The Maronite Church is an Eastern Catholic Church. The Patriarch of this Church resides in Lebanon, where the Maronites are the largest Christian community. In Canada, there are about 80,000 Maronites, a half of them reside in the Province of Quebec. The Canadian Maronite Diocese is headquartered in Montreal, it has 14 parishes across Canada. Since November 11^th, 1996 up to now the Diocese is headed by His Eminence Bishop Joseph Khoury.

His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Bishara Boutros Al-Rahi, the 77^th Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, was enthroned on March 25^th, 2011. Soon after that, on November 15^th, 2011 the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ Kirill held a meeting with the newly enthroned Maronite Patriarch during his fraternal visit to the Antiochian Orthodox Church.

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Christ is Risen!

The Myrrhbearing Women. Russian Icon.

Today, dear brothers and sisters, we recall all those who beheld Christ’s Crucified and Risen Body: the Myrrhbearing Women; the Righteous Joseph of Arimathea and the Righteous Nicodemus.

We can only imagine how difficult it must have been for them to associate with Christ at this time and to be witnesses of His Crucifixion and Resurrection.

Thus, Nicodemus, one of the Pharisees, as the Gospel of St John tells us, spoke to Christ under cover of dark, spent a huge sum on a hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes, and then was cast out of the synagogue and suffered for disclosing the Jewish plots to hide and deny the truth about Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection.

Joseph, Jesus’ disciple, begged the body of Christ from Pilate, gave his money for a shroud, gave up his own tomb and was then sorely persecuted by the Jews for telling the Truth about Christ, Crucified and Risen.

The myrrhbearers, selflessly sacrificed all for precious myrrh with which to anoint and care for the Body of Christ, and then announced the Resurrection of the Crucified, when others hid for fear of the Jews. And yet they loved Christ to such a degree that they feared not and they all revealed the Truth of His Crucifixion and Resurrection and suffered for it.

This concerns us as in a sense we are all myrrhbearers. Since the Body of Christ, in the words of the Holy Apostle Paul, is the Church, therefore all members of the Church are members of the Body of Christ. Therefore we know and confess the Truth of His Crucifixion and Resurrection, and so become myrrhbearers. We too must know how difficult it is to be myrrhbearers, to care for the Body of Christ, to care for the Church, Which is crucified by the world to this day.

For example, the world tries to condemn the Church, because the Church’s values are contrary to those of this world, ‘which lies in evil’. At other times the world tries to wound, superficially, the Body of Christ. Infiltrating the outer surface of the Church, this world creates some scandal or other and so disheartens and turns people away from the Church. Those who are turned away thus accomplish the will of this world, and of the Prince of this world, Satan.

To do anything for the Church, for the Body of Christ, in this world, is difficult, because it requires faith. And those of little faith have little time and patience for the Church.

And myrrhbearing is not only participating in the sacraments, preaching the Gospel and confessing the Faith, it is also doing that myriad of things which are so difficult because they require our sacrifice. For:

Those who sing in church are myrrhbearers.
Those who clean the church are myrrhbearers.
Those who prepare the flowers for the services are myrrhbearers.
Those who look after the garden are myrrhbearers.
Those who sew vestments and altar-coverings are myrrhbearers.
Those who bake prosphora are myrrhbearers.
Those who prepare tea or donate food or wash up are myrrhbearers.
Those who donate icons or make offerings of money are myrrhbearers.
Even those who simply come and pray for the salvation of all are myrrhbearers.

All those who work for the Body of Christ, the Church, in this world, but are not of this world, are myrrhbearers, because they show that they too selflessly love Christ.

And what is the reward of myrrhbearers?

It is to be the first to see and know the Crucified Body of Christ Risen, the first to hear the words of the Angel resplendent and whiter than snow: Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is Risen!

This is our joy, not only to feel, but also to know that the Body of Christ, the Church, is Risen, for She is the place of the Resurrection, and we are witnesses of Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection. Moreover, when we care for the Church, the Church cares for us, for we are risen with Her.

May we all always have and cherish this inner knowledge of the Truth of Christ, being myrrhbearing witnesses to His Crucifixion and His Resurrection. Amen.

http://orthodoxengland.org.uk/hp.php

The Cathedral Church of All Serbian Saints in Mississauga.

Reading prayers at the blessing of icons.

The blessing of the new icons.

The largest Serbian Church in Canada, the cathedral church of All Serbian Saints in Mississauga, on the west side of Toronto, was too small on Sunday, April 22 to received beneath its arches all the Serbian faithful who came to greet His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia.

The canonical visit of the first hierarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church to the Diocese of Canada, as was expected, had it’s culmination at the Sunday service in Mississauga, when the new frescoes were blessed, the work of masters Dragan Marunic and his assistants: Dragan Stankovic and Nemanja Marunic.

Bishop Job (Iov) blesses the faithful.

This was a gathering to remember, an assembly in which six Orthodox bishop took part. Besides the Serbian Patriarch and host hierarch, Bishop Geogije of Canada, serving were: Metropolitan Sotirios, Archbishop of the Greek Metropolis of Toronto and Exarch of All Canada; Bishop Job, administrator of the Moscow Patriarchate in Canada; Archbishop Nathaniel from the Romanian Episcopate (OCA); and Bishop Dositej Serbian Bishop of the Diocese of Brittan-Scandinavia. Concelebrating were 22 priests from the Serbian, Russian and Greek churches, with choral responses sung by the All Serbian Saints cathedral choir.

The Patriarch was visibly moved with both the number of faithful and their their expression of respect and love and from the ambo he bestowed his blessings on all, expressing his gratitude that they have endured on the path of St. Sava and built throughout Canada beautiful churches, thus building unity in their Church: “The Church sent you Bishop to this territory and everything that he has done he has done successfully. May the Lord give him the strength to continue and you will help him the most by preserving the unity for which you fought,” said the Patriarch.

Following the Divine Liturgy and the blessing of the frescoes, a formal banquet was served for all the guests who were, among the Orthodox hierarchs, ambassador for Serbia Zoran Veljic, General Consul for Serbia Vladimir Pavlov, representatives of the federal and provincial parliament and city officials.

Metropolitan Sotirios expressed his gratitude, on behalf of all the Orthodox hierarchs of Canada, that he was able to serve with the first hierarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church and pointed out the special role that the Serbian Orthodox diocese and its bishop have in strengthening the Orthodox faith in this country.

True ovations were given to Dragan Marunic and his assistants, the master fresco artists. On behalf of the host, the cathedral dean V. Rev. Stavrophor Prvoslav Puric pointed out that these artists have not only with their work but also their fellowship with the faithful in Mississauga have contributed to the fact that many have become more attached to their church.

Patriarch Irinej awarded Dragana Varaklic from Toronto with the Order of St. Sava in the second degree, as benefactor of this Church. She showed her generosity on this day as well when, together with her husband Goran, they donated $50,000 to the church.

We thank all parishioners who took an active part in baking, arranging and conducting this event.

The Resurrection of Christ.

I sincerely greet you Reverend Fathers, and dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, with the Radiant Resurrection of Christ! The Pascha of Christ is “the Holy Day of Holy Days” (Irmos 8 of the Canon), the Holy Day above all other Holy Days, the first in order of significance – the Eternal Holy Day! “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death…” In this well-known hymn the Church points out why Christ arose from the dead. The Resurrection of Christ is a victory of God’s force and truth over sin and death. Word for word, in Slavonic the word “victory” is that which occurred “after misfortune or tragedy”, that is, after the tragedy of the shameful sinful slavery which resulted in the defeat of the devil and banishment from paradise.

The Apostle Paul presents death as a venomous serpent which killed everyone with its fangs. “The sting of death is sin” he wrote. (1 Corinthians 15, 54). By His death Christ pulled out the fatal sting. On the night of His Resurrection Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ united us with God again and in this way indeed “death trampled down death”. After this the Apostle Paul mocked death with the words of the Prophet Hosea (13, 14): “Death! Where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15, 55). A serpent, which has its fangs removed is not terrible, not even to small children. This metaphor implies that death left its sting in Christ, as a bee leaves its stinger in its victim.

The Prophet Isaah in the 8^th verse of the 25^th chapter of his book says that “death will be devoured unto ages”. The Apostle Paul, quoting this prophecy of Isaah exclaimed: “death is devoured by victory” (1 Corinthians 15, 54)! What happens when death is devoured by victory? It itself dies. It undergoes what it namely did to everyone else without exemption. St. John of Damascus in the 7th hymn of the Pascal Canon gave St. Paul’s formula absolutely exactly in another way: “We celebrate the killing of death”. Pascha is the Holy Day of the burial of death.

The union with the Source of Life and the annihilation of death is our resurrection from sinful mortality. No, death itself has not disappeared. But for Christians it has stopped being so terrible. It no longer smells terribly, it no longer exhales stench. Wherever sin has been cast aside, death can only interrupt the earthly life and as a door can open into a new heavenly life. For us the way to the celebration over death lies through the victory over sin in our own selves. A Christian should live so that he or she is victorious over sin daily and boldly repeat with Apostle Paul: “For me life is Christ and death an acquisition” (Philippians 1, 21). The final fulfillment of Isaah’s prophecy is completed in the glorious Kingdom of Christ. Apostle Paul explains it such: “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that “Death is swallowed up in victory”. (1 Corinthians 15, 54). After the universal resurrection our body will transform, take on a new form of existence, as if putting on new clothing.

I prayerfully wish all of us, through the fulfilling of the Gospel’s teaching given to us by Christ the Savior, to attain in this earthly life the eternal state of Pascal celebration in perfection and fullness! Spiritually celebrating the Pascal Victory of Christ over death and hell, let us glorify Him by our new life remembering the grateful and inspiring words of Apostle Paul from his First Epistle to the Corinthians: “But thanks be to God, Who gives us the Victory through Our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord”. (1 Corinthians 15, 57-58).

Indeed He is Risen! In truth He is Risen!

Sincerely asking for your Holy prayers, with prayerful wishes to always remain in the pascal exultation of the Resurrection of Christ and in good health, with love in the Resurrected Christ,

+Iov (Job),

Bishop of Kashira, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes

 of the Russian Orthodox Church in Canada

Great and Holy Pascha * April 15, 2012 *

Canadian Conference of Orthodox Bishops.

On March 29, 2012, the Canadian Conference of Orthodox Bishops had a meeting at the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto, chaired by Metropolitan Soterios. On the agenda were the reports of the dialogue with the Catholic Bishops, pastoral, canonical and liturgical issues, a Directory of all Orthodox Canonical parishes in Canada. It was discussed the update on the petition to approve the  Assembly of Orthodox Bishops of Canada. There were also discussed plans for joint-ministry and fraternal cooperation in the future. An important topic was the discussion of the situation of persecuted Christians in the World and the position of the Orthodox in Canada.

The participants at the meeting were: His Eminence Metropolitan Sotirios and His Grace Bishop Christoforos of the Greek Metropolis of Toronto, His Grace Bishop Alexander of the Antiochian Archdiocese, His Grace Bishop Job, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in Canada, His Grace Bishop Georgij of the Serbian Diocese of Canada, His Eminence Archbishop Nicolae and His Grace Vicar Bishop Ioan Casian of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in the Americas, His Eminence Metropolitan Yurij, His Grace Bishop Hilarion and His Grace Bishop Andrej of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Grace Bishop Ilias of the Albanian Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, and His Grace Vicar Bishop Irinee of the OCA.

A date was set for next year’s meeting for April 11, 2013.

ХРАМ СВЯТОГО АПОСТОЛА ИАКОВА, БРАТА ГОСПОДНЯ на МОНДЕР (MUNDARE).

Glory to Jesus Christ! Slava Isusu Christu!
I sincerely welcome all participants of this meeting and give my archpastoral blessing for its working!
Because of the celebrations honoring the second anniversary of the Enthronement of His Holiness patriarch Kyrill in Moscow, I unfortunately cannot be present at our diocesan meeting this year. I hope that during my absence the work of the meeting will be successful and significant in the life of our parishes as traditionally has happened.

Review of the state of our parishes and the activity of the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada in 2010.
The number of registered parishioners – 763 people.
During the past year our priests performed: 37 Baptisms, 10 Weddings, 27 Funerals.
As the ruling bishop of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada in 2011 I regularly served at the Cathedral in Edmonton, made 4 archpastoral visits to the parish in Ottawa and of St. Tikhon which is the Patriarchal Podvorye in Toronto. I also replaced priests during their absences. Archpastoral services were served in parishes on church holy days and on other eventful days in parishes. On several such days they are served regularly.
The events of 2011, in which many of you took part, were regularly published in the News Section of our site and also in the parish bulletins – therefore it isn’t necessary to go through things that are commonly known. I will only mention the most important.

The Protection Parish in Ottawa
Truly the most significant event of the past year was the end of the long court case tied to this parish. According to the court resolution, on Oct. 28, 2011 our lawyer Eugene Kozlov transferred to Reverend Dimitry Sever all the accounted for financial issues (300 thousand) from the parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, the Protection Memorial Church. Father Dimitry in turn signed the document “Concession of Claim Action with regard to the property of the debtor” by which he fulfilled all requirements of him.

Orthodox V Parishes
In April-May there was a change of priests in these parishes. Priest George Sergeev returned to Russia. In Dec. 2010 priest Anthony Filchak arrived from Kiev to serve in Canada. At the end of Nov. a conflict arose because of the unwise and incorrect behaviour of the young and inexperienced priest. The root of the problem, based on the reports of both sides, was brought to the attention of the Administrator of the External Affairs of the Moscow Patriarchate Archbishop Mark. Archbishop Mark was very distressed by the information I had passed on to him and called Priest Anthony to repent, ask forgiveness of all those involved, and presented him with time to correct the shortcomings in his service resulting in the complete mutual forgiveness by our parishioners. I assume that Archbishop Mark’s authority can settle the situation at this time. The problem was regulated in the following way: priest Anthony brought forth his repentance from in front of the alter, after which the decision to allow him time until Holy Easter to reconcile with the parishes under the condition that no other new action, which could lead to a division in our parishes, happen again. He is also expected to follow the established traditions. His visa to be in Canada expires at Easter. I have given him my blessing when he presented me with his documents to continue his stay in Canada. I especially ask that at the annual meeting of the Orthodox V parishes not to do anything which could divide and separate our parishes, which the Orthodox Church in America continues to be involved in, as has happened previously. With regard to priest Anthony Filchak’s service, the final decision will be made by the Administrator of External Affairs of the Moscow Patriarchate Archbishop Mark.

General Questions and Concerns about the spiritual life of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada
In this section of my report I remind you that what has been stated by me at former meetings has not changed.
The main theme of every annual meeting is the unity of our Patriarchal Parishes under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill. This spiritual unity with our Mother Russian Orthodox Church was bequeathed to you by your grandparents and great grandparents. This bequeath can only be secured and guarded by the strengthening of the Orthodox faith, the strengthening of our lives according to the Gospel, fulfilling the rules of the Church, directions of the Patriarch and Bishop, guidance of our clergy, in mutual love and cooperation.
For the strengthening of the unity our parishes should actively participate in all parish activities – for example in the services of “Orthodoxy Day in Canada” and St. Barbara’s Day at the Cathedral.
It is important that all of us learn that all important decisions in the parishes should not be done without consulting the priest nor without the blessing of the bishop as is stated in the rules of the church.
So that our parishes will become stronger and grow, our churches should become centers of enlightenment and missionary work.
The Divine Liturgy and the Mysteries spiritually transform our life and strengthen the faith.
The doors to the homes of the priests, whenever possible, should continue to be open to the spiritual community and for mutual help.
The parish should be a united spiritual family where everyone loves and respects one another.
The clergy, by example, should show the spiritual life, true prayer, benevolence, readiness to dialogue, openness and honesty in all relationships with the community. Brotherly love and respect should be shown at all times.
All of us should encourage active participation in the services, social work, daily prayer, reading the Bible and spiritual literature and doing good works.
It is important that the parish councils not forget to support their priests and the diocese.

Goals and Plans for the New Year
To improve the running of the parishes I plan the following. In 2012 to renew the work of the diocesan council called “the bishop’s council” – in Canada the diocese and church court councils do not officially exist. Their function will be structured on the basis of the commonly accepted regulations of the Russian Orthodox Church with consideration for local conditions. The council will include all clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes in Alberta with Bishop Iov.
The church court will be made up of all clergy. The job and frequency of the Council’s meetings will depend on the number of issues which require study and discussion.
An important aim for me is to study the question of judicial registration of the Patriarchal Parishes with regard to a general understanding as pertains to Canada.

Conclusion
Looking over the past year I can comment that with the Grace of God all results of 2011 are positive in that the Patriarchal Parishes fulfill the mission which has been placed on them. Let us lift up words of gratitude to All- Mighty God for His great and never-ending grace for us! Thank God for everything!
I whole-heartedly thank all of you for your service, dedication, help and prayers, donations and good works in the parishes. I call upon all to remember our common great accountability before God, the Church and our parishioners. May the Lord help us all in our endeavours!
Along with everyone else, I would like to congratulate Roman Lopushinsky on his 65th birthday.

On January 28, 2012, the 47th Convocation of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada was held after the Divine Liturgy in St. James Church in Mundare lead by the rector of St. Barbara Cathedral in Edmonton Father Sergey Kipriyanovich, minister of Orthodox IX Parishes Father Igor Kisil and minister of Orthodox V Parishes Father Anton Filchak.
According to the tradition the meeting began with the communal prayer and the blessing of Father Sergey Kipriyanovich. Then the acting chairman (Bill Karpo) and the recording secretaries of the meeting were elected and the agenda was approved.
After reading and approval of the minutes of the previous 46th meeting the reports were held of the administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes  and the clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes and also annual reports of the presidents of the Cathedral of St. Barbara, “Orthodox IX” and “Orthodox V” parishes. Then the financial report was held by the treasurer of the Patriarchal Parishes and the budget for 2012 was assessed.
Finally, plans of measures and new projects for the current year were considered: the development of web-site of the Patriarchal Parishes, fixing the day of service in the church of the Ukrainian village-museum (May 21, 2013, 10:00 AM), fixing the place and date of the next annual meeting (Nisku, January 12, 2013: service – 9:00, meeting – 10:30).