Chilliwack BC The Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission 2014

Chilliwack, British Columbia, Mission of the Holy Apostles, 2014

First missionary activity, 2014

This Mission of the Holy Apostles in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada, is a Mission of the Archdiocese of Canada, under the spiritual care of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) of Ottawa and Canada, of The Orthodox Church in America.

When the Priest Matthew Francis, his wife Krista and their son Basil moved from Edmonton, Alberta to Chilliwack, British Columbia because of his work, it was clear to them and others that it was both appropriate and necessary to try to establish an English-speaking Orthodox Christian worshipping community towards the east end of the "Lower Mainland". A small group of dedicated Orthodox Christians gathered round Father Matthew, and they quickly began to worship together and to pray together. It was because they made it a priority in their lives to worship the Lord that the community was able to be established quickly in this city.

On 7-8 February, 2015, the first services of the mission station of the Holy Apostles were offered. Vespers was served on Saturday, and the Divine Liturgy was served on Sunday. Following the Divine Liturgy, the members of the interim Mission Council were blessed. This group of parishioners had previously worked together with Father Matthew in order to organise and establish the community. The Lord had provided many competent and gifted persons for the establishment and development of the mission.

Developing the mission

Already in 2015, on 26-29 June, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) made a pastoral visit to the mission. Concelebrating clergy included Priest Matthew Francis ; Priest Richard René ; Priest Leonard Herrem ; Protodeacon Jesse Isaac ; Deacon Phillip Ptashnik ; Subdeacon Barnabas Neufeld ; Subdeacon Paul Bartlett ; Subdeacon Ryan (Tikhon) Bishop. During the Divine Liturgy, 3 members of the Mission Station were tonsured to serve as Readers in the holy Orthodox Church, and Father Richard René was awarded the Gold Cross. Several guests from other neighbouring parishes were also present for the special visit.

2015 Hierarchical visit

On 6 December, 2015, on the Feast-day of Saint Nicholas of Myra, the first Baptism in the life of the community took place.

In 2016, the mission was still in the early stages of establishing an Orthodox Church presence in Chilliwack, British Columbia, and in that year numbered about 15 households.

However, already in that year, the Holy Apostles Mission in Chilliwack was grateful to God as the parishioners welcomed the main structure of its iconostas, which was installed 27 May, 2016. Built from solid beech wood by the Saskatoon Orthodox craftsman and carver Tony Machnee, the iconostas would later be adorned with iconography. The Royal Doors and Deacons' Doors of the iconostas would be completed at a later time. A second-generation iconostas builder, Tony's father, Ben Machnee, has completed extensive programmes of Church wood-work across North America. Father Matthew Francis expressed his gratitude for the support of the Archdiocese of Canada, which is committed to assisting mission parishes. "We are truly grateful for the blessing of His Eminence, Archbishop Irénée, and to all our brothers and sisters in Christ, across Canada. Without this support, we would not have been able to begin this undertaking". (The archdiocese commits a portion of its annual budget to assisting local missions.) In fact, the mission from the first made it a priority to send immediately to the archdiocese 10% of every gift that comes to the mission. This reflects the importance of first-portion giving in the foundation of the life of the parishioners and of the parish.

Archpastoral visitation of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), 2017

On 16 April, 2017, on the Feast of Pascha, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) visited the Holy Apostles Mission in Chilliwack. At the home of a parishioner who lives near Chilliwack, in the presence of the archbishop Father Matthew Francis, Deacon Nicolas Svetlovsky and Subdeacon Barry Neufeld served Paschal Vespers outdoors.

Chapel

Chapel with iconostas

Parishioners

Blessing water outdoors

Gift of an icon by Heiko Schlieper, 2017

In September, 2017, Archbishop Lazar (Puhalo) of the Monastery of All Saints graciously gave Father Matthew a copy of an original icon by Heiko Schlieper, which was then mounted over the entrance door to the mission's chapel. This copy was printed on metal for durability and permanence, so that it may bear witness to the truth of Jesus Christ – God with us.

Christ the Saviour Icon for the entrance door

Gift of Holy Relics of the Holy Apostle James, 2019

On Saturday, 19 October, 2019, at Great Vespers, Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission received from Archbishop Lazar (Puhalo) and the Monastery of All Saints of North America at Dewdney, British Columbia, a portion of the Sacred Relics of the Holy Apostle James, the "Brother of the Lord" (son of Joseph the Betrothed), first Bishop of Jerusalem. These Holy Relics were given with the blessing of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon). After the service, a tea reception was offered to those present.

Announcement about the reception of Holy Relics

2020-2021 Coronavirus-19 virus restrictions on parishes

In early 2020, the Covid-19 virus made its appearance in Canada, and it quickly became a world-wide pandemic. Because of the rules governing gatherings that were laid down by the provincial and city governments, the parish stopped any further services after 8 March, 2020. Including the rules regarding social distancing, the decreasing numbers permitted for any gathering, and the considerations regarding the health of all concerned, this and other parishes were required to close for a time.

As elsewhere, there was some controversy about the legal requirements.

Iconostas and Holy Altar

Members of Holy Apostles, Chilliwack Bless the Fraser River

On Sunday, 12 January, 2025, following the Divine Liturgy, Priest Matthew Francis led the Faithful of Holy Apostles Orthodox Church in serving the Theophany Great Blessing of Water at the Fraser River.

Blessed with a bright and sunny afternoon, the clergy and Faithful ventured to Island 22 Park, on the banks of the mighty Fraser River, where the Great Blessing of Water was served.

The day concluded with a festive "Winter Picnic", around the riverside pavilion.

Parishioners at blessing the Fraser River

10th anniversary of the parish, 2025

On Sunday, 29 June, 2025, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) served the Hierarchical Festal Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Holy Apostles Saints Peter & Paul in this parish.

The feast-day coincided with the 10th anniversary celebrations of the parish, and the Temple was filled to capacity for this momentous Divine Liturgy.

At the Little Entrance, there was a pause, during which clergy awards were bestowed, with the prayers read by the archbishop. The Rector of the Holy Apostles Parish, Father Matthew Francis, was elevated to the dignity of archpriest, as was Father Edward Jordan (of Saint Aidan’s Church, Cranbrook) ; Father Mircea Tihon (of All Saints Monastery, Dewdney), was awarded the right to wear the Kamilavka ; and Deacon Evan Freeman (of Saint John of Shanghai Church, North Vancouver) was elevated to the dignity of protodeacon.

The Festal Divine Liturgy concluded with a Cross-procession around the Temple, and the reading of the Holy Gospel.

Father Matthew Francis thanked Vladyka Irénée for leading the congregation in the Divine Liturgy, and he welcomed also the visiting clergy and Faithful.

Additional clergy serving included Mitred Archpriest Phillip Eriksson (Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Canada and Rector of Saint Peter the Aleut Church, Calgary, Alberta) ; Priest Symeon Price (Nicholas Mission, Kamloops) ; Protodeacon Jesse Isaac (Saint Olga of Alaska Mission, Edmonton, Alberta) ; Deacon Paul Loboda (Holy Apostles, Chilliwack). Assisting also were Subdeacon Jordan Eriksson (Saint Peter the Aleut, Calgary, Alberta) ; and Subdeacon Terrence Yendall (Holy Apostles Church, Chilliwack). The singing was led by Matushka Krista Francis.

Following the conclusion of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, a festive meal was enjoyed in Saint Paul’s Hall.

Particular parish information

This mission parish is a part of the Deanery of British Columbia & Yukon, of the Archdiocese of Canada, of The Orthodox Church in America. The dean is the Mitred Archpriest Michael Fourik. The bishop is Archbishop Irénée (Rochon).

The mission follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of the mission is the Feast of the Holy Apostles, 30 June.

In 2025, the pastor is the Priest Matthew Francis (the founding pastor).

Address of worship services :

Holy Apostles Orthodox Christian Mission

at

Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church

South Building

8871, School Street

Chilliwack, British Columbia

V2P 4L5

E-mail : orthodoxchilliwack@gmail.com

Web-site : http://www.orthodoxchilliwack.org

Facebook

Directions :

The mission is in the city of Chilliwack, British Columbia, which is 110 km (60 mi) east of Vancouver, on the Trans-Canada Highway. The place of worship is found to the south of the Trans-Canada Highway (#1), near the Vedder Road and Yale Road exit.

From Vancouver, follow Trans-Canada Highway east to Evans Road in Chilliwack. Take the Evans Road exit from Trans-Canada Highway and continue on Evans Road. Then take Bernard Avenue to School Street.

From Hope, drive west on the Trans-Canada Highway to Young Road in Chilliwack. Take exit 120 from the Trans-Canada Highway, and continue on Young Road. Drive to School Street.

Mailing address :

Holy Apostles Orthodox Christian Mission

c/o 9530, Menzies Street

Chilliwack, British Columbia

V2P 5Z5

Priest Matthew Francis

Telephone : 604-845-1063

E-mails : orthodoxchilliwack@gmail.com ; matthewwilliamglennfrancis@gmail.com