On a beautiful sunny day, Sunday, July 8th, St. John the Baptist Russo Greek Orthodox Church of Vegreville, Alberta  celebrated the 95th Anniversary of its foundation as well as its Patronal Feast.

The Pontifical Divine Liturgy and festive Moleben was conducted by His Grace Bishop Job, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada.

Before entering the temple of the Lord, Bishop Job was greeted by the President Gloria Sen with bread and salt, and the Secretary-Treasurer of the parish, Janet Michalcheon, presented him with flowers. The rector, Father Igor Kisil, greeted Bishop Job inside the Church.

The co-servers at the service were parish priests Fr. Igor Kisil and Fr. Anton Filchak (Rector of the Orthodox V parishes).

The beauty of the Divine Liturgy and Moleben was enhanced by the mellifluous singing of a church choir of the Orthodox V parishes under the direction of Andrea Zacharuk.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Job greeted all the parishioners and guests on the occasion of the Patronal feast of St. John the Baptist and on the 95th Anniversary of the foundation of the church. He wished all people present God’s abundant mercies, the protection of the Theotokos,  and thanked them for keeping the faith of their forefathers and for their love of Holy Orthodoxy.

On behalf of the parishioners and guests, Fr. Igor Kisil thanked Bishop Job for his Holy prayers, his archpastoral blessing, and for his visit to the parish. Fr. Igor prayerfully wished His Grace  bountiful health in his archpastoral service, good health, and many years of life.

During the Divine Liturgy  at the church  there was Ms. Jacquie Fenske, Alberta MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville, who after the service congratulated Bishop Job, clergy, parishioners and all visitors at the celebration of the 95th  Anniversary of the parish.

After the veneration of the cross and anointing with holy oil, a Moleben with the small blessing of water was conducted outdoors at the church yard. This was followed by a festal procession around the church. “Many Years” was then sung.

After that, a Memorial Litia (prayer) 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 Elks hall in Vegreville.

Janet Michalcheon, the Secretary Treasurer of the Parish and  the master of ceremonies, declared the jubilee festivities “open” and introduced the head table to all those present. Then the prayer “Our Father” was sung and the meal was blessed by His Grace Bishop Job.

After the meal, the festive jubilee program took place.

Bishop Job presented Archpastoral Gramotas (Certificates of Merit) to the church board and the parishioners of St. John the Baptist Church on the occasion of the celebration of the 95th Anniversary of the founding of their parish, and in recognition of their hard work and zealous efforts toward the consolidation of Holy Orthodoxy in Canada. His Grace Bishop Job conveyed to the gathering congratulations and the blessing of His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, and thanked the President, church board and the parishioners  for organizing and preparing everything for the jubilee.

The President of St. John the Baptist  Church in Vegreville, Gloria Sen, in her speech talked about the history of the parish.

Congratulatory messages were then delivered by the Secretary of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada and President of St. Barbara’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Edmonton, Roman Lopushinsky, President of the Orthodox IX Parishes and President of St. Mary’s Church in Nisku, David Borys and President of the Orthodox V Association, Andrew Shopenia,

At the end of the program the Parish Priest, Father Igor Kisil, expressed his gratitude to Vladyka Job, to the clergymen, to the President, the church board, the choir director Mrs. Andrea Zacharuk and church choir, to the Parishioners and the guests and to all who helped put together this joyous celebration.

Then a festive concert consisting of several old Ukrainian songs was performed by the church choir under the direction of Mrs. Andrea Zacharuk.

The hall was also arranged with several stands of pictures displaying the 95 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.

The banquet ended with the singing of a closing prayer, Bishop Job’s blessing and the singing of “Many Years” by all parishioners and guests. Following this, a time of fellowship and reminiscing was shared.

It was a beautiful celebration that lifted the spirits of all gathered. We want to thank you all for coming and helping us celebrate this, our 95th Anniversary. We honour our forefathers for their contribution to the life of our church.

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