118th anniversary of the first Divine Liturgy on the Canadian soil.

July 19, 2015 at the historic site associated with the occurrence the Patriarchal Parishes (July 18, 1897 is the day of the first Liturgy celebrated in Canada), near the Holy Trinity Church in the settlement of “Old Wostok” (Orthodox V district), a solemn Liturgy was served. The Holiday dedicated to the 118th anniversary of the first Divine Liturgy on the Canadian soil was led by His Grace Iov, Bishop of Kashira, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada. He was co-served by priest Oleksii Suraiev and deacon Andrey Boldyreff. Before the Liturgy Nestor Kostiuk, Prezident of the Archangel Michael Church at Peno was tonsured into Reader and Sub-Deacon position. Many people from many churches of “Orthodox V” were praying during the service together with the parishioners of the Cathedral of St. Barbara in Edmonton, headed by the president of the parish council of the Cathedral Roman Lopushinsky. As guests there were people from other Orthodox jurisdictions.

An Epistle at the time of the Divine Liturgy was read by reader Yakim Lopushinsky. Deacon Andrey read in English instructive word of Bishop Iov of the importance of the Divine Liturgy to us. A wonderful parish choir (to which the Cathedral singers were joined too) under the direction of choir director of the “Orthodox V” Andrea Zacharuk sang hymns in two languages – English and Slavic. Worship was listened not only by people, but also by a great Canadian half-wild nature – for example, the little owl chicks, sitting near a spruce tree and does not feel any danger from the presence of man praying to God… After singing glorification to St. Tikhon (who visited this place twice at the beginning of the last century), Patriarch of All Russia and Confessor, before the holy icon with a particle of his relics were proclaimed Many Years to the clergy and members of the Patriarchal parishes and “Memory Eternal” to all the dead, who labored on the statement of Orthodoxy on the Canadian soil.

Priest Oleksii Suraiev thanked everyone and said that this service in the holy place is the real miracle in this year. “Just the day before we thought about the fact that due to the weather conditions Liturgy have to be moved to the Chipman church. But the wind dispersed the clouds and the sun is shining brightly over our heads as the heavenly lamp… “

The celebration of the anniversary ended with a traditional meal and warm fraternal communion of the clergy and laity.

Also, this day is the commemoration of the martyrdom of the first permanent missionary priest in Canada, father Jacob Korchinskiy (+ July 19, 1941 near Odessa). Bishop Iov thanked God for His gracious help showed to him during the 10 years of his ministry in Canada (since July 15, 2005).