Save as PDFArchpastoral Greeting on the 80th anniversary of St. Peter and Paul Church in North Star, Alberta.
Dear Fathers, dear brothers and sisters, and our distinguished guests!
The 80th anniversary of St. Peter and Paul Church in North Star.
Congratulations on the 80th anniversary, commemorating Saints Peter and Paul Russo-Greek Orthodox Church in North Star!
In our Orthodox Church apostles Peter and Paul are called “Foremost” and “Highest”. The titles, given to them, tell us about the glory and honor of these men, and about the particular place they occupy among other Apostles. Prior to reaching eternal heavenly and worldly honor, these Apostles carried an enormous workload and did great deeds. The words “Foremost” and “Highest” tell us about those, who were the first to make their way to the top, the first to trace a path in order for others to reach the summit of spiritual life and to commune with God. These Apostles were not only the first to reach the highest peak of life by living, according to the Gospel, but – through their preaching – to make the Word of God known to the whole universe. They taught and today continue to teach not only with words, but also by their own example.
This Church in North Star is also the place, where the founders – among whom were your parents and grandparents – arrived to, spiritually accompanied by the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. The Bible tells us how the Apostles went to the borders of the universe preaching about Christ… Your Church is the most northerly Orthodox Church in the province of Alberta. A hundred of years ago here there was only a lifeless desert. We can metaphorically say that this place – near North Star – is a kind of spiritual border between life and death; between God’s Church (which is Sacred Land) and unsanctified territory. Further to the north from here the sound of the Word of God could not then, nor now be heard. Let our spiritual pole – the Church, named after the Foremost Apostles Peter and Paul – sparkle, similar to the North Pole Star, with divine light and grace! This helps the faithful believers in Christ from freezing, when winter comes to the soul!
Each time I think about this Church, the image of eternal sunshine is evoked in my mind. The spiritual sun always shines. Thanks to it, it is always daylight in our souls! Thanks to this Church, the light of Christian truth is radiated towards many other neighboring places. The warmth of the Holy Spirit always comes towards us, who live in the south, from North Star! Thanks to this heavenly warmth, life in our cold northern regions continues and brings comfort to our hearts!
From the bottom of my heart let me thank and bless Father Alexii, the Parish Board, all the parishioners and guests of this Holy Church on this special day! I wish you all spiritual joy and blessing in your prayers, good health and long life!
Many years to our parish in North Star! Many years and God’s blessing to all of you, my dear brothers and sisters!
Iov, Bishop of Kashira, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada.
July 12, 2015.
