The Brilliant Light of God in our Mission Parish from Nativity through Theophany

Christ is Baptized! In the Jordan!

Dearest beloved ones,

The festal seasons of the Nativity and Theophany offer us a time of consolation, joy, and holy reflection on the magnificent condescension of God, who united Himself to our suffering in order to raise humanity to Himself and to His divine heights. In these holy days, the darkness is dispelled, rebuked, and even exposed for it vapidness and void.

As the Prophet Isaiah foretold, and as the Gospel of Matthew proclaims: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali… the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.” Though suffering, wars, and even rumors of wars surround us, the light of Christ still shines forth - the light that enlightens all. Glory to Him who has given His Church these sacred days, turning our gaze away from anxiety-inducing media and noise, and fixing it instead upon Himself, the Prince of Peace.

These past weeks have been richly filled for us at St. Silouan the Athonite. Our community was also blessed once again by the pastoral presence of Fr. Nektarios (Bernard) and Presvytera Martha (Linda) Funk. Their steadfast support has been a true rock for our mission parish over many years. The choir sang with strength and devotion through the many services, allowing our prayers to rise like incense before God. The joy of the Nativity began with Royal Hours, a prayerful and sober preparation to receive the feast. After the packed Divine Liturgy, our festal agape meal was generously prepared, and it was heartening to see our St. Silouan community gathered together, welcoming not only one another, but also “the stranger,” those beloved of Christ who are weary and heavy-laden.

The following Monday, Noble Joseph House was once again in full swing. Our parish children participated in serving meals to the brothers and sisters of Christ who came to our weekly mercy meal, learning through action what it means to love as Christ loves.

We then celebrated the Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord at our newly established mission parish of St. Olga of Alaska in East Gwillimbury. The Feast of St. Basil the Great was marked with the sharing of Vasilopita, generously prepared by one of our parish families.

The Feast of Theophany unfolded beautifully. The vigil began with a shared meal with the Noble Joseph House community, followed by the prayerful preparation of the church. With the font placed at the center, those who rely on us for nourishment came and shared a simple meal, and some chose to remain for the Vigil service; finding nourishment not only for the body, but also for the soul. As has been our custom for many years, we processed through our Regent Park neighborhood before the Great Blessing of the Waters, proclaiming the good news of the Lord’s appearing and inviting all to enter into His joy. The waters were blessed, and many suffering in body and soul found comfort through them.

The next day, on the Feast itself, Fr. Timothy presided, our first festal season together with our dear father. He is truly a gift from God, sent to help continue the pastoral tending of the Lord’s vineyard here at St. Silouan the Athonite.

After the festal Divine Liturgy, nearly fifty of us descended to the waters of Lake Ontario to bless the waters, intentionally offering back to God all that He has so generously given to us. Though the cold was sharp, the joy of this tradition warmed the hearts of those present. Afterwards, many gathered at a local eatery to continue in fellowship and the shared joy of the feast.

Dearest brothers and sisters, these moments will remain cherished treasures in our hearts, calling us to deeper repentance and renewed resolve as we journey toward the Kingdom, especially in the twilight of our lives. May the Lord grant us many more returns to these blessed days together, that we may work out our salvation with seriousness and not waste time in the darkness. Indeed, Christ is among us! He is and ever shall be!

Glory to God for all things!

​Fr Paul Tadros

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