Свято-Владимирская
Православная церковь

August 1, 2020

This is the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Holy and Glorious Prophet Elijah

5.30pm Saturday August 1st making Catechumens

6.00pm Great Vespers

Sunday August 2nd Liturgy at 10am

Readings
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
St. Matthew 14:14-22

Here are some dates and reminders to put in your diary:

Name Days during August (Gregorian Calendar)

2 Name Day of the Elijahs, the Prophet Elijah
4 Maria Koutovenko and Evelyn Decaire's Name Day, St. Mary Magdalene

Name Days during September

12 Father Alexander, St. Alexander Nevsky
18 Evelina Lunyov, St. Elizabeth
20 Cassia Decaire, St. Kassiani
22 Therese Donovan, St. Anna
30 Aislyn McInnis, St. Nadia and Vera Treiger, St. Vera

(any errors or additions please inform Father David)

Thank you for the lovely BBQ on Sunday. All the English stuff was a joy to see and taste. The Victoria Sponge, the Eccles Cakes and all the lovely goodies were a delight to the eyes but to the palate as well. I'm sure Saint Vladimir enjoyed the occasion even when it started to drizzle . It did not really rain on our celebration, just lightly, and only physically.

On Monday evening Father Alexander served a lovely Vigil service. The Reader Vladimir, sang and chanted (this being his Name Day). Tuesday morning, Father Panagiotis joined us serving the Liturgy (Father Maximos was ill with back problems - some of us know how that feels). Peter Togni was ill and Matushka Ksenia (and Vera) filled in as chanters and choir. It was a really nice service. I reminded us that Prince Vladimir took the faith of Constantinople to Russia. Father Panagiotis is Greek Orthodox. In North America, the Greek Orthodox Church is under the jurisdiction of His All-Holiness Bartholomew, Patriarch of Constantinople. Serving in the Altar was also Father Alexander who was born in Russia. We celebrated then both ends of the journey made by the Great Prince Vladimir, the Patron and Protector of our church and parish. Glory to God. Thanks to Father Panagiotis for being with us. Please pray for him and for his family.

This is the weekend that the Jefferson Family from Goshen will be with us and will become Catechumens before Vespers on Saturday. The short service, which includes spitting on Satan, will start on Saturday evening at about 5.30.

I remind everyone except priests, that MASKS are a necessity in Nova Scotia as of July 31st. I have been in email communication with Dr. Strang and have explained with a photograph why it should be unnecessary for priests behind the Icon Screen to wear masks and he has heard what I wrote. There will be adequate provision made.

Now the news about the ceremonies that were conducted in Pictou - the provisional church, which is really the home of the Hyun family. They kindly hosted the meeting of the Pemberton family, travelling from Margaree Harbour in Cape Breton with Father Alexander and me travelling from Halifax. In doing this we were making sure that the family is strengthened by receiving Communion, that the baby Eleanor is Baptized, the younger boys are Chrismated into the Faith of their family, and Will senior is strengthened for his health ordeal, and the family's, in their protracted stay in Toronto. May God bless them all, and Will in particular. There were delicious sandwiches etc. afterwards!

First I want to thank Eric and Crystal for allowing the services and festivities to happen at their home in Pictou. Thank you also to Matushka Ksenia for stepping in as choir, due to Peter's illness. She was also Godmother. Thanks to Spyridon for transporting Father David to and from Pictou and being Altar server and suffering the heat. Hearts of Oak!

There were lots more than sandwiches. Not only was there a lovely cake but there was Lasagna, Chicken, Ham, Fruit, CruditГ©s, Chicken Soup, and even ice cream. We enjoyed it all. The heat, and believe me it was HOT, couldn't stop the ceremonies being marvellous. There was the Baptism, Confession, the Chrismation, the Liturgy and the anointing of Will for the strength he will need in the coming months. Five of the Seven Sacraments were Celebrated this day - as Father Alexander pointed out.

Please don't forget those who are suffering with Covid and those who are attending to them plus those who are seeking a cure for this insidious virus.

May God Bless us all,

- Father David