Archpastoral Visit to St Herman's, Edmonton

This past week, our parish of St. Herman’s in Edmonton, was especially blessed to not only be celebrating our annual Patronal Feast Day, but to also have His Eminence Archbishop Irenee join us on this festive occasion.

It was a busy time for Vladyka, as there were many services and activities scheduled while he was here.  On Saturday morning he served with the St. Stephen Moldovan Community, which meets at St. Herman’s twice per month under the pastoral leadership of Fr. Vitalie Manoli.  Afterwards he enjoyed a wonderful meal downstairs in the fellowship hall with them.  After a couple of hours of rest, he was back at St. Herman’s for our Saturday evening service of Great Vespers, after which he went to one of the homes to visit with our Young Adults, and to answer their questions.

On Sunday morning he drove the hour and a half distance to the rural community of Dickibush, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Sts. Peter and Paul parish there.  During that Liturgy, he ordained Sdn. Nykolai Garagan to the Holy Diaconate.  Afterwards he enjoyed a sumptuous meal provided by the women of the parish. 

On Monday evening Vladyka was once again back at St. Herman’s for the service of Vigil, in celebration of our parish’s Feast Day of St. Herman.  After a two and a half hour service, he joined everyone down in the fellowship hall for a refreshing soup supper.

The highlight of the week was the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Tuesday morning, during which the Archbishop was officially welcomed to our parish by our parish President, Melanie Samaroden, and two little flower girls throwing petals on the carpet runner in the Narthex.  The beautiful service was attended by 124 of the Faithful, including a full altar of Clergy and Servers.  Joining us this day were Fr. Igor Kisil from St. Barbara’s Russian Orthodox Church in Edmonton, Fr. Evgeny Protsenko from St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church in Nisku, Fr. Daniel Friesen from Holy Trinity OCA parish of Edmonton, Fr. Phillip Eriksson from Holy Martyr Peter the Aleut OCA parish in Calgary, and Fr. Vladimir Lysak from Saskatchewan (our iconographer).  Serving Deacons were Protodeacon Jesse Isaac and Dn. Micah Friesen.  During this service, His Eminence tonsured Evan Truscott as a Reader, ordained Mark Petasky and Donald Aellen to the Subdiaconate, and elevated Dn. Nykolai Garagan to the Holy Priesthood.  Afterwards, the Clergy and Faithful were treated to a beautiful banquet, prepared by the Hospitality Team of St. Herman’s. 

It was a full week, with Vladyka returning home on Wednesday.  What a joyous occasion.  It was especially meaningful for all our new parishioners who experienced a Hierarchical Liturgy for the first time.  Thank you, Vladyka, for joining us!  May God grant you many years of health and strength as the Archpastor of this God-blessed Canadian Orthodox Church.