Archbishop Andronik makes a pastoral visit to the parish of St. Ksenia, Ottawa

On December 10th and 11th, 2016, Anronik, Archbishop of Ottawa and Canada, visited the Blessed St. Ksenia parish. Leaving Mountainview on a snowy, Saturday morning, just six hours later the beautiful cathedral of St. Ksenia was in sight, where Vladika Andronik was warmly greeted by Fr. Oleg Mironov and his family.

Fr. Oleg served the All-Night Vigil, while Vladika Andronik assisted in a male choir trio. Many of the attendees said it reminded them of the singing at the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville.

The following morning the service began with the bishop’s entrance, followed by the Hours and Divine Liturgy. There were many communicants, with almost half being children. The feast of the Kursk Icon of the Theotokos, which is celebrated on December 10 (new calendar), was combined with the Sunday liturgy, making the service even more festive. Vladika Anronik gave a sermon about the Kursk icon and also discussed current church matters.

After the service, there was a luncheon prepared by many of the young families in the parish. Those attending the luncheon heard a presentation from the ROCA Assistance Fund, which outlined its historical purpose and provided its vision going forward and some of its future goals.

The parish expressed its sincere condolences to the family of the departed Protodeacon Job, who made many trips to the St. Ksenia parish with the bishop prior to his accident.

The parish is happy to have Bible School on Saturdays, led by Fr. Oleg, and an art class for children, taught by Matushka Olga on Sundays after the liturgy. It is also noteworthy that when entering the church, there is a beautiful mosaic of the St. Blessed Ksenia above the door; also the work of Matushka Olga.

Before returning back to Mountainview, Vladika Andronik, along with Fr. Oleg, visited the ailing Anatoliy Skok, founder of the St. Ksenia Church. Although bed riden and at the age of 93, Anatoliy expressed gratitude to his visitors and glory to God for the beloved parish.