Communion and joy at St. Nectarius Mission in Kelowna

The Good Lord has arranged for us to gather in large numbers at our first feast day of the Mission of St. Nectarius in Kelowna on November 5th. Our mission, although at the beginning of its journey, completed 8 months of existence, being established on March 5, 2023. It continued its smooth but sure path, to reach the first celebration of its patron Saint, Saint Nectarius, healer of diseases and quick helper.

Four priests from the west coast of Canada responded to the invitation and delighted us with their presence: Rev. Fr. Călin Mărincaș - archpriest from Saskatoon, Rev. Fr. Cristian Bujor from Ardrie, Rev. Fr. Gheorghe Petrovan from Boian, Rev. Fr. Florin Porumb from in Edmonton, giving us the opportunity to experience emotional moments with spiritual depth.

The celebration of the Sacrament of the Holy Anointing of sicks took place on Saturday evening, November 4, followed by a dinner. On Sunday, November 5, the Holy and Divine Liturgy was performed with the commemorations of those trespassed in the Lord and fraternal agape.

The chanters at strana, Şerban Comănescu from Calgary, Corin Hoduț from Vancouver, as well as Mr. Christopher, one of the chanters of the Ukrainian Church St. Peter and Paul where Rev. Fr. Ciprian Roman, missionary priest serves, harmoniously completed the beauty of the religious services. The church resounded the songs of praise to the Good God and to St. Nectarius. The Romanian, Russian, Greek, Ukrainian, Canadian parishioners prayed together, united in the Orthodox faith. The spiritual and moral feeling was special.

Rev. Fr. Călin Mărincaş - archpriest said in the sermon: "I am very glad to see such a diverse ethnically and culturally community, where the common language of Christ and Orthodoxy overcomes any cultural, social and racial barrier."

We thank Saint Nectarius for the spiritual life and the love shown to us! We thank to the priest who visited us to celebrate St. Nectarius together! We thank also to the parishioners who helped make this event possible!

May God help!

(notes by Otilia Cojocariu)