2025 Slava and Patronal Feast

Srećna slava! Happy Slava. This past weekend the Parish celebrated our annual Slava for the feast of our patron Saint Silouan the Athonite. Reader Aaron SanFilippo preached the homily at the Liturgy reminding us about the witness of the Holy Cross and our call to take up the Cross and follow our Lord Jesus Christ. 

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​During the distribution of the antidoron FrDn Michael Luciuk and the choir sang the hymn written by St Silouan:

​My soul thirsts for the Lord, 
and with tears do I seek Him.
How can I not seek You, 
For You sought me first,
And you granted me to delight in the sweetness of Your Holy Spirit.
My soul has loved you until now!

In the first year of my life in the Monastery, 
My soul encountered the Lord,
And this I learnt from the Holy Spirit,
That the Lord loves us greatly!

I have now grown old,
And I am preparing for death.
As a gift to all people,
I write the truth.

Oh, my brethren,
I fall on my knees and entreat you,
Believe in God,
Believe in the existence of the Holy Spirit,
Which bears witness concerning God,
To all of your Churches and in my soul.

I am a great sinner,
But I have seen the boundless Love and Mercy of the Lord.
The Gladsome and Meek sight of the Lord,
Has consumed my soul!

Oh, the Love of the Lord!
I am unable to describe it,
Because it is infinitely great and wonderful.
I will never forget You,
My soul yearns for You my Lord,
And with tears do I search for you.

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After the Liturgy and the distribution of Antidoron, the festivities continued in Regent Park beside the Church. In our annual tradition which we received from our parishioners of Serbian descent we commemorated our patron and protector Saint Silouan the Athonite and glorified God who is wonderous in the saints. 

After the commemoration prayers the whole parish and many visitor from the neighbourhood enjoyed a delicious potluck and we also celebrated the birthdays of a few parishioners. Many years!

On Monday there was a celebration and commemoration for Saint Silouan at Noble Joseph House.
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​On Tuesday September 23, 2025, Fr Paul Tadros, Fr Timothy Mikhail and FrDn Michael Luciuk concelebrated Vespers and Litya of the feast of Saint SIlouan with Fr Peter Avgeropoulos of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, Fr Hieromonk Policarp Athenagoras of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, and Fr Florian Ene of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America (OCA). We thank God for the blessing of all the visiting clergy and their pastoral love and prayers. ​

Excerpt from the procession during the Festal Vespers:
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​Artoklasia - The Blessing of the Five Loaves for Feast of St Silouan:

On Wednesday morning at the Divine Liturgy for the feast day, Fr Paul gave a short homily reflecting on one of the accounts in the life of Saint Silouan. May the prayers of our Holy Father Silouan of Athos be with us and may we desire, serve and love Christ as he did and continues to do. 

​During your life on earth you did serve Christ following HIs path;
and now in heaven you do contemplate Him Whom you have loved!
Dwelling with Him as He promised to His elect;
O holy Father Silouan instruct us in the way you have gone.

+ Kontakion for Saint Silouan the Athonite