CANADIAN DIOCESE: 27 December, 2023
Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York makes a primatial visit to the Canadian Diocese

On December 18-19, 2023, the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God, Protectress of the Russian Diaspora, visited St Nicholas Cathedral in Montreal on the occasion of its patronal feast, arriving at the parish together with the longtime custodian of this great holy icon, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

On December 18, after the solemn greeting of the wonderworking icon with prayerful singing, as well as the long-awaited guest, the 7th First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Metropolitan Nicholas, all-night vigil began. The service was led by Metropolitan Nicholas and His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel, Ruling Bishop of the Canadian Diocese, co-served by Senior Priest Archpriest George Lagodich and cathedral clergy.

On December 19, a large gathering of worshippers, parishioners and numerous guests had come to venerate the wonderworking icon, Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the hierarchal rite. The cathedral choir, conducted by conductor Mikhail Krieger-Voinovsky, sang with special spiritual zeal and festive solemnity.

At the little entrance, Deacon Dmitry Matenin was awarded the right to wear a double orarion, for his zealous service to the Church of Christ, which was presented to him by Metropolitan Nicholas.

After the dismissal of Liturgy, after a sermon by Vladyka Nicholas and the greetings of a multitude of boys celebrating their namesday, all those present were invited to a bountiful luncheon prepared by the local sisterhood, which is famous for its hospitality throughout the Canadian Diocese.

On behalf of the parish, Archbishop Gabriel, its Rector, presented Metropolitan Nicholas with a copy of the Myrrh-streaming Iveron-Montreal Icon of the Mother of God painted by iconographer Alexander Shelekhov on the occasion of the first visit to St Nicholas Cathedral by the First Hierarch.

In his turn, the Metropolitan awarded the long-time Dean of the cathedral, Fr George, with an honorary pectoral cross, one of those specially made for the 100th anniversary of the founding of our Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

Canadian Diocese
Photos: Vadim Kudryavtsev