Archbishop Irénée Visits Holy Myrrhbearers Mission in Toronto

Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Mission in Toronto celebrated its first anniversary and patronal feast day on Sunday 30 April, the Third Sunday of Pascha.

His Eminence Archbishop Irénée presided at the hierarchical Divine Liturgy and ordained Chris Voulgaris to the holy diaconate. Concelebrating were Holy Myrrhbearers' rector, the Very Rev Geoffrey Ready, and Deacon Nicolas Svetlovksy.

Holy Myrrhbearers meets in the chapel of Trinity College at the University of Toronto, and is integrated with both the Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College — a graduate theology programme providing theological training and pastoral formation to future clergy, teachers and counsellors, of which Fr Geoffrey is co-director — and Orthodox Christian Fellowship at U of T.

In his homily, Vladyka Irénée stressed the importance of theological education for both clergy and laity and for the study of theology to be grounded in the liturgical and spiritual life of the church.

The hierarchical Divine Liturgy was followed by a joyful parish banquet within the college.