News & Events

The Hellene of the Year is an individual whose life and work exemplify the highest ideals of scholarship, faith, and community service. A person whose accomplishments span across academia, business, the arts, and social service, and whose devotion to the Hellenic community has enriched not only the present but will continue to inspire future generations.

The next Calgary Orthodox Women’s Retreat is scheduled for September 19-21, 2025.

Here is a report on the 2024 retreat from Esther Juce.

This was my first time attending to Calgary’s Orthodox Women’s Retreat.  I had heard about it only in 2020, when I was able to take in some sessions virtually.  But the Good Lord said, “Come and see”, and He is right - there is no comparison to being there in the flesh.

On Sunday January 12th, following the Divine Liturgy, Priest Matthew Francis led the faithful of Holy Apostles Orthodox Church in Chilliwack, British Columbia, to serve the Theophany Great Blessing of Water at the Fraser River. Blessed with a bright and sunny afternoon, the clergy and faithful ventured to Island 22 Park, on the banks of the mighty Fraser River, where the Great Blessing of Water was served. The day concluded with a festive "Winter Picnic," around the riverside pavilion. 

On January 12th in the afternoon, six hardy bundled up members of St. Mark headed off to Good Spirit Lake, to sanctify God's creation with a lake blessing. They gathered together at a parishoner's cabin. Together they  braved the cold weather and headed off to the lake. The temperature was a pleasant -23C but with the strong wind that day, the wind chill made it feel like -34C. The lake was blessed and the faithful gathered afterwards for snacks and hot beverages and a cabin blessing. Glory be to God for his mercies.