Save as PDFArchpastoral Message of His Grace Iov (Job), Bishop of Kashira, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of the Sisterhood of St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church in Nisku, Alberta
Dear sisters in Christ!
Christ is Risen!
I congratulate all of you on the 60th Anniversary of the Sisterhood of the Patriarchal Parish of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Nisku!
This whole week is dedicated to the memory of the Holy Myrrhbearers. This is our common holiday, but especially it relates to Christian women, the Orthodox Sisterhoods, and to those who imitate them in their ministry.
The Head of all Orthodox sisterhoods, their spiritual patron saint, and the very first among all members of the Sisterhood, is the Immaculate Virgin. The service of the Myrrhbearers and each member of the Sisterhood is sacred. This confirms the words of Christ Himself.
When one of the Myrrhbearers on the eve of His suffering and death poured onto His head some myrrh, He said: “The Good thing she did for Me…” (Matt. 26, 10-13). After His Resurrection, Christ appeared to the Myrrhbearers saying: “Rejoice!”. Since that time, the Myrrhbearers with the Apostles were the first who pronounced to the whole world: “Christ has indeed risen!”.
Always and today the risen Christ is present in the church and in our midst! Holy icons, priestly vestments, church ornaments, church coverings, and flowers in the temple are the sacrifices to Christ. All these things are like the clothes of Christ, which constantly have to be beautiful, clean and the best of objects. All the church utensils are so beautiful and are testifying to the true love for women – parishioners to the Saviour.
I prayerfully wish you in good health under the direction of Father rector to continue this sacred service to Christ and His Church! May Christ grant you spiritual joy and grace! May our Sisterhood of the Nativity of the Virgin Church flourish for many, many years and be strengthened with new members and young believers.
To the deceased members of the Sisterhood for the entire period of its existence, may the Lord’s will give an Eternal Memory and grant a blissful life in the Kingdom of Heaven!
Wishing you a wonderful Holiday and my Archpastoral gratitude for your work,
Job, Bishop of Kashira, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada
Indeed Christ is Risen!
April 29, 2015, Edmonton, Alberta
Some photos from the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Sisterhood of the Patriarchal Parish of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Nisku:
