Parish News
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- Sunday of the Cross - March 4, 2010
- Bulletin Board - March 4, 2010
- Parish Meeting - February 26, 2010
- Church Hall Notice Board - February 26, 2010
- Donations and Good Will - February 18, 2010
- 2010 Archdiocesan Assembly - February 12, 2010
- Potato Dish Recipes - February 12, 2010
- Pilgrimage Tour to Ukraine - February 7, 2010
- The Pre-Lent Period - January 24, 2010
- Haiti Relief Effort - January 24, 2010
- Mexico Trip - January 24, 2010
- Bulletin Board - January 16, 2010
- Three Deacon’s Church Store - October 31, 2009
- Bookstore (new store hours) - October 31, 2009
- Identifying the Hierarchs - October 24, 2009
- Birthday and Anniversary List - October 24, 2009
- The Orthodox Christian Fellowship - October 18, 2009
Sunday of the Cross - March 4, 2010
Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh
18 March 1990
In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
As we progress deeper and deeper into the weeks of Lent, we can say with an ever-growing sense of gratitude and of joy, of a serene and exulting joy the words of a Psalm, ‘My soul shall live, and with gratitude I will give glory to the Lord’.
In the first week of Lent we have seen all the promises of salvation given in the Old Testament fulfilled: God became man, salvation has come, and all hopes are possible. And then, in the second week of Lent, we had the glorious proclamation of all the Saints of Christendom that not only did God come and dwell in our midst, but He has poured out upon us, into the Church, and into every human soul ready to receive Him the presence, the transforming gift of the Holy Spirit that makes us gradually commune ever deeper to the Living God until one day we become partakers of the Divine nature.
And today, if we ask ourselves, ‘But how that? How can we be forgiven, how can evil be undone?’ - one step brings us deeper into gratitude, deeper into joy, deeper into certainty when we consider, when we contemplate the Cross.
There is a passage of the Gospel in which we are told that when Christ spoke of salvation and of its conditions, Peter said to Him, ‘Who then can be saved?’ - and Christ answered, ‘What is not possible to men is possible for God!’. And He Himself came; the fullness of God abided in a human person, and He has power to forgive because He is the victim of all the evil, all the cruelty, all the destructiveness of human history. Because indeed, no one but the victim can forgive those who have brought evil, suffering, misery, corruption and death into their lives. And Christ does not only forgive His own murderers, when He says, ‘Father, forgive - they don’t know what they are doing’: He goes beyond this, because He had said, ‘Whatever you have done to one of My smaller brethren and sisters, you have done it to Me’ - not only in good, but indeed, the worst: because in compassion, in solidarity He identifies with every sufferer: the death, the pain, the agony of each of those who suffer is His. And so, when He prays, ‘Father, forgive! They do not know what they are doing, what they have been doing’, He prays for each of us not only in His own name, but in the name of all those upon whom evil has visited because of human sin.
But it is not only Christ who forgives; everyone who has suffered in soul, in body, in spirit, - everyone is called to grant freedom to those who have made him suffer.
And so, we can see why Christ says, ‘Forgive so that you may be forgiven’ because both the victim and the culprit are tied in one knot of solidarity and reciprocal responsibility. Only the victim can say, ‘Lord - forgive him, forgive her’, and only then can the Lord say, ‘I do!.
But do you realise what responsibility it puts on each of us with regard to all and everyone? But also the depth, the glorious depth of hope which opens up to us when we look at the Cross and see that in solidarity with all mankind Christ taking upon Himself all the suffering of the world, accepting to die an impossible death has said in the name of all the sufferers, ‘Yes, - we forgive!’
This is one more step towards freedom, this is one more step towards the moment when we will be faced with Christ’s resurrection that engulfs us also because the risen Christ is risen and is offering all and each of us the fullness of eternal life.
And so again, and again we can say that Lent is a spring of a new life, a new time, a time of renewal, not only in repentance, but in being taken by Christ Himself as the shepherd took the lost sheep, as the Lord took up His Cross, brought it to the place of death, and undid death, undid evil by forgiveness and giving His life. Once more we are confronted with another step of our freedom and of newness. Let us enter ever deeper into this mystery, into this wonder of salvation, and rejoice in the Lord, and rejoicing, step after step, more and more, let us also express our gratitude by newness of life. Amen!
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Bulletin Board - March 4, 2010
PARISH UPDATE: At last week’s parish meeting, Fr. Alexander gave an update on Hall rentals, repeated that the Archdiocesan Offices are being moved to the Cathedral and spoke of the new structure of the former Buildings and Grounds Ministry renamed Buildings and Development Committee. Last but not least, Deacon Gregory was nominated and chosen to represent the parish as its lay representative at the Annual Archdiocesan Assembly in July.
HALL RENTALS: Members of The Ottawa, Chinese Table Tennis Club played their first game of ping pong on Tuesday, March 2. Judging by the happy noise coming from the basement they had a lot of fun doing so…
It is still unclear when St. Luke’s is moving in but when they do, please remember that the large notice board in the hall is for theirs for the duration of their stay. During the time they are with us, they will be using the old bookstore for their supplies.
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Parish Meeting - February 26, 2010
There will be a short Parish Meeting following the service on Sunday, February 28th.
Please give your prayerful thought who to choose to attend the 2010 Archdiocesan Assembly. We can send one lay delegate only.
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Church Hall Notice Board - February 26, 2010
Fr. Alexander has put a notice board in the Church hall in the bit of wall between the library and the old book store. Although this board is intended for our use during the 3 or so weeks St Luke’s is using the kitchen, it should be left empty for their use.
Speaking of Notice board and keeping informed. We have a notice board in each of the vestibules. They usually contain whatever is thought to be important or of interest and include the Minutes, Bulletin, and Calendar. The last three items can be found on the web and go to your email box. This gives those who want to be informed three sources of information to choose from, and …. there is a fourth source - our Council members.
For those who missed the last AGM, the names of the people you elected to serve on this year’s Council are Lydia Scratch, Warden, Matthew Culhane, Deputy Warden, Vera Theokritoff, Secretary, Karen Edmonds, Treasurer, and Fr. Alexander chairs the meetings.
Appointed members and members of the clergy are not required to attend Council meetings but can if they wish. This change to the ByLaws was approved at the last AGM. Tania Eyres continues to look after Hospitality and the huge Buildings & Grounds portfolio, renamed Buildings and Grounds at this week’s Council meeting, was divvied up between Fr. Alexander to look after Development, Jeremy Scratch after Maintenance, and Vera Theokritoff after Rentals. Others involved include Sasha Lopoukhine who chairs the meetings and Sebastian Scratch who reports on the meetings to Council. So, kudos to Mark Steski - we still don’t know how he managed to juggle all this, plus athletic young family and a full time job, single handily for all those years! Next week perhaps we may have permission from Council members and clergy to include their photos in the bulletin so those who are newer to the parish have a point of reference.
On a different note, Jane Szepesi sent the following note about the use of icons. “In a talk (podcast) for the Sunday of Orthodoxy, Fr Thomas Hopko begs us to be more careful in our use of the holy icons, including not using them on parish bulletins etc. which are thrown on car seats, left on coffee tables, and eventually thrown in the garbage. If we use them, the icons on them should be disposed of by burning, and the faithful should be so instructed.”
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Donations and Good Will - February 18, 2010
Donations for Haiti will continue to received until the end of February. Cheques should be signed HaitiHaiti”.
Nearer home, the need for dry goods continues both inside and outside our parish. Please place whatever you can spare in the FOOD BASKET located near the Theotokos just before you leave the temple. Many thanks. Gently used clothing is best left in the foyer between two entrance doors to the temple. There is not enough space in the entrance at 15 Lebreton for them to be left there.
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2010 Archdiocesan Assembly - February 12, 2010
THE 2010 ARCHDIOCESAN ASSEMBLY convenes in Victoria, BC 26-30 July. An information package containing a letter from Vladyka ,printable versions of the registration forms, delegate accreditation forms, and other important information can be found at the following link: http://www.orthodoxassembly.ca/index.php/printable-parish-package
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Potato Dish Recipes - February 12, 2010
HARD TO BELIEVE that Victor’s request for potato dish recipes would net zero reply in a parish with Eastern European antecedents. It’s not too late though,if you have a potato dish you love, do share it with Victor. His email -
or
Many thanks.
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Pilgrimage Tour to Ukraine - February 7, 2010
Archbishop Seraphim and Fr. Alexander
16 Day Tour
August 16-31
ITINERARY
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August 16
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Canada to Lviv
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August 17
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Lviv
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August 18
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Lviv to Pochaiv
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August 19
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Pochaiv Monastery - Transfiguration
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August 20 - 22
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Stoyaniv (Lutzk)
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August 23 – 24
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Volodymyr Volynsk
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August 25
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Carpathian Mountains (Kosiw)
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August 26
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Carpathian Mountains (Chernvtsi)
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August 27
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Chernivtsi
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August 28
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Chernivtsi – Dormition, evening departure to Lviv
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August 29 - 30
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Lviv
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August 31
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Lviv to Canada
TOUR INCLUDES
Return airfare, land transportation, Hotel accommodation (dbl.occupancy) Meals in Ukraine (bk.Sup), Optional Family visit, optional working at NAshi safehouse (Stoyaniv)
NOT INCLUDED:
Insurance , Special arrangements
COST OF TOUR:
Departure Western Canada
$3,900.00
Departure Eastern Canada
$3,700.00
DEPOSIT:
$500.00 – April 30, 2010
CONTACT:
Fr. Alexander 613 – 422- 9428
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The Pre-Lent Period - January 24, 2010
The Pre-Lent period in the church cycle started last Sunday. The following links are recommended in understanding this period, Great Lent and the services that begin half-way through next month. Included is a link on the essential aspects of prayer, fasting and alms-giving that characterize the season. All links are extracts from Fr. Tom Hopko’s book Orthodox Faith which is on the OCA website.
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Haiti Relief Effort - January 24, 2010
The following is an abbreviated form of a directive that appeared on the Archdiocesan website last week.
Dear Brothers, and Sisters, of the Archdiocese of Canada,
Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, asks us to pray for the suffering and departed, and directed $10,000.00 be given to the IOCC for relief in Haiti. In addition he asked that a special collection is taken in parishes on Sunday, 17 January 2010, and sent directly to the IOCC.
It is difficult to send funds directly to US based charities, therefore to comply with His Beatitude’s directive, I recommend that all parish and individual offerings taken on Sunday are sent to the Canadian Red Cross. I would further like to recommend that until the end of February, rather than waiting for a “crowd-pleasing” amount that what is collected each week is immediately remitted to the Red Cross. Also, appropriate petitions may be used during Divine Services at this time.
Thanking you for your Christian response to this situation, I remain in Christ yours,
The Archbishop of Ottawa and of Canada,
The unworthy † Seraphim
Note from the editor. Donation should be marked”Hait” .
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Mexico Trip - January 24, 2010
Please consider offering one week of your time this spring to be part of a team of Orthodox adults from Canada who will be constructing a house for a family in exico. Dozens of youth from Canada have participated in this missionary work over the past ten years. Now, for the first time, a team of adults is being organized. No construction skills are needed, just a desire to help a needy family and a willingness to work hard in a hot, dusty environment. In addition to the missionary work of constructing a house, you will also have the opportunity to experience first hand, the important ministry of St. Innocent Orphanage, an Orthodox orphanage for boys.
During our week in Mexico we will be based at the orphanage south of Tijuana. Sleeping accommodations and meals will be provided at the orphanage. We will participate in daily services at St. Innocent Chapel, as well as the Divine Liturgy on Sunday. There will be a variety of activities, presentations and discussions offered in the evenings. This will be an opportunity for you to be challenged, inspired and encouraged in your life in Christ and the work of the Church!
Dates:
May 28 – June 3, 2010
Cost:
$525.00 US + flights to/from San Diego .
CONTACT:
Fr. Larry Reinheimer
(403) 938- 6393
The Spring pilgrimage to the Holy Land is fully booked. Details of the pilgrimage to the Ukraine (aug 11-31) will be made available shortly.
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Bulletin Board - January 16, 2010
TAX RECEIPTS: If you moved, changed phone numbers ,email address, had a baby, never registered - please email or phone the office (613-230-2687) with the relevant information. Failing to do so will slow down the whole tax receipt process.
The deadline for the annual Boys & Girls Club Scholarship program is March 31, 2010. Details http://www.bgottawa.org To apply you must be registered in a program at a University, College or Trade School. Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and have a minimum average of 70% .
VICTOR THEOKRITOFF is working on a fund raiser and is looking for recipes for potato dishes - ethnic or original.
BLESSING OF HOMES: Please make arrangements BY CALLING THE OFFICE for one of the priests to bless your home after Theophany. A priest will call you and set up a time to meet and pray with your family.
The 2010 Archdiocesan Assembly will be convened in Victoria, BC 26-30 July, more details are available on http://www.orthodoxassembly.ca as well as the letter on the bulletin boards.
Mark you agendas! Fr. Tom Hopko is conference speaker at the 19th Annual Conference sponsored by the Orthodox Christian Women of Montreal. The subject is The Lord’s Prayer, the date, Saturday, February 13th, 2010.
The $35.00 advanced registration fee should be received by February 6th ; tickets at the door are $40.00. Breakfast, lunch and refreshments are included in the cost of the tickets. Contact information and registration forms are available at the candle table in the temple.
Keeping The Food Basket in the entry of the Cathedral. filled makes a big difference to the clientele at the Dalhousie Food Cupboard and St Luke’s Lunch Club. Their clients are just as appreciative of the gently used clothing you pass on to them. Thank you very much. Please keep it up.
Prayer Basket: Requests for prayers can be placed in the small basket on the candle table.
Library Hours: Sunday after the Service or by appointment. Contacts: Deacon Alexander or Fr. James.
Vladyka’s next stop is Saskatoon but not until January 21st .
Fr. Alexander returns to Ottawa on January 20th.
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Three Deacon’s Church Store - October 31, 2009
The Three Deacon’s is open Thursday to Sunday:
- Thursday: 12:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday & Saturday: 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Sunday: 02:00 pm – 4:00 pm
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Bookstore (new store hours) - October 31, 2009
- Thursday 12pm – 4 pm;
- Friday & Saturday 11:30am – 4:30 pm;
- Sundays from 2pm – 4 pm.
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Identifying the Hierarchs - October 24, 2009
Many people would like to know how to identify the hierarchs who served and attended the consecration of Bishop Irénée. I hope this photo by Svetlana Melnik will help:
From right to left, they are:
- Bishop Melchisedek of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.
- Bishop Benjamin of San Francisco and the West
- Bishop Iov of Kashira, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada and Acting Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA
- Archbishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada
- Metropolitan Sotirios of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto
- His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, who presided at the consecration
- Bishop Alexander of the Antiochian Orthodox Diocese of Ottawa
- Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate
- Bishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania
- Bishop Meleti of Khotyn, Auxiliary Bishop of the Church of Ukraine’s Diocese of Chernivtsi
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Birthday and Anniversary List - October 24, 2009
Don’t forget to check the birthday and anniversary list for additions or omissions. The list is on the Lebreton bulletin board
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The Orthodox Christian Fellowship - October 18, 2009
The Orthodox Christian Fellowship group meets at Carleton University on Tuesdays from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm in Loeb A204. Students from the University or from Algonquin college are all welcome to attend. For further information please contact Fr. James at the Church office at 613- 230-2687 or at home at 613- 221-9533.
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