On Sunday, July 31, 2016, at the Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, in Jackson\u2019s Point, Ontario (Berezki), the Annual Feast was celebrated. 2016 marks the fifty-ninth year of the parish. The All-Night Vigil on Saturday, July 30th and the Hierarchical Liturgy were presided by Archbishop GABRIEL of Montreal & Canada; with rector Priest Maxim Abroskin. Visiting Mitred Protopriest Vladimir Malchenko, the rector of the Holy Trinity Parish in Toronto with Protodeacon Alexander Morin, subdeacons and readers from within the Greater Toronto Area.
\nDuring the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, the parish rector Priest Maxim Abroskin was awarded a skufia, a symbol of honour.
\nAfter the Hierarchical divine liturgy, there was a moleben followed by a procession around the Church. With clear skies above, the procession circled the Church with all those in attendance. The Church was overflowing, the parishioners well dressed, the candle stands full, joyful faces everywhere and the choir, led by Reader Gregory Montana, the parish choir director, singing \u201cEis Polla Eti.\u201d
\nDuring the trapeza, Archbishop Gabriel, Priest Maxim Abroskin and Protodeacon Alexander Morin thanked the Sisterhood and all volunteers that made the annual feast successful.
\nAs always, a delicious meal was served by the Sisterhood of the parish to over two hundred persons. Father Maxim Abroskin, announced that the parish is in the process of building a paved parking lot for the faithful who attend services. Donations are always greatly appreciated.
\nArchbishop Gabriel during his closing remarks enlightened the faithful that next year marks the sixtieth anniversary of the parish and God willing, Metropolitan Hilarion will be able to visit and serve at the parish, as it would be his first time visiting this parish on his native Canadian soil. Mr. Peter Van Loan, the current member of the Canadian House of Commons for electoral district of York-Simcoe was an honored guest, sitting to the left of Archbishop Gabriel.
\nThe parish is always welcoming new visitors to become parish members and are strongly encouraged to volunteer their time and resources to assist positive growth within the parish.<\/p>\n
A participant.
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