Skip to content

Saturday 1 April 2023, 11AM to 3PM

Decorated Easter eggs (pysanky)

Come to Saint Michael’s parish hall (4017 Victoria Avenue, Nanaimo) for frozen perogies, borscht, home baking, jams and jellies, pickles, cabbage rolls, Ukrainian novelty items, pysanky, and more.

Raffle tickets available at the door to win one of three fabulous prizes.

Special guest: Diana Stevan, author of the Lukia trilogy of novels about one family’s journey from Ukraine to Canada, Sunflowers Under Fire, Lilacs in the Dustbowl, and Paper Roses on Stony Mountain.

PLEASE NOTE: to accommodate the bazaar, our Divine Liturgy on 1 April will commence at 10AM. For the times of Easter services, please see the Service Times page.

Sunday after Theophany

Divine Liturgy of our Father among the Saints John Chrysostom, followed by Blessing of the Jordan Water, celebrated by Father Yuriy at Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Parish, Victoria.
10AM 8 January 2023.

Antiphon 1
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 Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God, * O Saviour, save us.

Antiphon 3
Verse: Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, * let us acclaim God, our Saviour.
Refrain: Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, * save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Verse: Let us come before His face with praise, * and acclaim Him in psalms.
Refrain: Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, * save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Verse: For God is the great Lord, * and the great king over all the earth.
Refrain: Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, * save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Entrance Verse: Come, let us worship * and fall down before Christ.
Refrain: Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, * save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparion, Tone 6
Angelic powers were upon Your tomb * and the guards became like dead men; * Mary stood before Your tomb * seeking Your most pure body. * You captured Hades without being overcome by it. * You met the Virgin and granted life. * O Lord, risen from the dead, * glory be to You!

Troparion, Tone 1 
When You, O Lord, were baptized 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.

Prokeimenon, Tone 1
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us* as we have hoped in you.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O you just; praise befits the righteous. (Psalm 32:2,1)

Epistle : Ephesians 4:7–13
A reading from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Ephesians
Brothers and Sisters,
each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it is said, ‘When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive; he gave gifts to his people.’ (When it says, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.) The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.

Alleluia, Tone 5
Verse: Your mercies, O Lord, I will sing for ever; from generation to generation I will announce Your truth with my mouth.
Verse: For You have said: Mercy shall be built up for ever; in the heavens Your truth shall be prepared. (Psalm 88:2,3)

Gospel : Matthew 4:12–17
At that time, Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.’ From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’

Instead of It is truly… we sing:
O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan.
Irmos: 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 our 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. (Titus 2:11) * Praise the Lord from the heavens; * praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1) * Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Instead of Blessed is He who comes... we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan. (1x)

Instead of We have seen the true light… we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan. (1x)

Instead of May our mouths… and Blessed be the Name… we sing:
All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan. (3x)

[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.]

Great Compline with Lytia

Celebrated by Father Yuriy at Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Parish, Victoria. 8PM 24 December 2021.

The service of Great Compline with Lytia is celebrated on the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord, and the evening of Theophany. Unlike regular compline, this service begins with incensing of the icons, 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 blingual booklet:
Great Compline with Lytia / Велике Повечір‘я з Литією
[PDF document links: right-click to view in another tab/window or save to your computer.)

Bishop David Motiuk

While Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in Canada in the month of October, every day is Thanksgiving, especially given the current pandemic. There is a need to give thanks for the very gift of life each and every day, whether this Summer, this Fall, or throughout the year.

Thanksgiving Day has its historical roots in religious and cultural traditions, giving thanks to God for the blessing of the harvest and graces received during the year.

While not a liturgical feast listed among the holy days of the Church, the spirit of thanksgiving underlies everything we do as Christians. Jesus said, ‘Give to others, and God will give to you … The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you’ (Luke 6:38). In other words, generosity is giving from the heart; and thanksgiving is gratitude for that generosity.

Thanksgiving is a celebration of the family. Whatever your family thanksgiving traditions are, thanksgiving is an opportunity for family to gather together, to feast, and to enjoy each other’s company. It is also an occasion to show gratitude to God and to each other.

When I was younger, I found a special card to give to my father for Father’s Day. Well, not exactly a Thanksgiving Card, but it expressed my sentiments of thanksgiving for my dad’s love, guidance, and nurturing throughout my childhood. It went something like this: On the cover of the card, ‘Dad, when I think of all the food you put on the table, the clothes on my back, and the roof over my head …’ and on the inside of the card, ‘Why did I ever leave home?!’ The card was my way of thanking my dad for giving me life and helping me to grow in his love, and in love of God, into the person I’ve become.

As you gather this Thanksgiving Day—and not just in October, but throughout the Summer and beyond—carry on your family traditions, or start some new ones. For example, in the time leading up to Thanksgiving, volunteer time as a family at a soup kitchen, visit a sick child or an elderly person, or invite a stranger or forgotten relative for a dinner. At the Thanksgiving table, give everyone a chance to say one thing for which they are grateful. Include a prayer to god of thanksgiving.

As well, attend Church as a family to show your gratefulness to God. After all, the word ‘thanksgiving’ comes from the Greek word eucharistia, which literally means thanksgiving. Thanksgiving. Eucharist. Thanksgiving. Imagine that, God gives thanks for us through the Eucharist by sharing the gift of His son, Jesus Christ. And we give thanks to God by receiving God’s love in the Eucharist, which is Jesus’ body and blood. Wonderful!

Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete

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.

Former rectory for rent

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.

Sunday of the Paralytic

Divine Liturgy of our Father among the Saints John Chrysostom, celebrated by Father Yuriy at Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Parish, Victoria. 10AM 3 May 2020.

After the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be the Kingdom… and the people have responded, Amen, the clergy sing the Paschal Troparion once and the people repeat it. Then, the clergy sing the first half, and the people conclude it:

Paschal Troparion
Christ is risen from the dead, * trampling death by death, * and to those in the tombs * giving life.
Христос воскрес із мертвих, * смертю смерть подолав, * і тим, що в гробах, * життя дарував

Troparion, Tone 3
Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice, * for the Lord has done a mighty deed with His arm. * He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead; * He saved us from the abyss of Hades * and granted great mercy to the world.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Kontakion, Tone 3
Lord, as of old You raised the Paralytic, * lift my soul by Your divine presence, * for by many sins and foolish actions, * I, too, am now afflicted and crippled. * Raise me, that being saved I may cry to You: * Glory to Your power, O merciful Christ.

Now and forever and ever, Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 8
Though You descended into a tomb, O Immortal One, * yet You destroyed the power of Hades; * and You rose as victor, O Christ God, * calling to the myrrh-bearing women: Rejoice! * and giving peace to Your Apostles: * You, who grant resurrection to the fallen.

Prokeimenon, Tone 1
Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in You.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O you just; praise befits the righteous.

Epistle : Acts 9:32–42
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles:In those days Peter went here and there among all the believers, he came down also to the saints living in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, for he was paralysed. Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed!’ And immediately he got up. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, ‘Please come to us without delay.’ So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Alleluia, Tone 8
Verse: Of Your mercies, O Lord, I will sing forever; with my mouth I will proclaim Your truth from generation to generation.
Verse:For You have said, ‘Mercy will be established forever.’

Gospel : John 5:1–15
At that time Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep (Gate) a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled. For from time to time an angel of the Lord used to come down into the pool; and the water was stirred up, so the first one to get in after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease afflicted him. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be well?’ The sick man answered him, ‘Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Rise, take up your mat, and walk.’ Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked. Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, ‘It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.’ He answered them, ‘The man who made me well told me, “Take up your mat and walk.”’ They asked him, ‘Who is the man who told you, “Take it up and walk”?’ The man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there. After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him, “Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.’ The man went and told the Jews that Jesus was the one who had made him well.

Instead of “It is truly...” we sing: The Angel cried out to the One full of Grace: O chaste Virgin, rejoice! And again I say, Rejoice! Your Son has risen from the tomb on the third day, and raised the dead. Let all people rejoice! Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem! for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! Exult now and be glad, O Sion! And you, O chaste Mother of God, take delight in the resurrection of your Son.

Сommunion Hymn
Receive the Body of Christ; * taste the fountain of immortality. * Praise the Lord from the heavens; * praise Him in the highest. 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” we sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life. (1x)

Instead of “We have seen the true light” we sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life. (1x)

Instead of “Let our mouths be filled” we sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life. (3x)

Instead of “Blessed be the name of the Lord” we sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life. (3x)

At the end of the Liturgy we sing:
Christ is risen from the dead, * trampling death by death, * and to those in the tombs * giving life. (3x)
And to us he has granted life eternal; * we bow down before his resurrection on the third day.
Христос воскрес із мертвих, * смертю смерть подолав, * і тим, що в гробах, * життя дарував. (3x)
І нам дарував життя вічне, * поклоняємось його триденному Воскресенню.

As the month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, every Sunday in May after Divine Liturgy we will celebrating Moleben (prayers of intercession) to the Mother of God [PDF]