Archpastoral Message of His Grace Iov (Job), on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of St. Mary’s Russian – Greek Orthodox Church in Nisku, Alberta.

This entry was posted on Friday, September 10th, 2010 and is filed under Sermons & Epistles.

Very Reverend Father Igor, dear brothers and sisters: the president, parishioners and guests of our celebration!

With a feeling of spiritual joy, we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of this Orthodox Church on this holy place!

Orthodoxy in Canada, and the Patriarchal parish of St Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church in Nisku have a glorious history. It is inextricably linked with the preaching in these areas of the apostle of America, Archbishop Tikhon (Bellavin), the future Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, and his worthy successors.

Brief but intensely important historical events show us that your fathers and grandfathers in a new place, where they arrived more than a hundred years ago from  their homeland (“the old country”), seeking above all, Christ and the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) .

They asked an Orthodox bishop to send them a priest, and they greeted him with great love like he was the Lord Himself.  And all around the priest “with one voice and one heart” they glorified God and partook in the Holy Mysteries of Christ at the service.

The founders of the parish sought Episcopal blessing for the temple’s construction when the church became too small.  A new one was built in 1965 and consecrated by Archbishop Panteleimon in 1966.  The parishioners invested in the construction of the walls of the house of God with not only money, but also their hearts and souls.  They left us the most precious treasure – Christ and the true Orthodox faith.  Thanks to their holy cause a hundred years ago, today we are children of God and live by the Grace of the Holy Spirit.

May the LORD help us to live in the Orthodox Church with the tradition brought here by our  grandfathers and great-grandfathers, who cherished and guarded the Holy Orthodox Church. Their main goal was to love Christ and their neighbours with all their soul.

Beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord!

Let these words of congratulations and warmest wishes have our pastoral blessing upon the church parish council, sisterhood, each parishioner and all-loving guests of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin church in Nisku, along with the surrounding area residents.

May the protection of the Heavenly Queen Mary and peace be upon on this Holy Temple, and all of you!
With God’s mercy, your humble servant,

Job, Bishop of Kashira, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada

July 12, 2010

Edmonton, Alberta