Divine Liturgy
2022-11-06 10:30 - 12:15 (America/Edmonton) | British Columbia
Saint Paul the Confessor, Archbishop of Constantinople, was chosen to the patriarchal throne after the death of Patriarch Alexander (+ 340), when the Arian heresy had again flared up. Many of the Arians were present at the Council which selected the new Archbishop of Constantinople. They revolted in opposition to the choice of Saint Paul, but the Orthodox at the Council were in the majority… read the rest of the account at: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2022/11/06/103185-saint-paul-the-confessor-archbishop-of-constantinople

Divine Liturgy
2022-11-13 10:30 - 12:15
Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, one of the Three Hierarchs [January 30], was born at Antioch in about the year 347 into the family of a military commander. His father, Secundus, died soon after the birth of his son. His mother, Anthusa, widowed at twenty years of age, did not seek to remarry but rather devoted all her efforts to the raising of her son in Christian piety. The youth studied under the finest philosophers and rhetoricians. But, scorning the vain disciplines of pagan knowledge, the future hierarch turned himself to the profound study of Holy Scripture and prayerful contemplation. Saint Meletius, Bishop of Antioch (February 12), loved John like a son, guided him in the Faith, and in the year 367 baptized him…continue reading at: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2022/11/13/103292-saint-john-chrysostom-archbishop-of-constantinople

Divine Liturgy
2022-11-20 10:30 - 12:15
The Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple has only one day of prefeast. The hymns for today praise Saint Anna for bringing her daughter, the living temple of God, to the Temple in Jerusalem…continue reading at:https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2022/11/20/103339-forefeast-of-the-entry-into-the-temple-of-the-most-holy-theotoko

Divine Liturgy
2022-11-27 10:30 - 12:15
The Holy Great Martyr James the Persian (the Sawn-Asunder) was born in the fourth century into a pious Christian family, both wealthy and illustrious. His wife was also a Christian, and the couple raised their children in piety, inspiring in them a love for prayer and the Holy Scriptures. James occupied a high position at the court of the Persian emperor Izdegerd (399-420) and his successor Barakhranes (420-438). But on one of the military campaigns James, seduced by the emperor’s beneficence, was afraid to acknowledge himself a Christian, and so he offered sacrifice to idols with the emperor…continue reading about St. James at: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2022/11/27/103402-greatmartyr-james-the-persian

Divine Liturgy
2022-12-04 10:30 - 12:15
The New Martyr of Russia Alexander Hotovitzky was born on February 11, 1872 in the city of Kremenetz, into the pious family of Archpriest Alexander, who was Rector of the Volhynia Theological Seminary and would later be long remembered in the hearts of the Orthodox inhabitants of Volhynia as a good shepherd. Young Alexander received a good Christian upbringing from his parents, who instilled in him love for the Orthodox Church and for the people of God… Click the following link to read more about him: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2022/12/04/103471-glorification-of-the-priestmartyr-alexander-hotovitzky
You will also find there information on the lives of Greatmartyr Barbara, Martyr Juliana, and the Venerable John of Damasca.

Divine Liturgy- Sunday of the Forefathers
2022-12-11 10:30 - 12:15
The Sunday that falls between December 11-17 is known as the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers. These are the ancestors of Christ according to the flesh, who lived before the Law and under the Law, especially the Patriarch Abraham, to whom God said, “In thy seed shall all of the nations of the earth be blessed” (Gen. 12:3, 22:18)…taken from oca.org.

Great Vespers-Tone 2
2022-12-17 17:30 - 18:15

Divine Litergy-Sunday before the Nativity of Christ
2022-12-18 10:30 - 12:15
Adam and Eve (the first-created), the righteous Abel, son of Adam, the righteous Seth, son of Adam, the righteous Enos, son of Seth, the righteous Kenan, son of Enos, the righteous Mehaliel (Maleleim), son of Kenan, the righteous Jared, son of Mehaliel, the righteous Enoch…and more can be read at https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2022/12/18/81-sunday-before-the-nativity

Divine Liturgy of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ
2022-12-25 09:00 - 11:00
Today the Feast will be celebrated by serving the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil.
There will not be the usual potluck after the service.
Time is TBA
Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, was born of the Most Holy Virgin Mary in the city of Bethlehem during the reign of the emperor Augustus (Octavian). Caesar Augustus decreed that a universal census be made throughout his Empire, which then also included Palestinian Israel. The Jews were accustomed to be counted in the city from where their family came. The Most Holy Virgin and the Righteous Joseph, since they were descended from the house and lineage of King David, had to go to Bethlehem to be counted and taxed…continue reading at: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2022/12/25/103638-the-nativity-of-our-lord-god-and-savior-jesus-christ

Divine Liturgy followed by Blessing of Joseph Creek
2023-01-08 10:30 - 12:15
Saint George the Chozebite was born on the island of Cyprus toward the end of the sixth century. After the death of his parents, he went to Palestine to worship at the holy places. Here he entered into the monastic community of Chozeba between the River Jordan and Jerusalem, and he later became head of this monastery. Saint George presented the monks example in fasting, vigil and physical efforts. Having lived as an angel upon the earth, he died in peace.
Read about others on this day at: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/01/08/100113-venerable-domnica-of-constantinople

Divine Liturgy
2023-01-15 10:30 - 12:15
Saint Paul of Thebes was born in Egypt around 227 in the Thebaid of Egypt. Left orphaned, he suffered many things from a greedy relative over his inheritance. During the persecution against Christians under the emperor Decius (249-251), Saint Paul learned of his brother-in-law’s insidious plan to deliver him into the hands of the persecutors, and so he fled the city and fled into the wilderness…continue reading at https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/01/15/100196-venerable-paul-of-thebes
Also, at the same place you will find information about the Venerable John Calabytes ” the Hut-Dweller”

Divine Liturgy- New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia
2023-01-22 10:30 - 12:15
On the Sunday closest to January 25, the Church commemorates the Synaxis of the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia. Remembering all those Orthodox Christians who suffered for Christ at the hands of the godless Soviets during the years of persecution. These include the royal Passion Bearers Tsar Nicholas II and his family, and the Grand Duchess Elizabeth. Countless thousands of martyrs, both clergy and laity also suffered, some of whose names are known, as well as millions of simple believers whose names have been lost to history… click to continue reading: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/01/22/205310-new-martyrs-and-confessors-of-russia

Divine Liturgy-Sunday of Zaccheus
2023-01-29 10:30 - 12:15
The paschal season of the Church is preceded by the season of Great Lent, which is also preceded by its own liturgical preparation. The first sign of the approach of Great Lent comes five Sundays before its beginning. On this Sunday the Gospel reading is about Zacchaeus the tax-collector. It tells how Christ brought salvation to the sinful man, and how his life was changed simply because he “sought to see who Jesus was” (Luke 19:3). The desire and effort to see Jesus begins the entire movement through Lent towards Pascha. It is the first movement of salvation… to read much more, click the following link: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/01/29/1-sunday-of-zacchaeus

Divine Liturgy-Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee
2023-02-05 10:30 - 12:15
The Sunday after the Sunday of Zacchaeus is devoted to the Publican and the Pharisee. At Vespers the night before, the Triodion (the liturgical book used in the services of Great Lent) begins… click to read more: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/02/05/2-sunday-of-the-publican-and-the-pharisee-embeginning-of-the-lente

Divine Liturgy-Sunday of the Prodigal Son
2023-02-12 10:30 - 12:15
The Sunday after the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee is the Sunday of the Prodigal Son. This parable of God’s forgiveness calls us to “come to ourselves” as did the prodigal son, to see ourselves as being “in a far country” far from the Father’s house, and to make the journey of return to God. We are given every assurance by the Master that our heavenly Father will receive us with joy and gladness. We must only “arise and go,” confessing our self-inflicted and sinful separation from that “home” where we truly belong (Luke 15:11-24)…much more to read…click https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/02/12/3-sunday-of-the-prodigal-son to continue.

Memorial Divine Liturgy-Saturday of Meatfare
2023-02-18 09:30 - 11:00
On the day before Meatfare Sunday, on which we remember the Last Judgment, the Orthodox Church prays for those of its members who may have died unexpectedly because of wars, plagues, starvation, or any other sort of death while they were in a foreign country, or while they were traveling by sea, by land, or by air. The Church also prays for the poor, or for those who may not have received a proper burial, or who had no one to request Memorial Services to be offered for them…Click the following link to continue reading: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/02/18/4-memorial-saturday-of-meatfare

Divine Liturgy-Sunday of the Last Judgement/ Meatfare Sunday
2023-02-19 10:30 - 12:30
Today’s Gospel reading is Matthew 25:31-46, the parable of the Last Judgment. It reminds us that while trusting in Christ’s love and mercy, we must not forget His righteous judgment when He comes again in glory. If our hearts remain hardened and unrepentant, we should not expect the Lord to overlook our transgressions simply because He is a good and loving God. Although He does not desire the death of a sinner, He also expects us to turn from our wickedness and live (Ezek. 33:11). This same idea is expressed in the prayer read by the priest after the penitent has confessed his or her sins (Slavic practice)…to continue reading click : https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/02/19/5-sunday-of-meatfare-of-the-last-judgment
Also, this is the last time we eat meat until we celebrate the Risen Christ at Pascha.

Divine Liturgy-Sunday of Cheesefare-Expulsion of Adam from Paradise-Forgiveness Sunday
2023-02-26 10:30 - 12:30
As we begin the Great Fast, the Church reminds us of Adam’s expulsion from Paradise. God commanded Adam to fast (Gen. 2:16), but he did not obey. Because of their disobedience, Adam and Eve were cast out of Eden and lost the life of blessedness, knowledge of God, and communion with Him, for which they were created. Both they and their descendants became heirs of death and corruption…To Continue reading, click: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/02/26/7-sunday-of-cheesefare-expulsion-of-adam-from-paradise
This Sunday Forgiveness Vespers will be served in the early afternoon, directly after Liturgy.

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great-Sunday of Orthodoxy
2023-03-05 10:30 - 12:30
The first Sunday of Great Lent is called the Sunday of Orthodoxy. It commemorates the restoration of the Holy Icons and the triumph of the Orthodox Faith against the terrible heresy of the Iconoclasts, i.e. those heretics who refused to honour the Holy Icons. For more than a hundred years the Church was disturbed by the evil doctrine of iconoclasm…Click link to continue reading: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/03/05/10-1st-sunday-of-great-lent-sunday-of-orthodoxy

Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
2023-03-08 17:30 - 19:00
We are blessed to be able to serve this service this year, given our renovation. We have been granted access to use Christchurch Anglican church on Wednesday evenings during Great Lent! Subject to having a music/chanting leader available we are planning on having Pre-sanctified Liturgies at 5:30- pm beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, March 5, 2023.

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great-St. Gregory Palamas
2023-03-12 10:30 - 12:30
This 2nd Sunday of Great Lent was originally dedicated to Saint Polycarp of Smyrna (February 23). After his glorification in 1368, a second commemoration of Saint Gregory Palamas (November 14) was appointed for the Second Sunday of Great Lent as a second “Triumph of Orthodoxy.”…click the link to continue: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/03/12/12-2nd-sunday-of-great-lent-st-gregory-palamas

Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
2023-03-15 17:30 - 19:00
Once again we are blessed to be able to celebrate this special, specific to Great Lent only, service.

Soul Saturday Memorial Divine Liturgy
2023-03-18 09:30 - 11:00
We gather today to remember those who have been chosen and taken by the Lord. Bring your list to Fr. Andrew.

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great-Sunday of the Cross
2023-03-19 10:30 - 12:30
The Third Sunday of Lent is that of the Veneration of the Cross. The cross stands in the midst of the church in the middle of the lenten season not merely to remind men of Christ’s redemption and to keep before them the goal of their efforts, but also to be venerated as that reality by which man must live to be saved. “He who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Mt.10:38). For in the Cross of Christ Crucified lies both “the power of God and the wisdom of God” for those being saved (1 Cor.1:24)…taken from oca.org

Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
2023-03-22 17:30 - 19:00
All are welcome to join us at this very special Lenten service.

Divine Liturgy-The Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
2023-03-25 09:00 - 10:15
The Feast of the Annunciation is one of the earliest Christian feasts, and was already being celebrated in the fourth century. There is a painting of the Annunciation in the catacomb of Priscilla in Rome dating from the second century. The Council of Toledo in 656 mentions the Feast, and the Council in Trullo in 692 says that the Annunciation was celebrated during Great Lent…continue at: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/03/25/100884-the-annunciation-of-our-most-holy-lady-the-theotokos-and-ever-vi

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great-Saint John Klimakos (of the Ladder)
2023-03-26 10:30 - 12:30
The Fourth Sunday of Lent is dedicated to Saint John Klimakos, the author of The Ladder of Divine Ascent. In this book the Igumen of Saint Katherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai bears witness to the great effort which is required for entry into God’s Kingdom (Matthew 10:12). The spiritual struggle of the Christian life is difficult since it is “not against flesh and blood, but against … the rulers of the present darkness … the hosts of wickedness in heavenly places …” (Ephesians 6:12). Saint John encourages the faithful in their efforts for, as the Lord has said, only “he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13)…completed at: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/03/26/16-4th-sunday-of-great-lent-st-john-climacus-of-the-ladder

Divine Liturgy-Lazarus Saturday
2023-04-08 09:30 - 11:30
Visible triumphs are few in the earthly life of our Lord Jesus Christ. He preached a kingdom “not of this world.” At His nativity in the flesh there was “no room at the inn.” For nearly thirty years, while He grew “in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52), He lived in obscurity as “the son of Mary.” When He appeared from Nazareth to begin His public ministry, one of the first to hear of Him asked: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). In the end He was crucified between two thieves and laid to rest in the tomb of another man.
Two brief days stand out as sharp exceptions to the above—days of clearly observable triumph. These days are known in the Church today as Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday. Together they form a unified liturgical cycle which serves as the passage from the forty days of Great Lent to Holy Week. They are the unique and paradoxical days before the Lord’s Passion. They are days of visible, earthly triumph, of resurrectional and messianic joy in which Christ Himself is a deliberate and active participant. At the same time they are days which point beyond themselves to an ultimate victory and final kingship which Christ will attain not by raising one dead man or entering a particular city, but by His own imminent suffering, death and resurrection…read more: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/04/08/19-the-raising-of-lazarus-lazarus-saturday

Divine Liturgy-Entry of Our Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)
2023-04-09 10:30 - 12:30
Palm Sunday is the celebration of the triumphant entrance of Christ into the royal city of Jerusalem. He rode on a colt for which He Himself had sent, and He permitted the people to hail Him publicly as a king. A large crowd met Him in a manner befitting royalty, waving palm branches and placing their garments in His path. They greeted Him with these words: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel! (John 12:13).
This day together with the raising of Lazarus are signs pointing beyond themselves to the mighty deeds and events which consummate Christ’s earthly ministry. The time of fulfillment was at hand. Christ’s raising of Lazarus points to the destruction of death and the joy of resurrection which will be accessible to all through His own death and resurrection. His entrance into Jerusalem is a fulfillment of the messianic prophecies about the king who will enter his holy city to establish a final kingdom. “Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of an ass” (Zech 9:9)…read more: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/04/09/20-entry-of-our-lord-into-jerusalem-palm-sunday

Nocturns, Matins and Paschal Divine Liturgy
2023-04-15 22:30 - 2023-04-16 01:30
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the center of the Christian faith. Saint Paul says that if Christ is not raised from the dead, then our preaching and faith are in vain (I Cor. 15:14). Indeed, without the resurrection there would be no Christian preaching or faith. The disciples of Christ would have remained the broken and hopeless band which the Gospel of John describes as being in hiding behind locked doors for fear of the Jews. They went nowhere and preached nothing until they met the risen Christ, the doors being shut (John 20: 19). Then they touched the wounds of the nails and the spear; they ate and drank with Him. The resurrection became the basis of everything they said and did (Acts 2-4): “. . . for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have” (Luke 24:39).read more… https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/04/16/27-holy-pascha-the-resurrection-of-our-lord
