News

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  Nativity epistle of His Eminence, Archbishop Gabriel

  28 December 2012

  To the Clergy & the Whole Divinely Saved Flock of the Diocese of Montréal & Canada
  Beloved brethren and sisters,

  Throughout the forthcoming holy and great days of the Nativity of Christ, Orthodox Christians strive to bring joy to one another. In particular, we try to bring joy to children, preparing presents for them and distributing sweets. The intent of this beautiful custom is to remind the people of the gifts given to the divine Infant by the magi; but more importantly, of the divine benefactions, the spiritual gifts, which are sent down upon us from the cave of Bethlehem. The grace-filled joy of the Nativity of Christ is expressed in oue triumphal glorification of the divine Infant, not only in the holy church, but also, as much as possible, in the homes of all of us Orthodox Christians. Unfortunately, in the West they have not only all but forgotten the spiritual essence of this great event; indeed, they have distorted even the very concept of what actually happened, of what we are celebrating! We see plenty of ornamented windows, even whole streets decorated, where, however, not even a single word is uttered about the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ; instead, we hear only bland greetings, no one knows what for. Parties and amusements await the revelers. But who prepares himself for the Nativity of Christ, which they do not call by its proper name? Who fasts? Who, ultimately, can recount to those close to them the wondrous and moving events of the Nativity, which soften men’s souls?
  Dear brethren and sisters, let us strive during these holy days of the Nativity to maintain peace and joy within ourselves, driving evil thoughts from our hearts. In this, the preëternal Infant, Christ the Savior, will help us, just as two centuries ago, on His Nativity, He helped our glorious forefathers drive from Russia the invading armies of Napoleon. “Let us with tears of gratitude moisten His all-pure feet; let us worship Him with humility and joyous glorification, spiritually placing ourselves before the cave of Bethlehem; and at the same time let us feel pity, with all our souls, for those around us whose hearts and minds fail to share in the great event of the Nativity of Christ,” says His Beatitude, Metropolitan Anthony, the founder of our Russian Church Abroad.
  “What shall we offer Thee, O Christ, in that Thou hast appeared on earth as a man for our sake?” (from a Vespers sitcheron of the feast). “As God of the world and Father of compassions, Thou hast sent to us Thine Angel of great Counsel, Who granteth us peace” (from Irmos V of Canon I of the Nativity of Christ).
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  CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

  GABRIEL
  Archbishop of Montreal & Canada

  Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2012/2013

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  New Ordination of Fr.Philosoph to the Priesthood.

  16 December 2012

  New Ordination

  On the feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, Deacon Philosoph Uhlman from the parish of St. Sophia in Victoria, BC, was ordained a priest at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY – by Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada.
  With the blessing of Archbishop Gabriel, Fr. Philosoph will be opening a mission parish in honor of St. John of Shanghai & San Francisco on Vancouver island in the city of Nanaimo. Presently there is no full time functioning Orthodox parish in Nanaimo, so God willing, this will be the only parish that will have regular services.
  As is the case in many cities in North America, Nanaimo is populated with a number of new émigrés from Russia and the Ukraine. Therefore, we hope that having a mission with a full time priest will help to attract the new Orthodox faithful to this new parish that will not only help to meet their spiritual needs, but also help the mission grow into a full fledged parish that will be a beacon in the beautiful city of Nanaimo.
  We congratulate Fr. Philosoph on his elevation to the priesthood and wish him God’s help, good health and many years of service in the Vineyard of Christ.
  Photo Album

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  Protopriest Vladimir Malchenko Honored with a Government Award

  2 December 2012

  TORONTO: November 26, 2012
  Protopriest Vladimir Malchenko Honored with a Government Award

  Mitred Protopriest Vladimir Malchenko, Rector of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toronto, Canada, and active member of the Russian community, was given an important government award.

  At a benefit event in Toronto on November 22, 2012, Mark Adler, member of the Federal Parliament, gave Fr Vladimir the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond 60th Jubilee Medal on behalf of the Governor General of Canada, in recognition of his role as an eminent social and ecclesiastical figure who has greatly contributed to the life of the Russian community in Canada.

  Protopriest Vladimir also received congratulations from Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

• Official email address of the Canadian Diocese.

  2 December 2012

  Since the recent malfunction made the official electronic addresses of the Canadian Diocese inaccessible, with the blessing of His Grace Gabriel, Archbishop of Montreal and Canada the Diocesan Chancery has created a new address to prevent a breakdown in communication between the Chancery and all its addressees.

  From December 1, 2012 the official address of the Canadian Diocese is canadian.diocese@gmail.com

  The Chancery would greatly appreciate it if all of our rectors and other persons who rely upon the electronic communication with the Diocese would enter the new address into all relevant lists straight away.

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  The Anniversary of Myrrhstreaming Iveron-Montreal Icon of the Most Holy Virgin and Mother of God

  2 December 2012

  Sorry, this entry is only available in Русский.