September 21-22, 2002
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THE PATRONAL FEAST DAY
The Pontifical Liturgy on the Patronal Feast Day of our Sobor
on Sunday September 22, 2002, was headed by His Grace, Bishop Seraphim.
On the Eve of the Feast, the Vigil was celebrated by His Grace Bishop Seraphim
with the following Orthodox clergy in Vancouver: Fr. Michael Fourik, Fr. Stephen
Slipko, Fr. Andrey Somow and Fr. James McLuckie (Holy Resurrection Sobor), Fr.
Panagiotis Pavlakos (Greek Orthodox Church), Fr. Nicolae Lapuste ( Romanian
Orthodox Church), Fr. John Andrisonia (OCA Romanian Parish). There were approximately
75 people in the Church at the service and 12 in the choir. All the parishioners
were anointed with the holy oil during the Matins. Tea, coffee and a light dinner
was served by the Sisterhood.
On the day of Feast the weather was excellent, sunny and warm and our Sobor
was full with parishioners and many guests in attendance. The Divine Liturgy
was celebrated by His Grace Bishiop Seraphim with the assistance of Fr. Michael
Fourik, Fr. Stephen Slipko, Fr. Andrey Somow and Fr. James McLuckie. During
the Small Entrance His Grace Bishop Seraphim gave His blessing to Fr. Michael,
Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrey to wear jewellery cross. Fr. James was rewarded with
kamelawka.
Helping at the Pontifical Service were Subdeacons: George Vishniakoff, Constantine
Somow, Denis Stepaniak, Vadim Shestakov, Anton Koskinen, Nicolay Chen, Dimitriy
and Stanislav Shevchenko. The choir, directed by Kirill Bolshakov, decorated
the service by its beautiful singing.
The procession around the Church with the reading of our Gospels and the sprinkling
at the Church with Holy Water took place at the end of the Liturgy.
At the very end of the Service Many years were proclaimed and sang hierarchs
and the Holy Synod for the country of Canada and its people andfor the clergy
and the parishioners of Holy Resurrection Sobor. Memory eternal was sang for
those who departed this life before us and especially for those who founded
and have served in this Church.
After the Divine Liturgy, there was a feastal banquet at which everyone enjoyed
the delicious food prepared by our Sisterhood. During the reception Fr. Michael,
the rector of Holy Resurrection Sobor proposed the toast to His Grace Bishop
Seraphim and Many years was sung to our beloved Vladyka . His Grace gave the
speech as well and underline that he was very happy to see so many people in
the Church. He greeted those gathered and proposed the toast for the well-being
of the parishioners and guests of the Feast as well. His Grace also thanked
the Sisterhood for preparation of the banquet. At the end of the reception the
rector, Fr. Michael said a few words of appreciation and good wishes to all.
Thanks again to all who worked so hard to make this event so successful. May
the Lord God bless you all!
During His stay in Vancouver Vladyka had the opportunity to meet many parishioners
and guests of all parishes in the Vancouver area. He also visited parishioners
homes. We sincerely thank you, dear Vladyka, for your visit to our city, for
your prayers, and archpastoral blessing.
Is polla eti Despota!