Getting together in the BC Deanery
Just as an army is composed of many different divisions and units, so our Orthodox Church in America is composed of a number of groups, called "dioceses", each headed by its own ruling bishop. These include the dioceses of Alaska; the South (i.e. the American South); New England; the West (once again, the American West); the Mid-west (yes, you guessed it--the American mid-west; Eastern Pennsylvania; Western Pennsylvania; New York and New Jersey. And, of course, our own beloved Archdiocese of Canada.
Each of these dioceses is further divided into smaller groups, called "deaneries", each headed by a dean. In Canada, each province is a deanery all by itself. We are in the B.C. Deanery. I am the Dean. The Deanery structure helps the diocese function locally with greater efficiency. For example, in a diocese as large as Canada, having all the young people gather in a single summer church camp in one location would be very difficult, so each deanery has (or is encouraged to have) its own summer youth camp. Yet despite our division into deaneries, concerted local action is still very difficult in Canada, since the Deanery of B.C. is as large geographically as some entire dioceses in the U.S. However, we do the best we can, and we treasure our opportunities to meet together.
One such opportunity will arise Saturday October 28 when the clergy and laity of the B.C. Deanery will meet at Holy Resurrection Church in Vancouver for a day of prayer, instruction and fellowship. All members of deanery parishes are invited and encouraged to come. The day will begin at 10.00 a.m. with a brief prayer service, led the Dean, Fr. Lawrence. Fr. Michael Gillis of our neighboring parish, Holy Nativity Antiochian Orthodox Church has agreed to be our special speaker. Lunch will be served, and there will be a book table with a presentation from All Saints Victoria member Bev. M. Cooke from her new Conciliar Press book, Keeper of the Light: the Life of Macrina the Elder. We also hope Fr. Michael’s wife, Khouriyee Bonnie Gillis, who illustrated Bev’s book will be present to talk about her artwork.
The day will conclude at 3.00 p.m., giving everyone time to
return to their own parishes for Saturday Vespers. Do mark the day on your calendars. The local division of Christ's Canadian army, the Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, will meet with its Dean in Vancouver, to worship our heavenly King.
All my love in the Lord,
Fr. Lawrence
(Dean, B.C. Deanery)
Fasting Rules for October 2006
Wed. Oct 18: Evangelist Luke: Fish wine & oil allowed
OCTOBER SPECIAL EVENTS
Sun. Oct. 1 – 2.-3. pm: Life Chain on 200 St., from 56 Ave. to 64 Ave., Langley.
Sun. Oct. 1—6:30 pm: Babies & kids to age 11, party at Go Bananas (RSVP to Rowena Hartley)
Sun. Oct 8- Blessing of Harvest after Baptismal Liturgy.
Sat. Oct. 21- Memorial after Vespers
Sun. Oct. 22- St. James Liturgy
Sat. Oct. 28, 10 am- 3 pm. Deanery Meeting for Laity and Clergy at Holy Resurrection Church, Van. Speakers: Fr. Michael Gillis, author Bev Cooke, artist Bonnie Gillis.
Many Years! And prayers for blessings...
To Peter Choi, tonsured a Reader Sept 13 by HG SERAPHIM for the Mission Station of St. John of Shanghai
To Fr. Lawrence, awarded the Palitsa by the Holy Synod of the OCA, presented by HG SERAPHIM Sept. 13
To Jensina Marie Hewlett, to be baptised Oct. 8, and her family
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St. John of Shanghai
Vancouver Mission Station
Thursdays 7 pm: Study & Compline at the home of Peter & Judy Choi
Saturdays 7 pm: Vespers at Dunbar Lutheran
Occasional Liturgies at Dunbar Lutheran as announced
Women’s Retreat
With
frederica Matthewes-Green
February 9-11 2007
At Camp Alexandra
White Rock
Registration:
Victoria Jordan or Julianna Duran
St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church
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