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Archdiocese of Canada Assembly: Day 1

August 22, 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”.

Day one began with the celebration of a Hierarchical Liturgy served by His Grace Bishop Irénée, Administrator of the Archdiocese of Canada. Concelebrating with His Grace were Archpriest John Jillions, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, Archpriest Anatoly Melnyk, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Archpriest Chad Hatfield, Dean of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, along with other clergy from across the Archdiocese. Following the Divine Liturgy, a Moleben was served by Bishop Irénée, officially opening the Assembly.

The first plenary session in the morning heard opening addresses by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, His Grace Bishop Irénée and Fr. John Jillions. Fr. Chad Hatfield, who was a special guest of the Assembly, also gave a presentation on behalf of St. Vladimir’s Seminary. During the opening address, Metropolitan Tikhon awarded Archpriest John Tkachuk the Order of St. Innocent, Silver Medal, in recognition of 40 years of priestly ministry and his upcoming retirement from active pastoral duty.

The afternoon plenary session opened with a talk by Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, who was invited to give a series of talks related to the theme of the Assembly, the first of which was titled ”Church Administration as Service to God”. This talk was followed by reports from the Archdiocesan Secretary, Treasurer, Audit Committee as well as the reception of the previously filed reports.

In the evening, Assembly attendees were transported to the Annunciation/St. Nicholas Archdiocesan Cathedral where a service was held outside by Metropolitan Tikhon, followed by the official blessing of the Archdiocesan Center, located next door to the Cathedral.

The Cathedral then hosted a public lecture by Fr. Thomas Hopko titled “Faithful Stewardship”, followed by a reception in the Cathedral fellowship hall.