Archdiocesan Assembly-2001 - Edmonton - July 24-27 2001

Archdiocesan Assembly, Edmonton, Alberta, 24-27 July, 2001

On 24-27 July, 2001, the Triennial Archdiocesan Assembly was convened at Saint Herman of Alaska Sobor in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This parish, together with neighbouring parishes, were hosts for this assembly. The main meetings were held in the nearby (short walking-distance) Continental Inn Hotel. The theme of this assembly was “The Missionary Millennium”

Saint Herman of Alaska Sobor

Continental Inn

The principal speaker at this assembly was Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, Dean of Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York. His words dealt with spiritual healing (ancient and modern), and he included a comparison with modern recovery, counselling, and self-help movements.

Father Hopko (who was at that time also Priest-in-Charge of Saint Sergius Chapel at Labelle, Québec in the summertime) averred that “there is no health, wholeness, sanctity, godliness, discernment, etc., without knowledge of, and communion with the true God”. He made many other constructive, insightful, and helpful comments for the strengthening of those present.

Present as an honoured guest was Archbishop Mark (Petrovtsiy), head of the Moscow Patriarchate Parishes in Canada. Also present were representatives of Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) (de-facto benefactor of the Canadian Archdiocese) and the Central Administration of The Orthodox Church in America (Protopresbyter Robert Kondratick, Archpriest David Brum, Archpriest John Dresko).

Included in the activities of the assembly's meetings were educational and recreative activities for a notable number of young people who were present. They were led by Brenda Machnee, and they had their own sessions with Father Hopko, and with Professor Richard Schneider.

In addition to the necessary formal considerations (including some changes to the By-laws), the assembly itself met in special sessions. These included a panel response to Father Hopko's major presentation ; a panel-discussion about "Living Counter-culture" (led by Ted Byfield, with Merv Schafer, Lawrence Gunter, and Prof. Richard Schneider) ; an exercise about communication and network ; a consideration of Liturgical Music ; a panel-discussion about evangelisation (Brent Applegate, Calgary ; James N Davis, Saskatoon ; Father Rodion Luciuk, Yorkton) ; a consideration of "The Missionary Parish (Priest Lawrence Farley, Langley, BC ; Kaleeg Hainsworth, a seminarian; Lehr, Edmonton ; Rod Tkachuk, Edmonton).

The customary banquet was served at the "Muttart Conservatory" in the downtown river-valley location.

Muttart Conservatory

The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Friday was served at Saint Herman's Sobor by Bishop Seraphim (Storheim), Archbishop Mark (Petrovtsiy), the visiting clergy, and the senior clergy of the diocese.

Archdiocesan Council

The Assembly determined (through acclamation and election) the membership of the Archdiocesan Council for the following 3 years :

Chancellor : Archpriest Dennis Pihach

Eastern Secretary : Protodeacon Cyprian Hutcheon

Western Secretary : Protodeacon Andrew Piasta

Treasurer : Nikita Lopoukhine

Clergy representatives : Archpriest Lawrence Farley, Dean of British Columbia ; Priest Larry Reinheimer, Alberta ; Priest Rodion Luciuk, Assistant Dean of Saskatchewan ; Priest Robert S Kennaugh, Dean of Manitoba ; Priest James Griggs, Ontario ; Igumen Irénée (Rochon), Québec.

Lay representatives : Rod Tkachuk, Alberta ; David Grier, Saskatchewan ; David Rystephanuk, Manitoba ; Geoffrey Korz, Ontario ; Dr John Hadjinicolaou, Québec ; Denis Lessard, Québec.

Throughout this term, Nun Sophia (Zion) served as recording secretary for most of the meetings, especially of the Archdiocesan Council. She served with focus, love, and intelligence in this capacity for many, many years.

After the conclusion of the sessions of the Assembly, on Friday, 27 July, those who were able boarded 2 buses, and they journeyed to the northeast of Edmonton for a tour of some of the oldest parishes and Temples in the archdiocese (see article “Assembly Pilgrims visit Heritage Churches”, pp. 7-8) : to Holy Transfiguration, Star; the Memorial near Holy Trinity, Stary Wostok, of the first Divine Liturgy ; Saints Peter and Paul, Dickie Bush ; Holy Trinity, Smoky Lake ; Holy Dormition, Shandro ; Holy Trinity, Sunland ; Nativity of the Theotokos, Kysylew ; Holy Ascension, Skaro.

The visits were characterised by warm hospitality, and it was so engaging that the visit was prolonged past midnight.

Memorial monument at the Stary Wostok Cemetery