APPROVED BY THE ARCHDIOCESAN COUNCIL
Minutes of The ARCHDIOCESE OF CANADA (OCA) Council Meeting Held at the DoubleTree Hotel, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada On the 1st of October, 2014
Session I –Wednesday, October 1, 2014
I. Liturgical Services and Call to Order The meeting was preceded by a Moleben served at 9:00 a.m. for the Council by his Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon. The sessions of the Archdiocesan Council meeting took place in the board office of the DoubleTree Hotel. Session I convened at 9:45 a.m. with the blessing of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon.
Priest Nazari Polataiko was appointed as co-chair of the meeting and he called the meeting to order. The roll was called (see Item II). Deacon Justin Mitchell was appointed Secretary to take minutes for this council meeting.
II. Roll Call and Regrets Present: His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, Locum Tenens of the Archdiocese of Canada Archpriest Anatoliy Melnyk, Chancellor and Archdiocesan Clergy Representative to the Metropolitan Council Priest Nazari Polataiko, Secretary of the Archdiocese of Canada Mr. Nikita Lopoukhine, Treasurer of the Archdiocese of Canada Archpriest Gregory Nimijean, Dean of Québec and Maritime Provinces Priest Geoffrey Korz, Dean of Ontario Priest Gregory Scratch, Dean of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nunavut Archpriest Phillip Eriksson, Dean of Alberta and the Northwest Territories Archpriest Michael Fourik, Dean of British Columbia and the Yukon and STAS Western Liason, Priest Andrew Applegate, Clergy Member-at-Large (Assembly Elected) Deacon Justin Mitchell, Lay Representative, Québec and Maritime Provinces and Archdiocesan Lay Representative to the Metropolitan Council Subdeacon Gregory Rychlo, Lay Representative, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nunavut Mrs. Barbara North, Lay Representative, Alberta and Northwest Territories and STAS Western Liason Priest Geoffrey Korz, Dean of Ontario Reader Valentin Lossev, Lay Representative, Ontario Reader Dr. John Hadjinicalaou, Lay Member-at-Large (Assembly Elected)
Regrets: His Grace Bishop Irénée (Rochon), Administrator of the Archdiocese of Canada
Guests: Mary Ann Lopoukhine, Holy Annunciation/St. Nicholas Cathedral (Friday only) Deacon Jessie Isaac from St. Herman’s Sobor, Edmonton, Alberta
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III. Minutes of the Spring 2014 Meeting The Minutes of the Spring, 2014 Council Meeting were ADOPTED as presented by the Archdiocesan Council.
Moved by Fr. Andrew Applegate; seconded by Fr. Phillip Erickson. The motion carried.
IV. Business Arising Fr. Nazari reviewed the business arising from the Minutes of the [May, 2014 meeting of the Council. (Italicized texts are quotes from the Minutes.) 1. “That the Treasurer allocate $500 to both the Hermitage of the Holy Annunciation and Holy Transfiguration Hermitage as a gesture of support for monastic life in the Archdiocese.” Completed. 2. “That the Treasurer draft a letter to the parishes explaining how they may give appropriately (within Canadian charitable laws and standards) directly to charitable organizations (without any need to involve the Archdiocese.” In progress. 3. “That the Treasurer check the CRA guidelines on sending money abroad to charities not registered in Canada.” Completed. 4. “That the Archdiocesan Executive Council establish terms of reference for an Archdiocesan Archivist, and that an Ottawa-based individual be requested to take on the role of Archdiocesan Archivist and be appointed.” In progress. 5. “That the Treasurer establishes a line item for the Archdiocesan Archives, with an initial annual allocation of $1000.” In progress. 6. “That the Legal Counsel and Episcopal Secretary prepare and distribute a standardized template for creating a Policy on Guidelines for Preventing Sexual Misconduct for parish use based on the recently approved guidelines from the Central Administration of the OCA. In progress. 7. That parishes and/or Regional Deans be contacted to identify parish media contacts.” In progress. 8. “That Dr. John Hadjinicolaou talk to the inhabitants at Fairhaven, excluding Archbishop Seraphim to determine their ability to pay rent.” Not yet done (Abandoned). 9. “That the St. Arseny Orthodox Theological Institute Director provides a list of concrete needs to the Archdiocese.” Completed. 10. “That the Archdiocesan Council draft an information brochure on the requirements and information that mission boards should provide the Archdiocesan Council when they request financial support or advice regarding the purchase of property.” To have been done by Archpriest Rodion Luciuk and Deacon Jesse Isaac. Since they are no longer on Council, this task will be given to Fr. Matthew Francis. In Progress. 11. “That the Episcopal Secretary seeks volunteers to assist in the running of the Archdiocesan office. One volunteer has been recruited, and a second one is ready to assist. 12. “That a representative of the Archdiocese visit parishes that have not been contributing financially, in the proper spirit of the tithe, to the Archdiocese at their annual general meetings.” This matter is ongoing. It’s happening on a regular basis. In Progress. 13. “That the Episcopal Secretary write a letter of appreciation to the current website service provider for his ongoing support of the Archdiocesan website.” Completed. 14. “That a new high-efficiency gas furnace be installed in the Archdiocesan Centre.” Completed. 15. “That the Legal Counsel conduct a search for the property title of All Saints of North America Monastery, Dewdney, B.C.” Completed. Reported by email to the Secretary by Matthew Estabrooks.
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16. “That the Legal Counsel review and provide an opinion and guidance on the Archdiocesan policy for designated funds.” In progress. 17. “That the Archdiocesan Executive Council sends a letter to parishes explaining the principle of tithing.” Completed. 18. “That the executive members of Council oversee the work of this committee. Once the committee has come up with avenues to put the proposed project(s) into “life,” its members should make a presentation to the Executive of the Archdiocesan Council for approval.” Dn. Justin and Fr. Nazari. 19. “That Bishop Irėnėe write a letter to Metropolitan Tikhon requesting guidance on the reception of Orthodox priests who immigrate to Canada and have not received a canonical release from their original jurisdictions.” Completed. 20. “That Bishop Irénée write a letter as soon as possible to the clergy informing them that public statements with potential legal consequences should not be made without the consultation and blessing of the ruling Hierarch.” Completed. 21. “That the Episcopal Secretary write a letter to all parishes advising them to include a budget item for accruing savings for the costs of sending delegates to clergy synaxes, Archdiocesan Assemblies, and All-American Councils.” Completed. 22. “That the Canadian Orthodox Messenger discontinue distribution of print copies to the parishes and switch to PDF copies to be sent to the Rectors of parishes. Completed. 23. “That the Communications Committee prepares terms of reference for the role of Archdiocesan press secretary.” Tasked to Valentin Lossev. Ongoing. 24. “That the Human Resources Committee develops job descriptions for the members of the Archdiocesan Council.” Barbara North reported that she had submitted a draft of the handbook to her committee. Protodeacon Nazari stated that revisions need to be made. Ongoing. 25. “That the Human Resources Committee develop a resource handbook for members of the Archdiocesan Council.” Barbara reported that she had submitted a draft which was part of the above item. Revisions required. Ongoing. 26. “That the Archdiocesan Council reassess the frequency of the Archdiocesan Council meetings in one year’s time.” Completed. 27. “That the Communication Committee research and identify reliable and cheap telephone and video conference providers for future telephone and video conference calls.” Ongoing. 28. “That Bishop Irénée publish the letter, sent to Igumen Luke (Majoros) that recognized the Monastery of St. Siloun the Athonite as an incorporated entity of the Archdiocese of Canada.” Completed. V. New Action Items 29. Action: Chancellor to discuss with new ruling Bishop the administration of the Archdiocese and position of Episcopal Secretary. Fr. Anatoliy Melnyk. 30. Action: Chancellor to discuss with new ruling Bishop the administration of the Archdiocese and position of Treasurer. Fr. Anatoliy Melnyk 31. Action: Episcopoal Secretary to write letter on behalf of Council to Fr. Rodion stating its support and love. Fr. Nazari Polataiko 32. Action: Business Development & Investment Committee to meet and discuss implementing these ideas. Dn. Justin Mitchell and Fr. Nazari Polataiko 33. Action: Find a provider for upcoming Archdiocesan Council teleconference call in January, 2015. Mr. Valentin Lossev 34. Action: Fr. Andrew Applegate will seek a volunteer to assist with STAS and Fundraising committee. Fr. Andrew Applegate 35. Action: Prepare draft of new Archdiocesan bylaws by 2016 Assembly. Matthew Estabrooks
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36. Action: Prepare updated minimum standards for parish bylaws that act as a template. Matthew Estabrooks 37. Action: Investigate ability to incorporate parishes into Archdiocese Corporation. Matthew Estabrooks 38. Action: Review Saturday Clerical Formation program offered by New York/New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. Fr. Nazari 39. Action: Develop Pre-Ordination Mentorship Program. Fr. Nazari 40. Action: Chair to contact Deans to find a local person to handle media communications. Valentin Lossev 41. Action: Greg to contact locals in Alberta to assist in the property search effort. Greg Rychio 42. Action: Fr. Geoffrey Korz to present the resolution to the Assembly. Fr. Geoffrey Korz 43. Action: Fr. Gregory to develop a proposal to present at the next meeting. Fr. Gregory Scratch 44. Action: Fundraising Committee to develop a 100th celebration plan. Valentin to chair a 100th celebration committee. Valentin Lossev 45. Action: Announcement of bursary to be posted on the website with the permission of Subdeacon Bishop. (by Webmaster and Fr. Nazari) 46. Action: Fr. Nazari to contact Subdeacon Bishop about writing a story about his seminary experience. Fr. Nazari 47. Action: Request by Fr. John Jillions for a summary by our Treasurer for amount of money spent from our tithing account to OCA. Mr. Nikita Lopoukhine
VI. Additions to and Approval of Agenda
The following item was added to the Agenda with following Changes: combine 7.7 and 7.14.
St. Arseny Institute and Education 100th Anniversary of ArchDiocese One Request for Bursary Combine 7.4 and 7.1 Availability of New Gospel under Business committee
Moved by Nikita Lopoukhine, Seconded Fr. Andrew Applegate
Motion carried.
Moved En Camera, moved by Fr. Gregory Scratch, Seconded by Matthew Estabrooks. Moved Out Camera, moved by Barbara, and Seconded by Fr. Geoffrey Korz.
VII. Address of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon His Beatitude pointed out that he and Bishop IRÉNÉE stay in frequent communication. His Beatitude issued guidelines for the Assembly, and His Beatitude will present the procedures as clearly as possible to the Assembly. The Council then discussed with His Beatitude the process of nominating and electing a new bishop.
His Beatitude stated that the OCA issued a statement about the Assembly of Bishops in Dallas regarding the Canonical situation in North America.
VIII. Received letter from Bishop IRÉNÉE, and accepted His Grace’s regrets not to be able to attend due to scheduled surgery today. The Archdiocesan Council thanked and congratulated Bishop IRÉNÉE on the fifth anniversary of His Grace’s Episcopal Consecration, and stood to sing MANY YEARS!
IX. Report of the Chancellor (see Submitted Report) Archpriest Anatoliy Melnyk reported on his work as the Chancellor.
X. Report of the Secretary of the Archdiocese of Canada, and Episcopal Secreatary (see Submitted Report)
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Fr. Nazari Polataiko reported on his activities as the Archdiocesan Secretary and the Episcopal Secretary. He informed Council that he could be transferred outside of the Archdiocese. He strongly advocated that the position of Episcopal Secretary be funded via STAS and maintained.
Fr. Geoffrey Korz suggested a thorough review of the Executive Secretary position, search for replacement, training for new person, and role of the Deans, funding of Deanery parish visits.
Action: Chancellor to discuss with new ruling Bishop the administration of the Archdiocese and position of Episcopal Secretary. Fr. Anatoliy Melnky.
Session I of the Archdiocesan Council meeting adjourned at 1:10 p.m. for lunch.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Session II – Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Session II of the Archdiocesan Council convened at 2:00 p.m.
XI. Report of the Treasurer (see Submitted Report) Mr. Nikita Lopoukhine presented the financial report of the Archdiocese. Nikita also reported that the Monastery of St. Silouan is meeting more of its expenses, and they are now covering their property taxes, heating, and electricity expenses. He noted that cash on hand is running low, and that he would be retiring within one year.
Action: Chancellor to discuss with new ruling Bishop the administration of the Archdiocese and position of Treasurer. Fr. Anatoliy Melnyk
XII. Report of the Audit Committee No Report. Has not met recently as required by bank mortgage covenants.
XIII. Report of the Regional Deans 1. Québec and Maritime Provinces Deanery (see Submitted Report) Fr. Gregory Nimijean submitted a report on the activities of the Quebec and Maritime Provinces Deanery. 2. Ontario Deanery (see Submitted Reports) Fr. Geoffrey Korz submitted a report on the Ontario Deanery. 3. Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nunavut Deanery (see Submitted Report) Fr. Gregory Scratch reported on the Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nunavut Deanery. Action: Episcopoal Secretary to write letter on behalf of Council to Fr. Rodion stating its support and love. Fr. Nazari Polataiko 4. Alberta and the Northwest Territories Deanery (see Submitted Report) Fr. Phillip Eriksson reported on the Alberta and the Northwest Territories Deanery. 5. British Columbia and the Yukon Deanery (see Submitted Report) FR. Michael Fourik reported on the activities of the British Columbia and Yukon Deanery.
XIV. Report of the Legal Counsel (Matthew Estabrooks) Mr. Matthew Estabrooks, Esquire, reviewed current status of outstanding legal issues.
Matthew reviewed the legal status and incorporation of the Archdiocese, and noted that we are incorporated under the Ordinances dated 1903, and 1904. He stated that no further action regarding the incorporation is required.
XV. Business Development and Investment Committee (Oral Report, Deacon Justin Mitchell)
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Deacon Justin highlighted items of the work of this committee, including 100th Anniversary Medallions. Fr. Nazari presented a proposal for publishing an English translation of liturgical Gospel Book.
Action: BDIC to meet and discuss implementing these ideas. Dn. Justin and Fr. Nazari
XVI. Communications Committee (Oral Report, Valentin Lossev) Mr. Lossev reported on telecommunications options. Action: Find a provider for upcoming Archdiocesan Council teleconference call in January, 2015. Mr. Valentin Lossev
XVII. STAS (Fr. Gregory Scratch, see Submitted Report)
Fr. Andrew Applegate and Fr. Gregory Scratch discussed the common goals of the Fundraising committee and STAS.
XVIII. Fund-Raising Committee (Report submitted) See report submitted by Fr. Andrew Applegate and Dr. John Hadjinicalaou. Dr. John Hadjinicalaou recommends that a part-time marketing/fundraising position be added to lead fundraising efforts and STAS.
Action: Fr. Andrew Applegate will seek a volunteer to assist with STAS and Fundraising committee. Fr. Andrew Applegate
XIX. Human Resource Committee (Barbara North) Mrs. Barbara North is working on the Archdiocesan handbook.
XX. Theological Education Committee (Fr. Nazari) See report by Archdiocesan Secretary.
XXI. Mission and Missions Development Committee (Presented by Fr. Nazari) Council briefly discussed Fr. Matthew Francis’ report. See Submitted Report.
XXII. Property Management Committee (Report submitted by Sdn. Greg Rychlo) Subdeacon Greg reported on the scope of the work to be done by this committee. It is extensive. The committee finds that getting the necessary documents is one of the biggest challenges it faces.
XXIII. Archdiocesan Vocational Assessment Committee (see Archdiocesan Secretary Report) Fr. Nazari reported on the activities of this committee.
XXIV. Metropolitan Council (reported by Fr. Anatoliy Melnyk & Deacon Justin Mitchell) Fr. Anatoliy Melnyk and Deacon Justin expanded on their written report. See Submitted Report.
XXV. St. Arseny Orthodox Theological Institute (Oral Report by Fr. Gregory Scratch, Submitted Report by Fr. Anthony Estabrooks) Fr. Gregory Scratch presented this report. He stated that the Institute is not an official body of the Archdiocese, but rather is an independent entity under the omophorion of the ruling bishop of the Archdiocese.
XXVI. Canadian Council of Churches (No Submitted Committee Report)
XXVII. Webmaster (Fr. Geoffrey Ready submitted report) Fr. Nazari reported that our new website database is fully operational.
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Session II of the Archdiocesan Council meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m. for Coffee Break.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Session III – Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Session III of the Archdiocesan Council convened at 4:35 p.m.
XXVIII. Discussion of the future work of the committees of the Archdiocesan Council
1. Legal and Bylaws Committee.
ACTION: Prepare draft of new Archdiocesan bylaws by 2016 Assembly. Matthew Estabrooks ACTION: Prepare updated minimum standards for parish bylaws that act as a template. Matthew Estabrooks
ACTION: Investigate ability to incorporate parishes into Archdiocese Corporation. Matthew Estabrooks
2. Theological Education Committee Fr. Nazari recommends a minimum one-year Seminary attendance requirement for new priest ordination candidates.
ACTION: Review Saturday Clerical Formation program offered by New York/New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. Fr. Nazari ACTION: Develop Pre-Ordination Mentorship Program. Fr. Nazari
3. Business Development Committee (report submitted by Deacon Justin Mitchell) Deacon Justin reviewed the issuance of commemorative coins of North American saints. The project could run for approximately five years, thereby enabling subscribers to collect all of the coins. Each coin could be accompanied by a study of the life of the saint for that coin issue. The coins could be manufactured for $5.00 to $10.00 each. They could then be sold for $50.00 each. It was suggested that the Committee should find donors to provide the start-up costs of producing the coins. Deacon Justin suggested that $3000.00 is a realistic figure for the production start-up cost.
ACTION: That the executive members of Council oversee the work of this committee. Once the committee has come up with avenues to put the proposed project(s) into “life,” its members should make a presentation to the Executive of the Archdiocesan Council for approval.– [Deacon Justin Mitchell and Fr. Nazari].
4. Communication Committee ACTION: Chair to contact Deans to find a local person to handle media communications. Valentin Lossev
5. STAS & Fundraising Fr. Gregory and two deans will find a STAS representative to replace Jeremy Scratch. The STAS award has been stalled since STAS has basically been “on hold” for the last eight months.
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Recommend Fr. Andrew Applegate to Chair committee of combined STAS and Fundraising, assisted by Dr. John H. and Fr. Gregory Scratch.
6. Human Resources Committee
Fr. Geoffrey Korz volunteered to replace Deacon Justin on committee.
7. Property Management Committee Greg Rychio asked Council for another member of committee.
This committee will need to make recommendations on properties of parishes that are closing down. Should we keep these properties? Should we sell them? The initial work of the committee should be to discover and inventory these properties and then make recommendations on what we should keep and what we should sell.
ACTION: Greg to contact locals in Alberta to assist in the property search effort. Greg Rychio
Session III of the Archdiocesan Council meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. for Dinner.
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Session IV – Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Session IV of the Archdiocesan Council convened at 7:55 p.m.
XXIX. Resolution for the Archdiocesan Assembly of 2014
We the Archdiocesan Council as the nominating committee hereby recommend to the 2014 Archdiocesan Assembly that it submit to the Holy Synod of Bishops of the OCA the name of His Grace the Right Reverend Irénée (Rochon), Bishop of Québec City, Administrator of the Archdiocese of Canada for canonical election to the Archiepiscopal See of Ottawa and Canada. Motion: Moved by Fr. Geoffrey Korz, Seconded by Barbara North. Motion Carried.
ACTION: Fr. Geoffrey Korz to present the resolution to the Assembly. Fr. Geoffrey Korz
XXX. Discussion of the future work of the committees of the Archdiocesan Council (Continued)
8. Archdiocesan 100th Anniversary Planning (Fr. Gregory Scratch)
ACTION: Fr. Gregory to develop a proposal to present at the next meeting. Fr. Gregory Scratch
ACTION: Fundraising Committee to develop a 100th celebration plan. Valentin to chair a 100th celebration committee.
9. Ryan Bishop Request for Bursary
Motion: Pending completion of the online application by Subdeacon Tikhon Bishop (Ryan Bishop), the Council approves $1000 bursary. Moved by Fr. Geoffrey Korz, Seconded by Nikita Lopoukhine. Motion Carried.
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ACTION: Announcement of bursary to be posted on the website with the permission of Subdeacon. Bishop. (by Webmaster and Fr. Nazari)
ACTION: Fr. Nazari to contact Subdeacon Bishop about writing a story about his seminary experience. Fr. Nazari
10. Discussion of the frequency of Archdiocesan Council meetings.
Motion: Next Archdiocesan Council meeting to be hosted electronically via teleconference in January. Moved by Barbara North, Seconded by Fr. Geoffrey Korz. Motion Carried. For 13, Against 2, Abstain 1.
11. Presentation by Fr. John Jillions ACTION: Request a summary by our Treasurer for amount of money spent via our tithing. Mr. Nikita Lopoukhine
Next meeting 5:30pm Eastern time January 28th, 2015 Moved by Fr. Geoffrey Korz, Seconded by Mr. Gregory Rychlo. Motion Carried. The meeting ended at 9:30 p.m. with a prayer. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Respectfully submitted, Deacon Justin Mitchell
Approved on March 12, 2015
______+ His Grace, Right Reverend IRENÉE (Rochon) Bishop of Ottawa and the Archdiocese of Canada
______Mitered Archpriest Anatoliy Melnyk Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Canada
______Archpriest Nazari Polataiko Secretary of the Archdiocese of Canada
Version date: [March 12, 2015] Page 9 of 9 Bishop Irénée’s word for Archdiocesan Council meeting and the Extraordinary Assembly of the Archdiocese of Canada October 1st & 2nd, 2014
Your Beatitude Most Reverend Metropolitan Tykhon, beloved Fathers, Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I first of all want to apologize for my temporary absence from this Assembly, but God willing, I should be with you later on in the day. I want to greet you all as you are gathering to celebrate the Blessed Mysteries surrounding our beloved Archpastor, Metropolitan Tykhon. It is in this act of Unity with our Heavenly Father that we find our strength.
Our Archdiocese has been put to test for the last years, but nevertheless, we are emerging from these trials more united and ready to move on, continuing the blessed obedience given to us, to baptize Canada with the Orthodox Faith. May the Lord Jesus Christ , by the prayers of His Beloved Mother and all our heavenly protectors continue to help us and guide us.
I am grateful to all those who worked at the organization of this Assembly, especially Father Nazari Polataiko and Mrs. Mary Anne Lopoukhine for their untiring devotion and labours to bring about this event so successfully.
I am grateful to His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tykhon for accepting to take upon himself the position of locus tenens, after the retirement of Archbishop Seraphim. We appreciate his understanding of our Canadian reality, and we wish him to be with us and guide us for many more years to come.
I also thank all those soho helped in the administration of the Archdiocese, and all the members of the Archdiocesan Council, our Chancellor, Archpriest Anatoly Melnyk, our treasurer Mr. Nikita Lopoukhine and all our Deans and lay members. Your help, support and input make the difference in our mission. The task is but beginning. Having continued visiting as much of our communities as possible, I am humbled when I see the devotion of our clergy and lay workers in our churches who give selflessly so much to their flock, asking nothing in return, courageously carrying the cross which has been given them with joy and love. I am proud to be a member of this Archdiocese and to work alongside such wonderful people.
Asking your holy prayers I trust in God’s mercy for our Church in Canada and for all its Christ loving flock and Pastors. May we continue to grow together in His Love and in obedience to His Holy Will.
Bishop Irénée’s schedule
May 2014
24-25 Winnipeg, Ma. 25th Anniversary of Metropolitan Youri UOCC 28 - Leavetaking of Pascha - St.Seraphim in Rawdon, QC Great Vespers at Annunciation G.O. Parish in Prescot, ON 29 - Annunciation Liturgy in Ottawa Cathedral
June 2014
7 - Vigil at St. Herman in Edmonton, AB 8 - Pentecost at Holy Trinity Parish in Edmonton, AB 9 - Spirit Day in Dicky Bush, AB 10 - Pacan Church, Smokey Lake, AB 12-13 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, SK 15 - Meadow Lake, SK 22 - All Saints Church in Hamilton, ON 24-27 - Holy Synod retreat in Ottawa, ON 29 - Liturgy at St. Seraphim’s church, in Rawdon, QC July 2014
6 - Liturgy at St. Seraphim’s church in Rawdon, QC 11 - Vigil at Saints Peter and Paul cathedral in Montréal, QC 12 - Liturgy at Sts. Peter and Paul cathedral in Montréal, QC 13 - Liturgy in St. Seraphim’s church in Rawdon, QC 15 - Parish Council meeting in Ottawa, ON 19 - Vigil in St. Seraphim’s church in Rawdon, QC 20 - Liturgy at St. Seraphim’s church in Rawdon, QC 31 - Vigil for St. Seraphim in Rawdon, QC
August 2014
1 - Liturgy at St. Seraphim’s Church in Rawdon, QC 2 - Liturgy at St. Seraphim’s Church in Rawdon, QC 3 - Liturgy at St. Seraphim’s Church in Toronto, ON 9 - Liturgy at St. Mark’s Parish in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, SK 10 - Liturgy at St. Laurence Church in Minetonas, MB 12-13 Flight to Kiev, Ukraine 16 - Vigils at Dormition Cathedral in Kiev 17 - Installation of Metropolitan Onouphri as Primate of Ukrainian Church 18 - Vigil for the Transfiguration, Dormition Cathedral in Kiev 19 - Liturgy and priestly ordination of Protodeacon Nazari in Kiev 21- Liturgy at Holy Presentation Monastery in Kiev 22 - Visit of the « Deposition of the Precious Robe » Skite 23 - Vigil at Dormition Cathedral in Kiev 24 - Liturgy at Dormition Cathedral in Kiev 27 - Vigil of the Dormition at SS. Peter and Paul Sobor in Montréal 28 - Dormition Liturgy at SS. Peter and Paul Sobor in Montréal, QC 31 - Liturgy at St-Benoît Parish in Montréal, QC September 2014
6 - Vigil at Annunciation Cathedral in Ottawa, ON 7 - Liturgy at Annunciation Cathedral in Ottawa, ON 14 - Liturgy at St Herman’s Parish in Langley, BC 16 - Vespers in All Saints’ Parish in Victoria, BC 17-19 - Visit to Holy Transfiguration Skite in Gibson’s Landing, BC 20-21 - 90th anniversary celebrations in Holy Resurrection Sobor in Vancouver, BC 27-28 - Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Toronto, ON
October 2014
1 - Archdiocesan Council meeting in Ottawa, ON 2 - Special Archdiocesan Assembly in Gatineau, QC 3 - Clergy Synaxis in Gatineau, QC Chancellor's report to the Archdiocesan Council
Ottawa, October 01, 2014
Your Eminences, your Graces, members of the Archdiocesan Council, Glory be to Jesus Christ!
My greeting and report I send to the all members of the Archdiocesan Council, started from our Beloved Metropolitan, bishop and all the members of the Council, who works and gives all their strength and knowledge to maintain our Archdiocese in good spiritual, and economic condition. Your concern for our Archdiocese can not be overstated, a lot of time all of you are facing the Orthodox people as a diocesan respondent chosen people of God for this purpose. We have to meet the requirements of the Orthodox people of our provinces.
Your Beatitude, we thank you for your time to be with us, as Locum Tenens of our Archdiocese, in this difficult time for all of us. We felt your fatherly care and your uncovered Omofor over our Archdiocese.
Big gratitude is going to our beautiful Bishop Irenee for his patience wearing the Canadian Orthodox Cross over the past 4 years. He was put at the helm of the Archdiocese of 1 year after the consecration of auxiliary bishop, without experience and knowledge. But with God's help and the monastic patience he properly manages our Archdiocese, although he was not a ruling bishop. During this time, he went through the excessive trials and showed us all the ability to manage a large diocese. Our Archdiocesan Council stopped only on name of Vladika Irenee, with great desire to have him our bishop. Therefore we ask the Holy Synod and pay attention to this and make sure that he is the best bishop for Canada, we is nowhere have.
Special thanks for new ordained priest Nazari for his efforts for the good of the Archdiocese. His time of Secretary he spent lot of effort, energy and knowledge for the improvement and development of the Archdiocesan Administration. He was a great helper of our bishop, appointed by him and supported by the Archdiocesan Council. He helps for bishop in the Office, in church services as a Protodeacon, energetic organizer and even a personal driver. A lot of the work performed as the Chancellor, for which I am especially grateful to him. Our venerable financial Secretary Nikita - special thanks for his many years of work for the good of the Archdiocese. Each financial report - a multi-day hard work, but also beside this - many financial documents do not give any vacation or even holidays for Nikita. But we ask you, Mr. Lopuhin remains in office and even for the future.
My thanks are going to all of you members of Archdiocesan Council and I’m asking God to send for you His Wisdom and spiritual power to be on this position of our Church.
Asking your blessing and prayers,
Yours in Christ,
Archpriest Anatoliy, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Canada, Orthodox Church in America Мое приветствие и репорт я посылаю всем членам епархиального Совета, начиная с нашего Любимого Митрополита, епископа и всех членов Совета, хто трудится о отдает все свои силы и знания для поддержания нашей Епархии в хорошем и духовном, и хозяйственном состоянии.
Вашу заботу о нашей епархии нельзя переоценить, много времени все из вас стоят перед православным народом как епархиальные люди, выбранные народом Божиим для этой цели. Мы должны отвечать требованиям православных из наших провинций.
Ваше Блаженство, мы благодарим Вас за Ваше время быть с нами, как Управляющий Епархиею, в это тяжелое для всех нас время. Мы чувствовали Вашу отеческу заботу и Ваш раскрытый Амофор над нашей епархией.
Большая благодарность нашему прекрасному епископу Иринею за его терпеливое ношение Канадского православного Крест на протяжении 4 прошедших лет. Он был поставлен у руля епархии через 1 год после посвящения в викарного епископа, без опыта и знаний. Но с Божией помощью и монашеским терпением он правильно управляет нашей епархией, хотя и не был повновласным. За это время он прошел через чрезмерные испытания и показал всем нам о большом умении управлять епархией. Наш Епархиальный совет остановился только на имени Владыки Иринея, с большим желанием иметь его нашим епископом. Потому мы просим и Священный Синод обратить на это внимание и убедится, что лучшего епископа для Канады мы нигде не имеем.
Специальная благодарность новоруположенному священнику Назарию за его труды на благо епархии. За его время Секретаря он истратил много сил, енергии и знаний для улучшения и развития епархиального управления. Он был неотъмлемым помочником епископа, назначенным им и поддержанным Епархиальным Советом. Он был для епископа большим помочником в Канцелярии, в богослужениях на правах Протодиакона, енергичный организатор и даже личный шофер. Много исполнял и работы Канслера, за что я особенно благодарен ему.
Нашому маститому финансовому секретаю Никите особенная благодарность за его многолетние труды на благо епархии. Каждый финансовый отчет – это многодневный кропотливый труд, но и поза отчетом множество финансовых документов не дают никакого даже отдыха или отпуска. Но мы просим Вас господин Лопухин оставаться на этом посту и еще на будущее время.
My thank are going to all of you members of Archdiocesan Council and I’m asking God to send for you His Wisdom and spiritual power to be on this position of our Church. Report of the Episcopal Secretary and Secretary of the Archdiocese of Canada to the Archdiocesan Council of the Archdiocese of Canada (OCA) Gatineau, Quebec October 1, 2014
Your Beatitude, Your Grace, Reverend Fathers, Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
It is my honour to present to you the report of my activities as the Episcopal Secretary and the Secretary of the Archdiocese of Canada for the period from May to October of 2014.
Archdiocesan Office
Regular office hours have been dedicated mainly to completion of the organization of the parish files. I am hoping to finish as soon as possible the work of collecting the documents still missing from the files of our parishes. Filing of daily correspondence was done with the help of a volunteer, who unfortunately will not be able to help in the future, due to health problems. Regular operation hours of the Archdiocesan Office were kept as usual with the exception of some adjustments due to unplanned travelling. Various assignments and responsibilities were fulfilled as they arose outside of the Archdiocesan Centre, across Canada and abroad.
I am still working on the large task of finishing the organization of the documents in the parish files. This is necessary in order to send to the parishes the 2013 Report Forms with a complete list of any missing documents. I still hope to complete this work by the end of this year.
All office documentation is properly filed and organized, and Vladyka’s correspondence is properly filed and organized and answered in a timely fashion.
Mail, E-Mail and Correspondence
All correspondence is replied to, recorded in catalogues and properly filed as usual. The confirmation letters are sent to the parishes as soon as dates of the archpastoral visits to the parishes have been confirmed.
Website
With the much-appreciated help of Father Geoffrey and Matushka Jolan Ready, we finally finished the project of an archdiocesan database. All necessary software was obtained and most of the clergy and parish information was inscribed. However, this is an ongoing project as new information is arriving almost every day.
Mother Seraphima (Lavoie) is working with great perseverance on the translation of the French section of our Archdiocesan website. The most recent addition to the French section was the translation of the new PSP documents.
In preparation of the 2014 Archdiocesan Assembly, all information has been placed on the Archdiocesan website in both English and French, as it was also for the 2013 Assembly.
Again and again, we strongly request that every deanery, local parish, clergy and parish members submit news items to be shared with other parishes as soon as possible after an event. Please remember to look at the website regularly for news and announcements, and to keep our Website team in your prayers.
Organizing Bishop Irénée’s Travel, and Travelling with Vladyka
I accompanied Vladyka on some of his pastoral visits. In addition we also made a trip to Kyiv, Ukraine in August, 2014 after having been requested by the Office of External Church Relations of the OCA to represent His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon and the Orthodox Church in America at the enthronement of the new Primate, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Onufry of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
June 13, 2014: Montreal, QC (AVAC) June 14-16, 2014: Meadow Lake, SK (Parish Feast) July 12, 2014: Montreal, QC (Parish Feast) Aug. 1-2, 2014: Rawdon, QC (Parish Feast) Aug. 2-3, 2014: Toronto, ON (Parish Feast) Aug. 12-Sept. 3, 2014: Kyiv, Ukraine (Enthronement of the new Primate of The Ukrainian Orthodox Church) Sept. 14, 2014: Kingston, ON (Substituted for the parish Priest) Sept. 21, 2014: Kingston, ON (Substituted for the parish Priest) Sept. 27-28, 2014: Toronto, ON (Parish visit, meeting with members of the parish council)
Fair Haven
As was reported before, the Spencerville property is functioning as the unofficial residence of Archbishop Seraphim, and of the now 100% incorporated Monastery of St. Silouan the Athonite. I have visited Fair Haven three times since May to check on the property, and to talk with the monastic community. The Monastery has requested copies of the necessary documentation in order to change the tax status of the property. I am still trying to locate one of the deeds for this property and will provide all necessary documents as soon as they are available. A letter was written to the Monastery giving it the permission to undertake this task, and informing it that they will receive copies of all documents that have been requested.
One of the trips to Spencerville was taken with His Grace, the Chancellor and the Treasurer for the purpose of meeting with Archbishop Seraphim and to inform His Eminence of the decisions of the Archdiocesan Council regarding the changes to his stipend, as was directed by the Archdiocesan Council in May 2014.
Property & Liability Insurance
One of the important projects for the coming year is to make sure that all our parishes and archdiocesan entities carry public liability insurance. All parishes are obliged to submit a record of their insurance policy to the Archdiocesan Office. This request will be underlined in the letter that will be sent out together with the 2013 Parish Report forms.
With the help of volunteers, Father Andrew Applegate recently finished replacing the roof on the Archdiocesan Centre and garage. As was directed by our May Council meeting, I collected quotes from three contractors. The lowest one was in the range of $6,000.00. Thanks to Father Andrew, we managed to complete this task for under $3,000.00.
Clergy Extended Health Plan Insurance
We have no news concerning this plan. We are hoping to have several new participants in the program.
Liturgical Celebrations
From May 2014 until now, I was blessed to concelebrate in and to officiate the following services (numbers approximate): 32 Divine Liturgies, 18 Vigils, 3 Vespers services, 8 Molebens and other Divine Services.
Theological Education Committee and Diaconal Training
Due to the Assembly 2014 organization demands, I have not yet had a chance to meet with the committee. AVAC
The Archdiocesan Vocation Assessment Committee has had only one meeting since the last Council meeting. We interviewed one candidate from Quebec City for ordination to the Holy Diaconate. Igor Alexandrovsky was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Grace, Bishop Irénée at Rawdon, QC during their Parish Feast celebration. Several interviews will be scheduled with the blessing of His Grace in the near future.
Other Archdiocesan Matters
The Archdiocesan Office is also dealing with the following matters at the present time:
1. Assembly 2014
I was very much involved in the work of our Assembly 2014 organizing committee. Our first task was to find a suitable location and to negotiate acceptable terms for the contract. As you can see, we picked the same location as our 2013 Assembly, not only because it was a good offer, but also because it was the only location close to the city centre which was available on such short notice. With the devoted and experienced help of Mary Ann Lopoukhine, all advertising materials and registration forms were quickly prepared, mailed and posted on our Archdiocesan website.
2. Archdiocesan Center: New Roof
With regard to the roof of the Archdiocesan Centre, as it was agreed at our last meeting, I received offers from three competing contractors and presented them to the Fundraising Committee. Father Andrew Applegate and his committee made the decision that it would be much less expensive to do the job with the help of Archdiocesan volunteers. Under his supervision, purchase of the materials was made locally and Father Andrew, along with his volunteer crew, completed the project on September 30. We sincerely thank Father Andrew, his committee and every one of his volunteers for their dedication.
3. Enthronement of the Primate of the UOC: Kyiv, Ukraine
One the highlights of this last six-month period was my participation in the official delegation of the Orthodox Church in America to the enthronement of the new Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Kyiv, Ukraine. On August 13, 2014, Metropolitan Onufry of Chernivtsi and Bukovyna was elected by the Assembly of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church as the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, with the title “Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine.” His enthronement took place on August 17, 2014, in the Dormition Cathedral of the Holy Dormition of Most Holy Theotokos Kyivan Caves Lavra Monastery. All the Patriarchates, the local Autocephalous Orthodox Churches and The Orthodox Church in America were invited to participate in this historic event. With the blessing of Metropolitan Tikhon, our delegation (Bishop Irénée, Bishop Michael, Archimandrite Alexander, Archpriest Wiacheslav Kravchuk and Protodeacon Nazari Polataiko) delivered an official greeting from His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon to Metropolitan Onufry. The gift of a commemorative reliquary with the relics of five saints of North America was presented.
During this same visit, and upon the request of His Grace Bishop Irénée, with the blessing of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, I was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on August 19, 2014, by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Onufry at the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Holy Transfiguration (Old Style) of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. Archdiocesan Development
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, many very important subjects must be seriously discussed now in order to make our archdiocese develop and grow. It is especially, important to consider key Archdiocesan matters now, at this Assembly we are preparing to nominate a candidate for the Archiepiscopal See of Ottawa and Canada. In my last report I said “that our Lord, in His wisdom and mercy never gives us a bigger cross than we can carry. Everything that is given to us is given to us for our benefit and we will able to fulfill it with God’s help.” Just before my ordination to the Holy Priesthood, Metropolitan Onufry said to me: “Remember before our Lord bestowed on you your cross, He already had prepared you for this task.” As the Lord says,“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30).
Today, I would like to sincerely thank all of you, who have taken and are taking the time to do this work for the growth and development of the Archdiocese of Canada. The various committees have now been organized, and I hope that this is the beginning of a new period of growth in the history of the Archdiocese. This burden will become light for us when all of us who are appointed or elected to this Council will join in and labour together with the bishop and his administration as one team. Council members, besides attending council meetings, must be ready at any time during the year to provide assistance to the bishop and members of the executive committee by contributing their time, talent and treasure to specific actions and projects. With God’s help and support, the Archdiocese will move forward and gather in the harvest, for “the harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest” (Luke 10:2). As I said in a previous report, if we are not moving forward, we risk sliding backwards. So, let us set a challenge first of all to ourselves, and then set an example for our brothers and sisters. We are here because we are ready to work together and carry on the work of the Archdiocese. Let us now reflect upon the following matters:
1. The development of new mission parishes. These missions need our full support and guidance to become self-supporting parishes. Our task is to create an infrastructure that is able to provide them with some tangible means.
2. The expansion of existing educational institutions. This is where our future clergy and lay leaders can pursue the proper level of theological education. By ordaining clergy who are not fully prepared, we are not meeting our responsibility to the Archdiocese. This is an inadequate solution to a great problem; therefore each candidate should complete at least one year of full- time studies in a seminary, even if they have a degree or certificate from the St. Arseny Orthodox Christian Theological Institute; from l’Université de Sherbrooke; from the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Orthodox Studies or from any other respected academic institution. It is desirable that academic knowledge be supplemented with a proper seminary formation. Our task is to help them financially to be able to undertake this full-time study.
3. Our Administration needs strong financial support. STAS was set up specifically with one main purpose – to raise funds for the administrative expenses of the Archdiocese. This program had a very good beginning, but now it needs more staff and experienced people able to provide fresh inspiration.
4. Other matters and challenges facing the Archdiocesan Administration: I would like you all to know that with the blessing of His Grace Irénée, I was offered a pastoral assignment outside of the Archdiocese of Canada. Whether or not I move away, but I would like to recommend that the position of Secretary be maintained. Also, this position should constantly be supported by the members of the Archdiocesan Council. And because of the heavy workload, the archdiocesan/episcopal secretary (whether it is myself or another) requires a part-time assistant present in the office to look after the basic clerical duties and the maintenance of the building. Some arrangement might be considered in order to hire such an assistant as soon as possible.
Just to let you know, please do not think that my main duty is to make anyone’s life difficult by asking to fill out all kinds of forms and remind them to send in parish contributions. That is not really true. However, I can tell you that the workload is very heavy. Taking into consideration the vast size of the Archdiocese, the number of parishes, priests and deacons, subdeacons and readers you can well imagine the enormous amount of office and administrative tasks, and the countless telephone calls and emails. There are complex and sensitive relationships and situations where spiritual, legal and clerical assistance must be sought. There are many difficulties and problems on a daily basis. There is travelling to the parishes here, and travelling abroad to be organized and accomplished. I am not complaining, but the reality is that the Archdiocese, along with its administration, is struggling under these conditions and needs everyone’s help.
In facing the countless demands of every day – administrative, legal, and spiritual, we run the risk of getting derailed and “burnt-out”. In the words of Jerry Maguire: “We live in a cynical world. And we work in a business of tough competitors “or in the words of the Gospel “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16). Therefore, we must be “harmless as doves” and “wise as serpents” We face many enemies visible and invisible, domestic and foreign. Let us prepare ourselves to work together spiritually and administratively in order to effectively defend and build up the Orthodox Church, and the Archdiocese of Canada.
I sincerely thank you for all your love and support over the past years. May God grant you many blessed years in the service of His Holy Orthodox Church. If you would like more information on any part of this report, I would be very pleased to speak with you during the break.
Respectfully, Priest Nazari Polataiko Episcopal Secretary, Secretary of the Archdiocese of Canada, The Orthodox Church in America 31 LeBreton St. N. Ottawa, ON K1R 7H1 Tel. (613) 233-7780 Fax. (613) 233-1931 Cell. (613) 697-0889 Email: [email protected] Treasurer’s Report September 2014
HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR TO DATE
1. Fair Haven expenses (except extra lot) are now the responsibility of the St. Silouan Monastery. Council may wish to ask for a e periodic account of th state of finances as the property belongs to ADOC on which a bank lien exists to cover the mortgage of the ADOC Office.
2. STAS -‐ With the withdrawal of supporting personnel the responsibility for keeping track of donors, and withdrawing funds form donor's accounts has become the Treasurer's responsibility. This includes keeping up a data base of donors, keeping track of NSF donors, updating addresses and bank accounts. Not in the plan when STAS was initiated.
3. Bookkeeper (Jenn DiGiacomo) gave birth to a fourth child this summer. Jenn has kept up as much as she can to entering data into Quickbooks but given that her oldest is a mere six years old her time is limited.
4. Audit Committee -‐ The audit committee has not been active. Last books audited were 2012.
5. The Treasurer turned 70 years old in May and this should raise concerns for the Archdiocese. He cannot do this forever. A Committee to find a replacement is required if a replacement is not already identified.
To help such a committee, here are the present duties of the Treasurer:
TREASURER'S DUTIES
1. Deposits of income received from Parishes and individual donors (on average once a month but more frequently such as with extraordinary Assembly / Synaxis)
2. Paying of bills • Quarterly Source deduction payments (Archbishop, Bishop and Episcopal Secretary) (this includes calculating benefits and taxes to withhold), • Monthly paying premiums for some 20 clergy taking part in Health and Life Insurance plan • Paying monthly bills for (taxes, water, telephone, heat, Hydro and other house expenses • Reviewing monthly ADOC Visa bill and paying it • Writing cheques to pay extraordinary bills as these come in • Paying taxes on properties • Payments to Seminarians and Missions and for Charity as directed by Council
3. Preparing Reports and setting budgets • Keeping records of expenditures and income • Preparing annual statements for Council and for when Assembly is convened • Preparing budgets for approval by Council
4. Other duties • Working closely with Episcopal Secretary • Providing documentation and reports to bookkeeper for entry into computer programme (Quickbooks). Reviewing entries for accuracy and categroization of entries. • Serving as Treasurer for Yukon Mission (money in and money out) • Reviewing monthly bank statements and other bank requirements • Submitting annual report to Revenue Canada Charity Division • Submitting GST/HST refund • Issuing T4 slips • Serving as treasurer for Skete, and Labelle chapel donors • Issuing over 100 receipts annually
5. STAS as per above STATEMENT OF NET WORTH - 2014 (incomplete)
LIQUID ASSETS LIABILITIES end of September ,2014 (end of April 2014) CURRENT ACCOUNT $22,967.89 MORTGAGE $182,087.00 Bridge Loan $0.00 SAVINGS ACCOUNT $50,529.87 LOANS (car) $0.00
STAS Account $7,621.93 DESIGNATED COLLECTIONS YET TO BE DISTRIBUTED $84,676.76
RESERVE FUNDS AND CURRENT ACCOUNTS EXCEED LIABILITIES BY -$3,557.07 TOTAL CASH...... $81,119.69
OTHER ASSETS ASSET (1989 valuation price) END OF YEAR VALUE
Values as per time of acquisition DIO. CNTR/RESID. ($97.65K)-- $97,500 31 Lebreton St. $350,000 New Lot $26,131 DONATED Icons.. (2002) $40,102 SIFTON ($5.25K) $5,200
Depreciating assets AUTOMOBILE ($35000)2008 $2,000 EQUIPMENT($9.5K) $674
TOTAL OTHER ASSETS...... $521,607.40
NET WORTH $602,727.09
Page 1 DATE PRINTED TOTAL CAA ARCHDIO. BISHOP and BISHOP 29-Sep-14 RECEIVED SYOSSET CONTRIB. MISSIONS EDUCATION CHARITY other purp. CAR Exec Episc. Aux Bishop St. Arseny I ADOC House Deanery PARISH B Comox:Holy Apostle Barnabas $0.00 C Dewdney:All Saints $500.00 $500.00 Gibsons:Holy Transfiguration $900.00 $90.00 $810.00 Langley:St. Herman $1,531.03 $153.10 $1,377.93 & Vancouver- Holy Resurrection $15,000.00 $1,500.00 $13,500.00 Vancouver: St. John Shanghai $7,200.00 $720.00 $6,480.00 Y Victoria:All Saints of Alaska $5,765.00 $576.50 $5,188.50 T Whitehorse: St. Nicholas $1,600.00 $160.00 $1,440.00 (2013 tithe) Andrew/Kysylew - Nativity of the Virgin$300.00 $30.00 $270.00 Andrew/Sachava - St. Michael $0.00 Andrew/Sunland - Holy Trinity $0.00 Andrew/Wostok/Buk.:St. Nickolas $300.00 $30.00 $270.00 Calgary: St. Peter the Aleut $9,932.04 $943.21 $8,488.83 $250.00 $250.00 A Cranbrook: St. Aidan $2,156.29 $215.63 $1,940.66 l Chahor - Sts Peter and Paul $0.00 Desjarlais - St. Nicholas $300.00 $30.00 $270.00 b Dickie Bush - Sts Peter and Paul $200.00 $20.00 $180.00 e Edmonton - St. Herman of Alaska $13,000.00 $1,280.00 $11,520.00 $200.00 r Edmonton - Holy Trinity $195.75 $195.75 t North Bank:Holy Transfiguration $0.00 a Pakan (Sm. Lake)- St. Elias $600.00 $60.00 $540.00 Shandro:Holy Assumption $350.00 $35.00 $315.00 Smoky Lake - Holy Trinity $200.00 $200.00 St. Tikhon C. O. Parishes $200.00 $200.00 Star/Lamont- Holy Transfiguration $1,200.00 $120.00 $1,080.00 Wasel - Holy Ascencion $0.00 Canora - St. Andrew $940.25 $94.02 $846.23 Kayville - Holy Trinity $0.00 Meadow Lake: $500.00 $50.00 $450.00 S Moose Jaw - Holy Trinity $1,704.00 $170.40 $1,533.60 K Narol - St. Nicholas $2,050.00 $155.00 $1,395.00 $500.00 & Sandy Lake - St Nicholas $0.00 Saskatoon - Holy Resurrection $6,647.30 $560.00 $5,040.00 $1,047.30 M Stenen - Holy Assumption $0.00 St. Wallburg:Sts. Peter and Paul $0.00 B Winnipeg - Holy Trinity $0.00 Winnipeg - Spring of Theot. $767.50 $76.75 $690.75 Yorkton - St. Mark $3,116.35 $311.63 $2,804.72 O Hamilton:All Saints $50.00 $50.00 $0.00 N Kingston - St. Gregory of Nyssa $500.00 $50.00 $450.00 T Ottawa - Annunciation Cathedral $3,115.82 $311.58 $2,804.24 A Toronto - Christ the Saviour $7,200.00 $720.00 $6,480.00 R Toronto:St, Seraphim $0.00 I Windsor - St. John $3,549.17 $336.17 $3025.54 $187.46 Halifax:St. Vladimir $2,163.60 $216.36 $1,947.24 Labelle - St. Sergius Chapel $250.00 $25.00 $225.00 Q Montreal - Sign Theotokos $0.00 C Montreal - Ss Peter and Paul $7,500.00 $700.00 $6,300.00 $500.00 & Montreal - St. Benoit de Nursie $1,000.00 $100.00 $900.00 A New Germany:Annunc. Herm. $0.00 t Quebec City: H. Trinity $941.00 $94.10 $846.90 l Rawdon - St. Seraphim $0.00 . St. John's - H.L. of Vladimir $1,816.72 $125.00 $1,125.00 $566.72 $105,241.82 $10,109.45 $90,535.14 $1,734.76 $0.00 $0.00 $1,862.47 $250.00 $250.00 $0.00 $500.00 $0.00 Archdiocese of Canada – Audit Committee Report to Archdiocesan Council October 1, 2014
Dear Vladyka, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The audit committee has been working towards achieving its mandate of preparing the Archdiocese books for external audit. This is a requirement from financial institutions as well as CRA. Besides, sound financial reporting is critical for internal decision making. Although significant steps have been made to achieve this goal, the committee has not performed er much activity ov the summer and is waiting for the outcome of the Assembly to resume its function.
The following tasks and activities have been accomplished historically by the current committee:
1. Quickbooks accounting software has been rolled out and adopted. Significant n progress has bee made in using Quickbooks between 2010 and now 2. Review of 2010 / 2011 books has been carried out and recommendation d issued. This include improvements to internal controls, such as using expense forms, as well improved record keeping standards. 3. 2010 / 2011 GAAP / ASPE Compliant Financial Statements have o been prepared under Notice t Reader, signed off, and submitted to Archdiocese bank. Feedback n from the bank has bee received, and the party has been very helpful and understanding of Archdiocese situation. 4. Review of 2012 books and preparing 2012 GAAP / ASPE Compliant Financial Statements is under way 5. Ad-‐hoc advisory to Treasurer and Treasurer’s Assistant for transaction entry and closing of 2013 fiscal year, and preparation for audit 6. Assistance with Quickbooks software to Treasurer and Treasurer’s Assistant
In our view, the following tasks remain to be completed before the Archdiocese is ready for external audit, please note that the list has not changed significantly ort since our last rep :
1. Finalize 2012 and prepare financial 2013 statements under Notice to Reader 2. Work with the bank to resolve any possible issues and misunderstandings 3. Carry out 2012 and 2013 books review engagement
As mentioned in the previous report, given the scope of work remaining to be done, it is proving to be difficult, as our experience has shown, to proceed without additional locally qualified help available on a continuous basis. Again, the Treasurer and Treasurer’s Assistant are doing a good job and are trying very hard to achieve their goals. However, it is critical that a resource with knowledge and experience in financial reporting and non-‐profit accounting is in place to help prepare books for audit, monitor internal controls, and prepare inancial f statements. Without this resource it is difficult to achieve our mandate, and it is critical that the resource is introduced as soon possible.
In Christ,
German (Herman) Ovodov Audit Committee Chair Deanery Report to the Archdiocesan Council Fall 2014
September 30th, 2014 MONTRÉAL THE SOBOR OF ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL served by a Mitred Archpriest Anatoliy Melnyk, priest Vasily Tsaritsyn, deacon Dimitry Belyakov and a retired Mitred Archpriest Alexander Janovski. The Sobor is on the old calendar. A church school also takes care of the spiritual needs of the younger members of the parish. A summer camp is also held during the summer vacations for 25 children. Children's summer camp in Rawdon has a huge new house, where it can accommodate up to 50 children. It was built by our sponsor and thus acquired permanent place to camp for many years to come. The older group of children was another summer camp. Led by two teachers 8 boys had water travel by canoe five days' journey across the lake Poisson Blanc near Ottawa. They stopped for the night in tents, prepared their wood and cooked food. Prayers made in the open air, sanctifying the water surface and the beautiful islands. Confession is happening in our church every worship service. Our parishioners are not suitable for Holy Communion without confession. Sometimes from other Orthodox parishes come to Communion, calling their parish and are free to approach without confession. Since then, we have two priests, our parishioners always partake of the Holy Communion from the two Chalices - children partake of the one Chalice, adults, on the other. Our parish has a beautiful choir under the direction Mrs. Elena Ilvakina. By the way, a choir director Michael Sulima from Odessa St. Iver Monastery (Ukraine) moved to Canada. He was here with a ten professional singers two weeks October 2012 at the invitation and with the support of our Sobor. Now he is leading choir in Serbian orthodox parish of Montreal. Our primary social activities are the Coffee Hour every Sunday after the Divine Liturgy, the concerts, and dinners from the parish and Charitable Society, the Theological conversation and orthodox movies. The Parish Council meets usually on the second Tuesday evening monthly, and we try to maintain a 19:00 - 21:00 schedule. The Sign of the Theotokos This year we will need to address some maintenance issues on our building and we will continue to beautify the church, starting by implementing Fr. Vinogradov’s plans for an Arch above the Royal Doors and developing an iconographic scheme. A committee is being set up to plan a road map for the future development of the Parish. We have to plan in order to avoid short-sighted decisions. Together with with Parish Council and other interested parishioners I look forward to developing a long term strategic/master plan. This master plan will ideally address parish resources now and in the future: people, property/ building, ministries and programs. Deanery Report to the Archdiocesan Council Fall 2014 Saint Benoit de Nursie Cette année, la paroisse Saint Benoit de Nursie de Montréal a connu quelques changements. Devenu le prêtre-en-charge depuis le 1er janvier, le père Dragos Giulea a été nommé recteur de la paroisse depuis le 1er juillet. Chaque samedi soir, nous continuons le service des vêpres commencé en septembre dernier. Aussi, nous avons commencé cette année un programme pour les catéchumènes et un groupe de réflexion patristique. À Pâques, l'un des catéchumènes, originellement catholique, est devenue parte de l'Eglise Orthodoxe par la réception du sacrement de la Chrismation. St. Vladimir Prince Of Kiev Church Fr Vladimir had knee surgery at the beginning of July and have recovered very well. Fr Roman and Fr Cassian from the Hermitage filled in for me at the church during July and August. We are looking at a few fairly minor renovations in the altar area of the church; also trying to install acceptable toilet facilities, i.e., an electric toilet Apart from that everything is fairly quiet. Holy Lady of Vladimir Mission Stable Sunday attendance is growing, but we have lost the use of the chapel during the week and have thus been left to celebrate major feasts usually with a Vespers service alone at our house. One 'regular' took a job in Ontario and has moved, but we now have several new students attending regularly. Respectfully submitted by, Archpriest Gregory Nimijean Dean of Quebec and the Maritime Provinces Deanery of Ontario Archdiocese of Canada (OCA) c/o 10 Princip Street Hamilton, Ontario L8W 2M3 (905) 318-6436
ONTARIO DEANERY REPORT October 2014
The OTTAWA Cathedral of the Annunciation / St Nicholas continues to be served by the Cathedral Dean, Archpriest James Griggs, with the support of attached clergy (Archpriest Stelian Liabotis, Priest Nazari Polataiko, Priest Nikolay Melnyk, and Deacon Alexandru Moisa). The Cathedral welcomed the ordination of Father Nazari to the priesthood this year offering the parish and deanery the much-needed support of an additional priest. Thecathedral hosted the Archdiocesan Assembly in August 2013, as well as hosting the spring session of the Holy Synod of Bishops. The community continues to grow through the near-monthly reception of new faithful.
In HAMILTON, the Church of All Saints of North America has enjoyed a fruitful year, served by its rector Father Geoffrey Korz, along with the assistance of Deacon Mark Luimes, who is in indefinite service with our community as a locally-dwelling English-speaking deacon of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. The parish was blessed this year to have His Grace Bishop Irenee speak at the annual Chinese Missions Dinner in June, on the challenges of mission work in French Canada. The parish is currently hosting a four-session series this fall entitled the Orthodox Institute on the Family, which members hope will be an annual event for members, friends, and inquirers. The parish now averages about souls each Sunday.
Christ the Saviour Orthodox Sobor in TORONTO continues to benefit from the pastoral care of rector Archpriest Vasyl Kolega, with the support of Priest Antony Filchak. The major news of 2014 at the parish has been the renewal and growth of an English mission (dedicated to St Innocent Apostle to North America), not as a separate entity but an integral part of the wider cathedral community, under the leadership of Father Geoffrey Ready. The main Slavonic Divine Liturgy on Sundays (averaging 140-150 souls) was moved later to accommodate an early service in English at 9am (averaging around 30 souls) which has attracted newcomers as well as existing community members, particularly those with non-Russian speaking family members. The two services are combined for great feast days. A bilingual Vigil service is now served each Saturday with attendance steadily increasing.. Renovations to the foundation continue, along with extensive cosmetic work. The one hundredth anniversary year will be marked by a series of celebrations during 2015. Since the beginning of 2014, the parish has served a remarkable total of 107 baptisms.
The WINDSOR parish of Saint John the Divine celebrated ninety-nine years in September 201is looking forward to marking their centennial in 2015 as a resurrected parish community. Priest Constantine Katsilas has appreciated having the assistance of new subdeacon Ray Reimer to assist with liturgical needs. In 2014, an investment of funds was made to repair and replace iconography in the aging building, including a new icon of St. John the Baptist, parish patron Saint John the Theologian, and a new icon of Christ, all to be installed before the end of year. The parish is undertaking a number of events, including a Vacation Bible School in August, a weekly ladies night and social, weekly dogmatic discussions and Divorce Care seminars during the autumn months, and Saturday Grief Share support group meetings. The parish participated in Doors Open Windsor in September, receiving 132 visitors, and will once again mark participation in their Winter Shoe Drive and the highly successful Operation Christmas Shoe Box (Samaritan’s Purse event) in 2014.
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Saint Gregory of Nyssa Orthodox Mission in KINGSTON, Ontario continues to experience the ebb and flow of family moves that have marked its history in this university and military city. Father Andrew Anderson was joined this year by Father Nicholas Young, a military chaplain now attached to St. Gregory’s. Two entire families (8 people) were received by Holy Baptism on Lazarus Saturday; one father is high profile locally, being the current commander of cadets at the Royal Military Academy.
Saint Seraphim Russian Mission in north TORONTO continues to serve the growing Russian community in Toronto and North York, under the charge of Priest Alexei Vassiouchkine. Since many of the one hundred parish members are new to Canada, the parish faces financial restrictions, while trying to cover the partial remuneration of their priest, as well as costly rental costs. This ongoing disparity between parishioner income and the cost of living and operating a parish in Canada’s largest cities will likely be an ongoing question we must face in the Archdiocese, as the mission experience in Toronto has shown.
The Ontario Deanery has enjoyed twice annual meetings of its clergy brotherhood, including a luncheon, prayer service, and a seminar on maximizing te use of technology (in particular, database management) in the administration of parishes.
– Father Geoffrey Korz, Dean of Ontario
+ + + Manitoba and Saskatchewan Deanery Report Fall 2014
Your Beatitude, your Grace, Fathers, Brothers and Sisters.
This past term our deanery was able to have its first meeting together at the parish of St. Mark the Evangelist in Yorkton SK with a majority of our clergy and lay leaders. The meeting was preceded with a Moliben and then introductions and a round table discussion about the life in our respective parishes. A number of issues were brought up for discussion including increasing our parish contributions to the accepted standard of the 10% offering to the Archdiocese, proper insurance coverage, proper procedures for those working with children and participation at the Special Archdiocesan Assembly. It was on the last point that much conversation took place. A number of issues were raised about the need for better communication regarding the process and the danger that the cost of such an event would hurt further contributions especially if no time was allowed for the budgeting of such expensive.
Although the information was available, I could have done a better job of informing and more to the point clarifying the agreed process to our parishes. In the event of these kinds of situations arise in again, I will better endeavor to “leave no stone left unturned” in communicating the direction and actions.
This being said, there was unanimous support for the nomination of Vladyka Irenee as the ruling Bishop of the diocese.
Going forward a new way must be conceived in order to reduce the cost of events such as this special Assembly. Given the size of our Archdiocese and the cost of travel, even from our deanery (the size of Ukraine as was noted at the meeting) these kinds of events are impractical if not disheartening for the clergy and faithful who wish to be a part of the administrative life of the Archdiocese, but are unable due to the cost and time.
It was our desire that an innovative plan to address these kinds of events that take into account our geographic size and low population be devised.
Shortly after the meeting, Archpriest Rodion Luciuk suffered a stroke and by God’s mercy pulled through. Although not fully recovered he is able to continue being a pastoral presence at St. Marks. Hiromonk Vladimir (Lysak) has being serving at St. Marks while Fr. Rodion is recovering. This has placed a financial strain on the parish which continues to financially support him while at the same time compensate Fr. Vladimir for his travel and time. Fr. Rodion is considering retiring from his secular employment in the next year or so, with the hope that he then can continue with his care and service to St. Mark’s and the rural parishes he is responsible for. May the Lord continue to give him strength and health. And may the Lord bless Fr. Vladimir for his time and dedication to serve.
This spring the parish of St. Andrew the first called in Canora SK, and Fr. Vladimir asked me to mediate a financial and pastoral quandary the parish had developed. St. Andrew’s had lost a number of parishioners and had attributed the loss to Fr. Vladimir and as such were unable to meet its financial commitments. It was clear that the parish had the enthusiasm to continue but not under the current arrangement with Fr. Vladimir. With Vladyka Irenee’s blessing Fr. Vladimir resigned as their pastor and St. Andrew’s was placed under the direction of Fr. Rodion in Yorkton. St. Andrew’s continues with one liturgy per month, with reader services on the other Sundays. The Priest Leonard Herrem has served them once this year.
There is a question about the lease agreement with the Romanian Episcopate and Archbishop Nathaniel. The unsigned agreement is dependent on regular services being held at the temple (they are using the Church of St. Peter and Paul, originally part of the ROEA) and the continued renovations and upkeep of the grave yard. Since the agreement is unsigned, and the circumstances have changed, conversations between Vladyka Irenee and Archbishop Nathaniel should take place to insure clarity and transparency. As well that this parish’s needs are met as is possible.
I had an opportunity to speak with the priest Roman Pavlov and the parish council of Holy Trinity Sobor in Winnipeg, specifically about its paltry contributions to the Archdiocese. I expressed that it was unacceptable for a Sobor, and one consecrated by a Saint to offer such an insignificant amount of funds to the Archdiocese. A commitment was made to remit $2000 to the Archdiocese this year, with the goal of increasing it every year until it meets its 10%.
Although much good has taken place at the Sobor with Fr. Roman, it lives “hand to mouth” with limited recourses and increasing costs of keeping an aging building up. I challenged the council with finding new ways to grow financially and spiritually. One of these challenges was the possibility of merging with the Life Giving Springs of the Theotokos mission.
The mission has in the past year grown and matured. It has a potential Diaconal candidate (Subdeacon Mathew Beynon) and a number of young families. It still is serving in the basement of an Anglican church, with little exposure. The Priest Anthony Estabrooks has in his four years at the mission created a healthy enthusiastic parish core. But given the age and health of Fr. Anthony (near 70) and his family and time commitments the parish is limited to what they can do beyond the Saturday and Sunday Vespers/Liturgy cycle. I also presented the possibility of a merger with Holy Trinity as a way to enhance their liturgical life at an established Church. One of the mission’s goals is social outreach which they are unable to do were they are. Being in the North End of Winnipeg with a building and hall, could accommodate this desire. The money currently used to pay for the premises could then be offered to a second priest in the event that Fr. Anthony retires. That they cannot do presently. The goal would be one parish, one council, one rector, a second priest, and a second liturgy. This is already done in many Orthodox parishes.
Both these proposals were just suggestions for consideration by their respective councils. The proposal was met with intrigue and interest. And although some questions were raised, there was interest in the possibility. Regardless of if this proposal is appropriate (time will tell whether this is the right direction for these communities) there still exists the real need to bring an Orthodox Church to the South of Winnipeg, where nothing Orthodox exists. May the Holy Spirit guide our hearts as we work to bring the saving love or Christ to Winnipeg.
Both Holy Trinity in Moose Jaw SK and Holy Resurrection in Saskatoon SK continue to serve their cities. Holy Resurrection has started an outreach program with other Orthodox Churches in Saskatoon SK. Although a small program it has being a point of contact and engagement in witnessing the unity of our faith.
Holy Trinity in Moose Jaw recently finished their renovations and now has a fully accessible temple and hall.
All Saints Church in Meadow Lake SK continues to grow as a community within the Archdiocese. It has received some new parishioners from British Columbia. They had the blessing of having Vladyka Irenee for their parish feast this year.
One of the major issues of this deanery is care and upkeep of its many rural parishes. St. Nicholas Church in Sandy Lake MB, has had to reduce its services to four times a year (from thirteen) as their parish has shrunk to three families. Meeting the needs of these parishes, as well as being stewards of their and our recourses is a difficult task for the clergy of this diocese. This situation is not particular to our Diocese, as it is faced by both the UOCC, and the UGCC.
St. Nicholas Narol has grown considerably in the last term with three baptisms and a chrismation, and the reception of a family that had drifted away. This summer we finally passed a new set of bylaws that reflect our current life and status. Since his heart attack last winter the Archpriest Robert Stephen Kennaugh has being battling with depression, and related issues. This came to a head with his hospitalization last month. His health and that of his family continue to be heavy on the hearts of the parish and the deanery and Church. May the Lord bless and heal!
As was noted the distance between the parishes is problematic for regular visits and meetings. It was suggested that a deanery fund be created to help offset the travel costs incurred by either the dean or by those having to travel to meetings. This has yet to be adapted or worked out, but there is an understanding that this deanery presents challenges in meeting on a regular basis. Regardless of the adoption of any travel fund, the hope is to have a spring time/Lenten meeting in Yorkton. May it be blessed.
The commitments to my home parish, family and secular employment have been a challenge. Although positive steps have been made, much can be improved in communicating the importance of the Archdiocese as part of a normal Orthodox Christian life. May the Lord give me the strength and energy.
I remain by your prayers.
Pr. Gregory Scratch
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Narol MB
Dean of Manitoba and Saskatchewan Orthodox Church in America
Archdiocese of Canada Deanery of Alberta & the Northwest Territoriees Office of the Dean Very Reverend Fr. Phillip Eriksson Rector - Holy Martyr Peter the Aleut Orthodox Church c/o 156 Signal Hill Cir. SW Calgary AB T3H 2H2 Office/Home: (403) 686-4270 FAX: (403) 290-8510
Report of the Dean of Alberta & the Northwest Territories Archdiocesan Council Meeting – Oct 1 , 2014 Christ is Risen! By and large the Deanery of Alberta & Northwest Territories continues to be experience a time of peace and cooperation. The communities are focusing quite effectively on the life of the church and their calling as disciples of the Lord. The deanery parishes have stepped up to the responsibility of attendance at the upcoming assembly tomorrow and have provided the necessary fundings in most cases for adequate representation. Our prayers are with the assembly as it reflects upon and brings forth its nomination for Ruling Bishop to be put forward for consideration by the Synod of Bishops. Fr. Nicolai Nikolaev and his rural communities (the St. Tikhon group of parishes) in northeastern Alberta have nothing new to report Holy Trinity in Edmonton has successfully weathered the matters around the repair and renovation of their basement and are pleased with the result. St. Herman of Alaska in Edmonton has wonderful new acoustics as a result of the new tile in that has been installed throughout the sanctuary narthex and offices of their temple. Currently there in the process of having icons installed in their dome. Fr. Vladimir Lysak is doing this and the community looks forward to seeing the results. The Century Group of Parishes in northeastern Alberta, overseen by Fr. Gerasim are working well together. The community spirit amongst them has been wonderful to see as it unfolds. They are particularly fond of their opportunities to have Vladyka Irénée come out and join them for various celebrations. When not serving in Whitehorse, Fr. Matthew Francis has been keeping himself busy assisting in various ways at the parishes in northern Alberta and occasionally filling in at Calgary in the south. Things continue to go well for Fr. Daniel’s pastorate at Dickie Bush. Holy Martyr Peter the Aleut in Calgary Alberta continues its conversation with the Anglican Diocese of Calgary regarding the acquisition of the church of Ss. Mark & Philip. There are some small blimps in the process which keep prolonging the process. Mission in Cranbrook is beginning to attract new members with the presence of Fr. Andrew. There is some optimism and hope being generated by this activity of their priest and by the new people that are beginning to gather around this parish’s work.
In Christ,
Archpriest Phillip Eriksson, Dean of Alberta & Northwest Territories
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BC Deanery Report to the Archdiocese Council Meeting. Oct. 2, 2014
HOLY RESURRECTION SOBOR, VANCOUVER, BC
The following events occurred since the last APM held in April 2014.
Parish life. The event of the celebration of the Triumph of Orthodoxy didn't happen last year. The Brotherhood just couldn't organise this event. All our services on Sundays were well attended by our parishioners. Thanks to God. I was glad to see a lot of people for General Panikhidas, Confession Soborovanie (Holy Unction). On Holy Pascha, as usual, our Church was full of people and the Paschal service at night was served solemnly with great joy. Also I would like to draw your attention that this year the attendance of our believers for the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Creet was really great. Thanks to God. We continue to have Akathist to Mother of God on the first Saturday of each month.
Montessori School. I would like to mention that yearly from the Montessori School, we receive $42,000. I don't know where we would stand without this School. In everything I personally see the hand of God that helps us to do our mission job. This amount helped us to meet our financial needs.
Bible study. Bible study lectures also continue to be held following the Divine Liturgy every Sunday. Thanks to our teachers: G. Povorozniuk, sub-deacon and reader J.A. Morley. Sunday school teachers are doing an excellent job, having very interesting classes for our children, preparing with them Christmas and Paschal Concerts and other events.
Church Sunday school is an inseparable component of a parish. In our church we are very happy that we have 3 functioning groups in Sunday school: Preschool, Elementary school and Young adult groups. Preschool group is instructed by Natalia Sudakova-‐Povorozniuk every Sunday, with the help of other parent volunteers. Natalia is a very experienced teacher, who prepares her lessons well in advance, making program and crafts interesting beneficial for children. The instruction is mostly in Russian and there are about 8 and more children in the class. Elementary School group children is taught by Jason-‐ Alexander Morley and George Povorozniuk in English and Russian, there are about 5 children in the group. Teachers look for material from various Orthodox sources. Young Adult Group welcomes anybody from youth to adults, who want to learn more about Orthodoxy. Alexander Grountsev is a teacher of this group, presenting interesting lessons in Russian.
Making prosphoras for the Church. We get together 4 times a year, 8-10 people, and each time we make 2,400 prosphoras which last approximately 3-4 months. A. Morley, sub-deacon and the secretary of the Parish, bakes a big prosphoras for the Altar (for Lamb), for Holy Communion.
Archpastoral visitation. All our parishioners are grateful to His Grace Bishop Irenee and Protodeacon Nazari (now-priest) for their great Services at our Patronal Feast Day in October 2013.
Renovation of the Rectory Kitchen. Last year at our APM we decided to renovate the Rectory Kitchen. My sons and myself we started this project right after Pascha. It took us till September 2013 to finish the job. Mama's Kitchen Company installed the cabinets, but the rest of the job, such as demolishing the old kitchen, with 2 walls, replacing the rotten floor, putting a new tile's floor, and back splash tiles were done by myself and the boys. It took hundreds of hours to do the job and running from one store to another. But I am thankful to God, that this dream came true. Now we have an excellent Kitchen.
Our Garage Sale was held in July which was very successful. Special thanks are due to those who worked on this project and especially to those who organized this event: Ludmila Kopyl and Oksana Petrova.
Church choir. The members of the choir are very dedicated to their obedience. They come for choir practice every week and they try to attend all our Church Services. In July 2014 the Church sent the choir Director, Victoria Popovich, to Jordanville Seminary (USA) to take a special course to elevate her skill as choir master. Church will send Victoria for another two years to be able to receive Choir Master Diploma. We are grateful to singers who dedicate their free time for practicing and regular participation in church singing.
Church Audit Committee (Chairman - Herman Ovodov). The committee spent a lot of time auditing Church financial books and records.
Web-master. All our parishioners thank Alexander Ovodov- for his tremendous job as web-master of our Church website.
Christmas Concert took place on December 29th and it was a celebration for everybody.
Notary Public, Galina Kovalev -‐-‐ our parishioner provides free consultations every first Sunday of the month. Our church community is thankful to Galina for this opportunity to get help in legal matters.
Svetlana Usanina, Psychologist-‐Consultant and our parishioner will start Psychological consultations once a month on children, family and personal matters. These sessions will start in May of this year.
Pre-‐marriage counseling is in the process.
Church Picnic took place in the City Park on August 10, 2014.
In addition to the regular services conducted during 2014 in accordance with the schedule the following services were also performed: 22 Baptisms, 5 Weddings, 9 Soborovanie (Holy Unction) and 6 Funerals.
As Dean of BC and Yukon, I visited all e parishes in th Deanery, including Victoria, Comox and Kelowna.
Archpriest Michael Fourik, the Rector
Report for St. Herman of Alaska urch, Orthodox Ch Langley, B.C. (Fall 2014)
The Church presently served by its Rector, Fr. Lawrence Farley, and the Deacon Gregory Wright.) There are 3 subdeacons and 3 tonsured readers. Priest Richard Rene and his family are also here, and are a great blessing
There are about 110 or so on a Sunday, including visitors, so that a new building is urgently required for the church to sustain itself. (Funding this project is challenging the parish’s financial resources.) Liturgy is held each Sunday, preceded by a Matins (in Byzantine music). This is followed by an hour of instruction in the library for catechumens and inquirers.
Vespers is served every Wednesday and Saturday evening. A full -‐ pot luck meal is served after Liturgy every Sunday, followed by an hour of catechumenal instruction by Fr. Lawrence. Weekday feasts are served by Vesperal Liturgies. Once a month a pot-‐luck meal followed by a Bible Study is held in one of the homes of a parishioner in Abbotsford. This outreach to Abbotsford has been continuing off and on for about ten years.
Fr. Lawrence gives a lecture at Regent College every fall, as well as doing a podcast 5 days week for Ancient Faith Radio, the so-‐called “Coffee Cup Commentaries”. His writing ministry also continues, with Following Egeria, about his recent trip to the Holy Land, to be published in 2015.
The parish’s Diakonia programme provides for the local food bank, as well as doing other projects.
Our Parish Council consists of our President Sava Duran, our V-‐P Kai Lerche, our Treasurer Melissa Ketel, our Secretary Gelu Halmaghi, and members Zane Green, Gabriel Friesen, and Athina Parson.
In 2014 to date (i.e. by August 30) we have had 4 baptisms, 2 chrismations, and 1 wedding. Deacon Gregory Wright of course has assisted liturgically at these services. In September we have scheduled 1 more baptism, 1 more chrismation, and 1 more wedding.
Yours respectfully in the Lord,
Archpriest Lawrence Farley, Rector,
St. Herman of Alaska Church, Langley, B.C.
Report to the Archdiocese of Canada, Deanery of British Columbia of the Parish of All Saints Alaska, Victoria, B.C. for September 20, 2014
By the grace of God, the community of All Saints of Alaska in Victoria continues to gather for worship, fellowship and service to one another and as a light in the midst of a beautiful but spiritually dark place. The community is small and barely has enough financial resources to make ends meet. In fact, only two months in 2014 has our income exceeded our expenses. We foresaw this when we set our budget for 2014 and we stripped away all expenses except the absolutely necessary ones. Even so, we have not been able to meet our expenses with our monthly income. This has meant that there is no budget for travel to Archdiocesan functions, no budget for some desperately needed painting (we have appealed to our landlords to supply paint, etc. for badly need painting to the ceiling in nave and altar) and no budget for church school or education, etc. If this trend continues the community is on the verge of not being able to support a priest full time. As it is, I have been already taken on some carpentry and renovation work to supplement our income.
Non-‐the-‐less, there is a small but good and faithful core group of persons who faithfully offer what they are able and as a result, we are able to continue to be a place that is a source of life and strength to those who gather. We have managed to get some extra donations to build some partitions in one section of the basement for the church school to use as we now have three small classes of children instead of two and were in need of better space for the classes to gather. We have submitted a proposal for the construction of these rooms to the landlords and are awaiting their approval. We hope to be able to do the work as soon as possible. We are also soon having icons commissioned for the Royal Doors from funds that were collected for that purpose some years ago.
The community is still adjusting to the changes that they have gone through. It will continue to take some time before that process is completed.
We’ve had two baptisms, one adult and one infant, and one marriage since last fall.
Respectfully submitted,
Archpriest Larry
Camp Priest's Report All Saints of North America Orthodox Youth Camp 2014
While camp faced some significant and unanticipated challenges this year, it was, on the whole, very successful, with about 50 campers from at least 8 Orthodox parishes, who were supported by more than 20 volunteers - and I heard more volunteers and campers talk about wanting to come back again next year than I have ever heard in previous years!
One of the unanticipated blessings of almost having to cancel camp last year was the discovery of the widespread support for the camp and its mission amongst so many different Orthodox churches. We started out this last church year with a spirit of renewed optimism, involving a wide variety of Orthodox parishioners who volunteered to serve on the camp board - although this resulted in a distinction between the official camp board and the unofficial camp board, given that the camp society bylaws specify that, because the camp is an OCA, BC Deanery camp, only members of OCA parishes can be board members. With regards to the work of preparation for camp, there was no distinction, but decision-making with regards to camp policy and the camp society itself was kept in the hands of the camp priest and board members from OCA BC Deanery parishes.
This distinction actually became important somewhat sooner than anticipated, as difficulties at the bank in changing signing authorities combined with reports relayed to the board from the camp society's lawyers resulted in the decision being made to dissolve the original St. Arseny Orthodox Youth Camp Society. The intention was to immediately reconstitute the society with the same or similar constitution and bylaws under the camp's new name, All Saints of North America Orthodox Youth Camp. As the board began to review the society bylaws for reconstitution, however, two things became clear. First, the bylaws were in need of at least some revision - the greatest need being clarification of who qualifies to be a member of the society. Second, the current bylaws actually require more active participation in the governance of the camp society from the BC Deanery parishes than what has occurred over the last few years at least - namely, the camp board is supposed to be primarily made up of representatives of each BC Deanery parish who have been selected by the rectors of those parishes.
These discoveries complicated the reconstitution process, making it impossible to reconstitute the camp society before camp was scheduled to begin. While this initially left the camp in a bit of a bind, consultations with the dean and the board of St. John of Shanghai Orthodox Mission led to an interim solution where St. John's would run the camp as a parish outreach, allowing camp business to proceed with donations and fees collected and finances tracked as a subset of St. John's mission budget. A further complication surfaced when it was discovered that the St. Arseny Orthodox Youth Camp Society had not been dissolved, but had simply been left to lapse, which meant that the old society and its bank account continued to exist, but the small amount of funds remaining in the account continued to be difficult to access, given that it was still impossible to change the account's signing authorities. The decision was made to continue with the arrangement for St. John's to process and track the camp's finances until the details of reconstituting the camp society could be worked out.
All of this of course occurred "behind the scenes" and had virtually no impact on the day-to-day work of preparing for and actually running the camp. The only two notable impacts these behind-the-scenes complications had were one misunderstanding with an unofficial board member who was also a volunteer (the full details of which have been discussed with the dean) - a misunderstanding that should not recur once the details of membership in the camp society have been clarified when the society is reconstituted - and a few extra challenges for the camp treasurer in finalizing the details of the camp finances. Preliminary financial reports indicate that the camp will just break even this year if all outstanding debts and fees are paid. Given the arrangement to run most of the camp finances through St. John's accounts, any shortfall in camp finances this year will be covered by St. John's.
With regards to the reconstitution of the camp society, it is my recommendation that the bylaws be revised to clarify that it is a "closely held" society, with membership in the camp society being limited to the camp priest (appointed by the bishop) and one or two rector-appointed representatives from each OCA BC Deanery parish that wishes to be represented on the camp board. It is my further recommendation that this camp board will prepare for camp and perpetuate the pan-Orthodox character of the camp by appointing a "standing committee" (composed of rector-recommended candidates from any local canonical Orthodox parish that wishes to help out with camp), which will oversee and implement the day-to-day details of preparation for camp, with camp itself being run by the camp priest and the two camp directors who are appointed by the board to run the camp.
It has been my privilege to serve as camp priest for these last few years - it has been a great blessing to see the positive impact it has had on the lives of our children and on relations between Orthodox parishes in the lower Mainland. It is my prayer that the reconstitution of the camp society and the continued support of the camp by the parishes in our deanery (and outside it!) will help to ensure that our church-camp will continue to be a blessing to our youth and to our parishes for many years to come.
Love in Christ,
Fr. Justin
September 17, 2014 – Afterfeast of the Elevation of the Cross – St. Nikolai, Whitehorse, Report
Deanery of British Columbia and the Yukon – Meeting Sept. 20, 2014 St. Nikolai Mission, Whitehorse, YK – Report of the Priest-in-Charge
Your Grace, Bishop Irénée, Very Reverend Father Michael, Beloved Fathers in Christ, Brothers and Sisters,
Christ is in our midst!
Just before His glorious Ascension, our Lord Jesus Christ proclaimed to His disciples that they “will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1.8) As the most northerly community in our vast Archdiocese, and the only Orthodox Church in the territory, very often it seems as though Whitehorse, Yukon is the fulfilment of these words from the Lord. Thankfully, by God’s mercy and love, He has sustained us, and lifted our small Mission up with many blessings over the past year. So it is my privilege to offer this report to His Grace, and to all of you, as Gospel co-workers in this great Deanery.
The St. Nikolai Mission has continued to grow over the past year, with several newcomers joining our community, including two children through Holy Baptism and Chrismation in 2013. After being “homeless” for a brief period of time, we happily settled into a new place of worship at Pentecost 2013, the Our Lady of Victory Roman Catholic Church, which allows us to serve Great Vespers Saturdays at 5pm and Divine Liturgy Sunday mornings at 10am, as their parish does not have Sunday services. Of course, we must set-up for our Orthodox services and take-down each week, which is a fair bit of work.
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September 17, 2014 – Afterfeast of the Elevation of the Cross – St. Nikolai, Whitehorse, Report
Organizational Efforts
The Whitehorse Mission has existed since the mid-1990s, with the first services being a Marriage served by Father Jerome Cwiklinski, in 1995, and officially established as a Mission in 1997. Regular weekly Reader’s services did not begin, however, until 2000, when the Grybas returned from Ottawa to Whitehorse. At this time, they were given materials for the Mission from the priest from Juneau, Alaska. From that time until 2013, there was no formal community organization of the Mission, though the Grybas meticulously maintained records of all finances and services. Archdiocesan Secretary Nikita Lopoukhine very generously assisted with the preparation of charitable receipts, as all funds were directed to the Archdiocese.
As Priest-in-Charge, in 2013 I initiated the process of organizing the Mission, with its own appropriate Bylaws, in accordance with the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America and the Bylaws of our Archdiocese. This is now complete. In addition, the Mission opened its first bank account in 2013, and is moving toward local administration of its finances, relieving our Archdiocesan Treasure of this extra burden. A local Mission Council was established, and Registration as a Society in the Yukon is almost complete. The process of obtaining our own charitable status with the Canada Revenue Agency can now begin, and so it is anticipated that in 2015 the Mission will be able to grant its own charitable receipts for giving to the Mission.
I would like to express, on behalf of the Mission, our deepest thanks to His Grace, Bishop Irénée and to Nikita for his above-and-beyond service for almost 20 years! Resident Priest for the Mission
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September 17, 2014 – Afterfeast of the Elevation of the Cross – St. Nikolai, Whitehorse, Report
Without a doubt, one of the most significant Mission events of the past year took place March 2nd in Ottawa, with the Ordination of John Gryba, long-time lay leader of the Mission, to the Holy Priesthood. Father John and Matushka Sharon spent the first six months of 2014 at St. Tikhon’s Seminary in Pennsylvania, taking – I believe – every course available to them, and participating in almost all of the services of the Monastery. Father John received very diligent liturgical instruction at St. Tikhon’s, and is well-prepared to serve Christ’s flock in the Yukon. I was able to serve with Father John for the Feast of Dormition, at which I asked him to preside, and he did so very competently and with great reverence. As many of you will know, this Ordination is an answer to many years of fervent prayer on the part of the Whitehorse Mission, that God would grant them a resident priest to serve. Father John is retired from the Yukon department of education, and he is dedicating significant energies into the pastoral care of the Mission. While I am still currently assigned as Priest-in-Charge, it is my understanding that Father John will, in due time, take over this assignment, according to His Grace’s decision and timing.
Gift of the Relics of our Patron Saint
As reported on the Archdiocesan website, the St. Nikolai Mission in Whitehorse received two very special gifts in August – a beautiful, hand-painted icon and a portion of the relics of St. Nikolai (Velimirovic), our patron saint. The relic of St. Nikolai, housed in a lovely, carved wooden casket, was graciously provided to the Whitehorse Mission as a gift by His Eminence, Archbishop Lazar, of the Monastery of All Saints of North America in Dewdney, BC. The relic had previously been given to His Eminence by His Beatitude, Theodosius, Retired Metropolitan of All America and Canada, as an encouragement to the Orthodox Church in Canada.
Longtime Mission member Darcy Tkachuk and Fr. John Gryba, resident priest, hold the icon and relic.
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September 17, 2014 – Afterfeast of the Elevation of the Cross – St. Nikolai, Whitehorse, Report
I was blessed by His Grace, Bishop Irénée to receive the relics on behalf of the Mission community in July from Vladyka Lazar, carrying them with him to Whitehorse for his visit for the Great Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. For a few weeks in late July, en route to the Yukon, the relics were also made available for veneration at St. Herman of Alaska Sobor, in Edmonton. The Whitehorse Mission community expresses its heartfelt joy and thanksgiving, as we now embrace the presence of our heavenly intercessor in our own midst, close to home, in the Yukon! Glory to Jesus Christ!
Reliquary and Icon of St. Nikolai
Before the Vespers of the same feast, another gift to the Mission – an icon of St. Nikolai, handpainted by Canadian iconographer Hieromonk Vladimir (Lysak) was also presented. Donated anonymously by one of the Mission’s members, the icon depicts our Holy Bishop Nikolai, well known as the compiler of the Prologue from Ochrid, and as composer of the poetic Prayers by the Lake, bestowing his Archpastoral blessing.
The icon and the relics are now present for veneration by the faithful at all services of the St. Nikolai Mission. They are a sign and source of spiritual strength for us all.
As a side note, I would like to ask for a clarification on the spelling of our Mission’s name. I have heard from many Serbian speakers (including a Mission member there in Whitehorse that has spent time at Zica Monastery) that “Zhitsa,” – with a “tz” or “tz” sound – as it is written in most of our official Archdiocesan records (website, etc.), is actually incorrect. It is my understanding that the more correct transliteration of this place name would be either “Zica” or “Zhicha” (pronounced with a “ch” sound). In any case, I feel it is important that the English spelling of the Saint’s and Mission’s name be technically correct, so would appreciate direction from the Dean and the Bishop on this administrative matter.
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September 17, 2014 – Afterfeast of the Elevation of the Cross – St. Nikolai, Whitehorse, Report
We are grateful for the opportunity to bear witness to Jesus Christ in the Yukon, and look forward to continuing to proclaim the Gospel and the Orthodox way. We once again blessed the Yukon River, and I even blessed a barber shop in Whitehorse! Father John has a strong desire to reach out across the Territory, especially among the Inland Tlingit people, who were historically Orthodox – with connections to Juneau, Alaska. We pray that it may be possible to see the faith carried out even father, as the Whitehorse Mission grows both spiritually, and in numbers.
One thing I would like to emphasize is the sustainability of the Mission. While many of the Mission members have ‘stepped up to the plate,’ both financially and in the contribution of their time and energy – an enormous load is still on the shoulders of Father John and Matushka Sharon. I believe that the Mission would realistically be able to sustain a full-time priest in the next five to ten years, but they should begin by offering reasonable, at least part-time compensation to Father John. Since they will no longer be covering the costs for other priests to fly up, I am strongly encouraging the Mission to look at providing reasonable, part-time compensation to their hard-working resident priest. In this way, they will prepare themselves better for future ministry in the years to come.
While I do not know yet if this will be my last report to the Deanery on behalf of the St. Nikolai Mission, I would like to give glory to God, and to express my deep thanks for the privilege of serving this beautiful community. It is an honour to serve the people of the St. Nikolai Mission.
Asking your blessing and prayers, with love in the Lord,
Priest Matthew Francis
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Prison Chaplain Ministry Report for June, 2014
Dear Vladyka Irenee:
Master, bless. Glory to Jesus Christ!
Having been given the blessing to undertake prison ministry, I am undertaking to provide you with brief monthly reports of my activities in this area. I hope that the information below will help to keep you informed and allow you to contribute to the discussions of prison ministry with the Holy Synod and the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops.
In June, I contacted Fr. Michael Fourik (the Dean) and asked to be allowed to make a short presentation on prison ministry at the Deanery Meeting on September 13th, 2014. It is my hope that eventually, parishes will dedicate a line item in their budgets for donations to prison ministry, first in the Deanery of British Columbia, and then in the Archdiocese. How to collect those funds within the Deanery will be discussed further with Fr. Michael and the clergy of the Deanery. Extending the project to the Archdiocese can be a future discussion of the Archdiocesan Council.
I also put in a phone call and left a message for Fr. Stephen Powley, Executive Director of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM). My goal was simply to make myself known as an Orthodox priest serving as a full-time chaplain in Canada. I also wanted to discuss the possibility of setting up a parallel organization to OCPM to support prison ministry in Canada, since donations do not translate well between countries. So far, Fr. Stephen has not responded, so I will follow up shortly. I would ask that Your Grace consider raising the possibility of a Canadian “branch” of OCPM at the next meeting of the Assembly of Bishops. I would also ask that Your Grace consider identifying me as an Archdiocesan contact for prison ministry in Canada.
On June 25-26th, along with other chaplains, I undertook a general orientation in chaplaincy. Our direct supervisor is Fr. Joseph Ostopowich, who is attached to the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster. The orientation was designed to introduce us to a wide variety of pastoral and administrative issues. I will undergo an orientation for the specific institution where I am working on my first day, Wednesday, July 1st.
Finally, I consulted with Your Grace concerning the nature of the services that I may offer in a non-Orthodox prison context, and received the blessing to conduct non-liturgical prayer services such as Typika, Akathists and Canons.
Respectfully submitted by Priest Richard Rene
cc: Protodeacon Nazari, Archdiocesan Secretary. Archpriest Michael Fourik, Dean of British Columbia and the NWT Fundraising Committee Report
Since the last council meeting, Fr Gregory, Dr. John and I have had discussions regarding uniting the new fundraising committee with the existing STAS operations. As the primary goal of each committee is to secure funding for the archdiocese we believe it would be more effective to work together towards this common purpose. We hope to build upon the excellent work that STAS has already accomplished using the existing STAS contacts as a basis to start building the deanery contact lists. By combining our forces we can be more efficient and reduce administrative and other manpower costs which are already scarce enough without duplication.
Securing and maintaining stable funding for the ongoing administrative functioning of the archdiocese has been STAS’s main mandate. To this end, STAS has funded the secretary and administrative position that has been so well filled by Fr. Nazari for the last number of years This key position must not only continue to be funded but the funding level should obviously be increased.
By combining these two committees the scope of the fundraising is to be greatly enlarged. The new combined fundraising committee will need to continue to increase the monthly STAS commitments as a primary goal, but as the funding increases, will be open to helping parishioners in pursuing other key projects, whether at a deanery level with the local deanery fundraising wing, or across the diocese where all of the deanery groups team up for a project. The ideas contained in the original fundraising committee discussion document and the Terms of Reference at the May 23/24 Archdiocesan meeting will all be incorporated into the new committee, and will be combined with the existing STAS structure. Of course, as every dollar currently being raised by STAS is needed for the administrative position funding, the very first goal is simply to increase to increase the level of monthly income.
There are many other needs within the archdiocese that need funding if they are to become a reality. The exercise we are undertaking at this Archdiocese assembly, of seeking parish input regarding the directions and initiatives which our Parishes would like to see the Archdiocese develop, will no doubt provide a road map of worthwhile and God pleasing needs, all of which will require funding to materialize. Therefore the timing is very good for rolling out the new fundraising initiative at these Archdiocesan meetings. Once the needs and desires of the Parishes are identified, the next logical step is to ask how to fund these expectations. Everyone leaving these meetings should leave expecting a call, and go back to their parishioners, letting them know to be expecting a call. Let us go back to our parishes asking each of our parish members to pray seriously considering how God would have them help; with prayer, financially and/or with volunteer hours.
As John H. has wisely pointed out however, the emphasis at this time is to put the structure in place and work towards increasing the available funds, before we spend too much time on how we would like to spend these hypothetical funds. The first additional funding requirement would be to provide at least a token amount to cover expenses and some time (part paid – part volunteer) for an administrative assistant. We need someone who can dedicate the time to do the work the committee decides is needed, and to be available to help to organize and guide the many extra volunteers needed to develop this badly needed ministry. This position would need to be a paid position (even if quite poorly paid at first) in order to secure the commitment needed. Human Resource Committee Report
for the Period May 2014 to October 2014
Prepared for the Archdiocesan Council
Prepared by Barbara North, Committee Chair Current Membership
Barbara North, Chair Deacon Justin Mitchell ProjectsFather Nazari Polataiko
We have/had two projects before us:
1. Archdiocese of Canada Bursary Fund
The committee prepared guidelines and an application form for this fund. At the May meeting of the Archdiocesan Council, the members reviewed the draft proposal and suggested minor changes. These changes have been made and sent to Council members. It is expected that interested and eligible persons can now apply for assistance from this fund, knowing Council’s expectations of applicants.
2. Handbook of the Archdiocesan Council
A four-‐page draft handbook was prepared and submitted to Council at the May 2014 meeting. As it happened, Barbara North, didn’t fully understand the expectations for this handbook, so her draft needs extensive revisions. Once the nature of these expectations are clear, Barbara is willing to write another draft of the handbook for Council’s consideration.
“Unless the Lord builds the house” Considerations for Mission in the Archdiocese of Canada
Report of the Archdiocesan Mission Development Committee, for His Beatitude, the Most Blessed Tikhon, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada & His Grace, the Right Reverend Irénée, Bishop of Quebec City, Administrator of the Archdiocese of Canada
October 2014
1 Contents
Executive Summary………………………………………………….. 3 Background………………………………………………………………. 4 Developing a Process…………………………………………………10 Recommendations…………………………………………………….22 Appendices………………………………………………………………..23
• Appendix A – The Proceedings of the Mission Development Committee • Appendix B – Places of Interest in Canada for Potential Mission Exploration • Appendix C – “The Architecture of Holy Ascension Orthodox Church” • Appendix D – Article from the American Orthodox Messenger, 1905 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………67
2 Executive Summary
His Grace, Bishop Irénée established an Archdiocesan Mission Development Committee (MDC) following the Autumn 2013 meeting of the Archdiocesan Council, blessing Priest Matthew Francis to lead the initiative. The following members were appointed by His Grace to serve as members of the Committee:
• Priest Matthew Francis, Chair (Alberta) • Priest Gregory Scratch (Dean of Saskatchewan & Manitoba) • Priest Geoffrey Korz (Dean of Ontario) • Priest John Palmer (Quebec and Atlantic Canada)
The MDC was given the responsibility to consider together the Missionary task of the Church, and to explore all avenues relating to the development of new Mission communities within the Archdiocese. In preliminary discussions, the perennial concern that establishing new Missions may be incompatible with – or takes place to the detriment of – the health of existing parish communities was considered. It was the perspective of the committee that while the viability and vitality of the existing and historic communities of our Archdiocese is presently an important reality deserving our attention, so too is the missionary imperative. Indeed, as was articulated in the 1994 Proposed Mission Plan document prepared by Archpriest Lawrence Farley and Archpriest Larry Reinheimer, one of the best indicators of the health of an existing parish community is its readiness to help establish a new Mission.
The MDC carried out its work by telephone conference and email, with members conducting assessments of the various Mission approaches used by our Sister Orthodox Dioceses here in Canada. This was collated by the Chair, and submitted to His Grace and the Archdiocesan Council, as information, in May 2014.
At this time, the MDC recognizes that ongoing, intentional efforts will be necessary for the Archdiocese of Canada to most effectively embrace the Divine calling to bear witness to the true light of Jesus Christ.
As a result, three recommendations are offered for the discernment and consideration of the Church as a whole, and for the blessing of the Ruling Bishop:
1) That a clearly defined process be defined by which new Mission communities are blessed and planted within the Archdiocese of Canada; 2) That a line-item for Mission Development be established (or renewed) within the Archdiocesan Budget, set, to begin with, at 1% of the annual operating budget, and to be raised by one additional percent per year, until such a time that the line-item sustainably reaches 10%; 3) That the Ruling Bishop and the Deans, together with the Mission Development Committee, create a strategic plan for Missions in the Archdiocese, considering the local needs, resources, and opportunities presented across our Deaneries, Parishes, Archdiocesan Institutions, and existing Missions.
3 Background
“Turn again, O God of hosts. Look down from heaven and behold, and have regard for this vine, which Thine own right hand has planted, and establish it.”
(Psalm 80.14-15)
“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshiped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, ‘All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ Amen.”
(Matthew 28.16-20)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
(John 15.5-8)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
(Galatians 5.22-26)
4 The Missionary Essence of the Church
Fillip Moskvitin, Farewell to America of St. Innocent
This painting depicts the love of the Missionary for his people, and their love for one who has brought them the Good News. An Alaskan youth is portrayed as being embraced by the saint. The holy hierarch St. Innocent was in many ways the embodiment of a Missionary bishop, with a vision for the Orthodox faith to be incarnated in North America. Others, such as St. Herman came before him, and he was succeeded by gifted pastors such as St. Tihkon, Archbishop Arseny and Metropolitan Leonty, of blessed memory. By God’s mercy, all of the saints of North America have laid the foundation of Jesus Christ, on which we are called to build.
The call to bless, teach, heal and sanctify is written throughout all of the Holy Scriptures. Abraham was called by God, so that “all peoples on earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12.3). Through Abraham, God created a people for Himself, to reveal his holiness and love in all of creation. God is the LORD and has revealed Himself to us, in Jesus Christ.
As the Epistle to the Hebrews says:
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on
5 high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” (Hebrews 1.1-4).
This theological truth provides the basis for the practical outworking embodied in this plan. In the first appearances of the Lord following His Resurrection, He said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20.21). The Apostolic Church is the Church “sent out” for the Life of the World. The Holy Spirit goes with us to empower the Gospel to bear much fruit.
Orthodox Christians believe that the Spirit of God is “everywhere present and fills all things,” and the Archdiocese of Canada is no exception. All diligence and care must be taken on the part of the Missionary priest to foster a spirit of unity and cooperation with all of the Orthodox Church parishes in the region, to bear witness to the Oneness of the Orthodox faith.
The bottom line is that there is a need for intentional Orthodox Mission throughout the Archdiocese of Canada. If we truly desire to see the “Light of Christ illumine All,” including our own children and grandchildren’s generations, then we must go out in Mission to others.
To establish a faithful Missionary presence in Canada will require discernment, creativity, flexibility, wisdom, and hard work. Most importantly, however the task requires the visitation of our All-Merciful Saviour, through the prayers of His Most Pure Mother and of all the Saints. This document is humbly offered for the consideration of the Church authorities of the Archdiocese of Canada.
Defining Terms
On a purely administrative level, “Mission” refers to the status of a recently established community within the Archdiocese of Canada of the Orthodox Church in America, which we belong to. When an Orthodox Christian community is first established, it is referred to as a “Mission Station.” After a period of time, if the Mission Station shows some potential, it is blessed by the Bishop, dedicated to a particular patron saint, and is given the status of “Mission.” After demonstrating stability for some time after that, once the Mission becomes self-sustaining, usually having a resident priest of its own, it receives full-fledged Church status, becoming a “Parish.”
But that description only represents part of what it means to be “a Mission.”
The English word “mission” is derived from the Latin words missio and mittere, which mean “to send.” This corresponds to the Greek word apostelo, meaning “I send,” from which we also derive our words “apostle” and “apostolic.” In short, one could say that it is the essential characteristic of the Church to be sent out on a mission. As the Body of
6 Christ, our mission is to carry on the work of Jesus Christ, making present the Kingdom of God through teaching, healing, blessing, and sanctifying.
Similarly, the Church, according to the Symbol of Faith, is “One, Holy Catholic, and Apostolic” – sent out. The Apostolic Church is by nature a missionary Church! Every Orthodox Christian, through Baptism and Chrismation, has been ordained by Jesus Christ as a missionary and every Orthodox community is, in its essence, a Mission.
The final instructions of our Lord, God, and Saviour Jesus Christ to his holy Apostles defines our mission in the world:
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” (Matthew 28.18-20).
The first official Orthodox missionaries to North America that we know of were sent to Alaska in 1794 from Valaam Monastery in northern Russia. They were apostolically sent out to carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to unite people to Him. Among this first party missionary party was St. Herman of Alaska. Originally sent as the company’s cook, he laboured on many years after the rest of the missionaries had either died or returned to Russia.
In subsequent decades, from its base in Alaska – and then spreading to San Francisco and New York – the continent was evangelized by two particularly gifted and holy Bishops, now recognized as saints: Innocent and Tikhon, the “Apostles to America.” Both of these remarkable missionary Bishops were known for their compassionate love for their people, and their commitment that the Gospel and the Orthodox faith are for all people, not just those of a traditionally Orthodox background. The Church in North America was always considered as a “missionary Diocese,” and was often simply referred to as “the Mission.”
In the 20th century, one missionary priest – Fr. Leonid Turkevich – was a particularly close co-worker with St. Tikhon. A diligent pastor and theological educator, Fr. Leonid established the North American Mission’s first seminaries, and grew several major parishes to maturity. He represented the North American Diocese at the important Council of the Russian Orthodox Church in 1917, which saw the restoration of the Patriarchate, and his own former bishop – Tikhon – chosen by God for that ministry. After he was widowed in 1925, he accepted monastic tonsure taking the name “Leonty,” and in 1933 was raised to the episcopacy.
In 1950, His Eminence Metropolitan Leonty was chosen to lead the North American Missionary Diocese (also known as “the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic
7 Church in North America”). This Orthodox Church was often called the Metropolia, because it was headed by a Metropolitan.
The Turkevich Family in the early 20th century, and Metropolitan Leonty, later in life.
Now, some readers may ask, what does all this history have to do with us being a “Mission? How is any of this relevant?
During his long ministry, as a Missionary priest, Bishop, and as Primate, Metropolitan Leonty continually referred to the Church as a Mission… and not just any Mission, the Mission. He posed questions like, “how many new priests will we need for the Mission?” “How will the Mission be extended into parts of the country that currently have no Orthodox presence?”
Sometimes communities may progress through the formal stages of being a “Mission Station,” and then a “Mission,” finally becoming a “Parish,” only to lose touch with the truth that the Church is always a Mission! If a Christian community loses its essential character of being “sent” by Christ into the world, as His Body, for the life of the world (John 6.51), and its salvation – then that “parish” has, in a way, “perished.” We may go so far as to say that any Orthodox community that has grown insular, focused on its own needs to the exclusion of others, it has ceased to be fully, authentically Orthodox or Christian.
This self-identity of the Church as a Missionary reality – a community sent out by Christ into the world, for its life and salvation – was very close to Metropolitan Leonty’s heart. By his example and prayers, let us remind ourselves of our missional essence, and
8 respond accordingly – here in the Archdiocese of Canada, and in all the world, where God has called and placed us!
For the purposes of this document, the term “Mission” will be used to mean any formally blessed, newly established community within the Archdiocese of Canada.
"What would happen if each of us who has experienced resurrection joy...if, forgetting about large numbers, we were to transmit this joy and faith to just one other person, were to touch just one other human soul? If this faith and joy were secretly present in every conversation, even the most unimportant, in the sober realities of our daily life, they would immediately begin here and now, today, to transfigure the world and life. Christ said, 'The Kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed.' (Luke 17:20). The Kingdom comes with power, light, and victory, each time I and every believer carry it with us from the church into the world, and begin to live it in our own life."
- Fr. Alexander Schmemann
9 Developing a Process
“Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”
(Psalm 127.1)
“Let all things be done decently and in good order.”
(1 Corinthians 14.40)
Having a process is important. In the late 1890s, the Dominion Government of Canada set aside land in Dawson City, Yukon for the building of an Orthodox Church temple to serve the needs of the more than 200 Orthodox believers resident there. The only requirement was that a clergyman appear in Dawson to sign the papers. St. Tikhon requested a clergyman to go and claim the land, but by the time Bishop Innokenty arrived, in 1905, there were few Orthodox left in town, and the land had already been turned in to a park. The full story, from the Orthodox Messenger, is included as “Appendix D”, and serves as a reminder to us of the importance of having a process, and acting responsibly and in due time to the opportunities given to us.
Within the Holy Tradition of the Orthodox faith, much is given to us regarding the way the Church is structured, with Christ as the cornerstone. The Statute of the Orthodox Church in America, which is currently undergoing a planned revision, and is expected to be renewed in 2015, refers to Missions almost entirely in connection with the ministry of the Bishop. Indeed, this seems entirely in keeping with the Tradition and experience of the Church. The evangelical task of teaching the faith, proclaiming the Gospel, and participating in the Holy Mysteries is grounded and vivified by the faithful exercise of the Episcopal ministry. Similarly, the Missionary task – which consists of these same elements – is substantially entrusted into the Bishop’s hands.
The Statute emphasizes that is the Bishop’s role and responsibility to act as the primary initiator and “Mission Director” of his Diocese:
Article VI. The Diocese Section 4 The Diocesan Bishop. h.: • “Shall erect parishes, missions, and chapels in his diocese;”
Article VI. The Diocese Section 12. Missions” • “The diocesan bishop, by virtue of his episcopal office, is bound to propagate and expound Orthodox Faith and morals among all people within the diocesan boundaries. In order to accomplish this, he shall: • Take measures to ensure that his clergy make an Orthodox witness in their communities;
10 • Direct parish clergy to extend the limits of their pastoral activity in an approach to the unchurched; • Establish missions for the purpose of propagating the Orthodox Faith; Take measures to provide the necessary funds for missionary activity within his diocese.”
The Statute presupposes that the task of “establishing Missions,” and actively “propagating,” and “extending” the Orthodox faith is basic to the life of the Church. In light of this, and understanding that aspects of the Bishop’s responsibilities may be delegated – especially in such a large Archdiocese – the following principles would inform the development of our Mission process. It should be recognized that there would, from time to time, be variations required to this process to meet local needs and circumstances.
Principles
1) It is good to share and extend the Orthodox faith, and this task, in one way or another is the calling of every Orthodox believer; 2) The good work of Missions is the responsibility of the whole Church, and a “Missional” ethos is healthy for all our parishes, and for the Archdiocese as a whole; 3) Planting and sustaining healthy Missions does not happen by accident; it requires intentionality, leadership, discernment, and effort – on the part of the whole Church. 4) There is not a need or capacity at present, except perhaps in some very large urban areas, for many new Orthodox Missions to be planted in official local municipalities with existing parishes of the Archdiocese of Canada. The priority should be placed on municipalities with either no Orthodox presence, or no parish of the Archdiocese.
Goals
1. That all existing parish communities would begin to see themselves as “Missions” to their own communities in a renewed way; 2. That the Archdiocese of Canada would take a step of faith by establishing a line- item for Mission Development, beginning at 1% of the total annual operating budget, to be raised by one percent per year, to help strategically lead and support in the Missionary task; 3. That at least one, resilient, new Mission community would be established in every Deanery over the next ten years (by 2024).
Process
11 The reality is that Mission communities begin in a variety of ways. This has been borne out in the experience of our Archdiocese. More often than not, the initial impetus for a Mission community may come from an individual Orthodox believer, from a group of Orthodox Christians who may live some distance from an established parish, or from a Deacon or Priest who sees a need and desires to make an attempt to plant a Mission in one location or another. There may be some debate about how prescriptive the process should be for blessing or establishing new Mission communities. Some may wish the process to be more open-ended, while others might find an approach with stricter rules more beneficial. The 1994 Guidelines recommend a more prescriptive approach, which may at times, and in some circumstances, be valuable. At present, the proposed approach attempts to chart a balanced approach, keeping in mind the challenges – not least spiritual – in establishing a new local presence of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
1. Phase One: Exploratory
The Blessing to Explore
Any work undertaken in the context of the Orthodox Church must first be blessed. In the case of a lay person desiring to extend the Church in one way or another, the blessing of the parish priest, the parish Rector, must be sought and received. In the case of a clergyman, the blessing of the Dean and, in some cases, the Bishop, must be obtained. It is understood that such a blessing is given based upon prayer, due consideration, and discernment.
In the case of any potential planting of a new Mission community, either near or far away from an existing community, these realities must be taken into consideration, and the blessing must be in place prior to any official action.
At the earliest possible time when an idea for a new Mission parish community is suggested or proposed, informally or formally – by any member of the Archdiocese – the local Rector, minimally, should be consulted, and, if appropriate, also the Dean.
The Dean is expected to report to the Bishop any exploratory comments or requests regarding Mission concepts or ideas, providing any relevant background considerations. If the Dean determines the Mission concept has potential, it may be blessed for further consideration and planning.
2. Phase Two: Planning
The Blessing to Plan
12 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will you not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’”
(Luke 14.28-30)
In the case of a Mission proposed for a municipality with no Orthodox presence, or none of the Archdiocese of Canada, the Dean, in consultation with the Ruling Bishop, may bless the “planning” phase of Mission Development.
Liturgical services would not usually take place during the planning phase.
A thorough and formal Mission Plan, should be prepared in writing for the consideration of the Dean and Bishop, when an individual or group is considering planting a Mission. This plan should research and take into account factors such as:
• The population of the proposed community; • Some demographic information about the community, such as its economic / industrial base (e.g., is the community struggling? Is it thriving? Is it growing? Are people leaving); • What is the breakdown on the ages of the people in the community; • What are the predominant religious backgrounds of people in the community; • The distance of the proposed community from other Orthodox parishes, in particular parishes of the Archdiocese of Canada; • The number of Orthodox believers or families already present in that community; • Where would liturgical services take place in the proposed community? • Is there a sufficient group of people willing to commit themselves financially support a Mission in this community? • How many households are indicated? • What can the people commit to in terms of “time, talent, and treasure?” • Will the Mission commit, from the very start, to “first-fruits” stewardship to the Archdiocese of Canada?
Naturally, the responses to these questions and other areas of research will vary greatly from one place to another. One cannot quantify or circumscribe the operation of the Holy Spirit. A community’s prospects ‘on paper’ may look unpromising, but the Lord may still give His blessing. Conversely, every outward indicator may suggest the makings for a healthy Mission planting, but “unless the
13 Lord builds the house, its labourers labour in vain.” Nevertheless, there is no substitute or shortcut for a detailed, carefully prepared Mission Plan document. The process itself of preparing the Mission Plan ensures that a concept is neither rushed nor, hopefully, unduly delayed.
A Mission Plan may differ somewhat depending on whom is preparing it. If it is being prepared by a group of lay people, it may be somewhat different than if it is being prepared by a clergyman. Similarly people from different background experiences may have different perspectives and priorities, as well as unique knowledge. Allowance should be made for these legitimate differences. The Archdiocese should not be as concerned with how well someone can fill out a form, but rather how well they can articulate their desire for a new Mission community, and how compelling and realistic that case may be.
The Mission Plan should be signed by all individuals or families that have an interest in seeing the Mission established, stating their full Baptismal names, current parishes, and their appropriate contact details.
At such a time, the Mission Plan should be reviewed by the Dean and Bishop, and, with all due prayer, consideration, and discernment, a decision should be rendered on whether the blessing is given to proceed with the initial organization of a Mission and the initiation of Liturgical Services, on a trial basis.
If blessed, the newly formed community during this “trial period,” is referred to formally as a “Mission Station.” Commonly, however, the community may be called simply a “Mission.”
3. Phase Three: Organization & Liturgical Service
The Blessing to Organize & Serve
If the Mission Plan is blessed, then the organization phase may begin in earnest, in careful consultation with the Dean. It is at this stage that the formal organizational aspects of the community’s life, such as bylaws, registration, incorporation, and charitable status, should be arranged.
A formal letter of Blessing from the Bishop would in this case be provided, which should be made available to all interested parties.
It is at this time that initial organizational meetings may be planned with the local faithful, facilitated generally by a clergyman assigned or appointed to the task. In addition, with the blessing of the Dean and Bishop, the first Liturgical services in the proposed Mission community may be served.
14
As evidenced by the Missionary experience of the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of the South, plans should be made relatively soon for the construction of a temple in a traditional Orthodox architectural style. A building fund should be begun, and sufficient property acquired sooner rather than later. While these plans may not be translated into ‘bricks and mortar’ for some years, the acts of creating the plans can help to focus the community on the glory of God. In the case of Holy Ascension Church in Charleston, South Carolina, the design of the Church (by Architect Andrew Gould) has played a key role in the missionary life of the Church there. 1
While this experience is perhaps extraordinary, it is a sign of how something good and beautiful can be a positive sign to the larger world of the goodness of the Gospel. We should not underestimate the evangelical power of the Orthodox architectural tradition, and its potential to vivify the Missionary task in Canada.
1. Nourish the Planting
When the time is right, the temple may be built, adorned with sacred iconography, and inhabited for Divine Services, to the glory of God. This however, is not the conclusion of the Missionary task, but only the beginning. The Church temple is only one of the places in which Mission takes shape.
1 An essay on the design and construction of Holy Ascension Church, Charleston, is included as Appendix “C” of this Mission Plan.
15 Holy Ascension Orthodox Church, Charleston, South Carolina
As the temporal needs and demands of organizing the Church are addressed, the human life of the faithful cannot be ignored. From an Orthodox perspective, although glorious Churches should be erected for the glory of God and his worship, they are not more important than people. Only persons, not buildings, are created in the image of God, and called to be transfigured into His likeness. Nevertheless, temples can inspire the faithful to focus on the Lord.
As the Mission community takes on more of the character of an established parish Church – while always retaining its missionary ethos - pastoral care must be taken to ensure that health and maturity are fostered. As any experienced priest knows, this is much easier said than done. Much of it is, of course, beyond our control. From a spiritual leadership perspective, however, certain factors will contribute to the nourishment of a solid Orthodox Christian parish:
• As “full-as-possible” liturgical life including the Resurrectional (Sunday), Festal, Lenten, and Paschal cycles of services; • Sustained, living, teaching of the Orthodox faith & way; • Leadership development at all levels (“Nobody serves alone”). This means that teaching, modelling, and mentoring of faithful service are required at all levels; • Support and encouragement for the development of healthy monastic life, vocations, and communities in Canada; • A Eucharistic character to the Mission’s total life;
16 • A balance of “In-Reach” & “Out-Reach;”
2. Sustain & Share the Harvest
Resources
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will you not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’”
(Luke 14.28-30)
This Mission plan recognizes that a considerable amount of time, energy and money will be required to properly support and sustain the Lord’s calling to plant His Church across Canada. The Lord asks everything of us – not simply the tithe (which is only a starting point) – but the whole of our lives and energies. All that we have is a gift from God, first and foremost. It must first be recognized that the resources needed for Mission are first: 1) Divine and Spiritual, 2) Human, and 3) Temporal/Practical.
1. Divine & Spiritual Resources
All of the Divine & Spiritual Resources needed for the task of Mission are already available to us. “God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us.” The Gospel has been and is accomplished for our sake. Christ is Risen! Our life is sustained by the Holy Mysteries. Our Archdiocese is blessed with faithful Episcopal oversight to provide archpastoral spiritual care and accountability for Mission efforts. Sacred antimensia and holy chrism are distributed by the Bishop for the canonical celebration of the Holy Mysteries. Clergy have been ordained and may be assigned to serve. The Deaneries of the Archdiocese are in the first stages of beginning to function in a more regular and fulsome way, with experienced Deans providing support and accountability to Parishes and Mission.
2. Human Resources
Some of the human resources requirements are currently in place for Mission in Canada. Ordained clergy are available for Missionary work, and some may have more or less “portable” skills that would allow them to practice some form of “tent-making” employment for the indefinite periods of time that Missionary efforts may require.
17
“Then He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.’”
(Matthew 9.37-38)
3. Temporal & Practical Resources
The following information presents a ‘snap-shot’ of income levels for households within Canada. These factors may be useful in benchmarking for Mission planning.
Income in Canada: (2011 Census Data)
Canada Median Income Average Income Median After-Tax Household Income $50, 669 $58, 526
Projected Goals for Mission stewardship / income levels and goals
Using the “All Households” indicator for average income, the following estimates are offered based upon what will realistically be required to enact the mission strategy and timelines as proposed. The following estimates relate to “stewards” of the Mission Community, giving a ‘first portion’ based upon “Average Income” for “All Households” in Canada (according to the 2011 Census data).
18 Since the “Average Income” for all households in Canada, according to the 2011 Census data was $58, 000, 10% charitable, “first-portion” giving to the Mission community would average $5, 800, per household, annually.
Just by way of example, the number of seven households has been used to calculate stewardship / income levels for Year One. It is probably not realistic for Mission communities to be blessed to enter the “Organization” phase with less than this number of households. This tabulation is based upon average annual income, not upon the actual income of these seven households, which is actually significantly higher than the average.
Since, however, a much smaller portion of members of Church communities in Canada regularly give the full 10% on a regular basis, this estimation has been conservatively adjusted to 5% of average, annual Canada household income ($2, 900) to compensate for this factor.
1) Prepare the Soil By the end of Year One • 7 households giving an average total of $20, 300 annually
2) Plant the Seeds By the end of Year Two (based upon 50% annual growth) • 11 households giving an average total of $31, 900 annually
By the end of Year Three (based upon 50% annual growth) • 17 households giving an average total of $49, 300 annually
3) Nourish the Planting By the end of Year Four (based upon 25% annual growth) • 21 households giving an average total of $, 60, 900 annually
By the end of Year Five (based upon 25% annual growth) • 26 households giving an average total of $75, 400 annually
By the end of Year Six (based upon 15% annual growth) • 30 households giving an average total of $87, 000 annually
By the end of Year Seven (based upon 15% annual growth) • 35 households giving an average total of $101, 500 annually
By the end of Year Eight (based upon 10% annual growth) • 39 households giving an average total of $113, 100 annually
19 By the end of Year Nine (based upon 10% annual growth) • 43 households giving an average total of $124, 700 annually
By the end of Year Ten (based upon 10% annual growth) • 47 households giving an average total of $136, 300 annually
Since the average household size in Canada is 3 people, one can estimate that a Mission community, based up typical growth patterns for healthy new Churches in their first ten years, would be approximately 150 people in its tenth year of life.
5) Sustain and Share the Harvest
This phase of Missionary life reminds us that the process of growing to maturity will usually, naturally involve a type of ‘reproduction.’ Healthy Missions that have grown into stable Parish communities will be ready to repeat the cycle, sponsoring new Mission work in new communities. In addition, they will be supporting the work of the Archdiocese as a whole.
20
Our Lord Jesus Christ, with His Holy Apostles
21 Recommendations
The following recommendations are provided for the Ruling Bishop / Administrator of the Archdiocese of Canada, for His Grace’s Archpastoral prayers and consideration.
1) That a clearly defined process be defined by which new Mission communities are blessed and planted within the Archdiocese of Canada; 2) That a line-item for Mission Development be established (or renewed) within the Archdiocesan Budget, set, to begin with, at 1% of the annual operating budget, and to be raised by one additional percent per year, until such a time that the line-item sustainably reaches 10%; 3) That the Ruling Bishop and the Deans, together with the Mission Development Committee, create a strategic plan for Missions in the Archdiocese, considering the local needs, resources, and opportunities presented across our Deaneries Parishes, and existing Missions.
Design by Andrew Gould for Sts. Joseph & Andrew Church, Candler, North Carolina
22 Appendices
Appendix “A”
Work of the Mission Development Committee
Mission Development Committee Terms of Reference
I. Background & Establishment The Mission Development Committee (MDC) was established with the blessing of His Grace, Bishop Irénée, at the Autumn meeting of the Archdiocesan Council, which took place in Ottawa, Ontario Nov. 1st -2nd, 2013.
II. Purpose To review and study the missionary work of the Orthodox Church, within the contemporary context, and to provide a comprehensive report to the Administrator of the Archdiocese of Canada with recommendations to strengthen the missionary work of the Church. This work may include, but is not limited to, any and all considerations relating to the establishment of Mission communities within the Archdiocese. The Committee’s work is advisory in nature.
III. Membership On November 15, 2014, His Grace Bishop Irénée appointed Priest Matthew Francis as Chair of the Mission Development Committee, and recommended potential members from each Deanery. Fr. Matthew initiated communication with the proposed members, and the following have graciously agreed to serve, with the blessing of His Grace:
• Priest Matthew Francis, Chair (Alberta)
23 • Deacon Peter Choi (British Columbia & Yukon) • Priest Gregory Scratch (Saskatchewan & Manitoba) • Priest Geoffrey Korz (Ontario) • Priest John Palmer (Quebec and Atlantic Canada)
Additional persons may serve as advisors or consultants to the MDC at the request of the Chair.
IV. Roles and Responsibilities
The MDC Chair will guide the work of the Committee, and will involve members to participate in a primarily advisory and consultative capacity. The most important responsibility of each committee member is to pray regularly for our missionary work, asking that our Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ would help and guide our efforts. In addition to this primary work of prayer, Committee members may be asked by the Chair to carry out such work as:
• Defining the overall scope and parameters of the MDC’s work; such as (these are simply examples): A) What are the most important questions & issues relating to Mission in the Archdiocese today? B) What can the MDC include in our work and report and what may be beyond our ability to address at this time? C) What is the appropriate balance between considerations of Holy Tradition/Scripture/and missiology with ‘practical’ considerations? Is there an artificial distinction between these spheres? D) To what degree should the MDC address matters of mission policy (“rules”) vs. matters of mission strategy (“tools”)? E) How will we define our short term, medium term, and long term priorities? • Examining existing models of missionary endeavour or strategy, and evaluating their applicability within the context of the Archdiocese of Canada; • Reviewing draft texts for inclusion in the MDC’s report to His Grace, Bishop Irénée. • MDC members can expect to spend perhaps a 2-4 hours per month reviewing materials as part of our work between December 2013 and May 2014;
24 V. Means of Communication
The primary work of the MDC will be carried out through email or some other practical and straightforward means. Some conference calls via telephone or video conference may be arranged, as needed, but will be kept to a minimum. While ideally an in-person meeting would assist in the facilitation and completion of the Committee’s work, there is no available budget from the Archdiocese. In the spirit of collaboration amidst limited resources, we will draw upon the wisdom of each member, and will ask God to bless our efforts. VI. Term
The work of the MDC will be concluded upon the acceptance of the final report by His Grace, Bishop Irénée. Any future work or implementation of any recommendations would be at the will and blessing of the Ruling Bishop or Administrator of the Archdiocese.
Mission Development Committee Work Plan
Phase One: Knowledge Gathering & Planning (December, January, February) I. Finalizing the Terms of Reference for the MDC A) What is the key “deliverable” from the work of the MDC? 1. Policies (“Rules”)? 2. Strategies (“Tools”)? 3. Guildelines (Recommendations)?
II. Biblical/Theological/Historical/Statutory context A) The Church is apostolic; B) Mission in North America;
25 C) The relationship of parishes and missions to monasticism; D) Statute of the OCA; i) References to the establishment of mission parishes. a. Article VI. The Diocese Section 4 The Diocesan Bishop. h.: “Shall erect parishes, missions, and chapels in his diocese;” b. Article VI. The Diocese Section 12. Missions” “The diocesan bishop, by virtue of his episcopal office, is bound to propagate and expound Orthodox Faith and morals among all people within the diocesan boundaries. In order to accomplish this, he shall:
a. Take measures to ensure that his clergy make an Orthodox witness in their communities; b. Direct parish clergy to extend the limits of their pastoral activity in an approach to the unchurched; c. Establish missions for the purpose of propagating the Orthodox Faith; d. Take measures to provide the necessary funds for missionary activity within his diocese.”
E) Bylaws of the Archdiocese of Canada. F) Review of previously developed Mission guidelines document. G) Review of materials prepared by the OCA’s Department of Evangelization.
III. Missionary experience in the Archdiocese of Canada A) Era of St. Tikhon & Pre-Revolution; 1. 1906 records show 17 parishes served by 17 priests 2. 1918 records show 4 districts (deaneries) with 53 parishes, served by 52 priests. B) Era of Archbishop Arseny; 1. Most of the major ‘Sobor’ and historic parishes of the Archdiocese were established; 2. The Monastery and pastoral training school at Sifton were
26 centres of missionary activity. C) Era of Archbishop Sylvester / Metropolitan Theodosius as Locum Tenens; 1. Holy Resurrection, Saskatoon, 1975 (Entered the Archdiocese of Canada after 1987) 2. Sign of the Theotokos, Montreal, 1978 3. St. Herman of Alaska, Edmonton, 1978 4. St. Gregory of Nyssa, Kingston, 1981 5. St. Benoit de Nursie, Montreal, 1983 6. St. Nicholas, Ottawa, 1988 (now Annunciation Cathedral) 7. St. Herman of Alaska, Langley, 1986 D) Era of Archbishop Seraphim 1. St. Mark, Yorkton, 1987 2. St. Peter the Aleut, Calgary, 1990 3. St. Nicholas, Kamloops – CLOSED 4. St. Nikolai of Zhitsa, Whitehorse, 1997 5. St. Vladimir, Halifax, 1998 or 1999 6. St. Barnabas, Comox, 1998 7. Holy Apostle Phillip, Grande Prairie, 2000 – CLOSED 8. St. Seraphim of Sarov, Toronto, 2000 9. All Saints of North America, Hamilton, 2001 10. All Saints of Alaska, Victoria, 2002 11. St. Athanasius, Sherwood Park, 2002 - CLOSED 12. Holy Lady of Vladimir, St. John’s, 2003 13. St. Nectarios, Red Deer – CLOSED 14. St. John of Shanghai (and St. Nina), Vancouver, 2005 15. St. Aidan of Lisdisfarne, Cranbrook, 2005? 16. Theotokos of the Life-Giving Spring, Winnipeg, 2006 17. Sainte Trinité, Quebec, 2009 (Came into our Archdiocese) 18. St. Nicholas of Myra, Toronto, 2009 19. Holy Transfiguration, Huntsville, 2009 (No longer in the Archdiocese of Canada) 20. St. Andrew the First-Called Apostle, Canora, 2009
27 E). Present 1. St. Michael the Archangel, Kelowna, 2011 IV. Potential survey of Archdiocesan clergy and faithful????? A) Deans only? B) Development of Questionnaire; C) Should this kind of broader consultation be included at this time?
V. Potential interviews with key stakeholders: A) Administrator / Bishop; B) Chancellor & Former Chancellor / Secretary / Treasurer; C) Deans; D) Mission Priests / Parish Council Presidents (Warden/Starosta); E) Archpriest Larry Reinheimer & Archpriest Lawrence Farley; i) Fr. Larry Reinheimer appointed Director of Missions, December 1, 2001; ii) Fr. Larry and Fr. Lawrence drafted previous Mission guideline document; F) OCA Chair of Evangelization – Fr. John Parker; G) OCA Diocesan Mission stakeholders; H) Other Orthodox Mission stakeholders (other Dioceses within the Assembly of Bishops of North America); I) Other non-Orthodox Christian mission & church planting in North; American and Canadian contexts;
VI. Missionary Issues A) How are new communities currently established? 1) “Strengths” 2) “Weaknesses” 3) “Opportunities” 4) “Threats”
B) Archdiocesan structural support for missions; 1. Encouragement; 2. Archdiocesan “Connection” 3. Clarifying the roles of the following regarding Missions: i) The Ruling Bishop / Administrator ii) The Chancellor
28 iii) The Deans iv) Assigned Missionary Clergy v) Those Clergy or Faithful interested in Missionary work
C) Growing healthy Orthodox communities; D) Monasticism & Monastic communities; E) Targeted missionary efforts 1. To specific places 2. To specific people groups
F) Funding Missions; 1. Bivocational and “tent-making” missionaries; i) Canonical and practical considerations. 2. Mission planting strategies; i) Diocese of the South – “Diocese as a Bank” Statutes concerning Missions ii) Diocese of the West – The Missionary Deanery iii) Foundation / Lending models
G) Missionary clergy (specific competencies, willingness, attitudes and gifts); 1. Assessing and preparing clergy for missionary work; i) We have the AVAC process for discerning and evaluating potential candidates for ordained ministry, but very little in terms of systems to address mission-related competency. ii) OCA Department of Evangelization’s plans for a “Mission School.” 2. Supporting clergy in mission (health and well-being); 3. Clergy fatigue, retention, and attrition; 4. Ongoing formation and continuing education.
H) Missionary parishes; 1. Churches planting churches; 2. Statistical information on growth relating to planting churches;
29 I) Either / Or issues: 1. Missionary work vs. Succession planning for existing parishes; 2. Scarcity vs. Abundance mentality. 3. “New Starts” & “Re-Starts” 4. Planting Missions vs. Health and Growth of Existing or Mature parish communities
J) The missional dimension of Orthodox temple-building 1. Diocese of the South model 2. Holy Ascension, Charleston, and the work of Andrew Gould 3. Holy Transfiguration, Colorado Springs; 4. St. Seraphim Church, Santa Rosa
VII. Demographic / Geographical / Research: A) Fastest-growing communities in Canada; B) Population growth information; C) Largest communities in Canada; D) Communities with Orthodox believers but no resident clergy; 1. Census data on self-identifying “Orthodox Christians” E) Communities with no Orthodox presence; F) Communities with no Orthodox presence (by distance); G) Regional Approaches
Phase Two: Creation of the Archdiocesan Mission “Document” (March, April) I. Decision on the Type of Report and Format; II. Collation of materials and writing of first draft; III. Review by the MDC & external reviewers; IV. Integration of feedback from external reviewers.
Phase Three: Report Preparation & Delivery (May) I. Finalization of the draft; II. Design and Production / Printing III. Submission to the Bishop and Archdiocesan Administration for initial review, and integration of their feedback; IV. Presentation to Archdiocesan Council.
30
Questions for Discussion
1. Based upon your experience to date, what are two or three of the moments or experiences in missionary work that stand out to you as being the most significant or meaningful?
2. From your experience, what have been some of the major challenges facing the establishment of mission parish communities in the Archdiocese of Canada?
3. Over the past 25 years, a number of the Missions that have been planted in Canada have been closed for one reason or another. From your experience, what have been some of the major obstacles for the longevity, health, or maturing of mission parish communities in the Archdiocese of Canada? How could these obstacles potentially be overcome?
4. Is Orthodox mission in rural or remote areas different from urban centres? How so?
5. Do you have any ideas for the sustainable funding of missionary work in Canada?
6. Do you think it is possible for the various Orthodox dioceses / ‘jurisdictions’ to coordinate their missionary efforts in Canada? What would that look like in practice?
7. What conditions do you believe contribute to a community becoming “fertile ground” for Orthodox missionary efforts?
8. How do you see the roles of the Bishop, Chancellor or Dean functioning in the establishment, sustenance, and growth of Mission communities in our Archdiocese?
9. What are the top three things that the Archdiocese could do, over the next 5-10 years, to help mission priests and their communities?
31
Archdiocesan Mission Development Committee Conference Call February 13, 2014 Summary of Discussions
1. Prayer – Priest Matthew Francis opened the meeting with prayer, asking God’s blessing upon the work of the committee.
2. Introductory Comments – Fr. Matthew summarized the mandate of the MDC’s mandate, clarifying that we are not necessarily being asked to provide the definitive ‘plan’ for Mission planting, but rather some initial information. Fr. Geoffrey asked if His Grace had requested recommendations from the Committee and Fr. Matthew indicated that, yes, this is the request we have been given. We will provide information and some recommendations, which will then be placed in the hands of the Bishop. Our findings have been requested to be presented at the Archdiocesan Council meeting taking place in Winnipeg in May, following the Clergy Synaxis. Fr. Matthew expressed his intention to prepare a draft of the Committee’s report, which would then be reviewed by the MDC Members, and given to His Grace for comment before the formal presentation.
3. Updates on Information Gathering to date A) OCA Department of Evangelization & within our Archdiocese
Father Matthew summarized his conversations to date with Fr. John Parker, Chair of OCA’s Department of Evangelization, and noted the special $1M gift that had been given to the OCA for the purposes of Mission Development. The main notion coming out of this conversation is that while some OCA Diocese have intentional missionary strategies (e.g., the Diocese of the South and the Diocese of the West), the OCA as a whole has a more ad hoc approach, as do most of the other OCA Dioceses. Fr. Matthew also mentioned that he had located the 1994 Mission Document developed by Archpriest Larry Reinheimer and Archpriest Lawrence Farley. It was
32 noted that this document raised a note of caution about the preparedness of the Archdiocese to engage in missionary work. Fr. Matthew will circulate the 1994 document for information purposes, noting that the Canadian Orthodox context has changed significantly over the past 20 years. Fr. Matthew will be having some conversations with both of these respected pastors, to ask their thoughts on mission now, two decades on. B) Sister Orthodox Dioceses in Canada
i) Fr. Geoffrey – Serbian Diocese & UOCC
Father Geoffrey summarized his conversations with Archpriest William Makarenko, former Chancellor of the UOCC, and Mr. Rajko Djurdjevic, long time Council President of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Hamilton, and delegate to the Sobors of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North America. Below are the written comments provided by Fr. Geoffrey: Mission Practice of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) in Canada
- Current New Parishes (Under 10 years old): Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Sherbrooke, Calgary, Ottawa, Niagara Falls - Mission Parishes: Saskatoon (2013), Halifax.
• Petition for Mission: The SOC requires a minimum number of families send a written petition to their bishop, requesting the establishment of a new mission • Support for Priest: The Bishop in counsel will assess the capacity of ma community to support a full-time priest • Support for Regular Services: As an interim measure, missions will receive monthly or bimonthly a priest to serve Liturgy, baptisms, weddings, and memorial services on a designated Saturday/Sunday; these clergy are drawn from the existing ranks of the clergy within the diocese, and take turns travelling to serve the newly established mission community.
• House chapels are very common in areas where SOC did not establish churches during their first wave of immigration (post-WW2); these will often be comprised of a single (often residential) building, housing the chapel, as well as a business and/or residential apartment, whose rent covers the mortgage of the building. The building remains the property of the diocese/community, and can later be sold to finance the purchase or construction of a church. • Financing: Chapels & Mission are financed 100% by local laity, without the financial support of the diocese. The diocese and other parishes will typically contribute materially to the liturgical needs of the new community, through an organized appeal under the leadership of the local dean. • Timeline: Since the latest wave of Serbian immigration following the Balkan Wards of the 1990s, many Serbs in medium- and small-size communities have
33 attended non-Serbian Orthodox parishes in their area, while awaiting the establishment of a Serbian-language parish. Some Serbian faithful have had to wait between 10 and 20 years. • Context: The mission work of the SOC is essentially an exclusive appeal to newer Serbian immigrants, who take upon themselves the initiative to request and establish a local parish. No initiated outreach on the part of the diocese is evident from our inquiries. • Applications for Archdiocese of Canada: Locally financed house chapels; use of house chapel investment as nest egg for church purchase; ongoing, rotational support of deanery clergy.
Mission Practice of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC)
- Current New Parishes (Under 10 years old): Winnipeg (English language mission, directed to younger generation of English-speaking Ukrainian Canadians)
• Use of Existing Church Buildings: The UOCC enjoys a large number of church buildings, the result of the construction efforts of the first Ukrainian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th century and the Inter-War Period. As such, the missionary focus of the UOCC is the purposeful reception of new Orthodox emigrees from Ukraine and Russia, and their hospitable integration into smaller, older UOCC parishes, creating a new generation to exist in a parallel way with the older one. • Outreach to Newcomers: The UOCC places its emphasis on building bridges with newcomers from Ukraine and Russia, who request or attend baptisms and memorials/funerals at UOCC parishes. In the best case scenarios, one or two laity will work together with the parish priest to ensure each visitor is welcomed, invited to a parish social event, and provides his or her contact information for personal and pastoral follow-up. • Integration with Cultural Community AND Church Community: The UOCC strives to use existing cultural bridges, such as participation in musical groups and festal events, to introduce newcomers into parish life, as well as offering a variety of Church-related supports, such as house blessings and pastoral care, to new Canadians of Ukrainian and Russian heritage (many of whom are mixed Ukrainian/Russian families). • Financing: All financing is localized with the parish, in keeping with the congregational approach often used in parishes of this jurisdiction. • Timeline: Since the UOCC enjoys excellent geographical coverage with the location of its parishes (both rural and local, east and west), the timeline for the reestablishment or revivification of a parish is entirely flexible. In light of the vanishing demographic of Ukrainian-Canadians, the arrival of new immigrant Ukrainians and Russians into any UOCC parish provides an immediate cause for
34 celebration and optimism, and an opportunity for active priests to provide catechism and liturgical/pastoral care which might have been in lower demand prior to the arrival of newcomers. • Context: The mission work of the SOC is essentially an exclusive appeal to newer Ukrainian and Russian immigrants, who rarely take upon themselves the initiative to request and establish a local parish, but usually come to the Church through direct appeals from existing Ukrainian-language parishes of the UOCC (which constitute almost all their existing parishes in Canada). No initiated outreach on the part of the UOCC to non-Ukrainian/Russian speakers is evident from our inquiries, with the exception of an anomalous English-language mission in the city of Winnipeg, which boasts the highest concentration of faithful of Ukrainian heritage in Canada. • Applications for Archdiocese of Canada: Outreach methods to identified language groups might apply in areas where existing church buildings can accommodate newcomers. The strategy of the UOCC does not seem to lend itself to the conditions of the English and French-speaking outreach to non- Orthodox commonly seen in many areas of the OCA Archdiocese of Canada.
ii) Fr. John: Scheduled to have a discussion with His Eminence Sotirios, Greek Metropolis of Toronto on February 18th, but this may require a letter of support from His Grace Bishop Irénée. iii) Fr. Gregory summarized his discussions with Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos, who is serving the Greek Orthodox community in Brandon, Manitoba, as well as in Winnipeg. Fr. Gregory also described his informal conversations with Brother UOCC clergy there in Saskatchewan and Manitoba who expressed some concern over the increasingly precarious situation of many of the rural parish communities in the prairies. There is a real question over their sustainability and this raises the reality of the question about sustaining and fostering health in existing parishes vs. establishing new missionary parishes. It really does seem, in many circumstances, like an “either/or” type of situation, and our challenge is how to see faithful ways forward. iv) Fr. Matthew –Spoke with Archpriest Michael Gillis of Holy Nativity Antiochian Orthodox Church in Langley, BC, and Archpriest Peter Shaskov of the Canadian ROCOR Diocese, who is based in Calgary. The Antiochian Archdiocese has highly established standards and parameters for the development of missionary parishes, and these efforts are coordinated by the Archdiocese, with an office led by Fr. John Finley. Canada has two Antiochian Orthodox Dioceses (both
35 spanning the US/Canada border), so the approaches vary somewhat on the pastoral goals of the respective Bishops. The two ROCOR parishes in Calgary are growing significantly, reaching out primarily to newcomers to Canada, which accords with this Diocese’s focus on urban centres and Russian-speaking newcomers.
C) Discussion relating to the Terms of Reference or the Work Plan
Fr. Matthew mentioned two potential ideas regarding “funding of missions.”
A) Protodeacon Nazari had suggested that an assessment or inventory be made of the properties owned by the Archdiocese or by parishes, to see if revenue could be generated from potential property sales or leases, which could then be invested into a mission fund;
B) Fr. Matthew described the OCA Diocese of the South’s dedicated annual investment of 25% of its annual operating budget into mission development, acting as a lender to mission parishes for the building of temples, clergy ‘catalyst’ salary subsidy, etc. The proposal was suggested to recommend that the Archdiocese of Canada, which is currently in a deficit budget, of allocating, initially, 1% of its annual operating budget for mission development, raising this annually by an additional 1%. In this way, we would be planning for the future.
Fr. Matthew also informed the MDC members that he will be carrying out some demographic research to explore where communities are growing, and which of these communities currently do not have an Orthodox presence. This may yield some contextual information to allow for a missionary “Places of Interest” list to be created in each Deanery.
D) Next Meeting?
Another conference call may be held during Great Lent. In the meantime, texts will be circulated via email for review and consultation.
E) Prayer & Adjournment
36 Appendix “B”
Places of Interest for Potential Mission Work in Canada List of the 100 largest metropolitan areas in Canada
The following information on the largest metropolitan areas in Canada, which includes their growth rates, may be of interest to the Archdiocese in considering the potential locations of other new Orthodox Missions across the country. This information would be useful in considering future, more strategic planning, as is recommended by the MDC.
The table below lists the 100 largest metropolitan areas in Canada by population, using data from the Canada 2011 Census and the Canada 2006 Census. Each metropolitan area is identified by its Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) or Census Agglomeration (CA) as defined by Statistics Canada. Any other census subdivision that comprises at least 10 per cent of the CMA or CA population is listed in parentheses.
Note that a city's metropolitan area in colloquial or administrative terms may be different than its CMA as defined by Statistics Canada, resulting in differing populations. Such is the case with the Greater Toronto Area and the National Capital Region where their metro populations are notably higher than their respective CMA populations.
Rank Population Population Geographic name Province Change (2011) (2011) (2006)
1 Toronto (Mississauga) Ontario 5,583,064 5,113,149 9.2
2 Montreal (Laval) Quebec 3,824,221 3,635,556 5.2
3 Vancouver (Surrey) British Columbia 2,313,328 2,116,581 9.3
4 Ottawa - Gatineau Ontario/Quebec 1,236,324 1,133,633 9.1
5 Calgary Alberta 1,214,839 1,079,310 12.6
37 Rank Population Population Geographic name Province Change (2011) (2011) (2006)
6 Edmonton Alberta 1,159,869 1,034,945 12.1
7 Quebec (Lévis) Quebec 765,706 719,153 6.5
8 Winnipeg Manitoba 730,018 694,668 5.1
9 Hamilton (Burlington) Ontario 721,053 692,911 4.1
10 Kitchener - Cambridge - Waterloo Ontario 477,160 451,235 5.7
11 London Ontario 474,786 457,720 3.7
St. Catharines - Niagara (Niagara 12 Ontario 392,184 390,317 0.5 Falls,Welland)
13 Halifax Nova Scotia 390,328 372,858 4.7
14 Oshawa (Whitby, Clarington) Ontario 356,177 330,594 7.7
15 Victoria (Saanich) British Columbia 344,615 330,088 4.4
16 Windsor (Lakeshore) Ontario 319,246 323,342 -1.3
17 Saskatoon Saskatchewan 260,600 233,923 11.4
38 Rank Population Population Geographic name Province Change (2011) (2011) (2006)
18 Regina Saskatchewan 210,556 194,971 8
19 Sherbrooke (Magog) Quebec 201,890 191,410 5.5
St. John's (Mount Pearl, Conception Bay Newfoundland and 20 196,966 181,113 8.8
South) Labrador
21 Barrie (Innisfil) Ontario 187,013 177,061 5.6
22 Kelowna (West Kelowna) British Columbia 179,839 162,276 10.8
23 Abbotsford - Mission British Columbia 170,191 159,020 7
24 Greater Sudbury Ontario 160,770 158,258 1.6
25 Kingston (South Frontenac, Loyalist) Ontario 159,561 152,358 4.7
26 Saguenay Quebec 157,790 156,305 1
27 Trois-Rivières Quebec 151,773 144,713 4.9
28 Guelph Ontario 141,097 133,698 5.5
29 Moncton (Dieppe, Riverview) New Brunswick 138,644 126,424 9.7
39 Rank Population Population Geographic name Province Change (2011) (2011) (2006)
30 Brantford (Brant) Ontario 135,501 124,607 8.7
31 Saint John (Quispamsis) New Brunswick 127,761 122,389 4.4
32 Thunder Bay Ontario 121,596 122,907 -1.1
33 Peterborough (Selwyn) Ontario 118,975 116,570 2.1
34 Lethbridge Alberta 105,999 95,196 11.3
35 Chatham-Kent Ontario 104,075 108,589 -4.2
36 Cape Breton Nova Scotia 101,619 105,928 -4.1
37 Kamloops British Columbia 98,754 92,797 6.4
38 Nanaimo British Columbia 98,021 92,361 6.1
39 Fredericton New Brunswick 94,268 86,226 9.3
40 Belleville (Quinte West) Ontario 92,540 91,518 1.1
41 Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Quebec 92,394 87,492 5.6
40 Rank Population Population Geographic name Province Change (2011) (2011) (2006)
42 Chilliwack British Columbia 92,308 82,465 11.9
43 Red Deer Alberta 90,564 83,154 8.9
44 Sarnia (St. Clair) Ontario 89,555 88,793 0.9
45 Drummondville Quebec 88,480 82,949 6.7
46 Prince George British Columbia 84,232 83,225 1.2
47 Sault Ste. Marie Ontario 79,800 80,098 -0.4
48 Granby Quebec 77,077 71,176 8.3
49 Kawartha Lakes Ontario 73,214 74,561 -1.8
50 Medicine Hat Alberta 72,807 68,822 5.8
51 Wood Buffalo Alberta 66,896 52,643 27.1
52 Charlottetown (Stratford) Prince Edward Island 64,487 59,325 8.7
53 North Bay Ontario 64,043 63,424 1
41 Rank Population Population Geographic name Province Change (2011) (2011) (2006)
54 Norfolk Ontario 63,175 62,563 1
55 Cornwall (South Stormont) Ontario 58,957 58,485 0.8
56 Vernon (Coldstream) British Columbia 58,584 55,418 5.7
57 Saint-Hyacinthe Quebec 56,794 54,976 3.3
58 Courtenay (Comox, Comox Valley A & B) British Columbia 55,213 51,383 7.5
59 Grande Prairie Alberta 55,032 47,107 16.8
60 Shawinigan Quebec 55,009 56,408 -2.5
61 Brandon Manitoba 53,229 48,256 10.3
62 Rimouski Quebec 50,912 48,918 4.1
63 Leamington (Kingsville) Ontario 49,765 49,741 0
64 Sorel-Tracy (Contrecœur) Quebec 47,772 46,595 2.5
Joliette (Notre-Dame-des-Prairies, Saint- 65 Quebec 46,932 43,306 8.4 Charles-Borromée, Saint-Paul)
42 Rank Population Population Geographic name Province Change (2011) (2011) (2006)
66 Victoriaville Quebec 46,354 43,195 7.3
67 Truro (Colchester, Subd. B & C) Nova Scotia 45,888 45,077 1.8
68 Duncan (North Cowichan) British Columbia 43,252 41,387 4.5
69 Timmins Ontario 43,165 42,997 0.4
70 Prince Albert Saskatchewan 42,673 40,766 4.7
71 Penticton (Okanagan-Similkameen D) British Columbia 42,361 41,303 2.6
72 Rouyn-Noranda Quebec 41,798 40,650 2.8
73 Orillia (Ramara) Ontario 40,731 40,532 0.5
74 Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Quebec 40,077 39,672 1
Brockville (Elizabethtown- 75 Ontario 39,024 39,668 -1.6 Kitley, Augusta)
76 Woodstock Ontario 37,754 35,822 5.4
77 Campbell River (Strathcona D) British Columbia 36,096 34,707 4
43 Rank Population Population Geographic name Province Change (2011) (2011) (2006)
New Glasgow (Pictou, Subd. C & 78 Nova Scotia 35,809 36,288 -1.3 B,Stellarton, Westville)
79 Midland (Tay, Penetanguishene) Ontario 35,419 35,432 0
80 Saint-Georges Quebec 34,642 32,902 5.3
81 Moose Jaw Saskatchewan 34,421 33,360 3.2
Bathurst (Bathurst Parish, Beresford 82 New Brunswick 33,484 34,106 -1.8 Parish, Beresford)
83 Val-d'Or Quebec 33,265 32,288 3
84 Alma Quebec 33,018 31,864 3.6
85 Owen Sound (Georgian Bluffs) Ontario 32,092 32,259 -0.5
86 Stratford Ontario 30,886 30,516 1.2
87 Lloydminster Alberta/Saskatchewan 30,798 27,023 14
88 Baie-Comeau Quebec 28,789 29,674 -3
44 Rank Population Population Geographic name Province Change (2011) (2011) (2006)
89 Sept-Îles Quebec 28,487 27,827 2.4
90 Miramichi (North Esk) New Brunswick 28,115 28,773 -2.3
91 Thetford Mines Quebec 27,968 28,110 -0.5
92 Parksville (Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo G) British Columbia 27,822 26,518 4.9
93 Rivière-du-Loup (Saint-Antonin) Quebec 27,734 26,423 5
Newfoundland and
94 Corner Brook 27,202 27,194 0 Labrador
95 Centre Wellington Ontario 26,693 26,049 2.5
96 Fort St. John (Peace River C) British Columbia 26,380 25,136 4.9
97 Kentville (Kings, Subd. B & C) Nova Scotia 26,359 25,969 1.5
98 Whitehorse Yukon 26,028 22,898 13.7
99 Port Alberni (Alberni-Clayoquot E) British Columbia 25,465 25,343 0.5
100 Cranbrook (East Kootenay C) British Columbia 25,037 24,138 3.7
45 Rank Population Population Geographic name Province Change (2011) (2011) (2006)
101 Okotoks Alberta 24,511 17,150 42.9
102 Pembroke (Laurentian Valley) Ontario 24,017 23,195 3.5
46 Appendix “C” Article – “The Architecture of Holy Ascension Orthodox Church”
47
48
49
50
51
52 Appendix D
AMERICAN ORTHODOX MESSENGER IX, 1905, # 15, August 1-14, p.291
UNDER THE FLAG OF THE DOUBLE CROSS
I. “The Juneau priest, as being closest, should sometime travel to Dawson City and by being there, explain the questions about the land, and also bring comfort to the Orthodox who are there.” BISHOP TIKHON.
Skagway was the last sea point which lay on our path into the English ownership of central Alaska. Here we bade farewell to the magnificent ocean and found ourselves in a narrow and dusty pass, at the bottom of which lay this little city. It is not large in itself and one cannot say anything special about it. Neither gold nor silver have yet been discovered in its vicinity and its significance consists of being where goods are transferred from sea vessels onto a railroad and, conversely, a transfer of gold dust onto ships to transport it to larger cities. Thus, there is a customs-house which provides the government of the United States with a huge income. There are very few Orthodox here and they have not required of us any "serving" since, according to the degree of possibility and necessity, they visit Sitka and Juneau. To the contrary, they themselves, as much as they could, served us, for example, in seeking quarters, in purchasing tickets, in freeing the baggage from customs inspection, etc. We are especially grateful to a certain customs official, N.I. Bolshanin, who was forewarned of our arrival and came and offered us all his cooperation. It was he who took us into the railway coach when it became possible to set out on the path ahead.
II. A Railroad among the Clouds.
Up to now I have not had occasion either to hear, or to read if an Orthodox missionary had at any time stepped upon this soil. I am prepared to even think that this present path from Skagway into the internal areas of Canada was unknown to the white man until most recently and only the poor Indian, somewhere at top of a cliff, set up a hut for himself, like an eagle's nest*.
[*footnote: Thus, even to this day, there is a certain place here that has preserved the name "Eagle's Nest"].
53
Vegetation is poor — all mountains and mountains, all rock and rock. But, in 1897 the first gold was found in Klondike and since then this country has literally become alive. Along mountains and ravines locomotives moved, boats sailed in lakes and rivers, and there appeared stations, mills, cities. The white man came to own the land and the Indians went into the mountains — a usual phenomenon in the wild American means of colonization and exploitation of natural resources. After this, very quickly appeared unavoidable co-travellers of the new master: forests were burned in limitless quantities, and in place of pure mountain air, stench spread for hundreds of miles about, instead of emerald streams from the mountains, muddy torrents began to flow, and turbid rivers troubled the purity of the mirror-like mountain lakes. "Does it matter to anyone? Have we not become accustomed to the smelly air of our cities? Have we not befouled nature everywhere around us? But, from 1898 to 1904 we brought out from here 110,000,000 dollars of gold dust into the world market!" Thus speak those in the gold trade — and the golden number of one hundred and ten million dollars (220,000,000 rubles) seals the lips of the accusers. Of course Father Antony and I had no need or desire to either argue or to accuse — thus we, with peaceful hearts, gazed out the windows of the coach at the forest fires and were truly amazed at the steel-like will of man which drove through these mountains, threw these bridges over chasms, dried up lakes, changed the course of rivers, in order to level the road to the gold fields. True, the railroad has been laid here for only 150 versts [tr.versta - 3,500 feet], but this construction, in technical difficulties, is simply amazing, and one must see it with one's own eyes in order to form an understanding of it. Seven hours of travel on the railroad "beyond the clouds" passed unnoticed. Our little train, comprising a steam engine, baggage coach and one passenger coach with 30 passengers, either hid in tunnels, or sped along the passes from which could be seen only a narrow strip of the sky, or we were carried across rivers and lakes along huge dams, or we crossed mountain waterfalls and abysses along suspended bridges up to seventy sazhins [tr.sazhin - 7 feet] in height; or we rose to the mountain tops amidst clouds, or finally we again descended into the ravines. At each step there were revealed various views, at each turn — new pictures. Only it was difficult to breathe and the head ached, for the suffocating smoke from the forests burning everywhere, had covered even the sun itself. And here, about six o'clock in the evening, our steam engine gave a shrill whistle and stopped. It's service had ended: from here began the water journey along the Yukon River. Everywhere on the flag staffs there appeared the English flag of the Double Cross*.
[*footnote: The English national flag, as it is well known, represents the union of the emblem of the Red Cross with our Andrew's Cross]
III "The Great River"
54
The shallow steamboat Yukoner, a huge paddle wheeler with four rudders behind itself, was already tied up at the dock, ready to take on passengers and proceed on its trip. Our cabin was reserved earlier so that we found it without difficulty and carried our things there from the coach. But we were very hungry, since at the railroad station we could not find anything lenten and therefore we ate nothing the entire day. Thus, the first matter on the boat was our request to prepare some fish for us and with pleasure we ate a piece each of some kind of bony river sort: still, it was better than nothing!
Then, coming out onto the deck, we looked about. Our station is called White Horse and is considered to be a city, but a week before our arrival, this "city" burned to the ground, and now instead of homes along the shore, there stood tents and huts in which the sufferers from the fire took shelter. The river, born of rapids which restricted its movement, becomes navigable from here and carries its water up to the Bering Sea, up to Michael's Redoubt itself, i.e., a distance of 2,500 miles (about 4,000 versts), — and thus it is called in Indian Kvakpakh (Great River). True, near White Horse it is not yet great, but when we set out on our trip, we saw that the farther from here, the wider and deeper became its channel, sometimes spreading to the size of a lake with a width of 20 miles. Its water is not sufficiently clear, and the deeper, the worse it is — which is explained by its sandy bottom, its fast flowing and its character of a mountain stream and, finally, by the abundance of tributaries at which gold seekers everywhere pan the gold-bearing soil. Mountains of medium height stand like walls on the right and on the left. Their slopes are covered with grass, bushes of small growth, and scanty trees. The shores are absolutely empty. Only occasionally a poor hut of a wild woodcutter could be glimpsed, and police stations would make themselves evident by an English flag raised high. We expected to at least see fishermen but we were told that there were few fish here because the water was not good. The steam boat goes down stream very quickly, carefully avoiding dangerous sand banks, going around islands and piles of sand, very usual for the channels of this river and very often unseen in the muddy water. Thus, in less than 48 hours we made about 500 miles and on the evening of 15/28 June, we approached the place of our first stop, precisely at Dawson, famous in the history of the gold industry.
IV "A magic city of the North"
Dawson, an enchanted city of the far North — as the local inhabitants call it — is situated on the right shore of the Yukon River, where the Klondike River flows into it from that right side. In 1897, on the site of the present city, there stood several tents of gold seekers; in a year's time up to 30,000 people flooded here and life was in full swing. Now, the original fever has cooled down and the city peacefully continues the original matter. It has up to 5,000 permanent inhabitants, several avenues, four churches, electric lights, post office, telegraph, telephone, schools. Here also is found the regional
55 court, customs house, a governor and other administrative personnel live here. The local papers, through some motives unclear to us, had earlier informed their readers of the time of our arrival in the city and thus, having left the vessel, we were compelled to "proceed" along the landing stage and along the nearest street through a crowd of thousands of people. We were scrutinized in a most unceremonious manner by thousands of eyes; photographic cameras were aimed at us from the side, from the front, and from behind; a whole crowd of children followed us — but we were not embarrassed and bravely strode along the street to the designated haven, only from time to time asking passers by, "Where is the Regina?" To our pleasure, immediately upon our arrival at the hotel, we were visited by the local Episcopal priest, Rev. E.P. Flewelling, to pay us his respects and to offer his services in becoming acquainted with the city. After him there appeared reporters who examined us from head to toe, asked about all sorts of things and then for two days they filled their newspapers with all possible information, correct and thought up, concerning war and peace, the Russian Church and people, our personage and attire, our aims and hopes. Yukon World, for example, on the morning of 16/29 June, informed the public in bold letters: "Bishop Innokenty, a Prelate of the Greek Church, arrived in town accompanied by his secretary — Fr Antony Vasiliev, visiting his co-religionists. He is examining the missions of the Russian Church along the Yukon River and will remain here for a week. All those who desire to see him can see him at the Regina..." etc. Another paper, Dawson Daily News, did not limit itself to such brief information as did the Yukon World, the Yukon Sun and others; but in the evening of that same day it placed a huge article where, moreover, it was said: "A high church official is to be found here. Yesterday, when the Yukoner stopped at the pier, the inhabitants of Dawson greeted two foreigners in long flowing attire, with high head attire. They were two dignitaries of the Greek faith, sent here by the Governing Body of the Russian Church." "His Grace Innokenty, Bishop of Alaska who has his residence in Sitka, represents, in this party, the highest degree of a remarkable personage. A precious Crucifixion adorns his breast and a gold chain descends from the neck. A patriarchal beard has covered half his face and a tall staff in his hands serves as a sign of his spiritual authority. This is a man of early youth, with remarkable energy in movement, and affableness in manner (He is distinguished by a full vigorous demeanor and his affable manners)"... Further the newspaper enumerates the "Orthodox stations" where I had assumed to stop, and it indicates the difficulty of travelling a distance of 15,000 miles; it expounds my grief of the sorrowful fate of the Indians and the hope for a better future and etc. On the following day there appeared in the newspapers historical information about the former Russian mission in America, our schools, churches and shelters and, finally, there was reprinted in its entirety my latest article in the English Episcopalian magazine, Cross-Bearer, for the month of June of the current year (Ketchikan, Alaska), with my portrait and a photograph of the Sitka Cathedral. Later, almost every day more and more new people came to us daily for a visit, respectable Americans as, for example, Mr. A. S. Grant the rector of the Presbyterian Church, pure blooded Englishman Dr. Is. Bourke, our friends the French, agents of the Trading Company and others — we obligingly returned the visits. Thus, we visited Pastor Flewelling in his
56 church of Holy Apostle Paul, arriving there for a divine service; we responded to Mister Grant, by being present at a spiritual concert in his church of the Holy Apostle Andrew and examining the hospital at the church; we visited Dr. Bourke at his personal Metropole on Third Avenue; at the same time we entered the offices of the company, inspected the public school, searched out the head of customs (in order to free my new photographic camera from duties), went to the post office, the telegraph station, etc. Thus, in several days we personally became acquainted with a multitude of people, and each boy, while playing ball in the street, now bravely pointed us out to his friends, recommending: "Look, here comes a Russian bishop with his secretary!"
V. "It is necessary to travel to Dawson City and to resolve the land questions on the spot"… BISHOP TIKHON.
In no way were we frightened by such "popularity" but to the contrary, were glad of it since we hoped that by such means Orthodox people would find out about us sooner, and they would come to us "like sheep near their shepherd." But — what an amazing matter! Regardless of the fact that we announced in the papers our desire to see anyone of our co-religionists and were seen everywhere possible — we could not await anyone. Where did these hundreds of Russians, Greeks, Slavs disappear, — about whom Father Korchinsky had once reported to his bishop? Where are these people who were ready to make all kinds of sacrifices for the benefit of an Orthodox Church? And if they do not exist, then why did I have to come here these thousands of versts? The situation was not good. Outwardly, one could think that we were searching for the non-existent, chasing after phantoms and fighting windmills. Of course, everyone can think whatever he wishes — still, let no one hurry to a similar conclusion. We knew very well what we were doing, why we came here, and what we had need of here. And our "matter" consisted of the following. In the summer of 1898, together with tens of thousands of gold seekers, our Orthodox priest Father Iakov Korchinsky came to Dawson from Michael's Redoubt and he informed His Grace Nikolai that there were up to 200 Orthodox here who needed a church and were prepared to construct it if an agreement to this is received from His Grace — and at the same time he made a declaration to the local Administration of Government Properties for a free allotment of government land for an Orthodox church and parish house within the boundaries of the city. And in his time, he "left for the old country." But the matter progresses. There was a lot of free land in Dawson then, and the local government agent for land matters, in a letter of 23 June, 1898, informed His Grace Nikolai that he was convinced of a successful ending of the matter, approved by the local governor and he hoped that there would be no hold up in Ottawa (the capital of Canada) and that the land asked for would be given as nominal rental use of the Orthodox inhabitants of Dawson for a
57 period of twenty years with the payment of one dollar for all this time and with the right to renew the rent in that same condition, if after this the church will continue its existence*. By this letter the agent offered His Grace Nikolai to affirm the declaration of Father Karchinsky for a legal drawing up of the question.
[*footnote: In view of the special importance of the document in historic purposes, we consider it our duty to cite its authentic text here].
DAWSON CITY, N.W.T. June 23, 1898 His Lordship, Bishop Nicholas Aleutian Islands, Alaska.
Your Lordship: I beg to inform you that an application has been received by me today as Dominion Lands Agent for the District of the Yukon, at Dawson City, from J. Kortchinsky, who, I understand, is one of your priests, for the lease for the period of twenty years, at a nominal rental, for the use of the Greek-Russian Orthodox Church, which is said to have some two hundred adherents in Dawson City at present, all that portion of the Government Reserve more particularly described as commencing at the northeast corner of the Police Reserve, thence southerly along the east limit of the Police Reserve sixty feet, thence westerly parallel to the Northerly limit of the said Police Reserve one hundred feet, more or less, to the line of the easterly limit of the 6th Avenue produced, thence northerly along said produced street limit and parallel to the easterly limit of the Police Reserve sixty feet, more or less, to the northerly limit of the Police Reserve, thence easterly along the north limit of the said Police Reserve one hundred feet, more or less, to the place of beginning, containing by measurement six thousand square feet, more or less, reserving a right of way ten feet in width along the east line of the said described lot running along the east limit of the Police Reserve and on the west side of the limit. This application has been approved by Major J.N.Walsh, Commissioner of the Yukon, and will be forwarded to the Minister of the Interior at Ottawa in due course. I also as Dominion Lands Agent will recommend that the application be granted. I have no doubt whatever but that the application will be granted under the proviso that the property will not be used for any purposes other than for the use of the Greek-Russian Orthodox Church and parsonage in connection therewith. You are at liberty to at once construct a contemplated church and parsonage on said property. I am yours truly, F. C. Ware Dominion Land Agent
58
But this also, as well discovered now, in exactly the same way, "left from here to its own city." His Grace Nikolai fulfilled what was necessary, and, in turn, he also "left." Thus, "everyone left" but time did not wait. The year 1898 ended, 1899 began and ended, 1900 passed by, and 1901 ended and 1902 began — when our Eminence Vladika Tikhon discovered the said letter of the lands agent of 23 June 1898 and ordered an expedient undertaking of the matter. Precisely, he gave it the following resolution: "The Juneau priest must sometime go to Dawson City (he being the closest) and on the spot to clear up the land questions, and also to bring spiritual comfort to the Orthodox who are located there." Truly, I cannot say exactly when this resolution was precisely made — for it has no date, no number — but I think that it was made in January, 1902, judging by the fact that I have at hand an ukaze of the ecclesiastical administration for 26 January, 1902, Number 116, in the name of the then former dean of the Sitka region, Hieromonk Sevastion, with the following content: "Expediting herein the letter of a certain Agent of Government lands in Dawson, the North American Ecclesiastical Administration asks you to make, by this, an order conforming the resolution which has followed it by His Grace Bishop Tikhon, Bishop of Alaska and North America..." Seven months later Father Hieromonk Sevastion, in a report of 30 August, 1902, Number 66, informs His Grace that the Juneau priest, Father A. Yaroshevich agrees to set out for Dawson. But on this report Vladika, moreover wrote: "10 September, 1902 — Before going to Dawson, Priest Yaroshevich must correspond with the Orthodox there and find out how much it would cost for a return trip..." I do not know if Father Yaroshevich corresponded with any inhabitants of Dawson, but a full three year period passed when, finally, this matter came into my hands — yet no one could tell me what turn it would take; in whose hands the land promised to us lay; do the present day Dawsonites await a priest as they once did, etc. Thus, the desire to fulfill the resolution of His Eminence, our Archpastor, and to personally resolve the said question was, as I suppose, a fully sufficient motive for my trip to Dawson. But unfortunately I came here too late. The successor to the agent who had written the letter to His Grace Nikolai, on my request searched out, in the archives, an immense "matter" instigated by Father Korchinsky seven years ago — and together we read it in full in the original form, examined the map of the city attached to the "matter" where our land was designated on the corner of Church Street and Sixth Avenue, and we conversed sufficiently at length in order to explain the entire path of the question's progress. In a few words, the essence of the conversation consisted of the following: "You arrived too late," said the agent. "The land was given to you at the proper time — on that street where now are built the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches — which is why the street itself is called Church Street. But you did not come and did not authorize anyone to take it, and meanwhile the city grew not by the day but by the hour — and there was no sense for us to wait any longer. Nevertheless, we did not give your land away to someone else, but added it to the government reserve, and now a city
59 park has been levelled off there. Go and look for yourselves: it is two steps away from the Administration Building." "But if the land is not occupied," I replied, "then cannot I renew the solicitation for the right to make use of this parcel for religious purposes?" "No, it is now completely impossible, since the Government has already cleaned and dried it, and the plan for a city park, confirmed by a proper order, has already begun to be realized." "In such a case, can we not receive a parcel of land in another appropriate place?" "In the city all the places are occupied and to acquire anything here at the present time you can only do so by purchase. Concerning vacant crown land beyond the city limits is a matter not of the city administration, but of the Ministry of Governmental Properties in Ottawa. Nevertheless, if in the city and surrounding area you have more or less a sufficient number of your co-religionists, and will ask for a portion of land for yourselves beyond the city limits for religious purposes, then I am prepared to help you and I can assure you that your request would be respected." Together with Father Antony, I walked out into the street to see the spot which had at one time been given to us and on which now an Orthodox Cross could have shone. In three minutes, next to the "Administration Building" we saw a beautiful lot measuring 100 X 50 feet, covered with dense green grass and comprising a corner of the city park. But it was not our lot now: we arrived too late.
Innokenty, Bishop of Alaska 1905, 30 June Dawson, British Columbia.
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60
AMERICAN ORTHODOX MESSENGER IX - 1905, #16, August 15-28
VI "One should...travel to Dawson City in order to... bring comfort to the Orthodox who are there." BISHOP TIKHON.
From my conversation with the land agent in Dawson it became clear that the further progress of the question about land, for the construction here of an Orthodox Church, could take place and receive meaning only by the effectiveness in the city and surrounding area of a "more or less sufficient number of Orthodox people." In order to seek them out, no matter what, Father Antony and I, after announcements in the newspapers, began to walk to fruit and retail shops, to barber shops, confectionaries, etc. asking everywhere and everyone of the possible presence of Russians, Slavs, Greeks and Orthodox in general. For a long time our searches had no success until, finally, we found a Pole by the name of Andrey Rishtov from Warsaw, who owned Andy's Candy Factory, Hotel and Grocery in Dawson. Of course, the Pole was not a Russian, much less Orthodox, but he indicated a certain barber to us who, in his words, was (probably) Russian, and perhaps — even Orthodox. We went to the best street of the city (First Avenue), seeking out No.133 and we found a typical Little Russian from the Kiev Province, a G. V. Nogaevsky, who excellently cut and shaved the "golden fleeced" English and Americans and who received 1 ruble for a haircut per person and 50 kopecks for a shave, "per mug." This was our Aquila with whom we became acquainted sufficiently well and from whom we found out some things about others. First of all, Nogaevsky (locally he was Mr Henry Freeman) informed us that he had been living in America for twenty years and personally participated in the construction of Dawson from the first days of its seven year existence, having at the present time several gold-bearing pieces of land, five small houses in the city and two hairdressing shops. Then it turned out that his wife was German of the Roman Catholic confession, so that she could not be Priscilla, although consequently we often ate food prepared by her hands. Later we discovered that in place of one or two hundred — at the present time, the most that can be gathered are 15-20 Orthodox, and it is very difficult to gather them into unity because people have become disaccustomed to their homeland, smothered their feelings of religion, fasts, icons, forgotten about feastdays, they speak English and worship the golden calf. A most cheerless impression was made and for a long time we refused to believe the similar accounts until the facts convinced us of their exactness. And, the facts were somewhat like the following. For example, we once entered a clothing store together with Nogaevsky and asked for a shoe brush. "You're Russian," the owner suddenly exclaimed. "Yes, Russian," we replied, "and who might you be?"
61 "I am a Little Russian from near Poltava." "And what is your name?" "Mr Krouse." "What's that? — Mr Krouse? Are there such names near Poltava?" "Well, you see, it's not a Russian name, but American — but I've already forgotten my actual name." "Are you Orthodox?" "What else would I be?" "Do you have a wife and children?" "Hey, why wouldn't I have any?" "Of course! In so far as you are Russian and Orthodox and have a family, then come to us and we will have a chat: perhaps you and your wife should be married, or children baptized, or someone to have confession, and at the same time to we can deliberate about how to gather the people together and build a church..." "All right! On Sunday there will be no work and we shall come." "And meanwhile stay well and may Christ preserve you." "Good bye! I shall come! Good bye!" A few days later we found another "Orthodox," a Greek man with a family, Nichols (a barber) and in the same manner we invited him to drop in to see us on Sunday when there would be no work. The Greek willingly promised to drop by. Finally, we were shown an Orthodox Creole woman, Mrs Bourke, born in San Francisco and living with her husband (a Roman Catholic) on the edge of the city. We searched out the little house and spent some time in conversation with the Russian woman and her husband and in the same manner we invited both of them to us on Sunday. We did not find a single more Orthodox neither in Dawson nor in its surrounding area in the course of two weeks, regardless of all our striving and questioning. We now could find no Fedulov, nor Gorbunov, nor Alexandrov or anyone else of whom I had heard earlier. It became clear to us that Fedulov had about six Russians working with him in the mines, while Alexandrov had about three men, and that all these people remain at work on the river from May to December and almost never come to the city. In any case we awaited the appointed Sunday with interest, and the gathering of the faithful, preparing ourselves if not for a full Liturgy, then at least for confession and communion of people with the Reserved Holy Gifts, which we brought from Sitka, specially for Dawson, for about one hundred people. During the course of this entire day, we did not go out, almost not even removing our ryassas and each minute we awaited visitors. But, alas — during this entire day, not a single Orthodox person came to us. Only late in the evening Mr and Mrs Bourke, while walking past our quarters and seeing me in the reception room with an American, stopped for a few minutes with me. Later it became evident that the Greek on purpose left the city on Sunday for a picnic, and Mr Krouse spent his time with visitors. It was clear to us that these people had become completely unsociable and they not only do not want to raise a finger for the salvation of their souls, but they do not even wish to discuss it, in spite of us coming thousands of miles to them in order to "provide them with religious comfort."
62 Nevertheless, in order not to make our stay in Dawson completely fruitless, we authorized G. V. Nogaevsky to work for the common benefit — to try to organize here some sort of Russian circle in winter time when people cease to work in the mines and return to the city. What will come of this — the future will tell — we, on our part, did what was possible for us — in the hope that the Lord will not abandon His Church's children "who are here" without His protection until there will be a pastor there, placed by Him.
VII "Fresh vegetables! Cheap! For example, cucumbers: only 50 cents each! Don't miss this chance...!" Advertisement.
The two week stay in Dawson of Father Antony and myself was extremely costly for us and so reflects on the shortening of the remaining journey — by reason of the scarcity of our finances — and in all of this, our "living" was very meagre. In actual fact, if in the month of July one cucumber costs 50 cents then one can imagine what prices here are considered normal! Thus we were compelled to live, in the true sense of the word, in the attic, right under the roof itself, which served us as a ceiling, and to contemplate the back yards of the neighbouring buildings through garret windows. Moreover, the roof itself was not horizontal, as ceilings usually are, but was at an angle to the floor and inner wall. When it rained, water freely penetrated into the interior of the room and got the poorly glued wallpaper wet. In particular, my cell had exactly six paces in length and as much in width, and it was so small that there was no room for a little table — and I was compelled to write my papers right on a chest of drawers where, at the same time, there lay books and klobuk [tr: monastic headgear with a veil] and an icon and a washing set and writing accessories and etc. Father Antony's premises were even more "modest." Having had dinner on the first day in the restaurant which was located on the lower floor of our hotel, we "urgently" became convinced that it was more than we could afford — all the more so that it was a fasting period (Peter's Fast) — and after that we had dinner only six times during two whole weeks, i.e., we had hot food once every two days. The rest of the time we ate miner's crackers, dried fish in boxes, olives and bread; added to this we daily "solicited" two tea kettles of boiling water and prepared tea for ourselves with the help of a Russian bottle-case brought from Moscow and which had already served me last year in Nome. "Still" — it's all right and we are alive — only the belts have slackened, and — after leaving Dawson, scurvy began to torment me.
VIII "The value of a church sermon." "If any person or even an angel from heaven
63 will teach you anything not in accord with the teaching of the Pope of Rome, let them be anathema." Reverend Lebert (not to be confused with Apostle Paul).
Our last "temptation" under the flag of the Double Cross turned out to be one that bore, so to speak, a dogmatic character. It was, precisely, a sermon of the Roman Catholic priest one Sunday, 9 July according to the new style. On that day we reverently appeared in church for the divine service, removed our kamilavkas and ceremoniously occupied seats near the altar. The church was full of worshippers and those who were curious. The Mass began and sounds from the organ resounded, voices of the soloists and the singing of the choir were heard — everything was in good order. But then the serving priest began to read the Gospel — Matthew 16:13-19. What we heard was: "And I say also unto thee, Simon, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." I do not know if this "reading" was to be read precisely on that day according to their rule, or if it had been chosen arbitrarily, in any case, we received an imposing reading and the stone thrown into our garden hit the bull's eye. Still, this was only the beginning of the "temptation." After the Gospel reading, another priest (Rev. Lebert) came out to the pulpit and began to give a sermon. He was almost still a youngster and he had a squeaky child's voice — but his words bore the severe character of the "Holy Inquisition" of ancient times. At first, by the way, he only lightly scolded the fathers and mothers for not sending their children to the Sunday School, which was to continue for the entire year, regardless of the holidays in the public schools. Then he announced that in the forthcoming week there would be a feastday on Friday and two weddings. After this there was read the daily "reading" from the Epistle (Romans 8:1-27) and Gospel from Luke 5:1-11. "And Jesus saw two boats near the shore of Lake Gennesaret and a multitude of peoples on the shore, wishing to hear the word of God," the priest read in a pattering manner. "And He went into one of them which belonged to Simon," continued the preacher, strongly singling out this place, "and began to teach." Then followed again a quick reading of the Gospel narration about the miraculous catch of fish (verses 4-8) and again an expressive reading from verse 9: "Terror seized Peter and his partners (James and John), but the Lord, leaving the others without attention, turned only to Simon with the words: Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men..." One such reading already, in direct connection with Matthew 16:13-19, was capable of creating a strong impression on the readers. But after the reading there followed a corresponding interpretation. "Why did the Lord enter the boat that belonged precisely to Simon and not into the other which stood next to it?" the preacher asked. And then he replied: "Without a doubt in order to show that He came
64 to love chiefly that church vessel which is Simon's, i.e. the Roman Church, and this true teaching of Christ today is offered only in the confines of Peter's Church — just as "at that time" Christ Himself gave it to the people from Simon's boat. Thus, if any person (looking in our direction), or even an angel from heaven (pointing upward), will teach you anything that is not in accord with the teaching of the Pope of Rome, let him be accursed, as Apostle Paul confirmed this.*
[*footnote: Galatians 1:8-9. This place of Apostle Paul's reads quite differently, but the preacher evidently had little need of the biblical text and he cited the indicated verses exactly as shown here].
More must be said: not only must one not believe such preachers but even the right to preach God's word can be had by no one other than our holy father and persons authorized by him. For, you see: the Lord does not pay attention to James and John even though they were partners in fishing with Simon, and gives them no authority but turns only to Peter and says to him alone: "do not fear, henceforth — you alone — will catch people for the heavenly kingdom..." In conclusion there followed a moral deduction which ended with a doxology to the Lord God: "in omnia saecula saeculorum." Then the divine service continued in the usual order. "In his own time" the church-warden went about with a plate, gathering the "denaraii" and "mites" of Peter. We placed a dollar each as a donation and left the church in order to be more careful in the future. On the following day in the Dawson Daily News, my brief article was published under the title of "The value of a church sermon," where, by the way, it was explained that I could not call yesterday's sermon anything but a childish game with the Gospel's words; this interpretation of the text and the sacred-historical events I acknowledge as being completely incorrect, and the general illumination of the Gospel reading — to the highest was tendentious and one-sided. In conclusion it stated that equally with an exegetical ignorance, I find in this fact a social ignorance expressed by a clear and conscious intention to offend foreigners and, finally, that in such a spirit of preaching, people will not only not remain in Peter's (Rome's) boat — in order to hear the word of God (Luke 5:1) — but will flee away from it farther, than now, for in place of the voice of a good pastor, from there they hear a voice not even mercenary, but one of a wolf (John 10:5). And after yet another day, we set out on the steamboat N. S. Co. Susie from Dawson down the Great River, heading for the settlement of Ikogmiut (2000 versts from Dawson). The steam boat progressed swiftly and the English flag of the Double Cross soon remained far behind us.
Innokenty, Bishop of Alaska. 1905, 5 July Ramport, Y.T.
65 Conclusion
The task of carrying the light of the Orthodox faith into new communities across Canada will not be easy. In fact, it is assured to be accompanied by struggles and trials of all kinds. As the Lord Himself promised to his Apostles, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16.33).
If the Orthodox Church is to take root in Canada, and to flourish into a plant that will provide spiritual refreshment and nourishment for all regions, it will be due to the mercy and visitation of God. While diligent planning is good and needed, it will not guarantee any ‘success.’ Indeed, for the Christian, ‘success,’ is not merely a factor of how many people the Church baptizes, marries, and buries, but of faithfulness to the apostolic teaching of the Good News, and of the presence of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
This Mission plan is offered for the consideration of the Church authorities of the Archdiocese of Canada, but most of all, for their fervent prayers. By them, may the light and love of Jesus Christ be brought to all, so that they may join with us who sing:
“We have seen the true Light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith, worshiping the undivided Trinity, Who has saved us!”
66 “Is there a way to change the world without falling into one of the many traps laid for would-be world-changers? If so, it will require us to learn the one thing that language of ‘changing the world’ usually lacks: humility, defined not so much as bashfulness about our own abilities as awed and quiet confidence in God’s ability…Those who are given that vocation will only survive it to the extent that they are surrounded by a robust community of fearless friends. And it is such communities…that can actually transform culture. Communities are the way God intervenes to offer, within every culture, a different and better horizon.”
Andy Crouch, Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling
67
“Unless the Lord builds the house” Considerations for Mission in the Archdiocese of Canada
Prepared by Priest Matthew Francis Chair, Mission Development Committee [email protected]
68 Property Management Committee Report By Gregory Rychlo – September 29, 2014
The Property Management Committee is still in the process of gathering information regarding properties owned by/administrated by the Archdiocese of Canada of the Orthodox Church in America. Through persistent inquiries, information is beginning to trickle in regarding these properties. As well, information is still being obtained from parishioners and priests as to potential leads regarding individuals with in the Archdiocese who may offer valuable information. The committee is committed to continue with inquires in the hope that more information will come. It is a pain staking process but progress is being made. Thank you to those who have kept the committee in the loop regarding property issues.
Report on Metropolitan Council
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Metropolitan report: Three goals (these areas overlap and : intersect) 1. Missions & Evangelism a. One-‐week missions school every year (using interest from the $1million gift). Launch Spring 2015. Will have clergy and faculty with experience in this area. Open to clergy and & laity.
2. Clergy Health a. continuing education b. staying healthy requires work.
3. Strengthening Monasteries and Seminaries (OCA has roughly 26 active monasteries) a. Held Synaxis in July 2014, gathering of superiors. Discussed common areas of concern. b. Discussion of uniform Typicon. c. New Skete has a good framework for forming novices. Other Abbots will review. d. Fr. Gerasim Power was sole Canadian Attendee. He attendance was sponsored by various benefactors, but not the Archdiocese or Central Administration. e. Would be helpful if parishes improved their efforts on educating laity about monasticism. f. Suggestion by Fr. Gerasim that an “EVAC” type process, background check, and psychological evaluation be performed before new monastics accepted into monastery.
Assembly of Bishops Assembly of Bishops in Dallas (38 of 53 bishops . attended) OCA is not on the executive council. There two were proposals.
1. 10 year period of autonomy under all the Patriarchs, then all the Patriarchs would grant Autocephaly to the American Church (this process excludes Canada).
2. Combining common areas now such as pensions plans, archives, etc.
Neither plan was approved. Each jurisdiction has 6 months to offer further input. Canada is not involved in this process; Canada has a separate assembly.
OCA made a formal response to the proposals. Holy Synod would like a fully functioning autocephal ous church operating on a canonical basis in the United States.
OCF. Looking for a new director. OCF stated goal of all Bishops providing names of graduating high school students. Presently, only 500 names have been received. Chancellor’s Report: 1. Planting a seed for future Auxiliary Bishop to assist Metropolitan. a. could be in charge of stavropegial institutions, monasteries, etc.
2. Chancellor Report submitted and received by Metropolitan. Includes discussion about the merging of St. Vladimir and St. Tikhon seminaries. Now referred to Holy Synod for further review and/or action as they deem appropriate.
External Affairs: 1. Russia is taking a confrontational stand towards the Papacy, but the Phanar is taking a conciliatory approach (several recent high profile visits). 2. Mentioned the recent trip of Bishop Irénée and Fr. Nazari to Ukraine. 3. Fr. Kishkovsky is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and myriad other organizations.
Legal: 1. Resignation of Thaddeus Submit Wojick. ted 25 a page resignation letter, including criticism of various Chancery executives and Bishops. [What is the link back to the Ethics committee? No issues submitted to Ethics committee at this time. Fr. Anatoliy and Dn Justin are members of Ethics committee.]
2. All the pending legal issues are pretty well buttoned up.
3. General Counsel is Bob Koory, vast experience working with Met. Phillip and Antiochian Archdiocese. Chicago Based.
AAC 18 th Focus at 18 AAC is Statute Revisions and Finances.
Preliminary draft of Statute revisions to be distributed to church at-‐large in advance of AAC.
1. New Website http://18aac.oca.org/ at 2. Atlanta July 20-‐25, 2015. 3. Many events Youth 4. Limited debate-‐ resolutions to pass through committee in advance. 5. Statute Revisions. is Goal to publish the revisions early and build support in order to limit debate and expedite an up or down vote on the entire package.
Thoughts about the new Statutes as they relate to Canada :
1. [Does the new Statute override the existing treaties with the Ethnic Dioceses? i.e. the move towards proportional giving? How could Canada be affected, if at all? For 2015, the Diocese of the West will switch to proportional giving at 30% of revenue. ]
2. The Canadian representatives inquired as to Statute whether the would be available in other languages or at least in an Executive Summary? Answer was NO. [Do we need to be prepared to assist with translations for members of our Archdiocese?]
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Strategic Planning: 1. ocus F on Continuing Education for clergy 2. Diocesan Revitalization: Three dioceses working with Joe Kormos and the Parish Health Inventory Metrics program. 3. Youth Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/yyaoca
Charity Committee: 1. Propose additional “button” on the OCA website for donations to charitable activities. Passed.
Crisis Management: 1. Suggested receiving training in crisis management. 2. [We may consider developing a one-‐page of Do’s and Don’ts for dealing with Crises to distribute within the Archdiocese.]
Ethics: No report.
Human Resources: Recommends part-‐time position to assist with preparation for AAC18. Disagrees with Syosset executives about that person transitioning to a full-‐time fundraising position.
Internal Governance: 1. MC handbook to be revised after the new statutes have been adopted. 2. Propose development of an Org Chart of the administration of the OCA. Clarify reporting structure. 3. Conduct an open bid process /select to evaluate the external audit firm.
Financial: 1. Discussion to add $39,000 to 2015 budget for the purpose of supporting monasteries and seminaries. Would not include direct payments to monasteries (which are -‐ self supporting), rather would facilitate -‐ in person group meetings of the Abbots with the Metropolitan.
-‐ Questions were asked regarding what is taught at the seminaries, and is it consistent with Orthodox beliefs (i.e. views on same sex marriage and/or two unmarried persons cohabitating).
2. Budget for 2015 passed.
3. External Affairs department has $18,000 budget for communications, and committee believes that is an area for cost savings.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Military Chaplains 1. Presentation about “what if” scenarios what regarding increased funding for chaplain program could accomplish. However, there was no specific request.
2. Looking for at least one, maybe two, full time administration positions.
Statutes Revisions: [Suggest we build in time at next AC meeting to review] 1. Mentions excommunication for membership in non-‐orthodox religious organizations would ( that include CCC or WCC?) 2. Section 6, “parish” to remit financial support to OCA. (will there be a carve-‐out for ethnic dioceses and Canada? ] 3. Process to continue th with the work of drafting the statute with the goal to have one “up or down” vote at the 18 AAC.
ORSMA/SMPAC 1.Confidential report presented. 2. Question asked by Canadian representatives as to what type of assurance does the Central Administration have that the dioceses have received the Annual Compliance Report from each parish?
-‐ Answer: Each Bishop brings compliance report to the Holy Synod. [At this time, what is Canada’s level of compliance?]
3. Question asked by Canadian representatives as to whether the Background checks are required for retired clergy and attached clergy? -‐Answer: YES. Even if they are 90+ years old.
4. Question asked by Canadian representatives in the area of prevention….What is ORSMA involvement in screening, training and procedures Youth for the component of AAC18? -‐Answer: Cindy is acting as a consultant.
5. Question asked by Canadian representatives as to the level of training and prevention programs for Summer camps? -‐Answer: Unclear. [Recommend that Canadian parishes ensure full compliance to procedures, conduct appropriate background checks, and provide training for Summer Camps.]
Submitted by:
Archpriest Anatoliy Melnyk, Chancellor & Clergy Representative Deacon Justin Mitchell, Lay Representative
St. Arseny Institute Report October, 2014
Your Grace, Irenee, The Blessing Master!
The St. Arseny Institute continues with its limited resources financially, time-wise (most of its administration and teachers have other full-time commitments) to provide as best it can, Orthodox theological education. for those interested in serving the Church in Canada, or simply in becoming more knowledgeable in Orthodox theology. Interest and enrolment continues steady.
We manage to survive and also to fund the set up of more on-line courses through the generosity of an anonymous donor and the efforts of Dcn Dr. Lasha Tchantouridze, who also is Managing Director of the on-line Canadian Journal of Orthodox Christianity. We again encourage people to contribute articles and continue to believe that this could become a very active form of education within the Archdiocese and beyond, and a tool for all Orthodoxy in Canada to promote and make known the faith, in our context especially. We know that there are many who have much to contribute in this way. Suggestions and help with making the site better are always welcome.
With the move of our treasurer, Perry Pawliuk, to Ontario, we have a new treasurer, Subdeacon Roger Prince, also from St. Nicholas in Narol (MB). He is picking up the effort which got stalled, to apply for charitable status for the Institute. We appreciate Nikita's bearing with us and helping us until we can get this in place.
Archpriest Robert Kennaugh has not been able for some time, due to health, to take part in our Administration meetings, and we encourage prayers for him and his wife Dianne.
Our Dean, Fr. Gregory Scratch, is now an active member of the SAI Administration. His energy, support and contribution to our meetings and planning has been most encouraging.
We are disappointed that the Advisory Committee on Theological Education for the Archdiocese has not been able to get started during the past year, and feel that full ownership and direction in the provision of theological education within the Archdiocese is a long-standing lack and need. Hopefully the committee might become a very active and standing committee.
Some plans have been and are being made to return to some of our original vision to promote opportunities for theological education for laity through a variety of local and short-term events in Winnipeg and elsewhere in Canada.
Respectfully Submitted, Priest Anthony Estabrooks, Director Webmaster Report September 2014
Recent Improvements
Since the last report in May, the following steps have been taken:
• a new offline communities and clergy database has been created for administrative use at the archdiocesan office • online community and clergy records have been streamlined (only public information has been retained in the website database) • all communities and clergy records have been translated into French (a substantial effort that required restructuring the website back-‐end) • efforts are well underway to complete the translation of the remainder of site content into French
Future Plans
Now that the bulk of the content restructuring and translation has taken place, we can turn to the redesign of the website (its "look and feel") to make it more attractive and easier to use, as well as making it fully responsive (that is, elegantly resizing from large desktop to small mobile sizes). The site will soon be "cloned" to create a development version where the new theme can be implemented, tested and refined.
In XC Priest Geoffrey Ready