Beloved in the Lord Fathers, brothers and sisters!

I cordially greet you on this significant anniversary celebration – the patronal feast of St. Barbara Cathedral in Edmonton and the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Patriarchal Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in Canada!

Being the same age as the statehood of Canada, Russian Orthodoxy on the North American continent, through the efforts of its missionaries, made a significant contribution to the formation of many aspects of the life of peoples in the New World, hospitably opened its arms to Orthodox fellow believers from various countries for which Canada became a second homeland.

The Russian Orthodox Church, having passed all the trials of the 20th century with its flock, has preserved its spiritual heritage in North America, which today is carefully preserved and multiplied in parishes in the Patriarchal parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in Canada.

After the granting of autocephaly to the Orthodox Church in America in 1970, the Patriarchal parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in Canada preserved the Orthodox traditions brought by Russian missionaries, and St. Barbara Cathedral in Edmonton became the unifying center of Orthodoxy in Canada.

Fulfilling the covenant of Christ “go all over the world and preach the Gospel” (Mark 16:15), outstanding hierarchs and famous pastors have labored in the field of spiritual nourishment of the faithful children of the Russian Orthodox Church.  In the days of the jubilee, we remember with gratitude His Holiness Patriarch Tikhon, now glorified as a Saints, Bishop Nicholas of Alaska, Archbishop Panteleimon of Edmonton, Priest James Korchinsky, Archpriest John Margitich and his son John Margitich, Viktor Lopushinsky and all those who served to the Holy Orthodoxy.  Today, the clergy of the Patriarchal parishes in Canada, the clergy of St. Barbara Cathedral, continue to selflessly and with the meekness of Christ to carry the missionary feat, devoting all their strength to the service of the Holy Church.

This year, great trials have befallen us, the pandemic has disrupted the way of our usual life.  Despite all the difficulties, we continue to carry out our spiritual service, trusting in the mercy of God and we will make every effort to preserve our health and the health of our loved ones.

I congratulate the clergy and the pious flock with the patronal feast and prayerfully wish you God’s help in your service and reinforcing of your spiritual and physical strength!

   + MATTHEW                                                                               December 13, 2020

Bishop of Sourozh,

Temporary Administrator

of Patriarchal Parishes

of the Moscow Patriarchate

in the USA and Canada.