CANADIAN DIOCESE: August 12, 2020
"Beryozki" celebrates the feast day of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God in Canada

On August 9-10, 2020, the Russian "Beryozki" settlement in Jackson Point, ON, Canada (near Toronto), feast-day celebrations were held at the Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, known as the "Hodigitria." Reader Gregory Montana led the choir.

On the holiday's eve, Priest Maxim Abroskin, the parish rector, performed all-night vigil. This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, all precautions were followed, meaning 30% capacity in the church, social distancing, masks and disinfectants. The litiya was performed under the open skies at the church entrance. After the service, Fr Maxim delivered a sermon.

On Monday, August 10, Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Mitred Protopriest Vladimir Malchenko, Dean of Ontario of the Russian Church Abroad, Rector of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toronto. Despite the workday, the church drew a great multitude of worshipers. Prayers for the unity of the Orthodox Church were made and for deliverance from the pandemic. After Liturgy, a procession of the cross circled the church with the Gospel readings and sprinkling with holy water, after which the customary "Many Years" was sung. The parish sisterhood prepared a luncheon that followed.

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