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Archdiocese of Canada Assembly: Day 3

August 24, 2013

From August 22-24, 2013 the Archdiocese of Canada held its triennial Assembly in Gatineau, Quebec entitled “Faithful Stewardship: Our Words, Commitments, and Actions”.

The third day of the assembly began with a French language Divine Liturgy, which was celebrated by Archpriest Gregory Nimijean and other clergy from across the Archdiocese. Following Liturgy, Bishop Irénée served a panikhida for Protopresbyter George and Vera, the parents of Mary-Anne Lopoukhine. The Lopoukhine family then sponsored breakfast for the Assembly attendees in memory of Fr. Goerge and Vera.

The morning plenary session featured the final talk by Fr. Thoman Hopko titled “Stewardship: Our Christian Calling for Action”. The adoption of several by-law changes were then voted on, including the passing of an amended Guidelines for Clergy Compensation document. Bishop Irénée then announced the Archdiocesan Council Ex-officio members, which was followed by the appointment and election of the remaining Members of Archdiocesan Council, Metropolitan Council, Audit Committee and St. Tikhon’s Archdiocesan Stewards Representatives.

During the final plenary session in the afternoon, a Q & A with the Hierarchs was held, which gave an informal opportunity for members of the Archdiocese to interact with Metropolitan Tikhon and Bishop Irénée.

Following Great Vespers in the evening, the Assembly Banquet was held. Nikita Lopoukhine, Master of Ceremonies, relayed greetings to the Archdiocese from Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Ottawa Centre Member of Parliament Paul Dewar. Also, Ottawa Deputy Mayor Steve Desroches was in attendance and gave greetings on behalf of the Ottawa Mayor and City Council.

In his banquet address, Metropolitan Tikhon gave encouragement to Bishop Irénée and the Archdiocese to continue the positive work that has been accomplished in previous years. His Beatitude then presented two Challenge Coin medals. The first was given to Deacon Jesse Isaac in appreciation of his work while accompanying His Beaditude on his recent trip to Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. The second was given to Mary-Anne Lopoukhine for her work as Chair of the Assembly Organizing Committee.

Banquet guest speaker Fr. John Jillions then gave an address titled “A Cloud of Witnesses”, during which he gave tribute to Fr. Thomas Hopko. Metropolitan Tikhon then awarded Fr. Thomas the Order of St. Innocent, Gold Medal in recognition of his 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood and his many years of service and dedication to the Orthodox Church in America.