Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)

Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) (1948-____)

Irénée may be spelt Irenæus, Ireney, Irenaios.

Igumen may be spelt Higoumène, Hegumenos, Hegumen.

Early life of Richard Rochon

On 25 December, 1948, Richard Rochon was born into a large French Canadian family in Montréal, Québec (his ancestors arrived in Québec in about 1645).

Although his mother-tongue was French, Richard attended the English language primary and secondary schools in the Province of Québec, primarily in Rawdon, where his family lived when he was a child. His parents were hoteliers. On holy days, he was taken to a Roman Catholic church, but he says that neither his mother nor father was a devout Roman Catholic.

In Rawdon, life has not been expensive. Therefore, many immigrants settled there, and they built themselves houses. When he was 12 years old, Richard met with some Russian boys, and one of them became his friend. In the summer of 1961, this friend invited him to go with him to church for a wedding. Prior to that, he had seen in this town a one-story wooden structure with a blue “onion dome”, topped with a Cross, but he did not yet understand that it was a Temple. He attended the wedding. The groom was Sergei Boldireff, son of the Archpriest Oleg Boldireff, the rector of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Montréal. It was Father Oleg who had built the Chapel of Saint Seraphim of Sarov in Rawdon in the late 1950s, with the help of the parishioners. In the summer, when his family moved to their country house (datcha), he served in this chapel. When Richard heard the singing in a foreign language and saw the priest in golden vestments, he had a very good feeling in himself. He understood that this was good for the soul, and he understood that this was his place. However, when he was 15 years old, his parents sold the hotel and moved to Montréal. He continued to seek out the Orthodox Church.

Reception into the Orthodox Faith, 1967

Especially at that time, even in Montréal, it was difficult to find an Orthodox Christian Temple (because none used French or English in their services at that time, and the signs were usually in another language). Even his first attempts to approach the Church in a couple of parishes were unsuccessful because most clergy and parishioners did not easily welcome anyone who was not of their own nationality (even if they could speak French or English).

However, after he finally did receive a welcome, Richard Rochon began to attend the services at the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Montréal, and on 20 January, 1967, he was received into the Orthodox Christian Church by Archbishop Vitaly (Ustinov), of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia.

Although the effect was not immediate, a change eventually occurred within his own family. Because they could see the beneficial effect in his life, a door was somehow opened. After some time, Richard’s mother was received into the Orthodox Christian Faith shortly before her death, and his aunt and his nephew also became Orthodox. He insists that whether or not his example was involved, they accepted Orthodoxy on the basis of a personal, thoughtful decision, and out of care for their own souls.

Higher education

His collegiate education began at the University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Ontario, from which he received the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Slavic Studies in 1971.

While he was active in the parish life of Saint Nicholas’ Cathedral in Montréal, Richard participated in the activities of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship group at McGill University.

After receiving his degree from the University of Ottawa, Richard began his theological studies and formation at the Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, New York in 1972. At the same time, he joined the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville with the blessing of Archbishop Averky (Taushev) of Syracuse, who accepted him as a novice and placed him under the spiritual guidance of Archimandrite Kiprian (Ryzhov). His first monastic obedience was helping the ailing Vladyka Averky. He was partially paralysed, but he (having a surprisingly strong spirit) continued to serve at the Altar and to work on writing articles. There were 2 cell attendants – the novice Richard, and the monk Hilarion (now Metropolitan of New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR)). Father Hilarion assisted the bishop at night, and the novice Richard in the morning. The daily life of prayer and obedience was nurturing. He would usually pray in his mother tongue, French, and at the services also in Church Slavonic and English. At the monastery, he learned new skills : he learned to sew binding for books and to make a hard cover for books.

Monastic tonsure, 1974

In 1974, Richard Rochon was tonsured to be a rasophor monk by Archbishop Averky.

In 1975, he was tonsured to be a stavrophor monk by Archbishop Laurus (Škurla) of Syracuse, when he was given the name Irénée in honour of the Hieromartyr Irenæus of Lyon (Gaul, now France).

Monk Irénée (Rochon) was subsequently tonsured to be a reader and ordained to be a subdeacon by Archbishop Laurus (Škurla).

In February, 1978, he was blessed by Archbishop Laurus (Škurla) to serve in the ROCOR’s French-language parishes in France.

Diaconal ordination, 1978

On 19 May, 1978, the Monk Irénée (Rochon) was ordained to the Holy Diaconate in Brussels, Belgium, by Archbishop Antony (Bartoshevich) of Geneva, Switzerland.

Presbyteral ordination, 1978

On 20 August, 1978, the Hierodeacon Irénée (Rochon) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Archbishop Antony (Bartoshevich) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Pastoral service

After his ordination, the Hieromonk Irénée (Rochon) continued to serve in parishes in France.

In 1982, under obedience, he returned to Canada in order to serve in the French-language mission in Montréal, Québec. Since he was serving in this missionary capacity, therefore, with the blessing, he took on secular work in order to support himself and his missionary work.

In 1986, the Hieromonk Irénée (Rochon) and the Hierodeacon Marc (Pierre) were received from the ROCOR into the Archdiocese of Canada, of The Orthodox Church in America. With them came the French-language mission of Saint Gabriel. Both the monks continued in secular work for the purpose of self-support and mission-support. Although they did not live in the same place, they followed a similar rhythm of prayer and worship.

In 1992, with the blessing of the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America (OCA), the Hieromonk Irénée (Rochon) was elevated to the dignity of igumen by Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) of Ottawa and Canada.

The main responsibility of Higoumène (Igumen) Irénée (Rochon) was to care for the French-speaking monastics and clergy in Québec, and elsewhere in the Archdiocese of Canada.

In 1993, Igumen Irénée (Rochon) was assigned to be the Rector of the Church of Saint-Benoît, a French language parish in Montréal. Additionally, he was given added duties in serving as “supply priest” for the parishes in the regions of Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Québec City.

In 1996, Igumen Irénée (Rochon) was additionally assigned to be the Administrator of Saint Seraphim’s Russian Orthodox Church and of the Russian Cemetery in Rawdon, Québec, an assignment that he continued until 2007. This assignment was to bring about a return to his childhood’s spiritual home.

Igumen Irénée (Rochon)

At the same time, he continued in the secular work which he had previously found, and on every weekday, he went to work in a hospital in Montréal. He worked there in many positions : as a nurse, as an assistant, in the emergency ward. He sterilised instruments, and he cared for immobile patients. This work gave him the financial means to survive economically. He came to be of the opinion that the duties of a nurse are the most suitable for a monk. He has commented that at the hospital, it is like at the monastery : the one who nurses must obey everyone — administrators, doctors, and nurses.

In 2008, Igumen Irénée (Rochon) retired from his secular employment in Montréal.

On 2 April, 2009, the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America elevated Igumen Irénée (Rochon) to the dignity of archimandrite. At the same time the Holy Synod chose and elected him to become Vicar-Bishop for Archbishop Seraphim and the Archdiocese of Canada.

Episcopal ordination, 2009

On 1 October, 2009, at the Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Ottawa, Ontario, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), together with 10 other bishops, ordained Archimandrite Irénée (Rochon) to the Holy Episcopate.

Bishop Irénée (Rochon)

Annunciation Cathedral, Ottawa, Ontario

Episcopal service

Bishop Irénée (Rochon) was given the title “Bishop of Québec City”.

Bishop Irénée (Rochon) was assigned to serve as the Vicar-Bishop of the Archdiocese of Canada.

Bishop Irénée (Rochon), 2009

On 5 June, 2010, on the eve of the celebration of the Week of All Saints of Russia, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) of Québec, Vicar-Bishop of the Ottawa Diocese of the Orthodox Church in America, visited the Cathedral of the Great Martyr Barbara in Edmonton, Alberta. He had been invited by Bishop Job (Smakouz), the Administrator of the Moscow Patriarchate Parishes in Canada. At the end of the all-night vigil, Bishop Job addressed the distinguished guest with words of greeting, in which he called attention to the importance of sincere joint liturgical prayer in maintaining fraternal relations between the Russian and American Churches. Vladyka Job also wished Bishop Irénée a successful completion of his visit to Western Canada in order to familiarise himself with the life of the parishes of The Orthodox Church in America in that region.

At Saint Barbara's Cathedral, Edmonton, 2010

In the foreground is an Icon of Saint Barbara ; to the left is the Holy Relic, the Incorrupt Foot of the Great-Martyr Barbara

Standing in the midst are Bishop Job (Smakouz) and Bishop Irénée (Rochon). To their right is Roman Lopushinsky, the parish president. In the rear are Priest Alexei Surayev, Archpriest Igor Kisil (rector) and Monk Tikhon (Green). In the fore are other parishioners.

Administrator of the Archdiocese of Canada, 2010

On 1 October, 2010, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) was assigned by the Holy Synod of Bishops to be the Administrator of the Archdiocese of Canada. He immediately undertook this responsibility, and he began to make many pastoral visits within the archdiocese. He also accepted the responsibility from time to time of representing the OCA at events in Europe and in the Middle-East. This responsibility has continued thereafter. He has often visited and served at the OCA's Representation Church of Saint Catherine the Great Martyr in Moscow.

Vladyka Irénée serving at the Saint Seraphim Skete Chapel, Rawdon, Québec

On 25 November, 2012, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) served at the Representation Church (Podvoriye) of the OCA in Moscow, Saint Catherine-in-the-Fields. Serving with him were : Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach), the Representative of The Orthodox Church in America, and also with Priest John Kechkin, Priest Kronid Kalashnikov (a longtime friend of the Monastery of the Pskov Caves Monastery), Archpriest Andrew Tregubov and Deacons Dmitry Hasratyan, Alexei Cherkasov and Cyril Dotsenko.

At the podvoriye in Moscow, Russia

On 17 February, 2013, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) and Archbishop Benjamin (Peterson) were sent in order to represent The Orthodox Church in America along with representatives of the world’s Orthodox Churches at the Divine Liturgy in Beirut, Lebanon. The new patriarch, John X (Yazigi), presided at the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy on this occasion, which celebrated his official enthronement in Damascus, Syria, a week earlier. The dangerous political situation in Syria required the moving of his serving with international Orthodox representatives to Lebanon.

Nomination to be Bishop of Ottawa and Canada, 2014

At the Spring Meeting of the Archdiocesan Council in Ottawa in 2014, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) was nominated to be a candidate for Diocesan Bishop of Ottawa.

Archpastoral visit by Bishop Irénée (Rochon) to part of the Alberta Deanery, 2014

From 7-10 June, 2014, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) made an archpastoral visitation to the Alberta Deanery of the Archdiocese of Canada (including the Saint Elias parish at Pakan).

On 7 June, 2014, on the Feast of Penecost, Vladyka Irénée presided at the Vigil service for Pentecost at Saint Herman of Alaska's Sobor in Edmonton.

Serving together with Bishop Irénée at the vigil were were Archpriest Phillip Eriksson (Dean of Alberta) ; Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) (OCA Representative to the Patriarch of Russia) ; Archimandrite Philip (Speranza) (Rector of Holy Trinity Church in Edmonton) ; Igumen Gerasim (Power) (Rector of Saint Elias Church at Pakan) ; Priest Vincent Lehr (Priest-in-Charge of Saint Herman of Alaska's Sobor) ; Priest Daniel Friesen (Priest-in-Charge of Saints Peter and Paul Church at Dickie Bush), along with other local and guest clergy from around the deanery.

At Saint Herman of Alaska's Sobor

At this time, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) presented several clerics with the Paschal awards of that year. Priest Vincent Lehr was awarded the Gold Cross ; Priest Michael Schaplowsky was awarded the Purple Kamilavka.

Awarding the Gold Cross

On 8 June, the Feast of Pentecost, Vladyka Irénée presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Church in Edmonton.

On 9 June, Holy Spirit Day, Vladyka Irénée presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Saints Peter and Paul Church at Dickie Bush. Serving together with him were Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) ; Archimandrite Philip (Speranza) ; Archimandrite Gerasim (Power) ; Archpriest Phillip Eriksson ; Priest Daniel Friesen ; Priest Alexy (Surayev) ; Protodeacon Jesse Isaac ; Subdeacon Andrey Boldireff ; Reader Timofiy Hawrish. During the Divine Liturgy, the Priest Daniel Friesen was awarded the Purple Kamilavka.

At Saints Peter and Paul, Dickie Bush

On 10 June, Vladyka Irénée presided at a Moleben and Memorial Litiya at Saint Elias' Temple at Pakan. Following these services, there was a reception in the parish hall.

At Saint Elias, Pakan

In Kyiv, Ukraine, for the enthronement of Metropolitan Onufry, 2014

On 17 August, 2014, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) was present in Kyiv, Ukraine, where he had been sent in order to represent The Orthodox Church in America at the enthronement of the new primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Onufry (Berezovskiy). Representing the OCA together with him were Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach), Archpriest Wiaczeslaw Krawczuk, and Protodeacon Nazari Polataiko.

Archdiocesan Assembly nominates Bishop Irénée (Rochon) to be Bishop of Ottawa and Canada, 2014

At the Archdiocesan Assembly on Thursday, 2 October, 2014, in Gatineau, Québec, following the resolution of the Archdiocesan Council (acting as the Episcopal Search Committee), the assembly voted in favour of presenting Bishop Irénée (Rochon) to the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America, as the nominated candidate for canonical election to the vacant Archiepiscopal See of Ottawa and Canada.

Bishop of Ottawa and Canada, 2014

On 21 October, 2014, the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America, meeting at Oyster Bay Cove, New York, elected Bishop Irénée (Rochon) to become the Bishop of Ottawa and Canada. Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard) (the Locum Tenens of the archdiocese) wrote a letter and directed the diocese to begin immediately to commemorate Bishop Irénée (Rochon) as such (the custom is usually to use the title "Bishop-Elect" until the actual installation).

On 30 November, 2014, at the Annunciation Cathedral in Ottawa, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) was installed/enthroned to be the Bishop of Ottawa and the Archdiocese of Canada. Present in the midst of the cathedral on this occasion was a "spisok" (a copy that was blessed upon the original) of the Wonder-working Icon of the Theotokos, Abbess of Mount Athos, and a holy relic of Saint Gabriel of Mount Athos. Both had been sent from Ukraine as a blessing to the Canadian Archdiocese.

Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard) presided over the Primatial Divine Liturgy at the cathedral. He was assisted by Archbishop Nathaniel (Popp) (Romanian Episcopate), Bishop Michael (Dahulich) (Diocese of New York and New Jersey), Bishop David (Mahaffey) (Diocese of Alaska), Bishop Alexander (Mufarrij) (Antiochian Archdiocese), Bishop Job (Smakouz) (Moscow Patriarchate), Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru) (Romanian Archdiocese), Bishop Irénée (Rochon), 31 priests, and 6 deacons. At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the official letters and announcements were read. With the accustomed exhortation, Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard) gave Vladyka Irénée (Rochon) the pastoral staff that reveals his pastoral authority. Then, Bishop Irénée was sent to the episcopal ambo in the midst of the cathedral to bless all those present (and with them the whole archdiocese) in the 4 cardinal directions. Afterwards, the people came to him to greet him and to receive the blessing. A catered meal for a large number of people was served afterwards in the cathedral's newly-renovated lower hall.

Archbishop of Ottawa and Canada, 2015

On 20 March, 2015, the Holy Synod of Bishops elevated Bishop Irénée to the dignity of archbishop.

On 18 June, 2015, Patriarch Irinej (Gavrilović) of Serbia was making his pastoral visit to Montréal, Québec. Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) was present at the Vespers and meal which followed. He was accompanied by the Chancellor, Archpriest Anatoliy Melnyk, Archpriest Gregory Nimijean, and Deacon Justin Mitchell. Also present was Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru), Vicar-Bishop for the Romanian Patriarchate in Canada.

Celebrating the Millennium of the Repose of Saint Vladimir, Moscow, 2015

In July, 2015, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) was in Moscow, Russia, in order to represent The Orthodox Church in America at the 1,000th anniversary of the repose of Saint Prince Vladimir of Kyiv. On Sunday, 26 July, with the blessing of Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev), Vladyka Irénée served at the Saint Catherine Representation Church, together with Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach). Afterwards, he attended the blessing of a new chapel of Saint Vladimir, and the opening ceremonies of the anniversary at the Moscow Kremlin. On 27 July, after having visited several monasteries and venerated the holy relics of several saints, Vladyka Irénée and the others in the delegation went to the patriarch's working residence to participate in the first formal events. On Tuesday, 28 July, Vladyka Irénée, together with Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) and Archpriest Nazari Polataiko served at the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy in Christ the Saviour Cathedral in celebration of the anniversary.

Archbishop Irénée, Patriarch Kirill, Archimandrite Alexander, Archpriest Nazari

2015 Anniversary at Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Moscow

On 8 November, 2015, Archbishop Irénée participated in a concelebration with Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) at the Archangels Michael and Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church in Montréal, Québec, on the Altar Feast-day of that parish.

On 15 May, 2016, during a visit to Romania, Archbishop Irénée celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Putnei Hermitage Monastery in northern Bucovina (in the Moldavian region of Romania). More than 500 people attended the service.

On 6 August, 2016, on the Feast-day of the Transfiguration of Christ, at the Metamorphosis Greek Orthodox Church in Toronto, Ontario, Archbishop Irénée concelebrated with Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Canada. Also serving together with them were the Priest Charalambos Elles, rector of the Metamorphosis parish, the Archpriest Geoffrey Ready, the Archpriest Bohdan Hladio (Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada), and the Archpriest Ignatios Delis. Following the Liturgy, Metropolitan Sotirios presented Archbishop Irénée with a special panagia set with a Canadian design featuring red maple leaves.

Enthronement of Serbian Bishop Mitrofan (Kodić), September, 2016

On 18 September, 2016, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) was a concelebrant at the enthronement of Bishop Mitrofan (Kodić) as the new ruling Bishop of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Canada. This service took place at the All Serbian Saints Serbian Orthodox Church in Mississauga, Ontario. Patriarch Irinej (Gavrilović) presided at the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy, together with Vladyka Irénée and 8 other bishops, as well as more than 50 priests.

Enthronement Liturgy of Bishop Mitrofan (Kodić), 2016

Celebrations in Tikhvin, Moscow, Saint Petersburg, 2017

On 2/15 February, 2017, on the Feast-day of the Presentation of the Lord, Archbishop Irénée co-served the Divine Liturgy with Bishop Mstislav (Diachina) of Tikhvin in the Holy Virgin Protection Church of the Tikhvin Assumption Monastery. The monastery is to the east of Saint Petersburg, Russia. Also serving with the bishops were Hieromonk Nikolai (Bestuzhev), Press Secretary of the Diocese of Tikhvin ; Hieromonk Benedict (Shustov) ; Hieromonk Mina (Beryoza) ; Hieromonk Gamaliel (Zilberfine) ; Priest Nikolai Yakovlev, and Protodeacon Georgy Stefanov. A choir under the direction of D Zhuikov sang during the service. During this service, there was a special prayer for peace in Ukraine. At the end of the service, Bishop Mstislav read the speech of Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) of Moscow and All Russia on the occasion of the celebration of the Day of Orthodox Youth.

On 19 February, 2017, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) visited and served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in Saint Catherine’s OCA Representation Church in Moscow, Russia. During this service, also serving were the Archpriest Valentin Vasechko, the Archpriest Christopher Hill, the Priest Andrei Tregubov, the assistant priests, and Deacon Nicolas Svetlovsky. During the Divine Liturgy, there was a special prayer for peace in Ukraine. The service was offered in the Church Slavonic and English languages.

On 21 February, 2017, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) travelled to Saint Petersburg, Russia, where he visited the Saint Petersburg Theological Academy. He was met by the secretary of the rector of the Theological Academy, the Priest Alexander Kuznetsov, and the head of the International Department, N V Kolesnikov. During the tour, Vladyka Irénée examined the church archaeological museum, a reading room, the library, and 2 chapels (Temples) located in the main building. One is named in honour of the Dormition of the Theotokos, and the other in honour of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian. In order to become at least briefly acquainted with the students, and to see how the classes are proceeding, Vladyka went to the audience of the 3B course, where at that time there was a lecture on the subject "Russian Patrology".

Archdiocesan assembly, Edmonton, 2017

From 25-28 July, 2017, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) presided for the first time at the triennial Archdiocesan Assembly, and at the Clergy Synaxis which preceded it, in Edmonton, Alberta. At this assembly, Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard) was also present.

2017 Archdiocesan Assembly

On Saturday, 16 December, 2017, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) was in Mississauga, Ontario, at All Saints of Serbia Orthodox Cathedral, in order to concelebrate at a pan-Orthodox Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. He served along with Bishop Mitrophan (Kodic) of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, and other bishops, before the holy relics of the newly-glorified Serbian saint, Saint Mardarije (Uskokovic) of Libertyville (Illinois).

On Sunday, 15 July, 2018, in the Temple of the Theotokos, Joy of Canada, at All Saints of North America Monastery at Dewdney, British Columbia, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Archbishop Lazar (Puhalo) and Bishop Varlaam (Novakshonoff) were present. During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) ordained the subdeacon Mircea Markel Tihon to the Holy Diaconate. Deacon Mircea was assigned to serve at the monastery.

Ordination photo

40th anniversary of the Holy Priesthood, 2018

On Sunday, 12 August, 2018, at Saints Peter & Paul Sobor in Montréal, Québec, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood. He was greeted in the customary fashion with bread and salt by George Kutchugura, and by the head of the Sisterhood of Saint Catherine, and by the Mitred Archpriest Anatoliy Melnyk with the Holy Cross. He then led the serving of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Temple together with the Mitred Archpriests Anatoliy Melnyk and Alexander Janowski, the Archpriest Stelian Liabotis, the Priest Gleb Melnyk, and the Deacon Dmitry Belyaykov.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, there was a special celebratory meal served in the hall, together with the presentation of a special cake, and with many congratulatory speeches.

Greeting

Divine Liturgy

Reception

This celebration was in the midst of a long and very active summer of pastoral visitations, which also included his presence in Missouri Saint Louis, Missouri, for the 19th All-American Council on 23-27 July, 2018.

Vladyka Irénée (Rochon)

(l to r) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral), Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) in Rawdon, Québec, skete

10th Anniversary of the Holy Episcopate, 2019

On 6 October, 2019, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) visited the Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Ottawa. On this occasion, he and the parishioners marked the 10th anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Episcopate in this same Temple. There was a special celebratory dinner that followed in the lower hall of the cathedral.

On 23 February, 2020, Archbishop Irénée made a pastoral visit to Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor in Vancouver, British Columbia. Following the Divine Liturgy, the parish celebrated the 70th birthday of Arthur Kostiha. Arthur had been starosta of the parish for 16 years, and he had served in various capacities on the parish council for several decades as well. There are videos of this occasion here.

Covid-19 virus complications, 2020

Very soon after this pastoral visit, the Covid-19 virus arrived in Canada. This was quickly followed by very many restrictions on attendance at services across the country (depending on the current provincial rules), and on inter-provincial as well as international travel. As time progressed, the travel restrictions included travel from certain parts of a province to another. In addition, he was unable to attend the usual meetings in the USA because of the prolonged closure of the international border. This situation persisted far into 2021, and Vladyka Irénée was unable to travel.

Episcopal ordination of Bishop Bartholomew (Mostratos), 2020

On Saturday, 25 July, 2020 (when some of the restrictions about assemblies were eased), Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) participated with Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas), Bishop Alexander (Mufarrij) and Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru) in the ordination of Bishop-elect Nektarios (Mostratos) of Keramon at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross in Laval, Québec. At the time of the ordination, the name of Bishop Nektarios was changed to Bishop Bartholomew (Mostratos). This ordination was followed soon afterwards by the ordination of 2 other Vicar-Bishops for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, and the names of these bishops were likewise changed at the time of their ordination.

Episcopal ordination of Bishop Bartholomew (Mostratos), 2020

2020-2021 Coronavirus-19 pandemic

During the time of the 2020-2021 Coronavirus 19 pandemic, in accordance with the rules governing gatherings that were laid down by the provincial and city governments, the parishes of the archdiocese stopped the serving of public services after 8 March, 2020. Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) required that the civilian rules be obeyed, including the rules regarding social distancing, and the decreasing numbers permitted for any gathering. This situation continued until the legal lifting of the restrictions. These measures are similar to those that had been taken in the past, in various parts of the Orthodox world, during the time of a plague. Parishes were able to resume liturgical services in the summertime, but with the conditions of social-distancing, mask-wearing, and hand-sanitising. This situation continued for the remainder of the year, and into 2021.

Archpastoral visitation in Great Lent to Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Toronto, Ontario, 2023

On Sunday, 19 March, 2023, the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross in Great Lent, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) visited Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Toronto. On this day, Vladyka Irénée presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, during which he was assisted by Deacon Denis Letunovsky and the parish clergy.

During the hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Sam Jbeily (the cathedral treasurer) was tonsured to be a Reader. At the end of Divine Liturgy, Archpriest John Shandra received congratulations from the archbishop and the parishioners on the 30th anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood.

Archbishop Irénée arriving (left) ; Father Vasily prepared to greet Vladyka (right)

Sam Jbeily is tonsured to be a Reader

Vladyka Irénée and parishioners

Faithful receiving the Holy Mysteries (left) ; Vladyka Irénée and the clergy (right)

Vladyka Irénée visits Saint Peter & Saint Paul Church in Chahor, Alberta, 2024

On 15 September, 2024, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) visited the Temple of Saints Peter and Paul at Chahor, Alberta. The visit was to mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the parish in 1924.

During the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Vladyka Irénée was assisted by Archpriest Vitalie Manoli ; Protodeacon Jesse Isaac ; and Protodeacon Edward K Jordan.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Vladyka Irénée presented a gramota from the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America on the occasion of the centennial anniversary.

Presenting the Synodal Gramota

Parishioners at the centennial festival

Archbishop Irénée Concelebrates with Serbian Patriarch, 2024

On Saturday, 5 October, 2024, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) concelebrated the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy with Patriarch Porfirije (Perić) of the Serbian Orthodox Church, at Holy Trinity Serbian Church in Montréal, Québec, on its 70th anniversary. He had been invited to participate by Bishop Mitrofan (Kodić) of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Canada.

Vladyka Irénée served together with Patriarch Porfirije, Bishop Mitrofan, 3 other bishops, and many priests, and deacons.

During the Divine Liturgy

Archbishop Irénée visits Prisons in British Columbia, 2025

On 27-28 June, 2025, Archbishop Irenée made a pastoral visit to inmates at Mission and Mountain Institutions in Mission. and Agassiz, British Columbia, respectively. His visit marked a significant, and joyful occasion for the Orthodox Christian community behind prison walls.

The archbishop was accompanied by Father Mircea Tihon, who ministers regularly to Orthodox inmates at Mission Institution. The 2 visited with inmates in the Chapels at both Mission Medium and Mission Minimum Institutions, and they offered spiritual encouragement and pastoral care, not only to Orthodox inmates, but to other friends and inquirers from amongst the population.

At Mountain Institution on Saturday, Archbishop Irénée tonsured one inmate, Moses, as a Reader, and another, Emiliano, as an altar-server for the weekly Sunday liturgies served by Father Richard René and sung by his wife Matushka Jaime.

Following the tonsuring and blessing, Father Richard served a Communion Service (not the Divine Liturgy) so that the newly-tonsured inmates could partake of the Body and Blood of Christ.

Afterwards, Vladyka spent time in open discussion with the group, which included both Orthodox Christian and non-Orthodox inmates. Topics ranged from theological matters (such as the importance of knowing and drawing inspiration from the lives of the Saints) to practical concerns, particularly the difficulties many offenders face when attempting to reintegrate into parish life after release.

The archbishop’s willingness to listen and speak candidly was deeply appreciated by all present. His visit reminded those inside that they remain part of the broader Church, and that they are not forgotten. Those in service to those in prison are always grateful to Vladyka for taking time out of his demanding schedule to be with them. His pastoral presence brings hope, connection, and encouragement to Orthodox Christians living in incarceration, and his visits continue to be a source of great spiritual strength (Matthew 25:39).

Blessing prayers

— Bishop of Québec City 2009-2014. Preceded by : The See was created. Succeeded by : ____.

— Vicar-Bishop of the Archdiocese of Canada 2009-2014. Preceded by : Bishop Seraphim (Storheim).

— Administrator of the Archdiocese of Canada 2010-2014. Preceded by : Bishop Seraphim (Storheim).

— Bishop of Ottawa and the Archdiocese of Canada 2014-2015. Preceded by : Bishop Seraphim (Storheim).

— Archbishop of Ottawa and the Archdiocese of Canada 2015-____. Preceded by : Archbishop Seraphim (Storheim). Succeeded by : ____.

References

Wyrwoll, Nikolaus ed., Orthodoxia 2014-2015" (Regensburg : Ostkirchliches Institut, 2015). ISBN 978-7245-1959-1.

Orthodoxwiki biography

Russian Wikipedia biography

Drevo Encyclopaedia biography

OCA listing

Archdiocese of Canada listing

Annunciation Cathedral biography

Orthodox Research Institute biography

Wikiwand biography (in Russian)

Additional information :

Wikipedia : Archidiocèse du Canada

Eglise orthodoxe de Saint-Benoît-de-Nursie, Montréal, Québec

'EIS POLLA ETI, DESPOTA ! Many years, Vladyka !' article about the episcopal ordination in the newspaper "Orthodox Faith", no. 23, (October, 2009), pp. 1-7. (in Russian)

"Archimandrite Irenee (Rochon) consecrated Bishop of Quebec City" OCA news article, 2009

L’évêque Irénée de Québec élu archevêque orthodoxe du Canada (La Croix, le 05/11/2014)

Enthronement Photos (29 November, 2014)

Pravmir article about the enthronement

Mgr Irénée intronisé au Siège d’Ottawa et du Canada

Intronisation de Mgr Irénée (Rochon) comme archevêque du Canada de l’Eglise orthodoxe en Amérique (ÉOA)

Bishop Irénée enthroned to See of Ottawa and Canada (OCA article)

Metropolitan Vitaly (Ustinov)

Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral)

Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor)

Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen)

Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard)