Sunday
Oct242021
« His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrated the Liturgy in the church of St.John the Baptist in Chipman, Alberta Province »
24-10-2021 
On October 22, 2021, the day of remembrance of the Apostle James Alfeev (I), His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal parishes in the USA and Canada, celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the church of the Holy Prophet John, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, in Chipman.His Grace was assisted by the Rector of the church, priest Alexy Suraev, Dean of the Patriarchal parishes in the provinces of Alberta and Saskechewan, archpriest Igor Kisil, Rector of the church of St.George the Victorious in Red Deer, priest Victor Kramarenko (ROCOR) and cleric of St.Barbara Cathedral deacon Andrey Boldyrev.
At the entrance to the church, His Grace Vladyka was greeted with flowers by the head of the parish sisterhood, Lydia Pevarchuk.
Worshipers from various cities and towns of the province of Alberta prayed at the church, located northeast of Edmonton.
After the dismissal of the Liturgy, the Archpastor addressed clergy and parishioners of the church with words of a sermon and spiritual edification. In turn, Rector of the church, Father Alexy Suraev, warmly thanked Vladyka Matthew for the long-awaited archpastoral visit, which could take place after the weakening of quarantine measures related to the spread of coronavirus infection in Canada.
In the churches in Canada, the rules for wearing masks for the laity are preserved and social distance must be observed. According, to the government requirements, no more than 30% of the usual number of parishioners can attend services at the moment.
As a sign of gratitude for the diligent church labors, His Eminence Vladyka awarded hierarchical subdeacon Nestor Kostyuk with a blessed hierarchical letter.
Vladyka's communication with the clergy and parish activists continued over tea in the refectory of the church.