Two parishes of the capitol city unite in prayer on the feast day of the Protection

On the eve of the feast day, Sunday, 13 October 2002, a hierarchal liturgy was performed at the Holy Protection Memorial Church of the 1000-year Anniversary of the Baptism of Russia in Ottawa (Ontario, Canada), attended by a large contingent of parishioners and guests from Montreal, Toronto, Rawdon and other areas. Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan officiated along with Priest Mark Burachek, the rector of St. Xenia the Blessed (Kanata, a suburb of Ottawa); His Grace heads the Eastern part of the Canadian Diocese.

On this Sunday, the parishes and clergy of the two capital city churches united. The choir of St. Xenia, famous throughout North America, sang under the direction of George A. Skok. After liturgy a trapeza feast was held. In his address to the parish of the Memorial Church, Bishop Gabriel said that during these difficult days for the entire Canadian Diocese, the Protection parish can count on the support of the Synod of Bishops and our First Hierarch, Metropolitan Laurus.