Archpastoral Message of His Grace  MATTHEW, Bishop of Sourozh, Temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada, on the occasion of the Patronal Feast of St. Barbara’s Cathedral in Edmonton and the 120th Anniversary of the Founding of the Parish.

To the Rector, clergy and parishioners of St. Barbara’s Cathedral in Edmonton and the Patriarchal parishes in Canada.

                       Beloved in Christ, fathers, brothers and sisters!

I heartily congratulate you on the Patronal Feast, on the day of remembrance of the Holy Great Martyr Barbara, which this year coincides with a significant date – the 120th anniversary of the founding of the parish.

In 1897, the first Orthodox liturgy was celebrated on Canadian soil, and in 1902 in the city of Edmonton, thanks to the hard work of the priest Jacob Korchinsky and his wife Matushka Varvara, a parish was formed and the small wooden church was built.

By the all-good Providence of God, the parish of the holy martyr Barbara in the city of Edmonton became a spiritual, educational and missionary center in Canada.

In today’s difficult days, the martyrdom of the great saint Barbara and her firm, unshakable sincere faith, are for us an inexhaustible source of inspiration that sanctifies, strengthens and enlightens us.

I would like to especially congratulate the Rector of the Cathedral, Father Igor and Matushka Natalia, on their 25^th Anniversary of their diligent service and work for the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada.

Sharing with all of you the joy of the 120th Anniversary of the founding of the Holy Barbara parish, I prayerfully wish you all, dear brothers and sisters, that this glorious jubilee serve as a stimulus for the further development of all aspects of parish life.

The all-merciful Lord, through the prayers of the Holy Great Martyr Barbara, will send His abundant mercy and blessings to all who trust in the faith, prayer, intercession, and patronage of Saint Barbara.

+ MATTHEW 

Bishop of Sourozh,

Temporary Administrator of Patriarchal Parishes

in the USA and Canada

December 17, 2022