CANADIAN DIOCESE: September 14, 2021
The 800th anniversary of the birth of Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky is celebrated at the Smolensk Church of the Mother of God in Canada’s “Berezki”

A large gathering of worshipers attended services on September 11-12, 2021, at the Smolensk Church of the Mother of God in Jacksons Point, ON, Canada, a Russian settlement known as “Berezki.” Five years ago, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada, the only Brotherhood of St Alexander Nevsky in the Russian Church Abroad was established here.

Festive divine services were headed by Priest Maxim Abroskin along with the recently-ordained Deacon Valentin Losev. The litiya during Saturday’s all-night vigil took place under the open skies. The choir sang splendidly under the direction of Reader Gregory Montana.

After Divine Liturgy on Sunday, a procession of the cross with a new icon of St Alexander Nevsky circled the church; the icon will be in a prominent place in the renovated iconostasis.

Fr Valentin read a congratulatory message from Vladyka Gabriel to the St Alexander Nevsky Brotherhood and the entire parish.

After divine services, the parishioners and guests were treated to a festive luncheon after which a concert was given.

A children’s drawing contest with the subject of the 800th anniversary of the birth of St Alexander Nevsky, was judged with the winners given awards.

mcdiocese.com