Glace Bay (Cape Breton) NS Saint Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Mission 2023

Glace Bay (Cape Breton) NS Saint Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Mission 2023

Saint Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Mission, Glace Bay, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, 2023

Prehistory

In the early years of the 20th century, there was an Orthodox Christian presence in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. This presence was primarily in Sydney, where [Slavs] immigrated in order to find work (primarily in the coal-production industry). For a time, the North American “Russian Mission” sent priests to Sydney to serve this community. However, with time, and the vicissitudes of business, this presence came to an end.

Nevertheless, Greek-speakers have maintained a presence in this region for many decades, albeit their number has always been small. They have been served periodically by the priests who were serving at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

History of Saints Anargyroi Church

As early as 1932, the Greek Orthodox Priests of Saint George Church in Halifax had the responsibility for the spiritual care of the Greek Orthodox who lived in Glace Bay on Cape Breton.

Since 1952 the Greek community on Cape Breton Island has had their own Temple on Marconi Street in Glace Bay, dedicated to the Saints Anargyroi.

The Saints Anargyroi were 2 physicians named Cosmas and Damian, who were well-known for their healing powers, which they gave freely, that is, without charge. This is the meaning of “Anargyroi”.

Saints Cosmas and Damian of Rome

Although this is not the reason for the name of the community, it is true that the small Greek community on Cape Breton Island cannot and could not afford to maintain a full-time priest.

The Greek Orthodox priest based in Halifax has customarily visited the community 7 or 8 times each year to serve the Divine Liturgy, and any other sacramental or prayer services. 1 July (Canada Day), is the Altar Feast-day for Saints Cosmas and Damian. This is one occasion when the priest from Halifax always makes a special effort to be with the parishioners of Saints Anargyroi in Glace Bay.

The decision to build a Greek Orthodox Church on Cape Breton took years of planning. It was Mr. George Markadonis, more than any other individual, who helped the project begin by donating a piece of his own land in Glace Bay for a Greek Orthodox church. After Mr. Markadonis’ repose in Christ in 1947, the whole Greek-Canadian community in Cape Breton worked together to raise funds.

In 1962-1963, the original small church was expanded and almost doubled in size, to its present capacity of about 80 people.

There is a story that when the original Saints Anargyroi Church was being built, in line with Greek custom, a rooster was killed on the corner of the foundation. To remember the work, and the dedication of George Markadonis, his picture was hung in the basement hall of the Temple.

Saint Anargyroi Church in 1952 (before expansion)

For many years, Father Theodore Efthemiadis travelled to Glace Bay regularly, as did his successor Priest Panagiotis (Peter) Maropoulos. until his health difficulties made it impossible. Every effort was made to provide Greek Orthodox services for the Faithful who remained there, despite the fact that their number had diminished because of age, and depopulation because of lack of work.

The drive from Halifax to Glace Bay, in modern times, takes a little less than 7 hours to cover the distance of 422 km (262 mi). In former times, travel would have been easier (weather permitting) by boat.

The beginning of new missionary activity

A century after the first attempts, a family from Cape Breton entered the Orthodox Christian Church at Saint Vladimir of Kiev Orthodox Church in Halifax. This event opened the door for others in Cape Breton to be introduced to the Orthodox Christian Faith.

Establishing the Mission

When Archimandrite David (Edwards) became the pastor of Saint Vladimir’s, it was he that received the previously-mentioned family into the Orthodox Christian Church. Subsequently, although the family did manage sometimes to travel to Halifax, he conceived the understanding that he, too, might occasionally travel to them.

Then, in 2023, Father David felt that it was time (and also possible) to establish a mission in Cape Breton.

With the blessing of Vladika Irénée (Rochon), Archbishop of Ottawa and Canada, the first Divine Liturgy was served on 6 August, 2023. This service was attended by 17 people, 5 of whom had driven up with Father David from Halifax to help sing and serve.

Archimandrite David (Edwards) and the community

The mission was named in honour of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, and in memory of the late husband of Mary, Pemberton who was named Seraphim in Holy Baptism.

After this initial service in 2023, 9 Divine Liturgies were served in Cape Breton, even during hurricanes, power outages, and snow-storms. Because of the great distance from Halifax, it was a challenge for clergy to travel there and to serve on a more regular basis (not to ignore the fact of sometimes very difficult weather).

Even with these challenges, the dedication of the parishioners of the parish of Saint Vladimir in Halifax to support and help build up the mission, along with the fervent prayers of the faithful in Cape Breton continues to bring forth fruit.

At first, the Faithful of the mission found a semi-permanent home in renting an old United Church, and they started to gather for Typika services every Sunday.

Official mission

By August, 2024, the number of people who had responded to the light of the Orthodox Christian Faith in Cape Breton had increased enough that Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) blessed the community to be known as an official mission in the Archdiocese of Canada.

At the Divine Liturgy that was served on 25 August, 2024, 5 more catechumens were added bringing the number to 10 adults (not counting all the children). More than 30 people living in Cape Breton attended the Divine Liturgy, and the fellowship gathering afterwards.

Archpriest Stelian Liabotis and the community

In May, 2025, 9 more persons were baptised into the Orthodox Faith.

Father Stelian receives catecumens

It was reported that this has been able to come to pass despite Divine Liturgies being served only once monthly when a priest visits from Halifax.

the mission was founded to evangelize the peoples of Cape Breton Island. It is already succeeding in that, and this past May nine converts were baptized. This is able to happen despite liturgies being served only once monthly when a priest visits from Halifax.

Bereavement

Archimandrite David (Edwards), priest-in-charge of the mission, continued to serve this community (with the help of parishioners in Halifax) until the Spring of 2025.

On the late evening of Friday, 13 June, 2025, Archimandrite David (Edwards) reposed in Christ from a ruptured cerebral aneurism before retiring to sleep (the specific cause was determined through an autopsy).

On Friday, 20 June, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., the Memorial Divine Liturgy was served at Saint Vladimir Orthodox Church. This took place in the presence of the body of Father David. After the service, a potluck meal was served.

On Friday, 20 June, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Presbyter was served at George Greek Orthodox Church. A reception followed at Saint George’s Church.

Afterwards, the body of Father David was returned to Saint Vladimir’s Church.

On Saturday, 21 June, 2025, the body of Archimandrite David (Edwards) was transported to the Hermitage of the Annunciation at New Germany, Nova Scotia. At 11:00 a.m., with the serving of a Panikhida, the body of Archimandrite David (Edwards) was interred in the cemetery at the Hermitage of the Annunciation, near New Germany, Nova Scotia. His interment was the second in that new cemetery.

Interment at the monastery

Continued development

Of course, the enquirers at Glace Bay faced new challenges in their journey into the embrace of the Church.

After this catastrophic turn of events, the responsibility of caring for the mission in Glace Bay remained with the clergy of the “mother-parish” of Saint Vladimir in Halifax. They are, Archpriest Stelian Liabotis ; Priest Alexander Treiger ; Deacon Michael Cherry.

The fact that Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) assigned Father Stelian Liabotis to serve as Dean of the Atlantic Provinces (in addition to his responsibilities as Rector in Halifax) opened new missionary opportunities and resources to be developed.

Schedule of Services :

Services may be on Saturdays or Sundays.

Check the web-site.

Sundays, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. : Hours and Typika

or, 10:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy (Priests serve once a month)

Particular parish information

This mission is a missionary parish of the Atlantic Provinces Deanery of the Archdiocese of Canada (Canadian Orthodox Church) of The Orthodox Church in America. The Dean is Archpriest Stelian Liabotis. The bishop is [Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)].

This parish follows the Old (Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of the parish is the Feast of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, 19 July/1 August.

The parish is served by the clergy of the Atlantic Provinces Deanery.

Meeting place address :

Saint Seraphim of Sarov Mission

Saints Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church

17, Marconi Street

Glace Bay, Nova Scotia

B1A 2P2

Mailing address :

c/o Saint Vladimir, Prince of Kiev Church

3163, Purcell’s Cove Road

Halifax, Nova Scotia

B3P 2G4

Directions :

Archpriest Stelian Liabotis

E-mail : stelio.liabotis@gmail.com

Priest Gregory (Treiger)

E-mail : fralexandert@gmail.com

References

Parish Web-site

Additional information :'

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., “Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America” (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.

Orthodox Church in America listing

Orthodox World listing

Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, Halifax, history (see Section III.2 -- Greek Churches in the Maritime Provinces)

Canadahelps charitable listing

Saint Vladimir of Kiev Church, Halifax, web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Toronto

Archdiocese of Canada web-site

Archdiocese of Canada Facebook