His Grace Job (Iov), Bishop of Kashira, the Administrator of Patriarchal Parishes in Canada

Archpastoral Greeting on 120th Anniversary of First Orthodox Liturgy in Canada

Dear Vladyka Anthony, Reverend Fathers and Beloved brothers and sisters of our parishes:

On the occasion of the celebration of the 120th anniversary of Orthodoxy in Canada and the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of the Canadian Confederation, I congratulate all who today celebrate these anniversaries with gratitude and thanksgiving to the Lord for the abundance which He provided to the Patriarchal parishes in Canada.

Canada has always demonstrated its open arms to immigrants, being attractive to many Rusyn brothers and sisters arriving in the late 19th century. For many of them, Canada was a country of freedom and opportunities for a better life, providing them with a decent life where they could educate their families and create a better future for their children.

Rusyn, Russian, Ukrainian and others from different parts of the former Soviet Union, the Orthodox community was and is an integral part of the Canadian cultural and historical mosaic. The first Rusyns who came to Canada were from Galicia and Bukovina, arriving in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba in the late 19th century to work as farmers in those provinces. In 1897, at their request, Russian missionaries from Seatle celebrated the first liturgy in Canada, and in 1901 the first Rusyn Orthodox parish of the Holy Trinity was consecrated in Wostok settlement.

This is really a jouful moment in the history of Patriarchal Parishes in Canada! We are grateful! The joy of this moment is an opportunity to show brotherhood and is a testimony of our Orthodox presence in Canada. As well, it is an opportunity to transfer the spirit of our ancestral faith with peace and love to future generations in Canada.

I heartily thank His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russ for his blessings and Bishop Anthony for his historic visit, which will strengthen our future in the Moscow Patriarchate! I wish you good health, joy and all the best! Happy 150th Anniversary Canada, and Blessed 120th Anniversary of Orthodoxy in Canada, Patriarchal Parishes! Many years to all of you!!!

Old Wostok. 23/07.2017