By Father Gregory Scratch

This April as we enter into spring, with longer and warmer days, we are faced with the darkness of Holy Week.  It is a contrast between the darkness of our Lord’s suffering, shame, passion, and death on the cross and the blessed light of His Resurrection on the third day. This it is something we ought to consider as we watch the world (or at least Manitoba) wake up from the winter to enjoy the gift of spring.

By Anastasia Bartlett

I’ve attended a few funerals, over the years. I’ve always felt awkward since I was there to support a friend in their time of loss and never really knew how to behave. Often there wasn’t a body, just a picture which we stared at while family and friends shared stories, showed slides and maybe sang a favorite hymn or two. I’d convey my condolences, eat the sandwiches and make small talk with other attendees awkwardly standing around. Someone was here and now they’re not. Now we need to get on with our lives.

By Father Gregory Scratch

Christians are those whose relationship with God is characterized by thanksgiving and glory. It’s in our services, our prayers, and our daily life in Christ;

Thanksgiving for all the good things of this life. Glory to a God that freely give them to us, without price or condition.

Fr Geoffrey Ready reflects on the meaning of the Feast of the Dormition.

‘In giving birth, thou didst preserve thy virginity. In falling asleep thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos. Thou wast translated to life, O mother of Life, and by thy prayers thou deliverest our souls from death.’ (Troparion of the Feast)