« On the14th Sunday after Pentecost, His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh headed the festivities on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Holy Trinity Church near Thorsby, Canada »

On September 22, 2019, His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada, headed the Divine Liturgy and took part in festive events on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Holy Trinity Church (Whitsuntide) near Torsby, Alberta, Canada.

His Right  Reverend Vladyka was assisted by Archpriest Evgeny Protsenko, Rector of the parish district “Orthodox 9,” and deacon Andrei Boldyrev.

At the entrance to the church, Vladyka was greeted by the president of the parish community, Philip Paklik.

The church brought together many parishioners, guests and friends of the parish, the descendants of the organizers and benefactors of the church.

Liturgical chants were sung by the joint choir of parishioners of the district churches under the direction of Alena Franks.

At the small entrance, the Right Reverend Vladyka honored the right to wear the orarion to the church altarnik Kirill Franks, as a recognition of his hard work to the benefits of the church.

At the end of the service, glorification was sung to the Most Holy Mother of God, to Her Nativity and to her Holy Parents.

In his sermon, Bishop Matthew congratulated the parishioners of the jubilant church with the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Mother of God and compared the organizers of the church with her holy parents, who, through their patience and dedication, secured a wonderful gift for their descendants - the Holy Temple.

Vladyka thanked everyone who supports the church and cares for the services in it, and presented a carved wooden decorated cross to the parish in memory of his service on the centennial day. He has also awarded the parish council with the Patriarchal Letter of Distinction.

In his welcome reply, the Rector of the church, Archpriest Evgeni Protsenko, on behalf of the parishioners and guests of the church, thanked Vladyka for the words of edification and spiritual comfort, as well as "for his long journey to exacerbate the grace and solemnity of the parish anniversary."

At the end of the service, a commemorative photo was taken on the church ambon  and on the steps of the entrance to the church, after which the parish council invited all those present to a festive meal in the city of Torsby.

During the meal, the president of the parish community, Phillip Paklik, made a report on the history of the church and of the community, completing his report with his personal account, including a photo presentation showing church services and events over the past fifty years.

Then the floor was given to the Most Reverend Vladyka, to the clergy and the presidents of the parish councild.

Vladyka Matthew warmly thanked the organizers of the festivities for their reverent attitude to their church history, for prayers and kind words, refreshments, and called the blessings of the Lord upon all those present.

The Rector of the church emphasized the importance of the church in the region, which, for six generations of parishioners during the past 100 years, has become a true home, school and common refectory, a place of spiritual birth and formation for many people.

Archpriest Igor Kisil, Dean of the Patriarchal Parishes in the provinces of Alberta and Saskechewan, Rector of St. Barbara Cathedral in Edmonton, former Rector of the now jubilant Holy Trinity Church, warmly remembered all the names of the parishioners who worked in the church and those who now rest in  this holy place.

Deacon Andrei Boldyrev urged those present not to leave their main heritage and to find spiritual comfort in the services in their own church.

Presidents of the Orthodox 9 parish district and of the Cathedral of the Holy Great Martyr Barbara donated memorial plaques with information about the celebration to the community of the Holy Trinity Church and warmly greeted the audience.

After the thanksgiving prayer, His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh continued talks and discussions with parishioners and guests.

Photogallery