On Saturday, July 7^th, the St. John the Baptist Parish in the Horen of the Russian Orthodox Church in Canada celebrated the 60^th anniversary of its foundation. The patronal feast of St. John the Baptist  was also celebrated on this day.

Bishop of Kashira Iov, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada, conducted the festal Divine service assisted by Parish Priest V. Rev. Igor Kisil and Priestmonk Father Vladimir Lasyk (Orthodox Church in America).  The church choir which was directed by matushka Natalia Kisil sang during the service.

After the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Job  congratulated the numerous worshippers with the 60^th  Anniversary. Then there was conducted a Moleben with blessing of holy water. This was followed by a festal procession around the church. “Many Years” was then sung.

After that, a Memorial Litia  was served  for the departed founders and parishioners of St. John the Baptist Church.  “Memory Eternal” was then sung.

Then a group picture was taken on the church grounds.

Following this, a festive Anniversary banquet and jubilee program was held at the parish hall in Horen.

On the Occasion of the 60^th Anniversary of the foundation of the parish many parishioners were awarded with Archpastoral Gramotas (Certificates of Merit).

The hall was also arranged with several stands of pictures displaying the 60 year history of the parish. A special Anniversary Booklet, consisting of the message of His Grace Bishop Job, History of the Parish and the Life of St. John the Baptist was prepared by Father Igor.

At the end of the program the Parish Priest, Father Igor Kisil cordially thanked all those who had laboured and taken part in the preparations for and during the celebrations of the remarkable date of the parish and helped put together this joyous celebration.

“On this 60^th Anniversary of St. John the Baptist Parish, we rejoice that God has showered abundant blessing upon His People and made it possible for the faithful to partake in the Communion of the Mystical Body of Christ . We thank Almighty God for the many benefits and blessings!

May our Lord bless and reward our labours in the years that lie ahead as we continue to dedicate ourselves to the task of promoting His Church in the Horen (Tomahawk – Seba Beach) area.

May God Grant the parishioners of St. John the Baptist Church in Horen and all of us Many, Many Years! На Mногая Літа Bсім! ”