Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 29 March 2021.
Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 29 March 2021.
Divine Liturgy with Sorokousty
From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria.
9AM, Saturday 27 March.
Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 26 March 2021.
Feast of the Annunciation
From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 25 March 2021.
Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 24 March 2021.
Divine Liturgy with Sorokousty
From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria.
9AM, Saturday 6 March.
Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 5 March 2021.
Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 3 March 2021.
Sunday, Feb 28 at 11:30 AM
Make your Lenten journey with seasoned liturgists who will guide you through the liturgical services of Lent, encourage you to delve into the depths of Lenten mystagogy, and clarify the meaning of some ancient texts and traditions.
Speakers
Deacon Daniel Galadza, S.E.O.D. in Byzantine liturgy, a research fellow at the Centre of Advanced Studies of the University of Regensburg, Germany.
Very Rev Mark Morozowich, S.E.O.D. Dean of The School of Theology and Religious Studies at Catholic University of America and Associate Professor of Liturgical Studies/ Sacramental Theology.
Most Rev Bohdan Danylo, STL. Ukrainian Catholic Bishop of Saint Josaphat in Parma
Moderator
Most Rev Hlib Lonchyna, S.E.O.D.
Topics
Departure. A roadmap of Lenten services with Deacon Daniel
Along the way. The Presanctified Liturgy explained by Father Mark
Destination. Liturgies of Great and Holy Week services with Bishop Bohdan
To join
The event will be held in English via Zoom video conferencing.
Please register to get the link to participate..
Divine Liturgy with Sorokousty
From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria.
9AM, Saturday 27 February.
Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 26 February 2021.
Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 24 February 2021.
Our Lenten mission will take place online this year, and will focus on the penitential prayer of Saint Ephrem the Syrian.
Each of the two sessions will be introduced by Bishop David, who will lead the opening prayers, and will be conducted by eparchial clergy.
Part 1 Friday 26 February, 7:30PM
Reverend Mykhailo Ozorovych
Reverend Andriy Malysh
Part 2 Friday 5 March, 7:30PM
Reverend Yuriy Vyshnevskyy
(Event registration now closed.)
While public gatherings remain suspended in British Columbia, Father Yuriy will livestream video of Sunday Divine Liturgy and other Lenten services from Saint Nicholas parish in Victoria. These videos will be available here or via the Saint Nicholas site. In the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Lent begins this year on Monday 15 February. The schedule of services for each week of Lent will be posted on our services times page.
In addition to livestream video of services from Victoria, we will have communal celebration of Vespers on Saturday evening at 7PM, via video conferencing. If you would like to participate in this and are not already receiving details from Father Yuriy, please contact him.
The Theophany of Our Lord
Divine Liturgy of our Father among the Saints John Chrysostom, celebrated by Father Yuriy at Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Parish, Victoria. 10AM 6 January 2021.
First Antiphon
Verse: When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from an alien people.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Verse: Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Verse: The sea beheld this and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Verse: Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.
Third Antiphon
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Troparion, Tone 1: When You, O Lord, were baptised in the Jordan, * worship of the Trinity was revealed; * the voice of the Father bore witness to You, * naming You the ‘beloved Son,’ * and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the Word’s certainty. * Glory to You, O Christ God, * who appeared and enlightened the world.
Verse: Therefore let the house of Israel say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptised in the Jordan, * worship of the Trinity was revealed; * the voice of the Father bore witness to You, * naming You the ‘beloved Son,’ * and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the Word’s certainty. * Glory to You, O Christ God, * who appeared and enlightened the world.
Verse: Therefore, let the house of Aaron say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptised in the Jordan, * worship of the Trinity was revealed; * the voice of the Father bore witness to You, * naming You the ‘beloved Son,’ * and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the Word’s certainty. * Glory to You, O Christ God, * who appeared and enlightened the world.
Verse: Let all who fear the Lord say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptised in the Jordan, * worship of the Trinity was revealed; * the voice of the Father bore witness to You, * naming You the ‘beloved Son,’ * and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the Word’s certainty. * Glory to You, O Christ God, * who appeared and enlightened the world.
Entrance Verse: Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord, we bless you from the house of the Lord; the Lord is God and has appeared to us.
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptised in the Jordan, * worship of the Trinity was revealed; * the voice of the Father bore witness to You, * naming You the ‘beloved Son,’ * and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the Word’s certainty. * Glory to You, O Christ God, * who appeared and enlightened the world.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Now and forever and ever, Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 4
Today you have appeared to the world and Your light, O Lord, has been signed on us, who with knowledge sing Your praises. You have come, You have appeared, O unapproachable Light.
Instead of the Trisagion we sing:
All you, who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!
All you, who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!
All you, who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and ever, Amen. You have put on Christ! Alleluia!
All you, who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!
Prokimenon, Tone 4
Blessed is He, who comes in the Name of the Lord; God the Lord has appeared to us.
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever.
Epistle : Titus 2:11–15; 3:4–7
A reading from the Second Epistle of Saint Apostle Paul to Titus
My son Titus, the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another. But when the kindness and generous love of God our saviour appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our saviour, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.
Alleluia, Tone 1
Verse: Bring to the Lord, you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams.
Verse: The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory has thundered, the Lord reigns over vast waters.
Gospel : Matthew 3: 13–17
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptised by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, ‘I need to be baptised by you, and yet you are coming to me?’ Jesus said to him in reply, ‘Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptised, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’
Instead of ‘It is truly...’ we sing:
O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptised in the Jordan.
Irmos, Tone 4 Every tongue is at a loss to praise you as is your due, O Mother of God. Even a spirit from above is filled with dizziness when seeking to sing your praises. But since you are good, accept out faith, for you know well our love inspired by God. For it is you who protect all Christians; therefore, we magnify you.
Сommunion Hymn
The Grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
[A private prayer of spiritual communion:
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in these Holy Gifts!
I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot receive You now,
I place before You my whole life and hope, O loving Master;
and I ask, pray, and entreat You: Make me worthy to partake in a mystical way
and with a pure conscience of Your awesome and heavenly Mysteries:
for forgiveness of sins, for the pardon of offences, for communion of the Holy Spirit,
for the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, for confidence before You,
and not for judgment or condemnation.
I embrace You as You enter and abide in me, and I unite myself completely to You.
Permeate my soul and body, and never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.]
Nativity of Our Lord
Divine Liturgy of our Father among the Saints John Chrysostom, celebrated by Father Yuriy at Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Parish, Victoria. 10AM 25 December 2020.
First Antiphon
Verse: I will confess You, Lord, with all my heart, * I will declare all Your wondrous deeds.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
Verse: In the council of the just and the congregation, * great are the works of the Lord, conforming to His will in every way.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
Verse: His work is filled with praise and majesty, * and His righteousness endures forever.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.
Third Antiphon
Verse: The Lord said to my lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies the footstool of you feet.’
Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God, * made the light of knowledge dawn on the world; * through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness, * and to know You, the Dawn from on high. * Glory to You, O Lord.
Verse: The Lord will send you a sceptre of power out of Zion; reign in the midst of your enemies.
Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God, * made the light of knowledge dawn on the world; * through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness, * and to know You, the Dawn from on high. * Glory to You, O Lord.
Verse: Yours is the dominion on the day you are given power in his splendour of your holy ones.
Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God, * made the light of knowledge dawn on the world; * through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness, * and to know You, the Dawn from on high. * Glory to You, O Lord.
Entrance Verse: From the womb before the daystar I begot you. The Lord has sworn an oath and will not go back on His word: You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.
Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God, * made the light of knowledge dawn on the world; * through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness, * and to know You, the Dawn from on high. * Glory to You, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Now and forever and ever, Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 3
The Virgin today gives birth to Him who is above all being; * the earth offers the cave to Him whom no one can approach; * Angels with shepherds give Him glory, * while Magi make their way with a star, * for to us is born a little Child, the pre-eternal God.
Instead of ‘Holy God’ we sing: All you who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Prokimenon, Tone 8
Let all the earth worship You and sing to You; * let it sing to Your Name, O Most High.
Verse: Shout to the Lord, all the earth, sing now to His name, give glory to His praise.
Epistle : Galatians 4:4–7
A Reading from the letter of Saint Apostle Paul to the Galatians:
Sisters and Brothers, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
Alleluia, Tone 1
Verse: The heavens tell the glory of God, and the firmament declares the work of His hands.
Verse: Day announces its message unto day and night proclaims its knowledge unto night.
Gospel : Matthew 2:1-12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.”’ Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.’ After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
Instead of ‘It is truly…’ we sing: O my soul, magnify Christ the King born in a manger. Irmos, Tone 1: A strange and glorious mystery do I behold: the cave is heaven; the Virgin, the throne of the cherubim; the manger, a dwelling place in which is laid Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain. Singing His praises, we magnify Him.
Сommunion Hymn
The Lord has sent deliverance * to His people. * Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
[A private prayer of spiritual communion:
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in these Holy Gifts!
I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot receive You now,
I place before You my whole life and hope, O loving Master;
and I ask, pray, and entreat You: Make me worthy to partake in a mystical way
and with a pure conscience of Your awesome and heavenly Mysteries:
for forgiveness of sins, for the pardon of offences, for communion of the Holy Spirit,
for the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, for confidence before You,
and not for judgment or condemnation.
I embrace You as You enter and abide in me, and I unite myself completely to You.
Permeate my soul and body, and never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.]
Instead of ‘Blessed is He who comes…’ we sing: All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin. (1х)
Instead of ‘We have seen the true light…’ we sing: All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin. (1х)
Instead of ‘May our mouths…’ and ‘Blessed be the Name…’ we sing: All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin. (3x)
Celebrated by Father Yuriy at Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Parish, Victoria. 8PM 24 December 2020.
Great Compline with Lytia is celebrated on the Eves of the Nativity of our Lord, and the Theophany, as prescribed by the Typikon. In these instances, there is incensing at the beginning as at Vespers with Lytia, with the Royal Doors open; the priest is vested in a bright epitrachelion. After the incensing, he intones the start of the service...
To follow along with the prayers and responses, please refer to the scanned compline booklets:
Great Compline with Lytia (English)
Велике Повечір‘я з Литією (Українська)
[PDF document links: right-click to view in another tab/window or save to your computer.)
At this joyous time of a difficult year, when we so long to gather in community to celebrate God the Son’s incarnation, but in many places are unable to do so due to public health measures, Bishop David, the clergy and religious of our Eparchy greet all the faithful in words and song.
As we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord, may Christ, truly bless you and your family with peace, love and joy, now and in the New Year!
Святкуючи Празник Господнього Рождества, нехай Христос поблагословить Вас і Вашу сім’ю миром, любов’ю і радістю, зараз і в новому році!
Christ is Born! Let us Glorify Him!
Dear Faithful:
The birth of Jesus took place this way: ‘In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn’ (Luke 2: 1, 4-7).
The story of the birth of Jesus is above all a ‘Festival of Families’.
With the birth of Jesus, God chooses to be born in a human family. What might this mean for you and for me?
At the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia—truly a Festival of Families—Pope Francis stressed the importance of the family. He chose to set aside a prepared written speech and speak to the world in his own words about a question a child once asked him. ‘What did God do before God created the world?’
Indeed, children ask the best questions! I suspect the child wanted to know whether God played soccer, liked to climb trees, or ate ice cream!
Pope Francis’ response was marvellous! He said, ‘I assure you, I found real difficulty in answering the question. I said, “Before creating the world, God loved. [God simply loved.] Because God is love.” He had so much love: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It was so overflowing. It was so big, this love, God could not be selfish, self-centred. It had to be poured out of him. So as to share that love with those out of himself. And then God created the world. God made this marvellous world in which we live.‘
And, if I may add my own words here, in the Nativity of Our Lord—in his Incarnation, God taking flesh and becoming one of us, being born among us—God entrusts this love to a family. To Mary and Joseph a child is born, Jesus, who is love. And today, to you and me, Jesus, who is love, is born anew in our hearts and in the world all around us. ‘All of the love that God has in himself, all the beauty that he has in himself, he gives to the family. And the family is really family when it is able to open its arms and receive all that love.’
Pope Francis continues, ‘Every Christian family—as Mary and Joseph did – must first welcome Jesus, listen to Him, speak with Him, shelter Him, protect Him, grow with Him; and in this way, make the world a better place.
‘Let us make space in our heart and in our days for the Lord. This is what Mary and Joseph did, and it was not easy: how many difficulties they had to overcome! It was not a false or unreal family.’ And during the pandemic, when we are spending much more time together as families, we know this firsthand. Families have difficulties. We argue, we quarrel. Yet, with love, only love, we can overcome our challenges.
The family of Nazareth—Jesus, Mary and Joseph—calls to us to rediscover the vocation and the mission of the family. God created man and woman, and he gave them everything. He gave them the world! Then God commissioned the family. He said, grow, multiply, cultivate the earth, make it produce, make it grow. Through the family, the mystery of the Son of God is at work. Creation. The Fall. Recreation. Through the birth of Our Lord, God comes to save the world. The gates of Paradise are re-opened. God waits at the gates of heaven to welcome us home.
As I get older, I tend to appreciate my family more and more. Mom and dad, who are now passed. My sisters. My brother. And their families. I appreciate the memories of days gone by, and the memories that are still in the making, memories filled with joy, hope and love, and yes, sadness and loss.
I am thankful that it was in my family, the first church, the domestic church, that the seeds of faith were first sown. My parents, by their word and example, carried on the mission of love entrusted to them by God, sharing that love among themselves and teaching their children to love God and neighbour.
As we celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord, I invite you to reflect on your family. Acknowledge how beautiful, true, and good it is to be a family today; and how indispensable the family is for the life of the world, and for God’s unfolding plan of salvation.
Truly, Christmas is a Festival of Families.
May God bless the Holy Family born in Bethlehem. May God bless your family!
As we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord, may Christ, truly bless you and your family with peace, love and joy, now and in the New Year!
Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
Bishop David Motiuk
Eparchy of Edmonton
✙
Prayer to the Holy Family
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
in you we contemplate the splendour of true love, to you we turn with trust.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer,
authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic Churches.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
may families never again experience violence, rejection and division:
may all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready comfort and healing.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
make us once more mindful
of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,
and its beauty in God’s plan.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
graciously hear our prayer. Amen.
✙ ✙ ✙
Христос Раждається! Славіте Його!
Дорогі у Христі!
Народження Ісуса сталось наступним чином: «Тими днями вийшов наказ від кесаря Августа переписати всю вселенну. Пішов також і Йосиф з Галилеї, з міста Назарету в Юдею, в місто Давида, що зветься Вифлеєм, бо він походив з дому й роду Давида, щоб записатися з Марією, зарученою своєю, що була вагітна. Коли вони були там, настав їй час родити, і вона породила свого сина первородного, сповила його та поклала в ясла, бо не було їм місця в заїзді» (Євангеліє від Луки 2: 1, 4-7).
Історія народження Ісуса у своїй суті є Святом Сім’ї.
З народженням Ісуса, Бог вирішує народитися в людській сім’ї. Якими є наслідки цього рішення для вас і для мене?
На Всесвітній Зустрічі Сімей у Філадельфії, справжньому Святі Сімей, Папа Франциск наголосив на важливості сім’ї. Він вирішив не зачитувати свою заздалегідь написану промову, але натомість розповісти власними словами про питання, яке йому колись задала дитина: «Що робив Бог перед тим як Він створив світ?»
А й справді, діти задають найкращі питання. Підозрюю, що дитині було цікаво чи можливо Бог грав у футбол, чи лазив по деревах, чи може Він їв морозиво!
Відповідь Папи Франциска була надзвичайною! Він сказав: «Хочу вас запевнити, що мені досить важко відповісти на це питання. Я відповів дитині: Перед тим як створити світ, Бог любив. [Бог просто любив]. Бо Бог є любов. Він мав в Собі дуже багато любові: Отець, Син і Святий Дух. Він був переповнений любов’ю. Ця любов була настільки великою, що Бог не міг бути егоїстичним чи зосередженим на Собі. Ця любов мусіла вилитись з Нього для того, щоб Він міг поділитись нею з кимось. І ось тоді Бог створив світ. Бог створив цей пречудовий світ, в якому ми живемо.»
І, з Вашого дозволу хочу додати кілька слів від себе, в Народженні Нашого Господа – в Його Воплоченні, Бог приймає тіло і стає одним з нас, народжується серед нас – Бог довіряє цю любов сім’ї, в якій Він народився. Дитина Ісус, який є любов’ю, народжується Марії і Йосифу. І сьогодні, до Вас і до мене, заново народжується Ісус, який є любов’ю, Він народжується в наших серцях і у цілому світі довкола нас. «Всю любов, яку Бог має в Собі, всю красу, яку Він вміщає в Собі, Він дає сім’ї. І сім’я є насправді сім’єю, коли вона відкриває свої руки і приймає всю цю любов.»
Папа Франциск продовжує: «Кожна християнська сім’я – подібно як Марія і Йосиф – мусить спочатку радісно прийняти Ісуса, слухати Його, говорити з Ним, прихистити Його, захистити Його, рости разом з Ним, і таким чином світ стане кращим місцем.»
«Зробімо місце для Господа в наших серцях і в наших днях. Саме так зробили Марія і Йосиф, і це не було легко: скільки труднощів їм довелось перебороти! Це не була несправжня чи нереальна сім’я.» Зараз під час пандемії, коли ми проводимо набагато більше часу разом як сім’я, ми знаємо це з власного досвіду. В сім’ях трапляються труднощі. Ми сперичаємося, ми сваримося. Однак з любов’ю, лише з любов’ю, ми можемо подолати наші труднощі.
Сім’я з Назарету – Ісус, Марія і Йосиф – закликає нас заново відкрити для себе покликання і місію сім’ї. Бог сотворив чоловіка і жінку і Він дав їм все. Він дав їм цілий світ! Тоді Бог започаткував сім’ю сказавши: ростіть, помножуйтесь, обробляйте землю, щоб вона плодила і росла. Через сім’ю, сповнюється таємниця Сина Божого. Створення. Падіння. Відродження. Через народження нашого Господа, Бог приходить, щоб спасти світ. Ворота Раю є заново відкритими. Бог чекає на нас коло Райських Воріт, щоб ласкаво запросити нас додому.
З роками, я все більше і більше ціную свою сім’ю. Маму і тата, яких вже з нами немає. Моїх сестер. Мого брата. І їхні сім’ї. Я дорожу спогадами про минулі дні, спогадами, які я зараз створюю, спогадами сповненими радістю, надією і любов’ю, але й також смутком і втратами.
Я є вдячним, що саме в моїй сім’ї, першій церкві, домашній церкві, були посіяні перші зерна віри. Мої батьки, їхніми словами і прикладом, сповнювали місію любові, довірену їм Богом, ділились цією любов’ю між собою і навчали своїх дітей любити Бога і ближнього.
Святкуючи Народження Нашого Господа, заохочую Вас задуматись над власними сім’ями. Визнайте, як це гарно, правдиво і добре бути сім’єю сьогодні, і якою незамінною є сім’я для життя цього світу, і для реалізації Божого плану спасіння людства.
Направду, Різдво є празднецтвом сім’ї.
Нехай Господь поблагословить Пресвяту Родину народжену у Вифлеємі. Нехай Господь поблагословить Вашу родину!
Святкуючи Празник Господнього Рождества, нехай Христос поблагословить Вас і Вашу сім’ю миром, любов’ю і радістю, зараз і в новому році!
Христос Раждається! Славіте Його!
+ Давид Мотюк
Едмонтонська єпархія
✙
Молитва до Пресвятої Родини
Ісусе, Маріє і Йосифе,
У Вас ми споглядаємо красу справжньої любові,
до Вас ми звертаємось з довірою,
Пресвята Родино з Назарету,
допоможи щоб наші сім’ї були місцем причастя і молитви,
правдивими школами Євангелія і малими домашніми Церквами.
Пресвята Родино з Назарету,
нехай наші родини ніколи не досвідчать насильства, відкинення та роздору:
нехай всі що були зранені чи згіршені знайдуть заспокоєння і зцілення.
Пресвята Родино з Назарету,
дай дам знову бути більш свідомими святості і непорушності сім’ї,
і її краси в Божому задумі,
Ісусе, Маріє і Йосифе,
ласкаво вислухайте нашу молитву. Амінь.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, public liturgies are suspended through the feast of Christmas. Father Yuriy will celebrate these services online, and video feeds will be available on the Journal page:
Christmas Eve, Thursday 24 December, 8PM
Great Compline with Lytia
Christmas Day, Friday 25 December, 10AM
Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom
O Christ what shall we offer you?
For our sake You appeared on earth as man.
Every creature made by You offers thanks to You:
the angels offer you a hymn; the heavens, a star;
the Magi, gifts; the shepherds their wonder;
the earth, its cave; the wilderness, the manger.
And we offer you a Virgin Mother.
[From the prayers of Vespers of Christmas Eve.]
The former rectory of St Michael’s parish, which is directly across the street from the church, is for rent. The property would ideally suit a family, and is centrally located in Nanaimo, with a large, fenced yard, and is a short walk from swimming and boating opportunities at Long Lake. For a Catholic family seeking a home near to a church, it would be hard to think of a better location. Full details are available from Ardent Property Management.
Please note: All enquiries should be submitted to the property managers, through their website. St Michael’s parish is not able to respond to rental queries or applications.
Pastoral Centre, Eparchy of New Westminster
22 September 2020
Reverend Clergy and Parish Pastoral Council Members:
CIX!
As the new Liturgical Year has begun, together with the new School Year, we are returning to old schedules and routines.
However, when it comes to COVID-19, we must remain vigilant in helping to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, ensuring that our desire in sharing the Good News of the Gospel with our faithful is fruitful and blessed.
Alas, the number of daily cases of infections is on the rise as of late, and we are in jeopardy of losing the gains our province made earlier on at the outset of the pandemic.
The media has kept a watchful eye on churches and other places of worship, quick to point out any outbreaks or breaches in protocols.
Therefore, I renew my plea to our clergy and parish pastoral councils, who share in the responsibility in the re-opening of our parishes, to renew our efforts in reminding our parishioners of the basic practices in caring one for another during the pandemic, namely,
Posting signage at the entrance to our churches can also be a good reminder of these helpful practices in doing our part in helping spread the coronavirus.
Therefore, I ask that the following posters be posted at all our church entrances:
1. Prevention starts with awareness2. Practice physical distancing
3. How to wear a non-medical mask
4. Singing prohibited during COVID-19 (Cantors only)
These practical reminders can go a long way in helping our faithful feel comfortable in worshipping with us as we pray, worship, and celebrate the Word of God and the Eucharist!
As we preach the Good News, may God bless you, and keep you and our parishioners safe and healthy!
Bishop David
A number of online video courses focused on the Eastern Catholic churches, their rites, and theology are being offered in the Autumn of 2020. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the churches that Pope St John Paul II called ‘ living interpreters of the treasure of tradition they preserve’ (Apostolic Letter Orientale Lumen (‘Light of the East’, 1995).
The Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Instititute of Eastern Christian Studies at the University of Toronto announces it’s Fall 2020 course General Introduction to the Eastern Churches. This online course will be delivered by Father Alexander Laschuk via the Zoom video platform, and will take place on Wednesdays from 16 September to 9 December, at 5PM Eastern Time (2PM here on the west coast)
The course will review the history and culture of the four families of Eastern Churches—Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Catholic, and the Assyrian Church of the East—then survey their distinctive approaches to liturgy, art, architecture, music, spiritual life, hagiography, mission, and theology. The course concludes with an assessment of the current state of these Churches in North America.
Please visit the Sheptytsky Instititute website for more information.
A number of online video courses focused on the Eastern Catholic churches, their rites, and theology are being offered in the Autumn of 2020. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the churches that Pope St John Paul II called ‘ living interpreters of the treasure of tradition they preserve’ (Apostolic Letter Orientale Lumen (‘Light of the East’, 1995).
Beginning in September, the Lumen Christi Institute and the Godbearer Institute are presenting a series of online lectures on Eastern Catholic Theology in Action. The five lectures of the main series take place on subsequent Thursday evevenings, at 7PM Central Daylight Time (so 5PM Pacific Daylight Time here on the coast), and will be followed by a special presentation in November by Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the USA.
To register for the live lectures, please visit the individual links below. Each lecture is recorded and also available for viewing after the presentation date.
Thursday, 3 September, 5PM PDT
Introduction to Liturgical Mystagogy
Daniel Galadza (University of Regensburg)
Thursday, 10 September, 5PM PDT
A Theology of Wonder: An Introduction to the Poetry of Ephrem the Syrian
Andrew Hayes (University of St. Thomas, Houston)
Thursday, 17 September, 5PM PDT
Christ the Lover of Mankind: Philanthropia, Mystery, and Martyria in Eastern Christianity
Robin Darling Young (Catholic University of America)
Thursday, 24 September, 5PM PDT
Eastern Churches, Latin Territories: Ecclesial Catholicity and the Notion of Diaspora
Alexander Laschuk (Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies at University of St. Michael’s College)
Thursday, 1 October, 5PM PDT
Expanding the Archive: Syriac Literature and the Study of Early Christianity Today
Erin Walsh (University of Chicago)
Thursday, November 12, 7 p.m. CDT
Quo Vadis: the Direction of Eastern Catholic Theology, a Pastoral Perspective for the 21st Century
Archbishop Borys Gudziak (Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia and Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the USA)
On Saturday 30 May, the feast of Pentecost, celebration of public liturgy will resume at our parish, under the directives laid out by Bishop David in the letter reproduced in full below. Please familiarise yourself with these directives before deciding whether to recommence attending Divine Liturgy, so that you understand what will be different, and what rules are in place regarding distancing and other risk reduction measures. Parish council members will be preparing the church according to the directives during the week. Key things to remember are:
✙ ✙ ✙
Chancery Office, Eparchy of New Westminster
21 May 2020
Слава Ісусу Христу!
Glory be to Jesus Christ!
Dear Reverend Pastors and Faithful,
As we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord, Jesus—just before ascending to heaven and returning to the Father—commissions the apostles, saying, ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age’ (Matthew 28: 19-20).
We too have been commissioned by Jesus through our baptism to share the Good News of the Gospel message with all people, starting with our family, friends and neighbours.
It is in this light that, with joy in our hearts, we announce the re-opening of our churches and the resumption of public liturgical services, although with limits and restrictions.
From time to time, it may be necessary to update our Directives based upon advice from our health care officials and ‘best practice feedback’ from our parishes as they re-open.
As we move towards gradual re-opening and the resumption of public liturgical services, it is critical that we understand the potential for the spread of COVID-19 among our faithful and take steps to minimize the risk of spread, especially among high risk populations within our congregations.
The health and safety of everyone is first and foremost.
To be successful in British Columbia’s relaunch and church re-openings, we will need to continue to do what we are doing, namely:
The following Directives for the Re-opening of Churches and the Resumption of Public Liturgical Services address the following areas:
A. Readying our parishes for re-opening
B. Deciding whether to attend church services or not
C. Determining the 50-person or less maximum
D. Physical distancing seating
E. Entering and exiting the church
F. Participating in the Divine Liturgy and other services
Financial Support
At this critical time, your financial support is greatly appreciated. Our eparchy and parishes continue to incur expenses as we strive to fulfil the mission which God has entrusted to the Church. Please contact your local parish as to how you can make a donation.
Stay safe and healthy
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of British Columbia continues to ask each of us to stay safe and to continue acting responsibly to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The success of the British Columbia relaunch and the re-opening of Churches and the resumption of public liturgical services depends to a great extent on how closely we adhere to the provincial health regulations and church liturgical directives.
Together, our actions can make a difference in the lives of family, friends and strangers alike.
With gratitude for your patience and cooperation, I assure you that your well-being, both spiritual and physical, is of paramount importance as we take these initial steps to resume public participation in our liturgical services.
May the blessings of the All Holy Trinity be upon you and your family.
Bishop David