On Friday, December 17, St. Barbara’s Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church in Canada celebrated  the patronal feast of St. Great Martyr Barbara.

Bishop of Kashira Iov, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada, conducted the festal Divine service assisted by the rector of St. Barbara’s  Cathedral archpriest Sergey Kipriyanovich, other priests of Patriarchal Parishes and also representativesof American, Antiochian, Ukrainian Orthodox Churches. The choir of Cathedral sang during the service.

At the  Divine liturgy Bishop Iov congratulated all numerous worshippers with the Patrons Day. In particular, the archpastor drew attention of the believers to the strength of faith and how a weak woman can be stronger than many men with the power of Christ. He also mentioned that according to St. Paul a woman has no right to teach in the Church, but St Barbara teaches us through her martyrdom.

There was the Moleben after the Liturgy. The Rector of St. Barbara’s  Cathedral archpriest Sergey Kipriyanovich said about the presence of St. Barbara in the house of worship through her relics and her protection to believers.  Bishop Iov anointed parishioners after veneration of relics. “Many years” were proclaimed to Patriarch Kiryll and orthodox Christians.

It was joyful “trapeza” (lunch) after the service in the church hall because of singing  by many  priests traditional Ukrainian carols (kolyadky)

Photo&Video by rev. G. Sergeev