jude 11-16; Jude 17-25

Sunday July 2nd Holy Apostle Jude, the brother of the Lord
St. John Maximovitch, Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco
10:00am Divine Liturgy
Tone 3
Romans 6:18-23; Jude 1-10
St. Matthew 8:5-13; St. John 14:21-24

No, this really isn't our choir, yet, but it is the choir that Stella sings with. It is the Capella Regalis and if you look closely, you will be able to pick Stella out in the front row. I was listening to the recording that was made during their recent tour; it is really worth listening to this excellent choir, and it's in Canada, and in Nova Scotia - Glory to God. If you are interested in joining, have a word with either.

This Saturday is Canada Day. What will you be doing to celebrate the country of Canada? Just think! Serge, Katereyna and Mark will be celebrating Canada Day for the first time as Canadian Citizens. Congratulations! Have a wonderful day but don't forget Vespers at 6.

June has gone by so quickly and I fear July will go even quicker. There is the Assembly in Châteauguay and the Parish Camp and St. Vladimir Day. During all of this excitement, including other holidays, we must remember that we carry on the services as usual, perhaps a little warmer. We will get out the fans.

I want to mention about outside liturgies. While I enjoy being outside, the terrain beside the church is a little rough and that can cause me to have difficulty walking. Fortunately I have a Subdeacon and others who help me to maneuver over the rough spots. There is another problem though that we can solve by putting the Altar at the other end of the site; the problem is the outdoor toilet. I do not like the idea of the Body and Blood of Christ being beside human waste. When we have outside liturgies then, while that biffy is there, the Altar will be arranged at the graveyard end of the property. From time to time there will be outside liturgies to accommodate those who have difficulty maneuvering up steps.

Thank you parish for the gift of the Ottlite; it gives a gently light and even has a rainbow of colours circulating at the base. It would be ideal for someone who is studying to be a Deacon, to put on his desk. It even will charge my phone just by laying the phone on it. Thank you also for the greetings and the notes I received. It was indeed a lovely birthday even if it did imply another year older. Anton has given me a number of documents regarding the choir. I shall attach them to this bulletin. Katereyna went over the Ukrainian and Russian translations and made some corrections to the documents. Thank you Katereyna.

Have a blessed week. May God bless all of us,
Love in Christ,
-- Father David

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Any who wish to formally join the choir may do so by filling out the attached sign-up sheet in your language of choice. They may be completed digitally, in which case, please e-mail them back to me, or printed out and submitted in person to me or one of the Fathers.

In so doing, you are expressing interest in preparing for and attending an audition on a future date to be determined. If there is any interest in some rudimentary music theory lessons, I can also provide resources for that as well.

Basically, if enough interest is garnered, the tryout will consist of singing both alone and with instrument accompaniment some of the following: notes, intervals, scales, and a troparion or kontakion of your choosing. There will also be a sight-reading test, but nothing too complicated.

Liturgical music resources can be found at the following sites: https://www.oca.org/liturgics, https://podoben.org.

You will be expected to attend weekly rehearsals that may range from half an hour to an hour in length, longer perhaps during festal times, and as many services as our loving and hardworking clergy are capable of serving. Day of the week for rehearsals remains to be seen, possibly Friday evening. In the event that you cannot make a service, you should, much like any job, alert someone in advance to your absence. If you can train or generate a replacement for yourself, all the better! But this formal choir inauguration is to encourage accountability and strengthen our congregational singing, it is not being instated to exclude anyone, on the contrary; it is to form a musical foundation for the entirety of the parish to more readily and reverently pray. The more of us who can chant hymns in the tones of the week without needing dozens of sheets of sheet music printed out, the better (I have a long way to go too!)

Music is a worthwhile pursuit, and not nearly as inaccessible as many make it out to be, it can be practised as any skill can be practised, even if your mileage may vary. But liturgical hymns are the parentage of music and poetry, they exist only in God's kingdom and are the perfect union of language and song. So, I implore you, let us practise for what we are called to do!

With much humility and love in Christ,
Anthony

June 23, 2023

Third Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday June 24th 6:00pm Great Vespers
1 Peter 1:3-9; 1 Peter 1:13-19; 1 Peter 2:11-24

Sunday June 25th 10:00am Divine Liturgy
Tone 2
Romans 5:1-10
St. Matthew 6:22-33

I received a number of photographs for this bulletin but first I want to introduce you to a new friend. His name is Simon and he is hand- carved in wood and he is painted. He was given to me as a birthday present and I can't help but share him with you. Daniel Wilband is obviously a very talented man. I certainly was not expecting this little statuette to be amongst my birthday gifts, but there it was amidst the soap and cookies. Thank you Dan, he is incredibly beautiful, I just can't get over the talent that went into the carving and painting of this.

Thank you for the gifts and the birthday celebration. Each of us who celebrated a birthday this past Sunday, thank you. The feast was lovely as always and thank you Father Alexander for the words you said about me at the time of singing "Many Years" but I must always remind myself that I am only the agent of God's Work and Will. I think He does love us. Look around you.

Kristen, Colin and family are visiting Colin's people in New York State. They are there for the wedding of Colin's sister Jenna whom we have met; she was visiting last year along with Mum and Dad and other members of the family. This picture is of Jenna and her husband Dietrich. They look as though they are going somewhere; they are obviously very happy. I'm glad Kristin gave permission for me to include this photo, it is so joyous. May God bless their marriage and life together.

The month of July is going to be a very busy month in the parish. Father Alexander will be serving at St. Antonios on two Sundays while Father Maximos is at various conferences. The Apostles' Fast ends on July 12th. We will serve a Liturgy to Celebrate Saints Peter and Paul and end the Fast. The 17th to 21st, Father Alexander, Mark Blaauw and I will be attending the Archdiocesan Assembly in Chateauguay, Quebec. The 24th to the 27th will be the Parish Camp. The 28th St. Vladimir Day there will be a Liturgy at 10am and on the 30th we go to York Redoubt for our Parish Picnic. Looking into August, on the 6th of August, we will start the Mission on Cape Breton. All God willing, of course. Pray!

It was so nice to see mother and son, Symion and his mom Nina at the Liturgy on Sunday. They do really make a beautiful family portrait and they are happy.

I think that is all for the moment - oh! Please pray for Taran's grandmother Edith who reposed this week. He will be at the funeral this weekend.

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

June 16, 2023

Second Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday June 17th 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday June 18th Sunday of All the Saints of North America
10:00am Divine Liturgy
Tone 1
Romans 2:10-16
St. Matthew 4:18-23

Saturday June 17th the crew willing to work at and on the church will meet to do various works that needs to be done. Please come if you can. Spend some time on the fabric of the building. I believe there will be coffee and perhaps more. Mark says he will be there at 7am. You will have to be there at 7am if you want to see if he gets there.

I enjoy getting pictures to include in this Bulletin. I have received two, one from Mary in Margaree...

I remember the day we buried Seraphim (Will Pemberton). Father Alexander and I were driven up to Margaree the week before Will died. We were able to administer the offices usually performed before death including Communion. Then the following week we were summoned again to bury Will. Mary sent this beautiful picture of the new stone marker with their two daughters Hermione and Eleanor, who obviously miss their father, as we all do. May God bless Mary and all the Pemberton family.

...and several from Taran, who along with Jarod, went to the Consecration of The Romanian Orthodox Church of St. Varlaam in New Brunswick. I believe the picture is of Taran presenting his sister to Archbishop Nathaniel and bishop Andrei.

Then of course of the two of them at the feast that followed the Consecration. I've never met Bishop Andrei but I have certainly met and even served with Archbishop Nathaniel. Father Cezar has visited and used our church for a baptism and Liturgy.

I'm in a bit of a dither regarding the Parish photo. I put it off once because people were going to be away. Now I am delaying it again because families will be away, so the end of July will not do. I've decided that the photo will happen without announcement, suddenly, in the Fall, holidays over, and everybody will be present.

Father Alexander has received a request from two Ukrainian ladies who are looking for a two bedroom apartment. If anyone knows of such, please contact Father Alexander, the two women are known to us and have visited us on a couple of occasions.

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

June 9, 2023

First Sunday after Pentecost

Saturday June 10th 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday June 11th 10:00am Divine Liturgy
Hebrews 11:33-12:2
St. Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30

Thank you Leslee for sending out the notice that the week of Pentecost is a Fast Free week, somehow I omitted it from both the announcements and last week's bulletin. It was important, you see, to make that announcement because Monday is the beginning of the Apostles' Fast when again meat, poultry, eggs, dairy and the usual suspects are limited to the young, aged, and infirm.

The length of this fasting time depends upon the date of Pentecost. The fast begins on the second Monday after Pentecost and lasts until the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul on July 12. Sometimes this fast lasts for 29 days and sometimes it does not happen at all (check the date of Pentecost next year).

Brandon and Hilary sent me several pictures of their new son Theodore. I have chosen one to include (with their permission) in the bulletin. Congratulations to Brandon and Hilary for bringing such a beautiful little boy into the world and I hope, into the Church.

Reminder that the planned parish photo is being taken after the Liturgy on July 30th, that's two days after the feast of St. Vladimir Prince of Kiev, Our Patron Saint. There will be a Liturgy in the church on the actual date of the Feast - Friday July 28th. I'm hoping that everyone will be present for the photo and the Picnic to follow at York Redoubt.

Kristin sent me a message and her favourite photo from Pascha. I share the photo here:

And I agree, it is a lovely photo that I didn't know existed. Thank you Kristin! It reminds me of a very famous painting by Rembrandt Van Rijn who was very famous for his ability to use light. This painting which is in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam uses a single source of light to illuminate the scene. In Rembrandts scene, the source of light is not discovered.

I emailed Carol Ann in Sydney. She replied and is doing fine. I was concerned that she had not received her Easter Communion. She is not alone in this and I must encourage those who have not visited us since Pascha that you make every effort to get to us or to another Orthodox church for Confession and Communion. This is really important.

The Romanian Orthodox Church of St. Varlaam in New Brunswick, under Father Cezar Pelin will have its parish church Consecrated next week. Please pray for him, for the Romanian Church, and for his people. I hope those going to the Consecration will be able to furnish us with photos. I know that Taran and Jarod are going. They will have information if anyone wishes to attend.

Thank God for the rain, I hope the fires are all either out or under control. Thank God for fire-fighters as well.

May God bless all of us as we prepare for the Apostles' Fast. It starts on Monday!

In Christ,
-- Father David

June 1, 2023

Pentecost-Trinity Sunday

Saturday June 3rd
Commemoration of the Departed
Liturgy 10am
Acts 28:1-31; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
John 21:15-25; John 5:24-30
6pm Great Vespers
Numbers 11:16-17, 24-29; Joel 2:23-32; Ezekiel 36:24-28

Sunday June 4th
Pentecost - Trinity Sunday - Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Disciples
10am Divine Liturgy
Acts 2:1-11
John 7:37-52 and 8:12
Kneeling Prayers

If you will be at the Liturgy for the Departed on Saturday at 10am, please be sure to have your list of departed who will be commemorated, ready for reading out. As I have mentioned, non-Orthodox can be commemorated at this Liturgy. If you are not present, we will commemorate your list another time.

Some good news. We are planning to explore the possibility of opening a Mission on Cape Breton. We have a family of Catechumens who live north of Sydney and of course we have Mary and her family who live in Margaree. Mary is heading a committee that is making the plans. We expect that we shall serve a Liturgy near Mary's home on either the first or second Sunday in August. There will be more of this news a little later as the plans develop.

It's amazing who you can run into in Edmonton: David and Braidyn met this past week. They both look really well. Braidyn drove up while David was on a course. A nice "Selfie!"

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

May 26, 2023

Seventh Sunday of Pascha

Saturday May 27th 6:00pm Great Vespers
Genesis 14:14-20; Deuteronomy 1:8-11, 15-17; Deuteronomy 10:14-21

Sunday May 28th
10:00am Divine Liturgy
Tone 6
Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council
Acts 20:16-18, 28-36
John 17:1-13

Saturday June 3rd
Saturday before Pentecost
Commemoration of the Departed
Liturgy 10am
Acts 28:1-31; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
John 21:15-25; John 5:24-30

I made a mistake. I squashed the weeks that David Decaire was to be away. It is this Sunday that he will be flying home. So pray again and this time more earnestly and this time he, God willing, will appear in the Halifax Airport. Just think how happy his family will be.

There have been, or are about to be several changes in the officers of the parish. Since Abraham has moved to be a part of the Hermitage of the Annunciation (pray for him and the other three monks), Dan Wilband has taken over the role of Secretary of the Parish. Oksana has asked to be released from the position of Treasurer (which she has so beautifully filled for many years - Thank you Oksana!), Jarod Payne has agreed to take this over.

You may remember that we had a visit some weeks back from a gentleman, Alexander. He has been in touch with Katereyna Lukiian. Alexander is presently involved in a walking project. He aims to cover 200 kilometers in an effort to raise funds for surgical apparatus that Ukrainian doctors can use to treat the wounded, including children. There are several pictures sent by those accompanying Alexander on his venture.

https://giftofwalking.ca/?fbclid=IwAR3hfmq1PDsEynDz OKhu1kOddYt6GL4Kq2xBJ_V0KfZZng7Q- AcOuAHD4Fg

Parish Photograph. It was a year ago on Pentecost that we took the last Parish Photograph and it is time for a new one. I'm a little concerned because on the Sunday of Pentecost, we follow the Liturgy with the Kneeling Prayers, which take a little time to complete, and is a part of that evening's Vespers. I suggest therefore that we take the photograph after the Liturgy on the Sunday of the Parish Picnic at York Redoubt. I want to make sure that the entire parish is present on that Sunday. The Archdiocesan Assembly will be over, the Parish Camp will be concluded, the celebration of Great Saint Vladimir Prince of Kiev will be celebrated on that Sunday July 30th and God willing, the sun will be shining. All the parish will be gathered to celebrate so that is when we take the photograph. Please, please be present for the photo and the Parish Celebration of our Patron Saint. (Just to confirm, there will be a Liturgy on the morning of the actual feast of Saint Vladimir Friday July 28th.)

Thank you to all who do kindnesses for me like: bread, construction, dinners, clean up, hugging, newel posts, and general support. May God bless all of us.

Love in Christ
-- Father David

May 19, 2023

Sixth Sunday of Pascha

Saturday May 20th 6:00pm Great Vespers
1 John 3:21-4:6, 1 John 4:11-16, 1 John 4:20-5:5

Sunday May 21th
10:00am Divine Liturgy
Tone 5
Sunday of the Blind Man
Acts 16:16-34
John 9:1-38
Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian
1 John 1:1-7
John 19:25-27, 21:24-25

There seem to be no announcements this week. But I would remind you of the Monks' Vegetables. I would also remind you of the Parish Camp. Dan and Heather can give you the details.

You will recall that I announced that Father Alexander will be serving the next two Sundays at St. Antonios Church. He will be with us for Saturday Vespers. Because of this I shall not be hearing any Confessions on Sunday. To go to Confession you will have to come to Saturday Vespers. As a general rule we expect monthly confessions. We do not expect people to confess every Sunday before receiving Communion. Once a month, and we should receive Communion every Sunday.

Subdeacon David returns on Sunday so please pray for his safe return. I hope Braidyn will get to see him in Edmonton before he leaves. I did write to Father Brian Lehr rector of St. Herman of Alaska Parish in Edmonton, asking that they be permitted Communion. I hope they were able to get there. The smoke from the "wild fires" is probably quite bad in that area. May God bless all of us

Love in Christ
-- Father David

May 12, 2023

Fifth Sunday of Pascha

Saturday May 13th 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday May 14th Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
10:00am Divine Liturgy
Tone 4
Acts 11:19-26,29-30
St. John 4:5-42

Some news

Abraham (Josh Richardson or New Josh) has been accepted as a postulant into the Community we know as the Hermitage of the Annunciation. He will leave us on May 20th (leaving Brother Lazlo (his cat) in the care of his grandmother), May God Bless him.

We have received a request from a Ukrainian woman who will be arriving in Halifax during June. She needs interim accommodation until she can find a job after which she will bring her son from Ukraine. If anyone can offer accommodation please let Father Alexander know. This is someone who has a PhD in Pedagogy and is used to teaching university level.

This is Mothers' Day in North America. It is also the day we commemorate the Samaritan Woman. That is the story about Jesus and the apostles stopping at a well in Samaria and Jesus asking the Samaritan woman for a drink from which ensued a conversation about Living Water. Listen carefully to the dialogue between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, it is apparently one of the longest conversations that Jesus has with anyone and it is with a Samaritan woman. The woman becomes known as St. Photine and we celebrate her on March 20th and on the fifth Sunday of Pascha

Kontakion of Photine, the Samaritan Woman
Tone 3

Photine the glorious, the crown and glory of the Martyrs, hath this day ascended to the shining mansions of Heaven, and she calleth all together to sing her praises, that they might be recompensed with her hallowed graces. Let us all with faith and longing extol her gladly in hymns of triumph and joy.

Mothers are special and are celebrated on this Sunday. Fathers are special too but they are celebrated on another Sunday.

Mother to Son
Langston Hughes

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor-
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now-
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

This Poem written by Langston Hughes, an American poet, seems to sum up what the life of a Christian is all about; the struggle, the temptation to sit on a landing and wait it out, and the times when we voyage as in the dark forgetting that Christ is there and is our Light.

May God bless all mothers those living, and those who are amongst the departed, and may God give them strength.

Love in Christ
-- Father David

May 05, 2023

Fourth Sunday of Pascha

Saturday May 6th 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday May 7th Sunday of the Paralytic
10:00am Divine Liturgy
Tone 3
Acts 9:32-42
St. John 5:1-15

Tuesday May 9th Mid-Pentecost 6:00pm Vespers
Micah 4:2-3,5;6:1-5,8; Isaiah 55:1-13; Proverbs 9:1-11
Lesser Blessing of Water

You will note that on Tuesday evening there is a Vespers service for Mid-Pentecost. Wednesday is the feast day, so we shall precede the feast with the Vespers and the Lesser-Blessing of the Waters. Since we do not have a spring and depend on the neighbours well and waters provided in large bottles, which I am sure are filled at some well, somewhere, we shall bless a bottle or two of water. I just have to convince several of the parish's young men to carry them. It will be David or Mark who will do the convincing.

Advance warning: Pentecost or Trinity Sunday, the great feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Disciples is Sunday June 4th and that is the Sunday when we take our annual Parish Photograph. Please make sure you are there, in church.

Anyone who is included in that photo automatically agrees that the photo may be displayed in the church and in other places agreed to by the Parish Council.

Panier du moine subscriptions

Subscribe to the Panier du moine 2023

There are plenty of subscriptions still available for the Panier du Moine food box.

This year we are happy to offer a 20 week subscription! That means you will be able to have fresh vegetables from the beginning of June to the middle of October!

Delivery to Bridgewater, South Shore and Tantallon, and Halifax.

(see delivery details below)

You can also find information about the 2023 Panier du Moine at https://www.goosechasemonastery.ca/garden. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Markets and Monastery-Direct

There are several ways to get fresh vegetables from the monks besides the Panier du Moine.

Order Online (sign up below)
- Fill out the order form each week, and we will harvest and deliver your order! (delivery to Bridgewater, South Shore and Tantallon, and Halifax)
New Germany Farmers' Market
- 2pm to 4pm - Fridays - Starting May 19
Bridgewater Farmers' Market
- 9am to 12pm - Saturdays - Starting May 13
Farm Stand @ the Monastery
- Wednesday 2:00 to 4:00 pm

Email Sign-up

Parish Camp

Have you signed up for the Parish Camp? Please make sure you speak to Heather Decaire or Morgan or Dan Wilband. The Camp is July 24-27, is in the Annapolis Valley at the Ste. Anne's Camp on Gibson's Lake and the cost is $10 per night.

The camp is followed, the next Sunday July 30th with our Patronal Festival and visit to the York Redoubt Fort for our parish Celebration of the feast of St. Vladimir Prince of Kiev, our Patron Saint - God willing.

A lot to look forward to.
May God bless all of us.
Love in Christ,
-- Father David

April 28, 2023

Third Sunday of Pascha

Saturday April 29th 6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday April 30th Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women & St. Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus, Mary Magdalen; Mary, the wife of Cleopas; Joanna; Salome, the mother of the sons of Zebedee; Susanna; Mary and Martha, the sisters of St. Lazarus; and Mary, the mother of the Apostle James
10:00am Divine Liturgy
Tone 2
Acts 6:1-7
St. Mark 15:43-16:8

You will find attached to this Bulletin, full of light, the advertisement for the Assembly of the Archdiocese of Canada. The last one was missed due to the occurrence of a Virus and our not being able to assemble. It is really important that we attend. As it says, anyone of the parish may attend; it is essential that the clergy attend. If at all possible the parish should cover the costs. This is the opportunity for the clergy to meet other clergy from across the country, to become reacquainted with friends, and similarly for the laity as well. You will notice that the Assembly (July 19- 21) takes place the week before the St. Vladimir Camp 2023 (July 24-27). What an exciting 2 weeks this will be along with St. Vladimir Feast, our Patronal Festival (July 15/28). We will celebrate that with a Picnic after church on July 17/30 at the York Redoubt National Historic Site. Let hope that the weather is a nice as it was last year. My, but what a busy time we have had this Lent and Pascha. May God bless all of us.

Love in Christ,
-- Father David

Assembly of the Archdiocese of Canada 2023
The Person, the Family and the Church:

Living as The Body of Christ
Chateauguay, Québec - 17-21 July 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Glory to Jesus Christ!

At the request of His Eminence, Archbishop Irénée, and on behalf of the 2023 Canadian Archdiocesan Assembly Planning Committee, I would like to invite all of you to join us in Chateauguay, during the week of July 17-21, 2023 at Manoir D'Youville in Chateauguay, Quebec, south of Montreal. Travel from Trudeau Airport is 24 kms, 34 minutes - taxi approx. $45. If you're booking flight with Air Canada, use Promotion Code G87QZ681

Registration July 17th & 18th - Clergy Synaxis July 18th - Assembly July 19th-21st

Please note that the Assembly requires a three-step registration:

Step 1: Book rooms directly to Manoir D'Youville

Please use code DIO170723 when booking your room at the Manoir D'Youville
Unfortunately there are no hotels/motels close by.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included in the room rate (*BANQUET EXCLUDED)

Banquet will consist of a 4 course meal, including wine, and dessert

Step 2: Assembly Registration - for all participants (clergy, delegates, and observers)

Clergy synaxis and assembly registration forms
Lay delegate registration form
Observer registration form

Step 3: Certification Form - for all lay delegates and observers

Lay delegate and observer certification form

Registration and Payment

Send the two forms (registration/certification) to the Archdiocese: secretary@archdiocese.ca

Payment may be done by e-transfer (secretary@archdiocese.ca or treasurer@archdiocese.ca) or by cheque to the Archdiocese of Canada (OCA), 3441 15th Avenue, Rawdon, QC J0K 1S0

Other Information

Good news: share your parish stories of encouragement and inspiration
Are you bringing children?

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me directly at 514-912-5926, or email paulwkara@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you in Chateauguay!

Yours in Christ,
Fr Paul Kara and the Assembly Planning CommitteeFr Paul Kara and the Assembly Planning Committee

April 21, 2023

Second Sunday of Pascha

Saturday April 22nd Bright Saturday
6:00pm Great Vespers

Sunday April 23rd Thomas Sunday
10:00am Divine Liturgy
Tone 1
Acts 5:12-20
St. John 20:19-31

(If there are pictures of Holy Week and Pascha, please send them to me for inclusion in the next bulletin. Thank you Leslee for filling in when my computer decided not to send emails.)

Message from Alina. There is a basket with authentic Ukrainian wooden Easter eggs "Pysanky" at the church entrance. Suggested price $15 each. Anyone wanting real painted eggs at $30 please contact Alina. All proceeds go to Victims of the Ukrainian war.

Message from Taran. He is still preparing and feeding the homeless hidden in the various bushes and places, mostly in tents. He needs vegetables and those candles he has described, available from the Dollar Store. Please speak to him about this really important ministry. He and Anton and I think Morgan are still ministering to the Chechen Lady who appealed to us for food some time ago. Have a word with Taran, Anton, or Morgan.

Message from Dan. We will next meet on Saturday, April 29 at 4:30pm (before Vespers) to discuss the Paschal season. We'll consider the shape and meaning of this special, joyous 50-day liturgical season that runs from Pascha to Pentecost. In doing so, we will also take a brief look at an ancient liturgical poem you may enjoy: On Pascha by Melito of Sardis (found on pages 37-68 of this document). This remarkable text was written around 170 A.D. and is one of the earliest writings we have showing us how the very early Church understood its celebration of Pascha.

We will then resume our regular schedule on the second Saturday in May. At that time, we will begin a new series on the Divine Liturgy. We'll work our way slowly through the Liturgy and discuss each of its parts. Pray that this project may help enrich our engagement with the Church's worship, both for those who are new and those who are experienced. While our main focus will be on the words and movements of the Divine Liturgy itself, we will use as a guide a short, accessible book called Let Us Attend by Father Lawrence Farley. Copies will be made available.

Pascha this year has been a Parish Miracle! Pascha; the Resurrection of Christ is a Miracle - The Music, the setting up of the shrine with the Body of Christ, the preparation and organizing and cooking of Food, the cleaning of the church both before Pascha and after the services, the organizing of the processions, the walking around the church singing, the conducting of the services including the altar servers, and more. I can't get over it at all. It has been splendid. There were more than a hundred people walking around the church singing Christ is Risen. On Great Friday when we took the Body of Christ from the Cross and processed the Shroud around the church, there were lots of us who walked under the Shroud. Did you notice those beautiful lights being carried around? Did you notice all of it? The smoke, The Baptism and Chrismation, the Choir. This has been a Parish Miracle and it is thanks to all of you. Thank you Father Alexander for being my feet and so much more. And it's the love in this parish - it shows, Glory to God. It is as the New Commandment - That you love one another - and that's what we do.

May God bless you, and love in Christ.

Christ is Risen!
-- Father David

April 15, 2023

Pascha The Bright Resurrection of Christ

Saturday April 15 Great Saturday
10:00am Baptism of 3 Catechumens (dried fruit, nuts and wine allowed)

Saturday evening, April 15, 11:00pm, Matins and Liturgy of Pascha (with blessing of baskets); followed by a Potluck dinner downstairs. All are welcome to bring contributions to the dinner (non-fasting food). For more information, contact Heather.

Sunday April 16 4:00pm Pascha: The Bright Resurrection of Christ - Agape Vespers (with blessing of baskets)

Message from Alina: There is a basket with authentic Ukrainian wooden Easter eggs "Pysankys" at the church entrance. Suggested price $15 each. Anyone wanting real painted eggs at $30 please contact Alina. All proceeds go to Victims of the Ukrainian war.

Love in Christ,
-- Father David

April 6, 2023

6th Sunday of Great Lent

Friday April 7th 10:00am Liturgy
Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos

Saturday April 8th 4:30pm Adult Discussion Group
6:00pm Vigil
Blessing of Palms
Genesis 49:1-2, 8-12
Zephaniah3:14-19
Zachariah9:9-15
Matthew 21:1-11, 15-17

Sunday April 9th 10:00am Divine Liturgy
The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, Palm Sunday
Philippians 4:4-9
St. John 12:1-18
Tone 2

Check carefully the Schedule of services for Holy Week; The two services that were added on Tuesday and Wednesday have been REMOVED. The Visit of the Archbishop really has used more of our energy than we thought.

A message from Dan Wilband about the Adult Discussion Group:

Dear all:

Another reminder that we'll meet downstairs this Saturday April 8 at 4:30 p.m. (before Vigil), which will be the afternoon of Lazarus Saturday, nearing the eve of Palm Sunday. This will be a special discussion on the Church's worship in Great and Holy Week. All are encouraged to attend, as we prepare to enter into the most sacred week of the liturgical year, to follow Christ from Bethany into Jerusalem and to Golgotha, to witness His Suffering, Death and Glorious Resurrection.

Please try to arrive on time for this one. We have much to discuss and we'll start at 4:30 sharp. For those at a distance, we will stream our session here: https://meet.google.com/oyt-mxpn-nhr. I attach again a reading* that may be of interest. All are welcome, including those with children, newcomers and guests.

Love in Christ,
-- Dan

*(There is an attachment not included here. Please ask Dan to send it to you.)

Calendar reminder for between now and Pascha

Thursday April 13 10:00am Vesperal Liturgy Great Thursday The Mystical Supper of Christ
6:00pm Reading of the 12 Passion Gospels

Friday April 14 Great Friday 2:00pm Great Vespers
6:00pm Matins and procession of the Shroud

Saturday April 15 Great Saturday
10:00am Baptism of 3 Catechumens (dried fruit, nuts and wine allowed)
11:00pm Matins and Liturgy of Pascha (blessing of baskets)

Sunday April 16 4:00pm Pascha The Bright Resurrection of Christ Agape Vespers (blessing of baskets)

Message from Alina. There is a basket with authentic Ukrainian wooden Easter eggs "Pysankys" at the church entrance. Suggested price $15 each. Anyone wanting real painted eggs at $30 please contact Alina. All proceeds go to Victims of the Ukrainian war.

I want to thank everyone for their cooperation and work for and during the visit of Vladyka Irénée. An incredible amount was accomplished by the women of the parish and all those who set up and cleaned up after the feast. The food was excellent and the Hall looked beautiful. Thank you everyone, the Archbishop was impressed. A particularly thank you to Father Alexander who mostly ferried Vladyka around. I also want to thank The Monks for lending us the Eagle rugs and the Dikirion and Trikirion. It was good to see Father Jean-Baptiste and Father Nathanael at our Altar.

We are coming very close to Holy Week. Please plan to attend as many of the services as possible. It will all start, as with the procession into Jerusalem on a donkey, we will hold our palm leaves to greet The Lord, as we hear the Gospel, and then hear the crowd reject Him later in the week and demand that he be Crucified. We will stay with Him, and rise with Him at His Glorious Resurrection. We will experience it all in the services and live it with HIM as we hear the readings. May God give us the necessary strength and Bless us!

Love in Christ,
-- Father David

March 31, 2023

5th Sunday of Great Lent

Saturday April 1st 6:00pm Vigil
St. John 20:19-31

Sunday April 2nd 10:00am Divine Liturgy
Hebrews 9:11-14
St. Mark 10:32-45
Commemoration of St. Mary of Egypt
Galatians 3:23-29
St. Luke 7:36-50
Tone 1

We welcome His Eminance Archbishop Irénée. Vladyka will serve the Liturgy this Sunday. We will be starting the Hours well before 10, so it would be a good idea if people could arrive and be in place by 10 o'clock. Vladyka will be greeted at the entrance to the church at 10 o'clock.

Just a little hint: after Communion, the little ones may need something to keep them going until the dinner.

The Pot Luck Dinner following the Liturgy will be at the Olympic Hall, which is the hall associated with Father Maximos' church. Father Maximos has very kindly let us use the Hall for this occasion. The dinner will start at 1:30pm, or as close to that time as possible. All are welcome. The address is 2304 Hunter Street.

Thank you to all who have arranged the food and all who have arranged the tables and setting the room up for the dinner.

Thank you Sergey for making those 4 candle holders so that altar boys can carry lights without them blowing out when we go outside.

A message from Dan Wilband about the Adult Discussion Group:

A reminder that we won't be meeting this weekend (the Archbishop will be with us). However, we strongly encourage everyone to join our next session on the afternoon of Lazarus Saturday, April 8 at 4:30 pm, downstairs before Vigil. We will make tea! But more importantly, we will be at the very threshold of Holy Week. By then, Lent will have come to its end and the Church will have begun her annual solemn commemoration of the Suffering, Death and Glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our talk this time will focus mostly on Orthodox worship during Holy Week, which is our response to Christ's invitation to us to go with Him to the Cross. Pray that this discussion would help prepare our hearts and minds to enter into the richness of the most sacred week of the year, that we may obtain the new life and Paschal joy to which it leads, as in His perfect love, humility and suffering our Lord tramples down Death by Death.

Please find attached* a commentary that some may find helpful to review in advance. It was written by Fr Alexander Schmemann, whose book on Lent we have recently been reading.

All are welcome. I will send out a reminder and streaming link for those at a distance next week.

Love in Christ,
-- Dan

*(There is an attachment not included here. Please ask Dan to send it to you.)

Calendar reminder for between now and Pascha. Please note below the two added services for the start of Holy Week:

Friday April 7 10:00am Liturgy Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos

Saturday April 8 6:00pm Vigil with Blessing of Palms

Sunday April 9 10:00am Liturgy Palm Sunday Procession with Palms

* Tuesday April 11 6:00pm Presanctified Liturgy

* Wednesday April 12 6:00pm Office Of Holy Oil - Unction

Thursday April 13 10:00am Vesperal Liturgy Great Thursday The Mystical Supper of Christ
6:00pm Reading of the 12 Passion Gospels

Friday April 14 Great Friday 2:00pm Great Vespers
6:00pm Matins and procession of the Shroud

Saturday April 15 Great Saturday
10:00am Baptism of 3 Catechumens (dried fruit, nuts and wine allowed)
11:00pm Matins and Liturgy of Pascha (blessing of baskets)

Sunday April 16 4:00pm Pascha The Bright Resurrection of Christ Agape Vespers (blessing of baskets)

*Look for news of added services during Holy Week*

We are coming very close to Holy Week. Please plan to attend as many of the services as possible. It will all start, as with the procession into Jerusalem on a donkey, we will carry palm leaves to greet The Lord and then hear the crowd reject Him and demand that he be Crucified. We will stay with Him, and rise with Him at His Glorious Resurrection. We will act it all out and live it with HIM. May God give us the necessary strength and Bless us!

Love in Christ,
-- Father David

March 24, 2023

4th Sunday of Great Lent

Saturday March 25th 10:00am Liturgy Commemoration of the Departed
(Prepare your list and bring with you as you attend the service)

6:00pm Vigil
St. John 20:11-18

Sunday March 26th 10:00am Divine Liturgy
Commemoration of St. John of the Ladder
Hebrews 6:13-20, St. Mark 9:17-31
Tone 8

Wednesday March 29 6:00pm Presanctified Liturgy

Saturday April 1 6:00pm Vigil

Sunday April 2 10:00am Liturgy Fifth Sunday of Lent St. Mary of Egypt

Friday April 7 10:00am Liturgy Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos

Saturday April 8 6:00pm Vigil with Blessing of Palms

Sunday April 9 10:00am Liturgy Palm Sunday Procession with Palms

Thursday April 13 10:00am Vesperal Liturgy Great Thursday The Mystical Supper of Christ
6:00pm Reading of the 12 Passion Gospels

Friday April 14 Great Friday 2:00pm Great Vespers
6:00pm Matins and procession of the Shroud

Saturday April 15 Great Saturday
10:00am Baptism of 3 Catechumens (dried fruit, nuts and wine allowed)
11:00pm Matins and Liturgy of Pascha (blessing of baskets)

Sunday April 16 4:00pm Pascha The Bright Resurrection of Christ Agape Vespers (blessing of baskets)

Please pray for the father of Katereyna Lukiian whose father Fell Asleep in the Lord Monday evening. She won't be able to be at the funeral in Russia due to circumstances making that country inaccessible. He will be commemorated at the Panikhida following this Saturday's Liturgy for the Departed. Remember, that Liturgy is at 10am this Saturday.

Friday this week, the Catechumens will meet at my apartment at 6pm. Father Alexander will speak about a subject very dear to Anton, Jarod, and Taryn who will be baptised on Holy Saturday morning so they can receive their first Communion at the Great Paschal Liturgy.

Please remember that the Adult Discussion Group under the excellent guidance of Dan Wilband, will meet at 4:30pm on this Saturday. If you are not attending these sessions, you are missing discussing the book Great Lent Journey to Pascha, written by Father Alexander Schmemann. You don't have to do anything, just come and listen to the discussion and add any insights you may have.

St. Vladimir Church Camp 2023: Join us for a family-oriented summer retreat for members and friends of St Vladimir Orthodox Parish! We will spend 3 nights together at Ste Anne's Camp, located on Gibson Lake in the beautiful forest of Annapolis County, NS. July 24 - July 27, 2023 (Monday - Thursday).

The Archbishop is visiting. We will be picking him up at the airport on Friday March 31st. and delivering him back to the airport on Monday April 3rd. This is an occasion of great joy to us. Plan to attend everything.

I have invited Father Maximos, Father Peter, and Father Theodore to the after Liturgy Dinner. I've also invited the Monks of the Hermitage of the Annunciation.

We have now passed the halfway point of Great Lent. Lend ends with Palm Sunday and then the even greater fast begins, that of Holy Week leading to The Celebration of the Glorious Resurrection of Christ. You will want to make that journey. Please check your schedules. There is also a schedule on the notice board of the church.

Ivan Making crosses for Father David and Father Alexander

May God Bless all of us,
-- Father David

March 17, 2023

3rd Sunday of Great Lent

Saturday March 18th 6:00pm Vigil
St. John 20:1-10

Sunday March 19th 10:00am Divine Liturgy
Veneration of the Holy Cross
Hebrews 4:14-5:6 St. Mark 8:34-9:1
Tone 7

Saturday March 25th 10:00am Liturgy Commemoration of the Departed
(Prepare your list and bring with you as you attend the service)

Can you believe that we are almost half way through the Great Fast leading to the brightness of Pascha. This is the 3rd Sunday of the 5 Sunday fast. It is amazing how quickly the Fast goes, and all those plans you had to lose weight during the Fast are skipping away. I encourage all of us for the remaining weeks, plus Holy Week, to see what we can do.

I am sorry to have missed the Presanctified on Wednesday, I had what Father Alexander had the previous week, not too serious but Father Alexander insisted that I stay home. Instead, he dosed me with Strepsils and honey; the Strepsils numbed and the honey soothed, a good combination.

We continue to pray for the victims of the war in Ukraine, all the victims and I mean all of the victims whether they are from Ukraine or Russia, or elsewhere, and if you have read or watched the news stories, you know there are victims all over. We are blessed to have refugees in our parish and we welcome them. We are also blessed to have a priest who speaks Russian, and people who speak Ukrainian and Russian; this is a definite blessing to us.

Remember the Adult Discussion Group a week Saturday.

Please pray!
Love in Christ,
-- Father David

March 10, 2023

2nd Sunday of Great Lent

Friday March 10th 6:00pm Catechumen meeting at Father David's apartment

Saturday March 11th 10:00am Liturgy Commemoration of the Departed
(prepare and bring your list)
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 St. John 5:24-30
6:00pm Vigil

Sunday March 12th 10:00am Divine Liturgy
St. Gregory Palamas
Hebrews 1:10-2:3 St. Mark 2:1-12
Hebrews 7:26-8:2 St. John 10:9-16
Tone 6

It's worth listening and watching Father Lawrence Farley's talk about gender. If you search "Father Lawrence Farley Gender," I'm sure you will find it. It's a talk he gave at St. Tikhon's Monastery and Seminary. It is so informative that I wish I could show it to everyone as a sermon, but since it lasts more than an hour, we'd all be wanting our coffee, so please watch it. If you read in Genesis, you will note that God made two genders, Male and Female; Man, it seems, has made seventy or so more.

Notices

In the church you will notice pamphlets about the St. Vladimir Parish Camp. This is a new venture and very good initiative that I hope everybody will take advantage of. This is not just for children and families that have children, but is for all of us even if we are single or single parent, or are blessed with many children. This is for the parish to have fun and get together. As the pamphlet says, "It will be a time for adults and children to make memories together, strengthen the bonds of friendship and build up the Body of Christ."

There is a Liturgy on Saturday morning at 10. It is one of two Liturgies for the blessed departed. For this, it is the policy of this parish that we include Orthodox and non-Orthodox. You will remember that for inclusion on the Discos during the Proskomedia, it must be only living and departed Orthodox.

We are blessed to have a number of Catechumens. We shall be meeting on Friday evening at 6 at the apartment of Father David. Subdeacon David will be there to talk with the Catechumens and to answer questions about how we do things both in the parish and in the Orthodox Church in general.

The Baptism of Anton, Taran and Jarod is getting close now. The Saturday before Pascha, Great Saturday is their big day. There should be a feast of dried fruits, nuts and wine for this occasion, perhaps buns of some sort could be included. Remember that we are fasting for the big feast that starts at 11 that evening, Glorious Pascha, the Resurrection of Our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

I also draw your attention to the Adult Study Group which meets on Saturday at 4:30pm before the Vigil, speaking of the Vigil, you do not have to stay for the whole of it. I noticed fewer people at the Vespers part of the Vigil this past Saturday. You can come for the Vespers part and perhaps stay for the first part of Matins, which is the reading of psalms. Please don't be afraid of the Matins part, I'm learning as well.

I didn't get any pictures of the Vespers for the Triumph of Orthodoxy at St. Antonios Church, but we were well represented. If you were not there you missed the procession around the block with all of us carrying Icons. The Lenten food afterwards was really nice. They gave me a bag of food to bring home and I have been enjoying it during this week.

Thanks also to Father Theodore and Presvetera Joy for the lovely food they have been sending to me. So delicious! Father Theodore is not well yet, please pray for him and for Presvetera Joy. Pray also for their son Peter who comes to us frequently.

If you are wondering about the new format of the Bulletin . . . if you print it back to back (short side) you will find that it prints into a nice pamphlet with the parish details on the front. (Cool Huh! That's if I get it right!) Oh! Speaking of new formats, We've made it to Spring Forward time. That means don't forget to put your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night. If you forget, you'll arrive about time for the end of the Gospel and the rest of us will be bleary eyed.

May God Bless all of us.
Love in Christ,
-- Father David

March 3, 2023

1st Sunday of Great Lent

Saturday March 4th 6:00pm Vigil

Sunday March 5th 10:00am Divine Liturgy
Sunday of Orthodoxy
Hebrews 11:24-26, 11:32-12:2
John 1:43-51
Tone 5

Please note: Great Vespers with Procession of Icons
Sunday 5pm St. Antonios Church

The Baptism of Baby Lucas

May God bless all of us as we struggle with fasting.

Love in Christ,
-- Father David

February 24, 2023

Week 37 after Pentecost

Saturday February 24th 6:00pm Vespers

Sunday February 25th 10:00am Divine Liturgy followed by Forgiveness Vespers
Cheese-fare (Forgiveness) Sunday
Romans 13:11-14:4
St. Matthew 6:14-21
Tone 4

Monday February 27th Great Lent Begins

We have almost made it to Great Lent, so now let's make it to Pascha. Monday is the beginning of the Great Fast and I wish all of us the courage to persevere during this time of spiritual renewal. Remember that the fasting is a means to spiritual renewal; it is a time to perhaps look into ourselves and assess where we could make improvements. We could look at our family prayer time, perhaps add a reading from the Scriptures; make a list of those who need our prayers, and pray for them and the Church.

Saturday at 4:30, the Adult Discussion Group will meet in the basement

Remember that next Sunday is the First Sunday of Great Lent and therefore the Sunday we celebrate the Triumph of Orthodoxy, the restoration of the Holy Icons.

Thanks to the people who bring such delicious food for us to enjoy after Liturgy, those who vacuum and clean the floors, clean the tables, look after the dirty dishes and those who sing. Thanks to all who make the church a beautiful place.

Immediately after receiving Communion, the children should go downstairs for a small snack, some colouring and a rest before returning upstairs for the Vespers service, which no one, not even the children, will want to miss. It is different, unusual and involves us all.

How to transfer money from your bank account to the church account:

Log in to your online or mobile banking app.
Find and select the option "Send an Interac e-Transfer."
On the next screen, select an option "Interac e-Transfer Recipient."
Insert halifaxorthodox@gmail.com
Insert donation amount.

I've just received a request from Father Alexander. This is what he wrote (edited):

Dear Father, Your blessing! I've been in touch with Gennady - a gentleman from Ukraine who came to St. Vladimir's two weeks ago. Back then, he was looking for a place to stay... So the question is if there is anyone who could rent a room for a reasonable price to Gennady in the Halifax area (Dartmouth included) - basically somewhere where he could take a bus to go to work? Gennady is currently staying in Annapolis valley - at the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre. This is a place where they provide temporary housing for Ukrainian refugees. The problem is that there are no jobs in the area, so he is contemplating coming back to Halifax to look for jobs there, but in Halifax, it's difficult to find a place to stay. Love in Christ, pr. Alexander

Please help if you can.

May Christ our God Bless us especially during this time of fasting and bring us to the Glorious Resurrection.

Love in that same Christ,
-- Father David

Schedule of Services for Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha is on the notice board. Please look at it.

February 17, 2023

Week 36 after Pentecost

Saturday February 18th 6:00pm Vespers

Sunday February 19th 10:00am Divine Liturgy and Baptism, followed by Coffee Hour
Meat-fare Sunday, Commemoration of the day of the Second Coming of Christ The Day of Judgement
1Corinthians 8:8-9:2
St. Matthew 25:31-46
Tone 3

We have finally been able to set the date for the visit of Archbishop Irénée to our parish. He and Deacon Denis will be with us on March 25th until the 27th.

We are in the preparation for the great fasting time that of Great Lent. This is the Sunday we call Meat-fare and is the last day we eat meat and fish. Meat, is any animal that has a back bone including fish. There are marine animals that can be eaten for example, squid, octopus, shrimp, crab, lobster, scallops and most shell fish. If you look on your calendar, you will see that occasionally there is the image of a fish. This means that on that day fish is acceptable. Occasionally there will be the image of grapes, which again means that we can drink wine.

This week which is called Cheese-fare week, ending with Cheese-fare Sunday, we can eat cheese and eggs and milk, ice cream, and all those good things, to clean them from our refrigerators. But remember that Children, the elderly, those who are sick, on medications, may not fast.

Peanut butter is a staple during this time as well as hummus, chick-peas, lentils, all sorts of vegetables, beans, peas. There is a folder in the church with recipes and there are lots of recipes on line, we do not need to starve, in fact many would claim that this is the healthiest eating time of the whole year, especially after Cheese-fare.

Dan has just reminded me that the next session of the Adult Discussion Group will be Saturday February 25th at 4:30pm as usual. He has also noted that the children's choir, in which his daughter sings, will be singing Evensong at All Saints Anglican Cathedral on Sunday February 19th at 4pm.

You may notice that Cameron is not with us. He has asked for a time off. The job of leading the Choir and working as a Medical Doctor is very stressful. Please pray for Cameron and Katie. You probably don't know that Cameron has completely reorganized all the music and choir services. It has taken him quite a while. Thank you Cameron!

Next Sunday, Cheese-fare, we not only serve Liturgy but we follow the Liturgy with Vespers because this is also Forgiveness Sunday when we are all prepared to forgive each other. If you have never experienced the forgiveness ceremony, you will not want to miss this.

Just to pre-warn all of us that during Great Lent, the number of services will increase. The first weekday indication of that will be the Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete. This is usually recited during the first week of Great Lent so watch out for a notice about this and other added services.

Another pre-warn, and this one is about the Clergy Synaxis on Tuesday July 18th. This is a clergy get together, and is followed on Wednesday and the rest of the week, by the Archdiocesan Assembly, at which parish clergy and one lay delegate should attend. Anyone can attend the Assembly as an observer, more information about all this will follow.

It seems that Symeon's talented mother made a pair of sweaters for her son and Taran. The title of the picture is "Twins," I bet they don't wear those into the water.

Courage for the Lenten Fast and may God bless all of us.
Love in Christ,
-- Father David

February 10, 2023

Week 35 after Pentecost

Friday February 10th 6pm adult catechumen meeting at Father David's apartment

Saturday February 11th 4:30pm Adult Discussion Group
6:00pm Vespers
Deuteronomy 10:14-21, Deuteronomy
10:14-21, Wisdom 3:1-9

Sunday February 12th 10:00am Divine Liturgy, followed by Coffee Hour
Sunday of the Prodigal Son
1Corinthians 6: 12-20
St. Luke 15:11-32
Synaxis of the Three Hierarchs: St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian, and St. John Chrysostom
Hebrews 13:7-16, St. Matthew 5:14-19
Tone 2

Tuesday February 14th 6pm Vespers with Litia
Reading 1 Exodus 12:51-13:3, 10-12,
14-16, Exodus 22-29, Leviticus 12:1-4,
6-8, Numbers 8:16-17
Reading 2 Isaiah 6:1-12
Reading 3 Isaiah 19:1-5, 12 16, 19-21

Wednesday February 15th The Meeting of Our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ

These are the sort of candles that Taran hopes to give to the homeless, with the food. They are available from Dollorama, and here is a list of things that would be useful: Pallets, Fire wood, Scrap wood, Tarps, Duct Tape, Tuck Tape, Emergency type Blankets (that's the blankets that look like thin aluminum foil).

If there is anyone who could help by reading or intoning the responses, in other words the choir's part, weekdays when we have no choir, Please let Father David know. We could then schedule weekday morning liturgies.

May God bless all of us,
In Christ,
-- Father David

February 4, 2023

Week 34 after Pentecost

Saturday February 4th 5:30pm Panikhida for the victims of the war in Ukraine, followed by Vespers
Isaiah 43:9-14, Wisdom 3:1-9,
Wisdom 4:7-15

Sunday February 5th 10:00am Divine Liturgy, followed by Coffee Hour

Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee
Beginning of the Lenten Triodion
2 Timothy 3:10-15
St. Luke 18:10-14
Sunday of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia
Romans 8:28-39
St. Luke 21:12-19
Tone 1

Small bulletin this week.

Reminder of the Family Fun and Sunday School this Friday evening starting at 5pm in the basement of the church. All those involved had a wonderful time last time we got together and this time will be fun too. Anybody can come, especially the children.

I'd like to meet with the Catechumens on Friday 10th February at 6pm, probably at my apartment. We shall be discussing St. Theophan the Recluse on Prayer, and Great Lent and what are the Orthodox expectations as regards fasting.

A great thank you to all who have phoned, visited, shown concern, and supplied lovely food.

Waiting for Daddy and Grandad.

Love in Christ,
-- Father David

January 27, 2023

Week 33 after Pentecost

Saturday January 28th 5:30pm Adult Discussion Group followed by Vespers
Sunday January 29th 10:00am Divine Liturgy, followed by Coffee Hour

Zacchaeus Sunday
1Timothy 4:9-15
St. Luke 19:1-10
Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy and All-Glorious Apostle Peter
Acts of the Apostles 12:1-11
St. John 21:15-25
Tone 8

Please note that in the same way we have sprinkled the church with Holy Water, we need to sprinkle your home with Holy Water. Please ask me or Father Alexander and arrange a time for the blessing of your home.

Let me say right away how thankful I am that I was not hurt more than I was. Your care was incredible, thank you. At the moment my back aches and is sore. I could have broken something and I am really thankful that no bones were broken except perhaps the dorsal left side floating ribs being bruised, cracked or perhaps broken. There is little one can do for that except bind and use pain medication. Both of these measures I am using. I want to thank all who have suggested that they do house-work, some have even provided me with soup, and meals and even a very delicious cheesecake. Delicious!

I may not be able to be at church on Saturday and Sunday because of the ache. There is a baptism during the Liturgy. Please give Father Alexander as much help as possible. I do not like leaving him alone. Please remember that he works full-time at the University and this is just a further worry for him. He is a wonderful priest.

A few moments ago, I was speaking with Braidyn-Spyridon and it seems that his Grandma Maggie has had a stroke. She is over a hundred, please pray for her and her family.

Don't you just wish you had gone down to the blessing of the Atlantic. I didn't go for obvious reasons but Father Alexander went and blessed the Ocean and 6 of the parish's young men jumped into the water to retrieve the cross. I see from the photographs that Sergey had the cross in his hand. Brilliant? Josh had to jump in after the others - he was doing the prayers. I understand the bottom of the water was complete mud. I know that at least two slipped. This is now a St. Vladimir Parish tradition. I refuse to have an accident before the next year dip. (God willing!) The whole set of photos can be seen on our parish Website. Alina will have put everything up including the two videos. If there are any more photos or videos, please forward them to Alina for inclusion on our web pages.

Thank you very much for the Christmas Gifts very thoughtful of you, as usual. God Bless all of us,

Love in Christ,
-- Father David

January 20, 2023

Week 32 after Pentecost

Saturday January 21th 6:00pm Vespers
Sunday January 22th 10:00am Divine Liturgy, followed by Coffee Hour
After Feast of the Theophany
Ephesians 4:7-13
St. Matthew 4:12-17
St. Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow
Hebrews 13:17-21
St. John 10:9-16
Tone 7

Please note that in the same way we have sprinkled the church with Holy Water, we need to sprinkle your home with Holy Water. Please ask me or Father Alexander and arrange a time for the blessing of your home. Theophany House Blessing is not the same service as the blessing of a new home. It is a short service where the priest says a short prayer then he and the people sing the Troparion of the Theophany while sprinkling the home with Holy Water:

When You, O Lord were baptized in the Jordan
the worship of the Trinity was made manifest
for the voice of the Father bore witness to You
and called You His beloved Son.
And the Spirit, in the form of a dove,
confirmed the truthfulness of His word.
O Christ, our God, You have revealed Yourself
and have enlightened the world, glory to You!

You are welcome to offer the priest a cup of tea or coffee afterwards. You could have a candle, an icon, and a bowl with Holy Water ready. It is all very simple and lasts about a half an hour, of course depending how large your home or apartment is; yes, apartments are bless as well, even tents and motor homes if that is where you live. What we are doing is sanctifying your home the same way we sanctify the church.

We have a number of Catechumens now. Please make sure they feel at home and feel a part of us. They are learning the Faith by being at the services after all that's where the real learning how to be Orthodox takes place. Father Nicholas Behr (Father John Behr's father) told me that, when I was becoming Orthodox a long time ago, that's was well into the last century. (Thinking of that, I now pause for a cup of coffee and a biscuit or two.)

I want to thank all those who gave Christmas Gifts, cards and wishes. Thank you. You spoil me!

Can you believe how many came for the Vesperal Liturgy and the Great Blessing of Water? We even had a feast afterwards, thank you Kristen, and those who brought food and drink. Thanks to Cameron, the music was beautiful and thanks to the altar crew, it all went smoothly, and a large thank you to Father Alexander who always makes sure I am not too taxed, and able to cope; he is always there to fill in.

Father Theodore continues to need our prayers. He is home and improving but perhaps not quite as quickly as he should.

With the Feast of the Theophany we conclude the Christmas season, so now we can remove Christmas Decorations storing them carefully for next year when hopefully, we can use them again, according to God's Will, of course. Thanks to those who decorated the church so beautifully this year, it was really lovely.

You can find most of these and many more pictures on our website, some I took but the majority were taken by Alina. It was amazing how many of the children came to the late evening service at Christmas. Some were awakened for Communion, and I suspect a couple didn't know exactly where they were. One, I remember, had to have his mouth opened to receive Communion; he was more asleep than awake. It was all really nice to see.

Father Alexander and I served with Father Maximos, Father Peter and the priest from Prince Edward Island, at the feast of St. Anthony, the Patron Saint of St. Antonios Church. It was a very nice service. I hadn't remembered that amongst the many Relics that St. Antonios has, is a relic of St. Anthony. What a blessing!

Well my Dear Friends,

May God bless all of us and protect us
from all evil and from anything that
might hurt us,
Love in Christ,
-- Father David

January 13, 2023

Week 31 after Pentecost

Saturday January 14th 6:00pm Vespers (Following the Adult Discussion Group)
Genesis 17:1-7, 9-12, 14; Proverbs 8:22-30;
Proverbs 10:31-32, 11:1-12

Sunday January 15th 10:00am Divine Liturgy, followed by Coffee Hour
Forefeast of the Theophany
2 Timothy 4:5-8
St. Mark 1:1-8
St. Seraphim Wonderworker of Sarov
Galatians 5:22-6:2
St. Luke 6:17-23
Tone 6

Wednesday January 18th 5:00pm Theophany Eve Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil, Great Blessing of Water (fill bottles and jars with Holy Water)

Saturday January 14th 4:30pm Adult Discussion Group. All welcome

Please remember that on Wednesday January 18th there is the Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil. This is the Liturgy to celebrate the Theophany. We will start at 5pm so we can get the Great Blessing of Water in and because many will be fasting before Communion.

Can you believe that we have just come through the Fast Free week. We were even permitted to eat meat on Wednesday and Friday following Christmas. Now we settle into the regular pattern of Wednesday and Friday fasting but be sure to consult your Calendar, which are for sale in the Foyer for $10; there are two sorts, all English and Slavonic and English.

Theophany is the Revealing of God. In this Icon Jesus is being Baptised by John the Forerunner but John is not looking at Jesus, he is paying attention to the descent of the Holy Spirit and the Voice of God the Father. The angels are waiting to clothe Jesus, the New Adam. God made Adam and Eve naked but through shame they put on clothing so Jesus is naked and not ashamed, undoing the shame of The Garden. You might notice the Ocean and the River Jordan giving way to the greater power as Creation is Baptised in the person of Christ.

Remember the shell and stone icons made by Father Theodore and Presbytera Joy. Pray for Father Theodore who is out of hospital, Glory to God.

Here is a note from Taran about the parish outreach to the homeless:

"Hello Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I humbly wish to begin planning the next mission to the homeless. Since the situation is ever changing, I will go again to visit the parks and see where people are. I hope to pick a day of good weather to go out in this time. May God grant us this.

Also Morgan has been inspired through the grace of God to contact certain individuals already involved in similar outreach projects and has received some helpful advice from them. I think it would be great to have a meeting to discuss future plans and how to move forward with this Holy Ministry in the name of Christ. If folks could give me a rough sense of their schedule for the next couple weeks that would be great.

Also, It is worth mentioning that many other Parishioners have expressed interest in being involved in this ministry, so please don't feel pressured to participate in every occasion or every meeting. We are all One in Christ and together, with God's help, we will accomplish much.

Thank you all again for your hard work, your heartfelt concern for the needy, and most of all, for your prayers. Our Prayers are our primary weapons against the enemy of Mankind, and God is infinitely faithful and loving. He will provide us everything we need to take care of His Children.

I thank God for you all. May God bless you and be born a new in your hearts unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Christ is Born, Glorify Him!
Love in Christ,
-- Taran"

Some pictures taken by Alina at the Christmas celebration:

There are more photos at: https://photos.app.goo.gl/R7fiuhKpJcdLfGwL9

May God bless each of us,
Love in Christ,
-- Father David

January 6, 2023

Week 30 after Pentecost

The Nativity according to the Flesh of Our Lord, God, and Saviour Jesus Christ

Friday January 6th 9:00pm Matins followed by Liturgy
Galatians 4:4-7
Matthew 2:1-12

Saturday January 7th 6:00pm Vespers

Sunday January 8th 10:00am Divine Liturgy, followed by Coffee Hour
Sunday before the Nativity
Colossians 3:12-16
St. Luke 18:35-43
Tone: 5

Commemoration of the Holy Righteous Ones: Joseph the Betrothed, David the King, and James the Brother of the Lord
Galatians 1:11-19
St. Matthew 2:13-23

May God bless all of us who are the Parish of St. Vladimir Prince of Kiev. Father Alexander and I wish every one a Very Merry Christmas, "May God Bless Us, Every One" (Thank you Charles Dickens!)

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