The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

CANADIAN DIOCESE: October 28, 2008
Bishop Hilarion of Vienna and Austria Celebrates Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Cathedral

A seminar opened on the morning of October 24, 2008, at Trinity College of Toronto University with the participation of representatives of the University and of various Christian confessions. His Grace Bishop Hilarion of Vienna and Austria of the Moscow Patriarchate spoke on the topic "Theological Education in the 21st Century," after which he answered a multitude of questions.

On October 25, Bishop Hilarion visited the Coptic Parish of the Most-Holy Virgin Mary and St Athanasius, where he spoke on the topic: "The Theology of St Isaac of Syria."

On the following day, the feast day of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, Vladyka Hilarion, at the invitation of His Grace Bishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada, celebrated Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. Bishop Hilarion was joined in the service by Protopriest Vladimir Malchenko, Rector of the Cathedral; Priest Viacheslav Davydenko and Deacon Alexander Morin of the Cathedral.

During Divine Liturgy, the Cathedral choir sang Bishop Hilarion's own compositions for Dostoino Yest' [It is Fitting], Khvalite imya Gospodne [Praise the Name of the Lord] and Mnogoletiye [Many Years].

At the conclusion of Liturgy, Bishop Hilarion addressed the faithful with an archpastoral sermon, expressing particular joy with regard to the reestablishment of canonical unity between the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad and the Church in the Fatherland.

Fr Vladimir, in turn, expressed his heartfelt, earnest gratitude to Vladyka for his visit. The Cathedral Rector noted the special missionary significance of the concert held on October 25 in Toronto, at which Vladyka Hilarion's "The Passion According to Matthew," attended by many parishioners of the Cathedral.

At the end of services, a trapeza was offered at the Cathedral hall, during which Bishop Hilarion told of the renewal of Church life in Russia and other countries of the "post-Soviet abroad" and answered numerous questions.