Archdiocese of Canada (OCA) Assembly, Calgary, July 13-17, 2026

“From Generation to Generation”: Passing on the Faith

Speakers: Fr Kyle Parrott; Fr Anthony Gilbert; PhD, Fr Jean-Baptiste (Penner); Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak; Dn Seraphim Rohlin; Dn Gregory Wiebe, PhD; Elissa Bjeletich Davis; Joel Thiessen, PhD

In addition to its work of assisting the Archbishop with his governance, the Assembly is a unique opportunity for clergy and laity to grow in faith and knowledge through the many liturgical services and the teaching of our bishops and guest speakers. It is also a joyous occasion to establish and grow relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ from across the country, leading to the increase of cooperation, love, and unity in the Church.

This is a very rare opportunity, to have the Assembly so close to us. The Canadian OCA Church only gatherers as a body once every 3 years. It alternates between the East and the West – the last Assembly was in Montreal in 2023. This is the first one ever in Calgary and you can easily attend for less than $1000 including everything: meals and accommodation. I strongly encourage you to attend if you can, it is something you can’t describe, only experience, to gather with our entire Canadian Archdiocese of the Orthodox Church in unity!

Once you have registered here, please let Fr Andrew know as he needs to submit an observer certification form to the Archdiocese for each of you to complete your registration.

Orthodox Youth!

Get your parents to come to the assembly and bring you. Make new Orthodox friends and enjoy some of the best youth events Calgary has to offer.

We have just put together a program of youth events for Assembly, open to youth in grades 7-12. On both Wednesday and Thursday, July 15 and 16, there will a speaker session in the morning (no cost) followed by an off-campus recreational event in the afternoon (additional cost).

Wednesday, 11:15 am – Talk: Elissa Bjeletich Davis

Elissa Bjeletich Davis is an author and podcaster whose work is focused on raising Orthodox children and on sanctification through loving service. Her relevant work includes The Art of Myrrhbearing, Blueprints for the Little Church, Welcoming the Christ Child, Tending the Garden of Our Hearts, Raising Saints, and ‘Dear Parents, You’re Not Alone’. Find information on Elissa and her work at www.elissabjeletichdavis.com.

Thursday, 11:15 am – Talk: Fr Jean-Baptiste (Penner)

Fr Jean-Baptiste (Penner) is a hieromonk of the Hermitage of the Annunciation, also known as Goose Chase Monastery, in New Germany, Nova Scotia. The Hermitage of the Annunciation was established in 2003 by the abbot Schema-Igumen Luc. Find out about the monastery at https://goosechasemonastery.ca.

Wednesday and Thursday Afternoons: We will choose 2 of the following 4 options, based on both the number of youth attending and the weather forecast. Cost will be approx. $50 per event.

Float the Bow River:  approximately 2-4 hours depending on river flow. The Bow River is classified as Level 1. Cost includes a whitewater raft, PDF, and paddle.

The Calgary Zoo: Areas include Wild Canada, Destination Africa, Exploration Asia, Penguin Plunge, and Prehistoric Park.

Calaway Park: Western Canada’s Largest Outdoor Family Amusement Park with 32 rides from mild thrill to extreme thrill.

Westside Recreation Centre: Indoor aquatic park with wave pool, lap pool, waterslide, lazy river, hot tub.

Please contact [email protected] to register for youth events. A waiver is required for participation in off-campus events.