North
Star
news letter
St. Herman Of Alaska Orthodox Church
9930 - 167 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5P 4Y7 (780-484-9408)
Volume 2011 Issue 1
Dec/Jan News & Events - Feb. Events
Issue Date: February 1st. 2011
IN THIS ISSUE
1. Rector Alexander's New Year's Message
2. News and Events
3. Church School
Scheduled Events
4. At Church and Away
5.
6.
7.
8.
World Day of Prayer
Women's Retreat
St. Herman's Institute on the Spiritual Life
Week #1: Lenten Services & Times
Lenten Services
9.
10.
11.
12.
March 6th: Forgiveness Vespers
March 7th: Great Lent Begins
March 8th: St. Andrew's Canons
Pre-sanctified Liturgies - Wednesdays
Articles
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
He's like the Maytag Repairman
An Introduction to our Spiritual Life Symposiums
Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery
Pan Orthodox Mission - Orthodox Peace Fellowship
Centenary Pioneer Recognition Program - Attachment
February and March Calendars
1
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The feasts of the Nativity and Theophany have just passed, and now we can reflect on what was good
and what needs improvement for next year. We do this in our own family life and we need to do it as a
parish community.
The attendance at church for feast-days was not exceptionally high, so does this mean services need to
be at other times or do we, as the faithful need to put attending church into our feast days' schedules
more fervently? I would think that most of us are doing balancing acts between family time, travel, and
making time for church. One way to increase our Church attendance is to blend some of the
activities by asking those in our family to attend services with us. Most people, even non church goers
will consider going on Christmas and Pascha, but we also need to make sure they attend services that
are not marathons.
It is for this reason that we have services at different times, to accommodate a variety of family
gatherings. Can we improve? Yes. Give us your suggestions.
.
Now that we are coming to Great Lent and Pascha, it is the time to start planning for what needs to
happen in our lives. First comes the fast; do not plan vacations, functions and so forth during this time,
because this makes it hard to keep the Lenten fast which, as a result, does not make the feast so special.
Secondly, plan now to attend services, making your Wednesday's free for Pre-sanctified Liturgies. Plan
Holy Week; take time off from work to attend services by using your holiday time or religious days if
possible; it is a time for renewing oneself spiritually. It is in attending these services that Pascha will be
the Feast of Feasts for us and our families.
.
Therefore, at all times we need to make sure that we devote our time to these services and carefully
organize for our spiritual life if we want to see growth. Scripture says, "Work out your salvation in fear
and trembling." The onus then, is on us!
In Christ Jesus
Igumen Alexander
2
News & Events
Metropolitan Jonah
Metropolitan Jonah was unable to attend our St. Herman's Feast Day celebrations due to the sudden illness of his
father; his father's surgery was scheduled for Wednesday, the day of his planned departure from Edmonton. He
sends his regrets to all of us at St. Herman's. Metropolitan Jonah’s plans are to attend the April meeting of the
Archdiocesan Council in Edmonton and plans to serve the liturgy at St. Herman’s on the Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt,
on April 10th, at the end of the council.
Prayers Requested for Bishop Irénée of Quebec
MONTREAL, QC. CANADA [OCA] Prayers are requested for His Grace, Bishop Irénée of Ottawa,
Administrator of the Archdiocese of Canada, who was rushed to a Joliet, QC hospital after
suffering a heart attack on Friday, January 7, 2011. According to Igumen Alexander [Pihach],
Archdiocesan Chancellor, "there is some damage to his heart, [but] blockages were removed. He
will need time to recover and will not be traveling or visiting parishes in the immediate future."
As of Saturday, January 8, it was reported that Bishop Irénée remains in intensive care, but that
his condition is stable and improving. He is expected to be transferred to a cardiac unit in the
same hospital within days.
January 15, report form Igumen Alexander: His Grace, Bishop Ireneé has been home from the hospital for a few days
now and his recovery is going well. His doctors have recommended that he take it easy for the next month; he is not
driving or doing services etc.
Igumen Alexander
Our Rector Igumen Alexander spent the larger part of last year in Ottawa at the Cathedral and at the office of the
Archdiocese of Canada. Fr. Alexander hopes to be spending most of his time in Edmonton in the coming year,
administering to his many duties from his office at St. Herman's. However, with the recent illness of Bishop Irénée, he
returned to Ottawa Cathedral on Wednesday, January 12th and Fr. Phillip will continue to undertake responsibilities
during his absence. Fr. Alexander is expected to be in Ottawa until late February. Let us pray for good tidings in this
New Year for our hierarchs and our clergy as they administer to the well being of the church.
Metropolitan Jonah calls for Prayers in wake of New Year's Day Church Bombing in Egypt
SYOSSET, NY [OCA] -- His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, has called
upon all clergy and faithful to remember in prayer those who lost their lives in a New Year's Day suicide bombing at
the conclusion of a midnight Liturgy at a Coptic Church in Alexandria, Egypt.
Prayers are also requested for calm in the wake of escalating tensions between Egypt's Christian and Muslim
communities and the Egyptian government.
Metropolitan Jonah, OCA hierarchs, join March for Life
WASHINGTON, DC [OCA] -- Freezing temperatures failed to deter hundreds of thousands of pro-life marchers from
descending on Washington, DC on Monday, January 24, 2011, for the annual March for Life. This year’s March
marked the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that defined abortion in the early
stages of pregnancy a constitutional right and the criminalization of abortion a violation of a woman’s right to
privacy. The first March for Life in protest of the Roe v. Wade decision took place in 1974. His Beatitude,
Metropolitan Jonah, was among several speakers at the pre-March rally, during which Archpriest John Kowalczyk of
Jermyn, PA, a pro-life activist involved in the March for Life for over 25 years, delivered a benediction.
For more information, visit the OCA website. All OCA news credited to www.oca.org. ‡
3
News & Events
Feast of St. Herman
St. Herman Feast Day was well attended by parishoners and
visitors alike. Bishop Irenee arrived from Montreal during
Sunday's Vigil to serve the feast day liturgy with visiting
Bishop Iov. Local and guest priests and deacons filled the altar
in a splendor of green and gold, their voices pleasantly
resonating throughout the service.
The clergy included Bishop Ireneé, Bishop Ivo, Igumen
Alexander, Igumen Nestor Mikhailetchko, Igumen Philip
Speranza; Fathers Phillip Eriksson, Vincent Lehr, Vasil Kolega,
Nicolai Nicolaev, Larry Reinheimer (Matushka Myra), Gerasim
Power, Sergey Kipriyanovich, Igor Kisil, George Sergeev, Elias
Ferzli, Raphael Johnson; Protodeacon Nazari from the Ottawa
Cathedral, Deacons Daniel Friesen and Matthew Francis.
The Liturgy ended with a memorial service for the founders of St. Herman who have fallen asleep in the Lord. It was
very heart warming to have Bishop Irenee and Bishop Ivo serve the Memorial
service for our church founders. Memory Eternal to our beloved brothers and
sisters in Christ.
Anna Kuzmenko and Emily Demkiw are the two remaining founders of St.
Herman Orthodox Church. They were recognized with the singing of "Many
Years".
The feast day celebrations continued with a fellowship dinner organized by our
hospitaler, Lil Trefan. Bishop Irenee and many of the visiting clergy and parishoners lingered after the meal in
conversation and fellowship. The light of St. Herman of Alaska shone brightly on us all at this happy occasion. ‡
Church Founders Anna Kuzmenko and Emily Demkiw
Anna and her family were instrumental in founding St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church. The first service was held
in 1977 at the home of Anna's sister Irene Tkachuk, with Fr. Yaroslav Roman as the first priest. Emily and her husband
Nick were among the faithful attending the first
service. Six months after St. Herman's was established,
a property was purchased on Ellerslie Rd where they
worshipped until 1982. With Fr. Stephen Keaschuck
leading this growing congregation, they purchased a
building on 147 Street and 103 Avenue. This vibrant
community soon outgrew this facility, leading to the
construction of the present St. Herman of Alaska
Church. From the "basement St. Herman's" as Anna
and Emily call it, to the present, both women have
unselfishly dedicated time and labour throughout the
evolution of St. Herman of Alaska Sobor. Many thanks
to you both. God bless you and keep you both healthy
and strong for many years. ‡
4
News & Events
Boxing Day at the Byfields
by Virginia Byfield
On December 26th, 2010, Ted and Virginia Byfield
held their annual Boxing Day celebration for the
twenty-fifth year, attended as always by a hundred or
more neighbours and friends, many from St. Herman
of Alaska Orthodox Church. Boxing Day at the Byfields
has continued to evolve since the first gathering a
quarter century ago, but its purpose has not
changed—namely, to continue the joyous celebration
of Christ's birth in the old tradition, with singing,
mirth and feasting. Their hope, they say, is to help
counteract the increasing sterility of a culture which
urges us to ignore the birth of Christ, while frantically
celebrating no one knows exactly what.
Guests gathered again this year among the Christmas
decorations, establishing new friendships and renewing old ones amidst soft piano music, and ample food and
drink until 8 p.m. . Then the volunteer (or co-opted) choir singers mounted to the balcony to lead the crowd in
the first carol session with “O House of Ephrapha,” followed by “Shepherds in the Field Abiding” and other
familiar songs. Allowing for intervals for refreshment, the third carol session ended as usual with the whiteaproned procession carrying in the lavish pot-luck supper while all sang the “Boar’s Head Carol:” “Our steward
hath provided this in honor of the King of bliss, who on this day to be worshiped is, in reginensi atrio…” followed by
the blessing by Fr. Vincent Lehr and supper.
This party is a notably communal effort, Ted emphasizes. For three years now, St. Herman’s parishioner Brenna
Miketon has run the kitchen operation from buying to clean-up, aided on the night by helpful volunteers. Chief
among these is Louise Fairley, who also manages to provide the piano accompaniment. Ted and Virginia extend
hearty thanks to all, and not least of all, to all the pot-luck-providers.
The Ukrainian Choir couldn’t come this year, having unfortunately been invited too late. Guests were
impressively entertained, however, by accomplished pianist Bogdon Stadhowiak, a student of St. Herman’s
parishioner Lydia Gaziyants.
Lydia graduated from the Tchaikovsky Moscow Conservatory in 1950 and
taught there for forty years until she moved to Canada in 2002. Among her
former students are many well known musicians, as well as professors now
teaching at the Tchaikovsky Moscow Conservatory, the Gnesins Academy of
Music and of other major Russian establishments. In 1999, she was awarded
the medal and title of "Honoured Worker of Culture" by the president of
Russia. Lydia Gaziyants continues teaching piano and performing, and
recorded her first CD in April 2002. Her rendition of “JS Bach, Prelude and
Fuge in D-minor” is on U-Tube.
Ted and Virginia say they’ll do their best to keep Boxing Day at the Byfields
going for a few more years yet. In the spirit of our beautiful Orthodox
Christmas salutation: “Christ is born! Glorify Him!” ‡
5
News & Events
New Year's Eve Moleben
Unexpected events often add a little sparkle to life and the families that
attended the New Year's Moleben were in for a pleasant surprise after the
service. Collin Bodnaryk brought back memories of a familiar blessing,
"the blessing of wheat," which was part of church tradition for many of us
as youths. Farmers and townspeople would bring seeds to Church on the
Eve of St. Basil's Feast Day to bless for spring planting; for a bountiful
harvest, and for the distribution of many blessed seeds throughout the
world after the harvest.
Earlier that day, Collin asked his grandfather to teach him the prayer
for the 'blessing of wheat “in English. With Fr. Alexander's consent,
Collin, with a bag of wheat in hand, did the blessing for us in English and Father Alexander did the blessing in
Ukrainian. In addition to the Moleben, it was a very special way to end the New Year - maybe not fireworks, but
definitely a lot of sparkle.
The blessing prayer: Seed, seed let it yield, let wheat rise; for health and for luck in the new year on this St.
Basil's Day. Christ is born; let us glorify Him. ‡
Circumcision of Christ on St. Basil's Day
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His name was called Jesus, which was so
named of the Angel before He was conceived in the womb" (St. Luke 2:21).
As 2010 ended with an old tradition, 2011 began with an old tradition. Fr. Alexander and
visiting priest Igumen Philip Speranza started the New Year in Holy Tradition with a
Divine Liturgy commemorating the circumcision and naming of our Lord. We are
reminded on this first day of the New Year of our entrance into a New Covenant with Christ
at our Baptism - the circumcision made without hands.
The true descendants of the Patriarch Abraham were separated from the other nations by
the sign of circumcision and thereby became members of the God-ruled community of the
Old Testament; that is, through circumcision, they entered among the chosen People of
God. This circumcision is a pre-figurement of Baptism, the mystery in which we too
become the chosen People of God. Thus, on this day of our Lord's circumcision, the Covenant of Moses was
fulfilled and brought to an end, and the Salvation of God's people was proclaimed to the world. Fr. Philip
Speranza's thoughtful sermon also gave us additional "food for thought" for the coming year.
The two decorated cakes in the shape of round loaves that sat on the table for blessing were traditional St. Basil’s
cakes baked by Dn. Matthew for his son Basil's name day. In the spirit of good will and generosity, Dn. Matthew
shared a loaf with us after the service. He enlightened us with the tradition and story of St. Basil's cake and Fr.
Alexander and Fr. Philip Speranza, who were very familiar with this history, added to the enjoyment of the feast
with their storytelling. This exceptionally moist and tasty cake, symbolic of many miracles, is a great way to
remember the story of St. Basil, our Father Christmas. Reference: http://orthodoxinfo.com
Signing of a Child
The Circumcision of our Lord inspired our Holy Church to institute a beautiful and deeply symbolic custom for
the newborn children of Christians: at eight days, the Priest reads the "Prayer for the Signing of a Child Who is
Receiving a Name on the Eighth Day After His Birth" and the first "Seal" of Grace is given to the infant: "Let the
light of Thy countenance be signed upon Thy servant (name), and let the Cross of Thine Only-begotten Son be signed
in his heart and his thoughts.... From: http://orthodoxinfo.com
6
News & Events
Theophany - The Great Blessing of Water
The Eve of Theophany, commemorating the Baptism of Jesus, was
celebrated with the Great Blessing of Water service, followed by a
meatless supper. We all drank the "Theophany" water from the
font, and many of the faithful took the blessed water home to
administer to their needs during the New Year: for prayer as a
blessing, to drink during uncertain times, to heal illnesses, to drive
away demons, to protect against danger, and to sanctify objects or
icons.
On the feast day of Theophany on January 6th, after the Divine
Liturgy, the second Great Blessing of water took place. Theophany
Water differs from regular holy water in that with Theophany Water,
the very nature of the water is changed and becomes incorrupt when
the Holy Spirit comes down upon the water. This miracle was attested to as early as St. John Chrysostom who
is commemorated on January 6th. ‡
Why Bless a Home?
The Orthodox Church teaches that we do not have two separate lives–a secular one and a spiritual one–but one
human life, and that all of it must be holy. We must not be Christians for just a few hours on Saturday and Sunday,
spending the rest of our life godlessly, that is to say, without God. The person who has united with Christ in the
sacrament of baptism cannot be a part-time Christian, but must be faithful to Christ everywhere and at all times–in
church, at work, at home, in relationships with other Christians, and in those with non-Christians–we must be faithful
to Christ in the fullness of our life.
The Holy Orthodox Church teaches us that a temple is not only a building in which we worship, but that we are
temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16); that the Body of Christ is not only that of which we partake at the Divine
Liturgy, but that we are the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27). And just as the Gifts of the Eucharist are treated with
reverence and kept in sanctified vessels in the altar, so should every Christian’s life be full of reverence and sanctity
not only during a church service, but likewise outside the walls of the temple. A Christian’s home must become a
small temple, work–labor for the glory of God, and family–a small Church.
The Orthodox Church helps her children strive for holiness in their lives and brings
sanctification to every Christian home–a small temple. The Church blesses the very
foundation of a home in the same way that it blesses the foundation of a church, it
blesses a new Christian home in the same way that it blesses a new temple, and yearly,
after the blessing of a parish temple with the water of Theophany, the Church brings
this holy water into the homes of the faithful. The prayers for the blessing of a temple
are different from those for the blessing of a home, because the function of a home is
different from that of a temple, but the sanctifying action of the Holy Spirit is one. And just as in the baptism of our
Lord, all of creation is washed clean and sanctified every year after the feast of the Baptism of the Lord (January 19,
according to the secular calendar) Christians sanctify themselves and their homes with the water of Theophany.
The Church teaches us to sanctify everything: dwellings, places of work, all our pursuits, and the fruits of our labor.
And just as a temple and sacred vessels, once sanctified and set aside for sacred use, can no longer be used for
anything profane, in the same way a Christian washed in the baptismal waters, and his home, and all his works can no
longer be the dwelling of sin and the works of satan, but only and always–the temple of the Holy Spirit and the
fulfillment of the will of our Heavenly Father. This is why the Church blesses everything that can be found in a
Christian home; and if something is not worthy of being blessed, then there should not be a place for it in the home of
a Christian. By Fr. Sergei, http://frsergei.wordpress.com/ ‡
To arrange your house blessing, place your name on the signup sheet that is on the bulletin board or you may
call Fr. Phillip at the church. ‡
7
St. Nicolas Party
This year's St. Nicholas Party on Monday, Dec. 6th was an overwhelming success with a total of
seventy children and family members in attendance. The excitement for the children began
with the decoration of the Christmas tree on Sunday. Although disappointed with the
cancellation of Metropolitan Jonah's visit, the children and their family members enjoyed the
celebration wholeheartedly. Anticipation peaked when St. Nicholas entered with treat bags
for everyone, an exciting event we can all attest to.
Fundraising
Cash donations for the St. Nicholas fund were nil this year but the charity drives for hats, mitts
and the food bank drive were very successful. All donations were given to the Bissell Centre and Fr. Alexander
delivered the food donations to the food bank. Thanks to the initiative of our Church School, many will benefit
from these fundraisers. The need for warm clothing and blankets is still extreme and the Bissell Center welcomes
any future donations.
Church School Resumes
Church school was to resume on Saturday, January 8th, but was postponed until Saturday, January 23rd due to
severe weather. With Christmas behind them, the school coordinator's focus for the children is on preparing
them for Great Lent and Easter. February is also designated as Youth Month by the OCA with Sunday, February
13th being "Youth Day, a day set aside by the church to say "thank you" to our youth in recognition of their
contributions to church and community. A special service, in which they will participate, will be held on this
Sunday.
The Story of St. Basil's Cake
New Year's Day is perhaps as important and festive as Christmas for it is the main day for gift-giving and for
stories of St Basil's kindness to children, of how he would come in the night and leave gifts for the children in
their shoes.
In the days when St. Basil was Archbishop of Caesarea, the most important dish for the
New Year was the Vassilopitta or St Basil's cake in which a silver or gold coin is placed
inside the cake before it is baked.
The cake is distributed in accordance to a strict order. The first piece is for St Basil, the
second for the house, the next for the most senior member of the household on down to
the youngest member, including absent members. There is a large piece for the poor and there might be a piece
of cake for the cattle. Whoever finds the coin in his or her piece of cake will be lucky for the next year.
The traditional New Year's Cake originated from a story about Saint Basil who collected a piece of jewellery
from the rich to give to the callous Emperor Valens to pay taxes for the poor. The Emperor was so impressed
with St. Basil's love for Christ and his commitment to help the poor, that he gave the jewellery back. The
problem was that St. Basil did not know who owned each piece of jewellery. Here the miracle occurs. Putting
his faith in the Lord, St. Basil baked each piece of jewellery inside a loaf and when the loaves were distributed,
each person received his or her own jewellery back. Hence, St. Basil's cake became a Christian tradition on this
January 1st Feast Day. Information from local cleric; http://en.wikipedia.org, http://orthodoxinfo.com ‡
8
At Church & Away
Winter can be difficult and long for many as snow, ice and extreme cold make
going outside treacherous. It is uplifting for those confined indoors, especially
seniors in care centers, to have a visitor or to receive a phone call. If you are
planning a visit, call first as a courtesy. Sending an occasional card is a great way
of keeping in touch as well. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain
mercy."
.
Lawrence Gold - St. Thomas: # 216 8411 - 91 St. Edmonton, AB T6C 1Z9 Office Ph: 780-450-2987
Lawrence attended the St. Thomas Christmas dinner prior to the Nativity, celebrating with his many new
friends and spent Christmas Day with his son David in quiet celebration. On January 7th, Lawrence was
admitted to the University Of Alberta Hospital with pneumonia. He developed lung complications later that
week and will remain in the hospital until his strength returns. Lawrence will then be transferred to the
General or Norwood Auxiliary Hospital for rehabilitation. This setback has not altered his cheerful
disposition or his interest in parish events. He is grateful for our prayers and would like us to continue
praying for his full recovery. All of us at St. Herman send Lawrence our best and hope that he is back at
home soon.
Galina N - St. Thomas
# 202 8411 - 91 St. Edmonton, AB
T6C 1Z9 Office Ph: 780-450-2987
Galina enjoyed Christmas with her family at her granddaughter's home, meeting many new people at the
large gathering. She is a great conversationalist and time flies by quickly during a visit in the comfort of
her home. She inquired about Lawrence and was comforted to know he was doing well. She is very
interested in the happenings of the parish and inquires about many. Her children and grandchildren are
very attentive to her needs and enjoy Galina's visitors as much as Galina herself does. Happy 90th Birthday
Galina! God grant you many years.
Fran Towse - Kawanis Place
#113 10330- 120th St. Edmonton, AB T5k-2A6
Ph: 780-244-3311
Fran would like to thank everyone at St. Herman's for his or her prayers. She says that it is prayer that has
brought her through her many struggles and asks that we continue to pray for her, as her health is very
precarious. Although her recent surgery was unsuccessful, she found it exciting to be able to watch the
surgery on a screen.
Fran knits constantly, making hats and scarves for charity. She donated thirty knitted hats for the
homeless this Christmas. Fran would welcome donations of kitting wools, stylish or fancy wools and
ribbons to help her with her charity projects. Fran is very much a part of the many activities and events at
Kawanis Place. Working diligently throughout the last year, the residents at Kawanis Place donated
numerous handmade clothing to the underprivileged, including one thousand handmade blankets for
people with wheelchairs. She would very much like to see her friends at St. Herman and being the great
hostess that she is, opens her door to all... "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I
in the midst of them."
Gracie
Grace Tanasachuck will be away from church for most of the winter as a precautionary measure. She still
has a few aches and pains from a fall earlier this winter and does not want to risk another slip on the ice.
Grace is back on line and is grateful for her computer during these long, cold winter days. Her email has
not changed and she would enjoy connecting with us all.
9
Our Ministries at Work
Vice President Peter Korsos - Physical Plant Maintenance
He’s like the Maytag Repairman...
by Alan North
When things are going right, people don't even notice he's around.
Peter Korsos seems to like it that way.
We might see Peter and wife Val at liturgy, for example, but we probably don't realize that, as the parish's vicepresident, (what used to be known as "junior warden") Peter has taken on a lot of jobs that other people don't want
to do - or don't know how to do.
Peter's training as an electrician and his work experience with the Canadian Armed Forces, where he served for 12
years, and his work with Canada Post, have made him especially qualified for the vice-president's job at St.
Herman's.
St. Herman's has had a number of good junior wardens in the past, but maybe nobody quite like Peter...
They were good," Peter insists of his predecessors. "But they were working. And if I was still working, I wouldn't
have the time for this job either."
Peter smiles: "But I'm retired."
For example, people might not know this, but the sump pump - which keeps the basement from flooding with
sewage - has been a problem at St. Herman's for years.
Other tradesmen had been hired to work on the pump before. But unless people have a personal interest in the
church, they don't always take the time to do what needs to be done. In this case, a whole collection of mistakes and
neglect had finally come together to shut the system down.
"It had to be redesigned and rebuilt," Peter explains (having already done it). It's been working perfectly ever since.
Another major repair Peter did recently was rebuilding the glass-doored refrigerator in the basement. It had been
acting up, but it was a $2500 item to replace. So mostly people just ignored it and hoped they wouldn't be
unpleasantly surprised some Sunday morning when they walked downstairs and noticed that the contents had
started to smell.
We all want Peter to fix stuff. But we want him to do it cheap. Hoping for the best, Peter first checked out the
refrigerant in the cooling lines. Unfortunately, there wasn't any.
Peter knew what that meant. As he explains it, "When you have to spend money, you have to spend money."
By calling around, Peter discovered an outfit that could install a rebuilt compressor for less than half of everybody
else's price on a new one. Peter put up his own money for the initial cost, and dedicated more than a day of his time
to put things right.
Originally from Montreal, Peter got to see a large part of Canada, particularly the Maritimes, through the Armed
Forces. “It was the best job I ever had,” he says.
And it’s how, when he was on leave in Italy, Peter met his wife Val, a German girl from Westphalia, and mother of
Peter’s three children and grandmother of his three grandchildren.
Peter says he enjoys his work as vice-president.
“I’m doing the work I’ve always liked doing,” Peter says. “I like electrical work.” And, like other tradesmen, Peter
has at least a passing knowledge of other trades, including in his case, hydraulics.
For the future, Peter has a number of other projects in mind, including improving the sound system in the church,
replacing some of the outside light fixtures, and designing and building a storage area under the stairs.
“The only thing stopping me is the money,” he says, echoing what many know is one of the church’s major ongoing
issues. ‡
10
Our Ministries at Work
St. Herman’s Institute on the Spiritual Life - Winter 2011
An Introduction to our Spiritual Life Symposiums
by David Goa
The Orthodox tradition is an ocean of meaning. In the fall and again this winter, a number of us have gathered to
deepen our understanding of what the Church teaches. We seek to have its light illuminate our life, the life of the
church and the fragile world in which we live. The Institute is shaped around a series of three or four lectures and
conversations over as many weeks each one exploring how the Orthodox tradition, -- scripture, the Church Fathers,
Spiritual Mothers, saints and contemporary theologians - - has developed its understanding of the theme.
We began in the fall exploring the Orthodox understanding of “Scripture, the word about the Word of God”. Our
second time together we reflected and discussed the Orthodox understanding of “Sin, missing the mark” and then, in
our third sessions, “Salvation, for the healing of the world."
David Goa unfolds the Orthodox tradition’s teaching on each theme exploring how it has developed and what it has
to say to the spiritual life of women and men. Fr. Phillip Eriksson follows with a brief reflection on how he has come
to understand the pastoral implications of the theme. We usually do this in fifty minutes and then think and talk
together about the various ways each of us has understood the theme. A light dinner is served and the
conversation continues in the informal small groups each with particular insights and concerns. The Greeks have a
lovely three dollar word for this kind of learning. It is called a symposium, literally, a dinner party with focused
thinking and learning.
You are cordially invited to four reflections and conversations on the spiritual life. Building on our first series
of Institutes we will explore the Orthodox tradition’s understanding of Holy Tradition, Evil, the Spiritual Journey,
and, the Church as a spiritual hospital. Following an introduction to the Orthodox teaching on each of these themes,
we will have plenty of time for discussing its implications for our life together. These sessions build on each other.
We encourage you, when you register, to do so for all sessions and participate in each of them, thinking and learning
together. David Goa and Rev. Fr. Phillip Eriksson will provide an initial reflection and animate our
conversation.
Rev. Fr. Phillip Eriksson is a priest of St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Sobor.
David J. Goa is director of the Chester Ronning Centre for the Study of Religion and Public Life, Augustana campus,
University of Alberta and has published extensively on the Orthodox tradition. He also teaches in religious studies
and philosophy at Augustana.
Registration will be limited to 15 people.
1. Sunday, February 13th, 4:30 – 7PM: Evil, the Nature of Death Dealing
2. Sunday, March 27th,
4:30 – 7PM: From Illumination to Wholeness, Our Spiritual Journey
th
3. Sunday, April 10 ,
4:30 – 7PM: Ecclesia, Church as Spiritual Hospital
Location: David Goa & Anna Altmann's home @ 9648 - 84th Ave. Edmonton, AB
Contacts: David @ 780.433.1838 or email: [email protected]
Register Your Interest: Kindly have your registration confirmed by David. A light supper will be served. We
would appreciate knowing how many to prepare for. Families with children are more than welcome. ‡
11
Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery: A Monastic Journey
by Matushka Valerie Friesen
“Woman,” he said, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Mary,
thinking he was the gardener, said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me
where you have put him, and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” (John 20:15-16)
The Gospel reading for Holy Myrrhbearers' Sunday, the second Sunday after Pascha.
Father John Scratch, of blessed memory, preached the sermon on this gospel reading the day of my first Holy
Myrrhbearers Sunday after becoming Orthodox. It was in April 2000. I will never forget a line from that
sermon, “When the Lord calls us, He calls us by name.” I sat deeply moved and encouraged as I reminisced
how God called me by name when I drank the sacramental wine at a Lutheran church. Yes, He does indeed
call us by name. Since my first Paschal cycle, Holy Myrrhbearers Sunday has always been special to me.
When I heard about a monastery bearing the name “Holy Myrrhbearers," my interest was piqued. Soon
after, while our son Joseph was working in Calgary, he heard Mother Raphaela, the abbess of the monastery,
speak at a Lenten retreat. He genuinely appreciated her ministry, and signed up for their newsletter. We all
read the newsletter when it arrived at our home, and since finding their web link in the newsletter, I have
kept up with their community life on-line.
Before Father John reposed, we had talked about my spending time at a monastery, to pray with them and to
help them out. I remember his positive encouragement that I do this. As my 6-O year was approaching, it
seemed fitting to try and visit them as part of this special year. Ecclesiastes says: “To everything there is a
season...” Yes, I thought, time to stop, pray and refocus.
It turned out to be rather timely that Mother Raphaela ministered at St. Herman’s in February, 2010. Not
only did Deacon Daniel and I have the blessing of hearing her messages – we also had personal time with her
by meeting her at the airport and having lunch with her in our home. During our conversation, I quietly
asked about a visit to their monastic community. “Could I come and pray with you, and help with sewing for
a week?” She smiled with delight and said, “Please come.”
My husband and I began to pray about a specific date. Commitments during October had us looking at an
early November visit. This would be before holiday season, allowing us to use air miles. Dates were booked,
final arrangements were made, and soon I was departing Edmonton International! I was honoured to be
able to carry a lovely offering from St. Herman Orthodox Church for their community, which Mother
Raphaela received with heartfelt gratitude.
I arrived at the Binghamton, NY airport just after 11:00 P.M. Having retrieved my luggage, and as I
proceeded towards the door, in popped a nun. Seeing her brought a big smile to my face and that gave her
instant recognition as to who I was! We got into the car and began the hour-plus journey back to Otego, the
monastery home. The three of us, Mother Anna, Mother Katherine, and I had a jolly time getting acquainted.
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We drove up to the main monastery building around 12:40 a.m. All was quiet when we got out of the car.
Suddenly, just as the car door shut, a sheep bleated. I admit that I did not expect what came next. Mother
Katherine turned around, called the sheep by name, and reassured him. Then another sheep bleated, and
again she called that one by name and reassured him. My
journey began with a living example of John 10, where
Christ Himself says, “I call my own sheep by name and
lead them out.” It is a memory deeply etched in my soul.
There is no substitute for a living example of Christ’s
teachings and I am very thankful for the experience.
Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery is dedicated “to serve God
and to serve the Church...through prayer, work and
hospitality.” Their main source of support is agriculture.
Their farm is called "Zoar Farms," a Hebrew word that
means “peaceful valley." There are sheep, goats, steers,
geese and chickens. The sheep and award-winning goats are bred and raised to be sold. Some goats are
able to be milked, which supplies lovely cheeses as well as milk for the nuns. There are hens and roosters
that run all over the farmyard and respectfully put themselves in the henhouse at night. Hens supply more
than enough eggs for the nun's needs, so they are able to sell some.
Daisy, the resident beagle, protects them from wildlife. The five neurotic geese eat the slugs and snails
which can be harmful to the sheep. The Great Pyrenees named Vera, keeps a watchful eye on the goats. I
was put on notice by the nuns that she would be watchful of me as well, being a newcomer. I must not forget
the resident ‘puddy tats.' There are no rodents in the monastery, thanks to these kitties! The nuns have had
numerous cat drop-offs in the middle of the night. They find homes for as many of these cats as they can, as
there are currently seven cats in the large building and three that inhabit the barns. All of the animals,
including some of the chickens, have names and are looked after with ‘TLC’ by the five nuns. The nun's
names? Of course! They are Mother Raphaela, the abbess, mother Michaela, Mother Katherine, Mother
Anna, and Sister Deborah.
During the summer, their large gardens are harvested and the extra produce is sold farmer’s market style.
In a hallway next to the chapel, there are plants to admire and pots of fragrant herbs that are used in their
cooking. They garden ecological with compost. Their recycling habits and lifestyle show utmost respect for
the earth.
The monastery bells are ringing. The bells, cast in Russia and donated to the community, ring clearly and
beautifully across the Zoar Valley, calling the community fifteen minutes before the start of prayer. At the
time of prayer, two nuns ring a beautiful cadence to signify the beginning of the service. Matins, Third, Sixth
and Ninth Hours, Vespers and Compline anchor the day’s routine. Their chapel is beautiful and peaceful.
The nuns, as part of their formation, are trained to sing these hours beautifully. Singing the daily rule of
prayer with them was a blessing that is difficult to describe. The atmosphere in the chapel, women in one
accord called to prayer, is holy ground that has left an imprint on my soul, for which I am thankful.
What are the nuns doing when the bells ring for prayer? They are all working hard at their assigned duties,
which often begin before sunrise. There is a deep sense of everyone being committed to her responsibilities,
working together for the community as a whole.
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Mother Raphaela the abbess, is the leader of the community. She also helps with milking the goats, cooking
meals and baking bread. All of the bread eaten is made on site and baked from sourdough starters. At
supper, Mother Raphaela usually reads to the others as they begin eating their meals.
Mother Michaela does meal preparation, shopping, and gardening, and as well, she cares for the resident
kittens. Coffee hour on Sunday for their mission is co-ordinated by her. For breakfast and lunch, the sisters
usually fix their own food, but suppers are prepared for the group by different nuns on assigned evenings.
Mother Michaela helps in so many ways to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
Mother Anna looks after the chickens, Daisy, and the gardens. She fills and mails the orders that are placed
through the store. When there are spare moments, she can be found knotting prayer ropes.
Sister Deborah, a recent novice, tends to the goats, business necessities
and cleaning. She sees to the monastery's many needs and works
diligently to attend to them.
Mother Katherine is the shepherdess and has endless details to look
after. She gets the steers working as a team to pull a feed cart so that
less machinery is needed. Several sheep are registered as pet
therapists and Mother Katherine will take them to Christmas pageants,
Easter events, and various homes. Slava and Tiggur were former sheep
in these roles. It was always interesting to hear different stories about
the personalities and antics of the sheep. Let me cite one example.
A group of sheep nicknamed the “party girls” always managed to find
every hole in the fence and would escape from their pens. “Party girls” became their nickname because they
were always out! Mother Katherine said they never went far, and it seemed that they were just letting her
know where a fence needed repairing.
How did I fit into the community? Well, there was a room for me to sew in. Before arriving, I queried about
the type of sewing machine available. One certainly does not want to sound too fussy, but it is of interest to
any seamstress. I am well acquainted with Pfaff machines, and asked if one could be found. Providentially,
some people who were coming from New Jersey to purchase a goat had a Pfaff they were no longer using
and had donated it to the monastery shortly before I arrived. I was all smiles at the news, and smiled even
more when I saw that it was an industrial model. The industrial machine made my work a real pleasure. I
did a fair bit of mending, garment adjustments, and some small projects during my stay. The last day of my
visit, I traced patterns and cut out a nun’s habit to bring back home with me so that I could continue to help
the nuns with their sewing when I returned to Edmonton.
The week passed by quickly and soon I was returning home. I was eagerly looking forward to seeing my
husband and family, but wistful that I would be so far away from the Holy Myrrhbearers' community. It is
hard to put my monastic experiences into words as words are inadequate to describe what my week in the
monastery meant to me. The nun's warm hospitality was such an encouragement. To pray with them daily
was an honour and a blessing.
Although I went to help the sisters, I found that what I received from my monastic experience far exceeded
the work I did for them. God willing, I plan to pay a return visit to Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery. ‡
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Featuring: The Orthodox Peace Fellowship (OPF) of the Protection of the Mother of God
Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.
The Orthodox Peace Fellowship of the Protection of the Mother of God is an association of Orthodox Christian believers
seeking to bear witness to the peace of Christ by applying the principles of the Gospel to situations of division and
conflict, whether in the home, the parish, the community we live, the work place, within our particular nations, and
between nations. We work for the conservation of God’s creation and especially of human life.
A Fellowship of Orthodox Christian Peacemakers - Living In the Fullness of the Faith
From the earliest days of the Church, followers of Jesus have sought to live out Christian faith in its fullness, working to
build communities of worship, providing for those lacking the necessities of life, loving not only neighbors but enemies,
seeking conversion of adversaries rather than victory over them, and practicing repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation
as normal virtues of sacramental life.
Our life-protecting methods to safeguard life and creation
Aware that each person is made in the image and likeness of God, we seek recovery of a sense of familial connection
which, while respecting national identity, transcends all tribal, ethnic and national division. This is the oneness the Church
mirrors when it is gathered before the Holy Table.
1. Using our vocation and whatever special gifts and resources God has given us, especially our participation in
Eucharistic community, we strive to undertake constructive action on behalf of those who are endangered, from the child
in the womb to the aged awaiting death.
2. Aspiring to eliminate violence as a means of conflict resolution, we promote resolution of conflicts by mediation,
negotiation and other forms of nonviolent action.
3. While no one can be certain that he or she will always find a nonviolent response to every crisis that may arise, we
pray that God will show us in each situation ways of resistance to evil that will not require killing opponents.
4. We offer support to those whose conscience leads them to refuse participation in war and who struggle against evil in
non-military ways. We support their conscientious objection as consistent with the Gospels and Holy Tradition.
5. We encourage the compassionate treatment of prisoners and their rehabilitation, with special attention to restitution by
wrong-doers to victims of their crimes. We reject the execution of criminals as incompatible with the teachings of Christ.
6. We commit ourselves to prayer for enemies and endeavor to communicate God’s love for them, recognizing our own
violence and praying that, through Christ’s saving death on the Cross, we will be reconciled with God and with each
other.
7. Thus we strive to avoid bitterness in dealing with controversy, seeking conversion both of ourselves and our
adversary.


We will try to change our lives in order to live as priests of God’s world, asking continuously for the Holy Spirit
to descend and transfigure the earth.
We will cooperate with efforts to protect and preserve the environment which do not involve violence, coercive
methods of population control, or violate the sanctity of human life.
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Christianity is not an ideology.
It’s a way of life in which love of God is impossible without love of neighbor.
Orthodox Peace Fellowship Work Areas
Theological research
To better understand ways to respond to division, conflict, injustice, war and the relationship between believer and state.
Publications
Our quarterly journal, In Communion, provides its readers with essays and news and serves as a forum for dialogue and
is issued quarterly with a membership.
Practical assistance in conflict areas
Activity of the OPF is of particular importance in those Orthodox countries going through war and the horror of national
conflict. The OPF helps all Orthodox practice peace and tolerance; illustrating that war and conflict are satanic traps.”
Structure: Members are in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Its international secretariat is in The Netherlands.
How Can I Help…?
PRAY FOR PEACE …“In peace let us pray to the Lord.” So we are reminded at every Liturgy. In your
daily prayers especially remember to pray for your enemies.
FAST… Christ told his disciples that some demons can only be driven out by prayer and fasting (Mark
9:29). Let us use not only the power of prayer but of fasting to confront the powers and principalities
which promote violence and division in our world.
HELP THE VICTIMS OF WAR…In every war zone there are hundreds of many war victims desperately
in need of help: those who have fled war zones or been driven out, many who have been robbed, raped,
or seen family members murdered, and large numbers of people injured. Arrange for special collections
in your parish to benefit the efforts of International Orthodox Christian Charities or other organizations working to help
war victims.
HELPING WOMEN IN CRISIS PREGNANCIES AND WORKING FOR PRO-LIFE ALTERNATIVES...Sometimes the
smallest sign of support, encouragement and caring can save the life of an unborn child, and save the child’s mother from
great sorrow later in life when she realizes what she did. Support a crisis pregnancy center in your area by money,
donations of items mothers and new babies need, or volunteering. Consider being a prayerful, quiet presence outside an
abortion clinic. Become involved in a children’s home or orphanage helping meet the needs of children who are born but
have been abandoned or orphaned. Consider being a foster parent. Enjoy and bless every child you meet!
A SHORT SERVICE OF DAILY PRAYER
We thank You, Master and Lover of mankind, King of the ages and giver of all good things, for destroying the
dividing wall of enmity and granting peace to those who seek your mercy. We appeal to You to awaken the
longing for a peaceful life in all those who are filled with hatred for their neighbors, thinking especially of those
at war or preparing for war.
Grant peace to your servants. Implant in them the fear of You and confirm in them love one for another.
Extinguish every dispute and banish all temptations to disagreement. For You are our peace and to You we
ascribe glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
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How Can I Help?
Continued…
PARTICIPATE IN PROJECTS TO HELP THOSE IN NEED…“What you did for the least person, you did for me,” we are
told by Christ. We are called to live merciful lives and to take part in merciful activities, helping the hungry, the sick,
the homeless, the neglected, and those in prison. Are there projects of service which you can take part in or help to
start?
START A STUDY GROUP…You can start a parish group to read together from the Gospel, liturgical texts, the lives of
the saints or Orthodox theologians and historians, discussing the implications of what we are reading in our own time and
place and how we can respond. OPF can provide a reading list and offer advice.
KEEP INFORMED…Many areas of conflict are hardly noticed. Local newspapers are often one-sided in their reporting and
may be channels of propaganda. The Internet can give you the chance to sift through different points of view.
TALK TO PEOPLE…Talking starts with listening. What are friends, neighbors and coworkers saying? What can you say that builds on their concerns? Think of articles —
perhaps from this web site — that you can copy and share with them.
WRITE LETTERS…Perhaps once a week you could find time to contact the press, your
representatives, your president or prime minister, or other officials who play a role in the
war. A one-page letter is more likely to be read than two.
BROADEN AND DEEPEN NEWS COVERAGE…An ancient Greek proverb reminds us,
“In war, truth in the first casualty.” Try to influence the content of news about the war,
abortion, capital punishment and actions which damage the world around us. Write and
phone editors of newspapers and directors of television news programs. Bring to their
attention information not being covered — you will find some of it on this web site.
Provide suggestions for stories. Criticize one-sided reporting, trying to do so in a spirit
which will open doors rather than lock them.
JOIN IN PUBLIC PROTEST…If carried out in the right spirit, prayerfully and without self-righteousness, public
demonstrations can also help, but take part only if you agree with both the message and the spirit of the action. One form of
action that emerged during the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia were hour-long evening prayer vigils on bridges in which
those taking part hold candles or stand in a circle around a candle.
Orthodox Peace Fellowship - Resources
SUBSCRIBE TO IN COMMUNION (included with membership)…You don’t have to be a member of the Orthodox
Peace Fellowship to receive its publication. We do ask that you make a donation of $25 / €25 / $20 or more at least once a
year.
MAKE MATERIAL AVAILABLE FOR OTHERS IN THE CHURCH…Order a supply of the OPF magazine, In
Communion, or other OPF publications that can be sold in the parish or be available in the parish library.
USE OPF POSTERS…One way of helping people think about the place of peacemaking in Christian life is to think about
the sayings and stories of saints and other devout people. The OPF has a set of seven mini-posters, each with a saying or
story from saints and heroes of Orthodoxy.
http://www.incommunion.org
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Uniting in Orthodox peace Fellowship
Peace and Fellowship.
by Stella. Racha
For most of us our journey as peacemakers began with our parents or caregivers in the midst of love and gentle discipline
as we learned to live in harmony with each other. In time we became adept at keeping peace within our families,
communities, parishes, work environments, and with friends and neighbors, but for national or international peacemaking,
diverse skills and financial support are required. Fellowship becomes a necessity. Organizations like the Orthodox Peace
Fellowship of the Mother of God give us the opportunity to become peacemakers beyond our local borders.
It is Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace who opens the doorway to peacemaking in our fallen world.
He gives us the opportunity to participate, directly and indirectly through His ministries. For most of
us, direct participation nationally or internationally is not feasible; however peaceful action,
financial support and fervent prayer are areas where we all can make a difference in bringing peace
to our world.
Supporting the OPF with a membership or with a monetary donation enables the organization to
continue working diligently in the midst of violence and division. The growth of fellowship from
Orthodox Christians, Christians and non Christians alike, who believe that "loving our enemies" is
essential to peacemaking, will aid organizations like the OPF to continue transforming our violent
world into a more peaceful one, and the consciousness of peace that began to permeate the world
more than two thousand years ago, will continue to flourish with each generation.
Love and peace are synonymous. Without them, the hungry and desolate multiply and become prey
for an ever growing number of tyrants, and this scenario is, unfortunately, very evident in the world today. Our peaceful
church fellowship is spiritually ripe to bear fruit beyond our Sunday gatherings and local borders. Let us all at St. Herman's
Sobor, give support to our fellow peacemakers on the front lines with daily prayer, peaceful action where needed, and
financial support if possible. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God)
Joining the Orthodox Peace Fellowship
Website: In Communion
http://www.incommunion.org
By Post: OPF-North America
PO Box 6009
Raleigh, NC 27628-6009
USA
…………
OPF-North America contacts:
Alex Patico, coordinator:
[email protected]
Officers
Deacon Michael Bakker, president
Hanna Bos, vice president
Silouan Deutekom, treasurer
Jim and Nancy Forest, co-secretaries
The Fellowship is entirely dependent on the support of its members, other
sympathetic persons and those parishes making annual collections in
support of the OPF, to carry on its work. Donors are asked to contribute
as their resources allow. Contributions are tax-deductible in the US and
Canada. Donations can be sent to the Orthodox Peace Fellowship’s US
account ABN-AMRO (56.35.21.260), by mail or on their web site.
Annual Membership $35.00
Associate Member (non Orthodox) $35.00
Donation of a $100.00 + Receive a Quarterly "In Communion"
and a book from the list that is on their website
Your Preference: A One Time Donation or Re-occurring Donations
Quarterly Journal: $25.00 …or… PDF Edition $15.00
ADVISORY BOARD: Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania, Metropolitan Kallistos of Diokleia, Fr. Anthony
Coniaris, Fr. Stephen Headley, Fr. Thomas Hopko, Fr. Heikki Huttunen, Frederica Mathewes-Green, Fr. John Matusiak, Fr.
Sergei Ovsiannikov, Fr. George Papademetriou, Dr. Albert Raboteau, Philip Tamoush, Fr. Steven Tsichlis, Fr. Theodoor van
der Voort, Fr. Meletios Webber, Mother Raphaela Wilkinson.
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The Orthodox Peace Fellowship exists thanks to the spiritual and financial support of its
members and supporters. ‡
Advice on peacemaking … from the Saints
If you enroll as one of God’s people, heaven is your country and God your lawgiver. And what are His laws? You shall
not kill; You shall love your neighbor as yourself. To him that strikes you on the one cheek, turn to him the other also.
– Clement of Alexandria, Protrepticus, 10
Christ, in disarming Peter, unbelted every soldier. – Tertullian, de Idololatria 19
The bodies of fellow human beings must be treated with greater care than our own. Christian love teaches us to give our
brethren not only spiritual gifts, but material gifts as well. Even our last shirt, our last piece of bread must be given to
them. Personal almsgiving and the most wide-ranging social work are equally justifiable and necessary. The way to God
lies through love of other people and there is no other way. At the Last Judgment I shall not be asked if I was successful
in my ascetic exercises or how many prostrations I made in the course of my prayers. I shall be asked, did I feed the
hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and the prisoners: that is all I shall be asked. – Saint Maria Skobtsova of Paris
Do you wish to honor the Body of the Savior? Do not despise it when it is naked. Do not honor it in church with silk
vestments while outside it is naked and numb with cold. He who said, “This is my body,” and made it so by his word, is
the same that said, “You saw me hungry and you gave me no food. As you did it not to the least of these, you did it not to
me.” Honor him then by sharing your property with the poor. For what God needs is not golden chalices but golden souls.
–St. John Chrysostom / “On the Gospel of St. Matthew”
“But I say to you,” the Lord says, “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, pray for those who
persecute you.” Why did he command these things? So that he might free you from hatred, sadness, anger
and grudges, and might grant you the greatest possession of all, perfect love, which is impossible to
possess except by the one who loves all equally in imitation of God. – St. Maximus the Confessor
This saying of Cicero is true: ‘But they who say that regard is to be had to citizens, but that it is not to be
had to foreigners, these destroy the common society of the human race.’– Lactantius, Divine Institutes
If you are a Christian, no earthly city is yours. Of our City ‘the Builder and Maker is God.’ Though we may gain
possession of the whole world, we are withal but strangers and sojourners in it all. We are enrolled in heaven: our
citizenship is there! Let us not, after the manner of little children, despise things that are great, and admire those which are
little! Not our city’s greatness, but virtue of soul is our ornament and defense. If you suppose dignity to belong to a city,
think how many persons must partake in this dignity, who are whoremongers, effeminate, depraved and full of ten
thousand evil things, and at last despise such honour! But that City above is not of this kind; for it is impossible that he
can be a partaker of it, who has not exhibited every virtue. – St John Chrysostom, Homily 17 on the Commissioners
If a loud trumpet summons soldiers to war, shall not Christ with a strain of peace issued to the ends of the earth gather up
his soldiers of peace? By his own blood and by his word he has assembled an army which sheds no blood in order to give
them the Kingdom of Heaven. The trumpet of Christ is his Gospel. He has sounded it and we have heard it. Let us then
put on the armour of peace. – Clement of Alexandria, Protrepticus XI, 116
In peace, not in war, we are trained. – Clement of Alexandria, Paedogogus 1,12
Above all things: forget not the poor, but support them to the extent of your means. Give to the orphan, protect the
widow, and permit the mighty to destroy no man. Take not the life of the just or the unjust, nor permit him to be killed.
Destroy no Christian soul, even though he be guilty of murder.
– Saint Prince Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles, in
his Testament to his children, The Primary Chronicle, written by St. Nestor of the Kiev Caves, 1096 AD
We are commanded to have only one enemy, the devil. With him never be reconciled! But with a brother, never be at
enmity in thy heart. – St John Chrysostom, Homily 20
Prayer for our enemies is the very highest summit of self-control.– St John Chrysostom, Gospel of St Matthew
Adapted with permission form the "In Communion"
http://www.incommunion.org
http://www.incommunion.orghttp://
www.incommunion.orghttp://www.i
ncommunion.orgvhttp://www.incom
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Upcoming Events
World Day of Prayer - March 4th
The world day of prayer will be held on March 4th at the St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church located
on 9830 - 148 Street in Edmonton at 7:00 PM. The country we are praying for this year is Chile and the guest
speaker is Ricardo Acuna. A luncheon and fellowship will follow the prayer service. Please consider being part
of this union of West End Church parishioners who come together each year in prayer for those suffering in
underdeveloped countries. Contacts: Lil Trefan - 780-476-4529 or Olive - 780-452-3988.
The Cradle of Orthodoxy - Agenda
When: Saturday March 5
Where: St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Sobor
Time: 9:30 Doors open
10:00 Opening prayers
10:30 Sylvia Chinery - The Holy Land
11:15 Louise Fairley - Armenia
12:00 Lasagna Lunch
1:00 Anna Altmann and Barbara Eriksson - Jordan
2:00 Closing remarks
Fee: $10 at the door
Please register by February 25 by phoning
Georgina at 780-475-3056 or email her at
[email protected]
Women's Retreat - March 5th
The Cradle of Orthodoxy - Impressions and
Observations
The St. Herman Orthodox Church annual retreat
organized by Georgina Alexandruk and her committee
will be held on Saturday, March 5th in the St. Herman of
Alaska Orthodox Church hall. If you are planning to
attend the retreat, please call or email Georgina by
February 25th to assist her with catering numbers.
Please note that friends and family are welcome to
attend. The agenda for the day is a very attractive one
with a variety of interesting presentations and includes
plenty of time for fellowship. ‡
St. Herman's Institute on the Spiritual Life - Winter 201
Presentations by David Goa and Fr. Phillip
Sunday, February 13th, 4:30 – 7PM - Evil, the Nature of Death Dealing
Location: David Goa & Anna Altman's Home @ 9648 - 84th Ave.
Time: 4:30 - 7:00 PM for all sessions
Contacts: David @ 780.433.1838 or email: [email protected]
Great Lent Begins March 7th
Great Lent is filled with many beautiful services that are not listed here. Please check your calendars and the
bulletin for dates and times.
First Week of Lenten Services
Sunday, Feb. 27th: Meat Fare - Meat Fast begins on Monday, February 28th - Easter Sunday.
Sunday, March 6th: Cheese Fare - Great Lent begins on Monday, March 7th - Easter Sunday, April 24th.
Sunday, March 6th: 7:00 PM - Forgiveness Vespers
Monday, March 7-10th: 7:00 PM - St. Andrews Great Canons
Friday, March 11th: 6:00 PM - Pre-sanctified Liturgy
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Most Holy Theotokos Intercede for Us
To pray for someone more diligently
Save, O Lord, and have mercy on Thy servant(s) ________, [bow]
Deliver him (her, them) from every tribulation, wrath and need [bow]
From every sickness of soul and body, [bow]
Forgive him (her, them) every transgression, voluntary and involuntary, [bow]
And do whatever is profitable for our souls. [bow]
[1] This prayer may be easily used in one's personal commemorations in morning
or evening prayers. It is usually best to pray for people simply, and not try to
mention all of a person's perceived "needs", and especially their perceived faults.
Intercession to the Theotokos
O Birthgiver of God, in Thee
the laws of nature were
conquered.
O pure Virgin.
In Your birth-giving, you
remained virgin and in
your death you accepted Life.
Intercede for us.
God knows all things, and only wishes that we show our love for others by
fervently beseeching His mercy for those we love (and ESPECIALLY the ones that
we sinful ones do not love as we should, such as our enemies and those we have
had some conflicts with). If we keep our prayers simple and intense, we are less
likely to judge our brother in our prayer, and we tire less easily, and are more
likely to retain the good habit of prayer for others.
[2] A "Bow", also known as a "poklon" is performed by making the sign of the
cross, and simultaneously bowing the head and bending from the waist. (From the
"Old Believers Prayer Book or Orthodox Prayer Book)
Prayer Requests
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye
may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Continue to keep Bishop Irénée in your prayer for a speedy recovery.
For The Living
Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Bishop Irénée - Archbishop Seraphim - Kristin - Vasiliki-Victoria - Lawrence - David - Fran Lucy - Jordan - Denis - Judy - Frank - Anna - Monk Tikhon - Jordan - Alexandra - Andy - Frank Elizabeth - Larisa- Liana - Ryan - Elsa - Kathy - Janice - Ruth - Bill - Larisa - Harvey - Michael Elsa - Frank - Anna - Gary - Mary - Stella - Denis - Marilyn - Galina - Andy - Lillian - Jack - JohnPaul - Dianne - Lorna - Ryan - Joyce
Memory Eternal
John 10:28-30 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall
any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and
no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.
Annie - Mary - John - Vera - Nina - Randall - Denis - William - Peter - Lillian - Anne Edward - Laurie - Alice
Note: A Prayer Request sheet for the NorthStar newsletter will be posted on
the bulletin board from March 1st until March 20th. This Prayer Request
page can be printed separately for your convenience.
Requests by email are welcome after March 20th.
21
Recipes - Mediterranean Menu
We all tend to gain weight as we get older -- at least half a pound a year. Over time, that adds up to increased pants sizes
and health risks. But in a study, people whose meals most closely
resembled Mediterranean-style dishes were 20–25 percent less
Algerian Salad
likely to gain weight as the years passed.
Prep: 15 min.
Ingredients:

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











2 sweet red peppers, seeded and chopped fine
4 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
3/4 cup sliced cucumber
2 small onions, sliced thin
1/2 cup black olives, pitted and halved
6 anchovy fillets, chopped
2 hard boiled eggs, quartered
1 t chopped fresh basil or cilantro
3 T. olive oil
1 T. vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Place all ingredients into a large salad bowl
and toss gently.
May be served with pita bread.
(http://www.mealsforyou.com)
Poached Salmon with Creamy Piccata
Sauce
 1 pound center-cut salmon fillet, skinned
(see Tip) and cut into 4 portions
 1 cup dry white wine, divided
 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
 1 large shallot, minced
 2 tablespoons lemon juice
 4 teaspoons capers, rinsed
 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
 1/4 teaspoon salt
 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Preparation
1. Place salmon in a large skillet. Add 1/2
cup wine and enough water to just cover
the salmon. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce to a simmer, turn the salmon
over, cover and cook for 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium skillet
over medium-high heat. Add shallot and
cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30
seconds. Add the remaining 1/2 cup wine;
boil until slightly reduced, about 1
minute. Stir in lemon juice and capers;
cook 1 minute more. Remove from the
heat; stir in sour cream and salt. To serve,
top the salmon with the sauce and
garnish with dill.
( http://www.eatingwell.com)
Basque Tomatoes
Prep: 15 min, plus refrigeration time.
1. 8 tomatoes, firm
2. 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
3. 1 clove garlic, crushed
4. 1 tsp. salt
5. 1 tsp. sugar
6. 1/4 tsp. pepper
7. 1/2 cup black olives, (optional)
8. 2 tsp. olive oil
9. 2 Tbs. tarragon vinegar
10. 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
(http://www.mealsforyou.com)
Slice tomatoes and
spread them in shallow
dish. Sprinkle with
parsley. Combine
remaining ingredients,
mix well, and pour
over tomatoes. Cover
and refrigerate.
Drain before serving.
May be made 2 days
ahead.
Hummus with Roasted Red Pepper
Ingredients:
• 1- 19 oz (540 ml) can chickpeas, drained (reserve 4 tbsp juice)
• 3 - garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 - roasted red pepper
• 3 - tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 - tablespoon sesame paste (tahini)
• 1 - tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
• 1- teaspoon coarse salt
• Aleppo pepper to taste
• 1 - 2 teaspoon spearmint, dried
Cayenne may be added for a spicier flavour
Preparation:
Put chickpeas, roasted red pepper, garlic, salt and half the lemon
juice into blender or food processor and blend briefly. As the paste
thickens, add more lemon juice, olive oil and the reserved chick pea
juice for right consistency.
When all chick peas have been reduced to a creamy texture, add
sesame paste, Aleppo pepper and mint and blend until uniform.
Spoon into a dish. Pour a little olive oil over top and sprinkle with
Aleppo pepper. Serve with pita bread. (http://www.theepicentre.com)
Chopped Greek Salad with Chicken
Ingredients
 1/3 cup red-wine vinegar
 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, or oregano or 1 teaspoon dried
 1 teaspoon garlic powder
 1/4 teaspoon salt
 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
 2 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken, (about 12 ounces)
 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
 1/2 cup sliced ripe black olives

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Whisk vinegar, oil, dill (or oregano), garlic powder, salt and pepper in a
large bowl. Add lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives and22
feta; toss to coat. ( http://www.eatingwell.com)
Church Contact Information
Happy New Year
The North Star newsletter will be published bi-monthly, and the next publication date is April 1st. A survey
will be done after the August issue to give us feedback as to how the newsletter is being received. It is also
important to get feedback between issues as well as this information is essential to the success of the
newsletter.
Your involvement is important and necessary to keep the news and events in the newsletter current. Please
contact me if you have related news, events, announcements, updates on your ministries, and so forth. When
sending your prayer requests for the prayer page, keep in mind that it is for a two-month period. This sharing
of information unites us as a church community and keeps us in communion with those who are away from
the church for good reasons.
Everyone with email will be receiving this newsletter on-line. Printed copies of the newsletter will be
available in the narthex for parishioners without email and for guests. The parishioners in care centers or
who are "shut in" for an extended period will receive a copy in the mail.
Thank you to all who contributed to this newsletter - for your time and for the sharing of information.
Stella Racha,
Editor In Chief
News Letter Contact Information
Editor In Chief: Stella Racha
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 780-988-0060
Editing
Editor In Chief, Stella Racha
Sr. Warden, Barbara North
This Issue Reviewed and Approved By
Archpriest, Fr. Phillip
News & Events Written by Stella Racha
Church Contacts
St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Sobor
Phone: (780) 484- 9804
Church email: www.sthermans.ca
Igumen Alexander Pihach – Rector
(613) 230-2687 (Ottawa Cathedral) (780) 481-6534 (Edmonton)
Archpriest Phillip Eriksson – Parish Priest (780) 484-4207
Priest Vincent Lehr – Parish Priest (780) 435-9529
23
ST. HERMAN OF ALASKA
ORTHODOX SOBOR
9930 – 167 Street
Website: http://sthermans.ca
Edmonton, AB T5P 4W7
Phone: (780) 484-9804
Fax:
Sunday
(780) 481-1966
Monday
6
Hours – 9:10am
Liturgy –
9:30am
7
13
Hours – 9:10am
Liturgy –
9:30am
Publican &
Pharisee
St. Herman’s
Institute
4:30 pm
14
20
Hours – 9:10am
Liturgy –
9:30am
Prodigal Son
21
27
Hours – 9:10am
Liturgy –
9:30am
Sun. of Last
Judgment
(Meatfare)
28
February 2011
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
Great Vespers
7:00 pm
2
The Meeting of
the Lord in the
Temple
Liturgy – 9:30am
3
4
5
8
9
10
Church School
10:00 am
“Vigil” 6:00 pm
11
12
Church School
10:00 am
“Vigil” 6:00 pm
15
16
17
18
22
23
19
“Vigil” 6:00 pm
Parish Council
7:00pm
24
25
26
Church School
10:00 am
“Vigil” 6:00 pm
24
ST. HERMAN OF ALASKA
ORTHODOX SOBOR
9930 – 167 Street
Website: http://sthermans.ca
Edmonton, AB T5P 4W7
Phone: (780) 484-9804
Fax:
Sunday
(780) 481-1966
Monday
March 2011
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
5
Women’s Retreat
– all day
“Vigil” 6:00 pm
6
Hours – 9:10am
Liturgy –
9:30am
Sun. of
Forgiveness
(Cheesefare)
Forgiveness
Vespers
7:00pm
7
Canon of St.
Andrew 7:00pm
8
Canon of St.
Andrew 7:00pm
9
Canon of St.
Andrew 7:00pm
10
Canon of St.
Andrew 7:00pm
11
Pre-sanctified
Liturgy 6:00pm
12
13
Hours – 9:10am
Liturgy –
9:30am
Semi-Annual
Meeting
14
15
16
Pre-Sanctified
6:00pm
17
18
19
20
Vespers –
Hours –of9:10am
Sunday
Liturgy
–
Orthodoxy
9:30am
21
23
Pre-Sanctified
6:00pm
24
30
Pre-Sanctified
6:00pm
31
22
Church School
10:00 am
“Vigil” 6:00 pm
“Vigil” 6:00 pm
25
Annunciation
Liturgy 6pm
26
Church School
10:00 am
“Vigil” 6:00 pm
St. Herman’s
Institute
4:30 pm
27
Hours – 9:10am
Liturgy –
9:30am
28
29
25