Ottawa ON Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral 1955

Ottawa, Ontario, Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Cathedral, 1955, 1988

The cathedral parish of the Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas in Ottawa, Ontario is a community of the Archdiocese of Canada in The Orthodox Church in America. This community understands that it has 2 dates to keep in memory regarding its founding. The first one (1955) is that of its direct ancestor. The second one (1988) is the date of the post-amalgamation blessing of the new name and title by the Holy Synod.

Prehistory of the parish

The preparation for the establishment of the Cathedral of the Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, includes 3 previous communities.

The earliest Orthodox community in Ottawa was Holy Trinity Bukowinian Church, which was founded in 1918, just after World War I and the Bolshevik Revolution. All the older Orthodox Christian communities of Ottawa had their beginning in this Temple, where they worshipped together until they were ready to establish their own communities at their own times.

In 1955, a group of Russian-speaking persons, mostly from the Baltic States, founded Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church. After several years, they acquired a property in “The Glebe” district of Ottawa, at 55, Clarey Avenue. It was just off Bank Street and very close to Lansdowne Park.

In 1980, the Holy Transfiguration Mission was established in a private home in the neighbourhood of “Mechanicsville” (just east of “Tunney’s Pasture”), in order to meet the needs of the Orthodox people who wished to form an English-language community. There, the mission steadily grew as many people came to embrace the Orthodox Christian Faith. The founding pastor, the Priest John Scratch, along with his wife, Matushka Suzanne and their children, together with the other founding families saw the initial group develop into a rather larger community by the Grace of God. One of the characteristics of this community (developed in part out of necessity) was their ability to sing liturgical texts congregationally. This trait would persist long into the future history of the new, combined community which was soon to be established.

A fourth community may be included with the 3 previous communities. This is the Holy Epiphany Evangelical Orthodox Mission, which had been founded in 1985, and then closed in 1990. This closure occurred at some time after their pastor, the Archpriest Daniel Matheson and his wife Presbytera Vera had been received into the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese. On 21 March, 1987, they were received by chrismation into the Orthodox Church. Then Father Daniel was immediately ordained to the Subdiaconate and to the Holy Diaconate. On 22 March, 1987, Deacon Daniel Matheson was ordained to the Holy Priesthood of the Orthodox Church. All this was done by Bishop Antoun (Khouri). Shortly afterwards in 1987, Father Daniel began to receive the members of the mission who were ready. Father Daniel also served for a year as the interim dean of Saint Elias' Cathedral before the arrival of the new dean, the Archpriest Ghattas Hajal. Nevertheless, some of the parishioners of the mission chose to join the cathedral parish, and Father Daniel and Khouria Vera visited from time to time.

Prehistory of the present Temple

There is another prehistory to consider, and that is the history of the present Temple building on Eccles and LeBreton Streets. The Temple which the cathedral parish purchased in 2005 was built on the eve of World War II. It was built by the vicar-general (in those days a priest) of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa. This was in 1939, at a time when there was a change in diocesan bishop (at that time, there was no retirement for bishops) from Archbishop Joseph-Guillaume-Laurent Forbes (1928–1940) to Archbishop Alexandre Vachon (1940–1953). The latter, it is now known, was the grand-uncle of the Monk Pierre (Vachon), a hermit of the Archdiocese of Canada, near Westport, Ontario, and who worships occasionally in the present cathedral.

This building was constructed in 1939, and named “Our Lady of Perpetual Help”. Its purpose was to serve English-speaking people in the central part of Ottawa. It was sanctified by Archbishop Alexandre Vachon upon his return from Rome, Italy (there was a period during which, because of the war, there was no bishop physically present in Ottawa). Because of the concerns of the priest who led the construction, the structure was designed and built so that it could serve as a bomb-shelter during the war, if needed. Such a need never arose, but the foundation and walls are definitely strong. The building has the first known poured concrete foundation to be used in Ottawa. The "Our Lady of Perpetual Help" parish sent many young men to that war, and the families were deeply concerned. There were, therefore, daily prayers in the church throughout the war, many of them broadcast on the radio. There were numerous "novenas" offered before the Icon of the Mother of God, "Our Lady of Perpetual Help". (This icon is known to Orthodox Christians as "Theotokos of the Passion".) All the young men of the community returned from the war. At that time the parish served Anglophonic people who lived in LeBreton Flats, and also many who lived in Hull, Aylmer, and other regions of Western Québec (also known as the Outaouais. Later, when LeBreton flats was razed, and a Roman Catholic diocese was established in Gatineau, the parish steadily shrank until it could no longer manage economically. Regardless, throughout the history of the parish, people came frequently to pray before this icon in their times of need. This icon has from the beginning been hanging on the wall above and behind the Holy Table in the Annunciation Cathedral, just as it had been from the early days after its construction.

Theotokos of the Passion ("Our Lady of Perpetual Help")

Foundation of the cathedral parish, 1987

In 1987, as a result of the labours of Boriss I Mazikins (the "starosta" of the Church of Saint Nicholas), together with Nikita and Mary Ann Lopoukhine (participants in both communities), the growing Holy Transfiguration Mission began to share space with the shrinking Saint Nicholas parish in the Church of Saint Nicholas. Boriss worked hard together with Nikita and Mary Ann Lopoukhine as the 2 communities considered the possible ways in which they might work together.

After his repose in Christ on 27 July, 1998, and after the funeral services in the Annunciation-Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Ottawa, the body of Boriss Mazikins was interred beside that of his wife Nina on 29 July, 1998, in the Saint Seraphim Russian Orthodox Cemetery in Rawdon, Québec. His obituary was published in “The Ottawa Citizen” on 29 July, 1998 on p. 22.

The aforementioned move was not directly related to (but occurred at the same time as) the arrival in Ottawa of a new bishop (Bishop Seraphim (Storheim)) who became the rector of Saint Nicholas’ Church. By the end of the year, the 2 parishes had merged to form the cathedral parish of the Archdiocese of Canada. The Holy Synod of Bishops blessed both the fact that this parish was to be the cathedral, and the naming of this cathedral to be the “Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Cathedral”. The main reason for this double name is that no-one wanted to lose the visible memory of Saint Nicholas himself.

The second reason is that the Holy Table of the cathedral had been sanctified in the name of Saint Nicholas. It remained the main Holy Table when the community moved to a new, much larger building. It was planned that when a new Holy Table could be constructed, then the older one could become the Holy Table for a Saint Nicholas side-chapel. Therefore, in the cathedral parish, the Feast of the Annunciation to the Theotokos is the parish name-day. The Feast of Saint Nicholas of Myra in December is kept as a special Feast-day in the cathedral, and the Feast-day of the Transfiguration of Christ is the third of particular significance for parishioners. Of course, all the main feast-days are celebrated, but these 3 have particular historical significance.

Some persons

Nikita and Mary Ann Lopoukhine

At the beginning, it is necessary to note that Nikita and Mary Ann Lopoukhine were central workers in enabling the reconciliation of the 2 major communities. They worked diligently together with Boriss Mazikins in order to do whatever was needed to make this possible. Such a reconciliation may be unequalled elsewhere.

Nikita also willingly offered himself to the cathedral in order to establish its financial system on a firm foundation. At the same time, he accepted to become the treasurer of the Archdiocese of Canada. Unexpectedly, he was not able to extricate himself from that literally thankless responsibility for over 30 years (it was difficult to find a suitable successor). He was active in the cathedral family in many other ways (mostly unseen) from the time it began. Mary Ann was a hard-working presence and example in the parish (and also in the archdiocesan administration) in enabling better and clearer communication, and in offering warm hospitality to visitors.

Mary Ann served actively on the parish council. Both Nikita and Mary Ann are descended from generations of strong Orthodox believers. Both their daughters in particular have been very active and present personalities in the parish family. Their son Raphael moved to Toronto. Later, their daughter Alexandra moved to Europe, where she pursued her career. Their eldest, Sofia, worked away for some time, but then returned to Ottawa, where she pursued her career until she married and again moved elsewhere in Ontario.

It must be written that Mary Ann (helped by Nikita) was the main organiser and catalyst of the first 3 archdiocesan assemblies convened in Ottawa. In addition, she was active in helping to organise several assemblies in other cities. Yet more, she was very active with Nikita in facilitating the meeting in Toronto, Ontario, of the All-American Council in 2005. It may also be said of Mary Ann that her maternal concern for the cathedral family enables one to adjust a popular saying to describe her : "Hospitality is her middle name".

Meanwhile, Nikita and Mary Ann were each actively employed. Nikita worked in Parks Canada of the federal government, and MaryAnn had her own private company which helped people with communication skills in business and public life, particularly with leading business skill workshops for civil servants.

Nikita retired officially in 2005, but he was active as a consultant for very many years thereafter. He remained active in the Archdiocese of Canada as its treasurer for many more years.

In 2015, when he retired from his diocesan service, Mary Ann came also to her retirement from her important and productive labours. They moved from their longtime home in The Glebe to an apartment near the Rideau Canal, and they continued actively to pray, worship, and serve n the cathedral parish family, of which they were truly "elders" in the best sense of this word. They remained persons for the younger cathedralites to emulate.

Archpriest John Scratch (1987-1990)

The Priest John Scratch (who was later elevated to the dignity of archpriest) was truly the first priest and pastor of the Annunciation Cathedral. He brought his family and mission community into the process which brought about a blessed reconciliation and amalgamation. He was a true and beloved spiritual father for both communities. He “emptied himself” because of his love in Christ for the rational sheep of both groups, just as he did for his wife (who had recently suffered a cerebral aneurism) and his family. His 4 sons became subdeacons, and his 2 daughters were active in other ways, as was their mother.

Despite the other difficult circumstances of his life, he supplemented the pastoral work of the new Bishop Seraphim (Storheim), and when the bishop was absent on pastoral or administrative duties, he cared for every aspect of the life of the cathedral parish. This arrangement also contributed greatly to the economic welfare of the archdiocese, which at that time had not yet developed a properly functioning financial base. The fact that he was able to do this for a prolonged period at the beginning of this newly-combined community helped everyone enormously. His active presence helped also when Father Andrew Morbey arrived in 1990 to lead the parish as the new dean.

After the repose of his wife in early 1998, Father John Scratch was serving in Edmonton, Alberta, from 1998 to 2002. There, he was helping to serve the parish of the Sobor of Saint Herman of Alaska.

In 2004, the Archpriest John Scratch was tonsured to be a monk, and he was given the name John (after a different saint). He was elevated to the dignity of igumen in consideration of his years of previous service.

Igumen John (Scratch) fell asleep in the Lord on 15 January, 2006, just after having returned home from spending a pleasant evening with a family during a pastoral visit. His funeral took place in the new cathedral building, and it proved to be a peaceful, joyful and Paschal event. A long-time colleague, on seeing the photographs of him lying in his coffin, commented that he looked like a saint.

In an obituary article, it is written about him :

 It was in these last few years as a monastic, that Fr. John's witness of faith, perseverance, and suffering 
 for the love of the Lord, was truly blessed, and revealed to others.  For him, and those around him, the 
 assurances of the Lord's abundant mercy always brought consolation and peace.  It was in this context that he 
 always cared for, and in a fatherly way nurtured those who turned to him.  It was in this context that he was 
 a Christlike pastor, to the very end.  In the days just before his death, he was diagnosed with a large tumor 
 in his colon.  Immediately, he blessed, and thanked God for all that was given him in his life.  He accepted 
 the situation with great peace, and open confidence in His love.  He lived in the Scriptures.  In one of his 
 last quotations of Scripture, he cited Isaiah 26:3 'Thou dost keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed 
 on Thee, because he trusts in Thee'.

Protodeacon Peter and Matushka Nadezhda Svetlovsky

Protodeacon Peter Grigorievitch Svetlovsky (†1995) was still able to be present sometimes in the cathedral parish during its early days as a cathedral. Protodeacon Peter and Matushka Nadezhda Nikolaievna were contrasting and significant personalities in the life of the cathedral parish, and that of Saint Nicholas before it (even though they had retired to Ottawa only a year before the amalgamation). Father Peter had served for more than 35 years in the USA and Canada since emigrating from Paris, France, in 1952. In due course, Father Peter’s deteriorating health and his great difficulty in breathing forced him into hospital. When the time came for him to depart this life, Father Peter was as ready as possible, and he was well-prayed-for.

Protodeacon Peter Svetlovsky reposed in Christ in Ottawa, Ontario on 7 July, 1995. Panikhidas, the Funeral Services, and the Memorial Divine Liturgy were offered for Father Peter at the Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Ottawa. Afterwards, his body was interred at the Saint Nicholas Section of the Pinecrest Cemetery in Ottawa.

Afterwards, Matushka Nadezhda remained for more than 20 years a visible example of a faithful and active presence in the community. Her love for the Lord and for being in the worshipping assembly took priority over everything, and she has been an excellent example for all. She would attend and be present at the services at almost any cost. She would bring her Slavonic texts so that she would always be sure to understand the services (her hearing had failed badly). Because of arthritis, it became extremely difficult for her to walk anywhere, and yet she managed to negotiate the stairs time after time. She ceased to be present only when it became truly impossible (after 2013). She continued to be cared for by the clergy who visited her in the residence to which she had moved after the repose of Father Peter. In 2016, at the age of 95, even though her level of care had increased, Matushka Nadezhda remained as ever a loving, joyful, honest presence and a living example of the Christian way of life.

On 30 June, 2018, Matushka Nadezheda Svetlovsky fell asleep in the Lord. On 3 July, 2018, after the funeral services in the cathedral, Matushka Nadezhda's body was interred at the Saint Nicholas Section of the Pinecrest Cemetery, next to that of her husband.

Year 1990

In 1990, Subdeacon Charles Symeon Rodger was ordained to the Holy Diaconate in the cathedral. Father Symeon and Matushka Larissa had gone to study at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary in Crestwood-Yonkers, New York (where they met, and then were later married in Ottawa). After completing studies there, Father Symeon moved with his family to Toronto, where he began and completed doctoral studies, and where he received a Ph.D. in theology from Saint Michael’s College. He then found work in Ottawa. Both he and Matushka Larissa had been parishioners of the Holy Transfiguration Mission in Ottawa.

Archpriest Andrew Morbey (1990-2003)

In 1990, the Priest Andrew Morbey arrived from England with his wife, Alexandra and their 3 children, and he was assigned to serve as the dean of the cathedral. He was also quickly assigned to be the Dean of the Deanery of Ontario. Father Andrew (a Canadian by birth) had been in the United Kingdom for several years, where he was doing post-graduate studies in Durham at the University of Durham and serving in several parishes. The family was glad to return to Ottawa.

Father Andrew loved the services, and he loved to serve. His two sons also enjoyed serving and reading, and they took part very actively under his direction. There came to be more services offered during this time, and there were refinements in the singing, as well as in the nature of prosphora preparation and domestic wine-making for liturgical purposes. It was during his time that Constantinopolitan melodies began to be used more often, particularly with the Lamentations of Great Saturday Matins, and in certain litanies. It was also during his time that parishioners began on a weekly basis to make soup and/or sandwiches for women in shelters.

Father Andrew with soup for a shelter, 2000

Cathedral Bookstore

In 1990 as well, Father Andrew strongly suggested to Jane Szepesi that she consider organising and initiating a bookstore on the cathedral premises for the benefit of parishioners and others beyond the parish. She agreed.

Jane began with basic introductions to Orthodoxy, service books, and lives of saints. The bookstore grew in popularity, and in scope, although the 2 book-cases available did not allow for a lot of expansion. She discovered suppliers who gave good discounts, and amongst them, Novalis was outstanding as a source of Orthodox books. (Founded in the 1930s as the Catholic Centre at the University of Ottawa, in 1965 it moved with the University to become Saint Paul University.) Novalis was a Catholic publishing house and also a distributor of religious books from many different publishers. Bookstores got a 40% discount, which meant that Jane could sell books below list price.

Wherever her travels took her, Jane found new titles for the bookstore. Visits to Saint Vladimir's Seminary in New York, and Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Pennsylvania gave her access to new books which she brought home with her. Other sources were the Orthodox Christian Publications Centre (OCPC) and Saint Tikhon's Monastery Bookstore. Parishioners who lived in or travelled to the USA occasionally picked up books for her, thus saving the high cost of postage from the USA. Her work in the library at Fair Haven and courses at Saint Paul University (with Sister Angelica Hodowanski and Father Andrew Morbey) greatly enlarged her awareness of Orthodox books, which she shared with her customers. It was her policy to pay for the books from her own resources, and to aim to break even in the pricing. Any profits were used to buy more books.

Jane Szepesi operated this bookstore until 2009, when the work was passed to Subdeacon Jeremy Scratch and the Three Deacons Bookstore. It was at first located in the former garage under the living-quarters and office, and then in the basement of the Cathedral itself.

In 1997, the Archpriest Andrew Morbey was released from his responsibilities as Dean of Ontario, and he remained Dean of the Cathedral of the Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas in Ottawa. He continued to serve in the steadily-growing cathedral parish until 2003, when he was transferred to the USA, where he was assigned to Saint Mary's Cathedral in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Father Andrew continued to serve there faithfully until his retirement in 2025.

1993

In 1993, Thomas Lazarus Easton was ordained to the Holy Diaconate. He and his wife Sharon were active in the life of the parish, and they cared for foster children as well.

1994

In 1994, Deacon Symeon Rodger was ordained to the Holy Priesthood. While working full-time (as did his wife Larissa), he served in the parish for most of the following 15 years. He served on the parish council ; he gave various talks and led studies, and he visited parishioners as he was able. Matushka Larissa often served as a choir-director.

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Mary Ann Lopoukhine leading Balkan-style dance at the 2002 Pascha party

2003

In 2003, Father Symeon served as the interim priest-in-charge of the cathedral parish for several months after the departure of Father Morbey, and before the arrival of Father Jillions.

In 2003, Subdeacon Gregory Scratch was ordained to the Holy Diaconate. He continued to serve as a deacon in the cathedral parish until 2012. Meanwhile, he was very active in the liturgical, pastoral and administrative aspects of parish life, while he worked (as did his wife Taesia) to support their family of 4 children.

Women's retreat group, Camp IAWAH, 2003

In 2012, Deacon Gregory Scratch was ordained to the Holy Priesthood, and he was transferred to serve in the parish of Saint Nicholas in Narol, Manitoba.

Archpriest John Jillions (2003-2009)

In 2003, the Archpriest John A Jillions arrived in Ottawa with his wife Denise and their family. His arrival was at approximately the same time as the departure from Ottawa of the Archpriest Andrew Morbey, who had strongly recommended Father John as the next priest for the cathedral.

In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Father John served as an Associate Professor with the Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, where he taught in the areas of 20th century Orthodox Christian thought, New Testament, ecumenism, and practical theology. Concurrently, he served as Dean of Ottawa’s Annunciation Cathedral until 2009.

2004, Bishop with Archpriest John, Matushka Denise Jillions, Priest Symeon, Matushka Larissa Rodger

2005, Paschal grave-blessing ; Father John Scratch, Father John Jillions, Deacon Gregory Scratch, parishioners

During these years, Father John introduced (amongst other things) regular educational opportunities, and a system of hospitality. The system divided parishioners into several groups who take it in turn to provide food after the Divine Liturgy of a Sunday. On special occasions, all the groups work together. After the move in 2005, he also introduced a system for maintaining a personal presence at the new office in the new cathedral building. Every weekday, for a half-day, a group of volunteer women (who came to be nicknamed “the divas”) took turns being present in the office, answering the telephone, dealing with mail, and doing some other projects that had to be done. They were serious about their responsibility, and their work was appreciated, since it facilitated parish communication through their kindness. At the suggestion of Vera Theokritoff, the parishioners began to collect non-perishable foods in a special large basket in the Temple on a weekly basis. The foods collected were and are to this day donated to the Dalhousie Food Cupboard.

In 2009, Father John was released from his responsibilities as dean of the cathedral. He was attached to the cathedral while he served “on loan” to the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto, and cared for a small community in Brockville, Ontario. Afterwards, he was transferred to New York, where he became the Chancellor of the OCA in 2011.

The hospitable home of Olga Leonidovna Jurgens was a frequent site of visiting, and of meeting over several decades. In the following photo, taken by Olga, the group gathered in her sitting-room included her sister Helene Culhane, her nephew Matthew Culhane, his wife Debora Culhane, Monk Pierre (Vachon), Bishop Seraphim (Storheim), and Hieromonk Luke (Majoros).

The gathering at the home of Olga Jurgens

2005 : new site ; second Temple

The need to move from the original Temple

While Father John Jillions was still the dean, his contacts with the vicar-general of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa opened a conversation between bishops about what possible buildings might be available for sale. The small Temple on Clarey Avenue had become full to overflowing as it were, and its physical structure could not safely bear the weight of the many people who now attended. The building which was formerly “Our Lady of Perpetual Help”, was the best possibility of several that were offered (although its size seemed at first to be intimidating). It could nevertheless be seen that the structure had a very firm foundation and walls (it had been built with reinforcement to withstand possible bombing in the 1940s).

The terms for purchase were very favourable, and it was felt that the Mother of God was involved in the move to this building, already named for her, of a community named for a Feast-day of the Mother of God.

Photos, after the last Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, 2005

Initial blessing of the new, Second Temple, 2005

The first services with the initial blessing ("Thyranoixia") were offered on 1 October, 2005 (the Feast of the Protection of the Theotokos). Also in October, 2005, for convenience, the cathedral changed its functioning name to “Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral” (the original name remained the legal name).

The formal sanctification of the cathedral building would follow much later.

The building required considerable interior modification in order to facilitate Orthodox worship. This work could not be undertaken immediately, because of the need to find financial resources. Soon, however, creative parishioners (working in concert with the clergy) developed a way in which to re-build the floor-plan of the Altar, to construct an iconostas, and to prepare a plan for future development. Because the iconostas of the old Temple could not be used in the new Temple (it was too small), it was given to a mission community in the USA. Creative parishioners have continued to make refinements on the facilities, as resources become available. It must be mentioned that certain details of the arrangement and design of the Altar and the Solea came about after oral contributions of Archimandrite Gregory (Papazian) of Holy Transfiguration Monastery in British Columbia.

Interior, before Divine Liturgy (left) ; Interior, during Holy Week Matins (right)

In 2005, the Subdeacon Alexei Vassiouchkine was ordained to the Holy Diaconate for service in Christ the Saviour Sobor in Toronto. His ordination was in Ottawa rather than Toronto because of his relationship with Igumen John (Scratch), and at the convenience of the bishop.

2006

On 15 January, 2006, the Igumen John (Scratch) fell asleep in the Lord. After the funeral services, his body was interred in the Saint Nicholas section of the Pinecrest Cemetery. This was the first funeral to be served in the new building.

Many works were undertaken to freshen the paint in the Temple, and to take steps towards making the Temple appear more "Orthodox".

Jane Szepesi cleaning pews

Orthodox Youth Retreat group by the Ottawa River

Youth listening to a speaker in the hall

Father John Jillions speaks to the youth

Bishop plays the organ for the youth

Not very long after this event, the choir began to use the choir-loft, and the organ was disconnected.

2007

On 17-20 July, 2007, the cathedral parish hosted the triennial Archdiocesan Assembly in Ottawa. The assembly met at Saint Paul's University under the theme "Christian Mission in a Pluralistic World". It was preceded as usual by a day of "clergy synaxis". Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko) arrived on 19 July, and he both participated in the last part of the assembly, and made an unofficial and an official visit to the cathedral building and parish.

 We reflected on our mission as Orthodox Christians in a pluralistic world.  We prayed with our Metropolitan, 
 our Ruling Bishop, and our two Retired Bishops in the new National Cathedral of our Archdiocese. We listened 
 to a famous Orthodox missionary speak of his experiences in Albania, and we heard details of the new, exciting 
 opportunity to help our diocese achieve stable sources of funding.  Along with the youth and young adults 
 present, we enjoyed a folk concert by a priest/singer/guitarist from the OCA’s Diocese of the South.  Gathered 
 in workshops, we considered 'Spiritual Sight in a Blind World', 'Icons and IPods : Holy Images in a “Facebook” 
 Culture', 'Orthodoxy and Ecology', 'Tithing and Turning around a Church', and 'Developing the Musical Life of 
 Your Parish'.  Through it all we enjoyed fellowship together — at meals, in hallways, at a BBQ, at a festive
 banquet, and on a jaunt to 'Fair Haven', Archbishop Seraphim’s diocesan chancery, located south of Ottawa.

At this assembly, the "Saint Tikhon's Archdiocesan Stewards" (STAS) was established in order to give financial support to the life of the archdiocese. As always, the cathedral parishioners worked diligently together in order to organise the proper support for this meeting. Blessed by the Lord, their labours were fruitful.

Photos from the Primatial Divine Liturgy

2008

In 2008, in association with other rentals of space from time to time, the cathedral administration began to rent some space in the basement (for the sake of income) to an Ethiopian Orthodox community that was just beginning to gather people. This arrangement continued for many years while this community grew, until it found its own permanent place.

Protodeacon Nazari Polataiko

On 1 August, 2008, Protodeacon Nazari Polataiko was assigned to serve in the cathedral as protodeacon (first deacon). He had moved to Ottawa to serve as the secretary to the bishop and to the archdiocese. An iconographer (as is his wife Renata), who has his own iconography studio, he influenced the iconographic programme of the cathedral, and he provided some significant personal contributions to the cathedral. He also helped to refine the manner of liturgical serving and the training of deacons in general. He speaks English, Russian and Ukrainian. On 19 August, 2014, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in the of the Kyiv Caves Lavra Holy Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Caves Lavra in Kyiv, of the Kyiv Caves Lavra Ukraine by Metropolitan Onuphry (Berezovskiy), with the blessing of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon). He served first as the secretary to the bishop, and then also as Secretary of the Archdiocese of Canada until his transfer in 2015 to Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral in Los Angeles (Hollywood), California.

On 7 September, 2008, the Subdeacon Daniel Boerio was ordained at the cathedral to the Holy Diaconate on behalf of Archbishop Job (Osacky) of Chicago (from whose diocese he had come to Ottawa for work). Deacon Daniel and his wife Jennifer had already been active parishioners at the cathedral for some years, and it was during this time that he undertook preparatory studies. After his ordination, he served with the other deacons at the cathedral until his secular employment transferred him to Ohio. He then moved to Cleveland to serve at Saint Theodosius’ Cathedral. He was later elevated to the dignity of protodeacon.

On 2 November, 2008, Subdeacon Dan Alexandru Moisa was ordained to the Holy Diaconate. His wife is Diaconiţa (pronounced diaonitsa) Simona, and they have a daughter Andrea. He was assigned to serve at the cathedral. Deacon Alexandru had become an active parishioner with his family in 1998. He was an active choir member, reader, subdeacon, and parish council member. He served also as the treasurer of the parish for a brief time. His presence increased the amount of French that was able to be provided liturgically, as well as the Romanian language. For a time, he was able to improve the organisation of the library, and to introduce a new, modern cataloguing system. It greatly improved the functioning of the library. However, substantial modifications to the spaces greatly interrupted the functioning of the library. For a long time, there was not available a satisfactory space for the library, so the books were stored until the situation could change. Besides this, Deacon Alexandru and Diaconiţa Simona consistently supported the monastics who have lived at or near the cathedral, the monks at the former Saint Silouan's Monastery in Johnstown, and monastic life in general.

Later, other parishes in Ottawa asked for the services of Deacon Alexandru because of pressing pastoral needs. Eventually, these needs drew him and his family into service in these communities.

In late November, 2008, Metropolitan Onuphry of Chernivtsi and Bukovina (now Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine) visited Ottawa in order to make several presentations of replicas of the 16th century "Peresopnitsa Gospels". On 27-28 November, 2008, Metropolitan Onuphry served at the Vigil and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the cathedral.

2009

On 1 September, 2009, the Priest Symeon C Rodger was released from his attachment at the cathedral.

Three Deacons Bookstore until 2016

Three Deacons Bookstore, 2009-2020

On 1 September, 2009, the Three Deacons Bookstore opened in the former garage of the residence of the cathedral (suitably renovated). This bookstore was operated by Subdeacon Jeremy Scratch (a member of the Holy Transfiguration Mission and afterwards of the Annunciation Cathedral since the age of 9). It was the successor to the Cathedral Bookstore that had been previously organised by Jane Szepesi in 1990. The name originated in the fact that there were at the time 3 deacons serving in the cathedral. The purpose of the bookstore was to make Orthodox books, literature, icons and supplies more readily available to the greater Orthodox community. In doing so, the bookstore has also been able to make financial donations to the cathedral from time to time. For several years, the bookstore worked in concert with the "Saint John of Sochava Liturgical Supplies" which was operated by Protodeacon Nazari Polataiko and Jeremy Scratch. When Protodeacon Nazari moved away, so did the liturgical supplies aspect of the shop (which went to the USA) ; but the bookstore as it was remained at the cathedral.

However, after the damaging fire next to the cathedral in 2016, the bookstore was moved elsewhere in the cathedral building. The bookstore continued to function in an improvised manner for a few years, but with the coming of the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2020, the bookstore was placed in suspension until a future date.

Jeremy Scratch has actively served in the Altar since childhood, and, functioning as the parish sexton, he takes great care for the welfare of the fabric of the cathedral structure. He also served as subdeacon and driver to Archbishop Seraphim for a long time. Jeremy's wife, Helen, is a daughter of Mother Dorofea (Mirochnitchenko). It was in her home in "Mechanicsville" that the Holy Transfiguration Mission had its beginning. The hospitality characteristic of her and her mother long ago remains today as it always has been. Her open home welcomes whomever the Lord sends, and she likewise makes those who visit the cathedral feel welcome whenever and however she may.

Pochaiv Icon of the Theotokos, 2009

On 22 September 2009, the Wonder-working Icon of the Theotokos of the Monastery in Pochaiv, Ukraine, arrived in Canada, to begin a series of visits in this country — visits that would prove to make a significant impression on all of us, whether we managed to venerate this Holy Icon, or not. This Wonder-working Icon rested in the cathedral for 4 days. A blessed copy ("spisok") of this icon rests in the midst of the cathedral to this day. These visits concluded on 11 October, 2009.

Wonder-working Pochaiv Icon of the Theotokos

Episcopal ordination of Bishop Irénée (Rochon), 2009

During this time, there was a Primatial Hierarchical Divine Liturgy served on 1 October, 2009, for the Episcopal Ordination of Vladyka Irénée (Rochon). On 2 April 2009, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the OCA had elevated Igumen Irénée (Rochon) to the rank of archimandrite, and elected him Auxiliary Bishop (Vicar-Bishop) for Archbishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada, with the title of Bishop of Québec City.

Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) and 5 members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America, as well as 4 visiting hierarchs (from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto, the Antiochian Church of America, the Moscow Patriarchate in Canada, and the Church of Ukraine) consecrated Archimandrite Irénée (Rochon) to be Bishop of Québec City and Auxiliary to Archbishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada.

Igumen Alexander (Pihach) (2009-2011)

On 1 September, 2009, Igumen Alexander (Pihach), Rector of Saint Herman’s Sobor in Edmonton, Alberta, was assigned to serve as interim dean of the cathedral parish on a part-time basis. He maintained some of his pastoral responsibilities in Edmonton while he served in the cathedral. He directed various changes in the administration of the parish.

In May, 2011, Igumen Alexander was elevated to the dignity of archimandrite, and he was returned to Saint Herman’s Sobor in Edmonton on a full-time basis. From there, he was transferred to the omophor of the metropolitan, and he was assigned to serve at the Church of Saint Catherine in the Field in Moscow, Russia (the OCA Representation Church). Archimandrite Alexander (Pihach) fell asleep in the Lord suddenly and unexpectedly in Toronto on 8 October, 2016. He had just arrived at the home of the rector of Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Sobor in Toronto, the Archpriest Vasyl and Matushka Oksana Kolega. It was reported that the reason for the sudden repose was a massive heart-attack. There were funeral services prayed for him both in Toronto and in Saskatoon, where his body is interred.

Aerial view of the site of the cathedral

(Attached apartments and offices, upper left of the Temple ; Archdiocese house : second house from the Lebreton-Eccles corner)

Archpriest James Griggs (2010-____)

Father James S Griggs came into the Orthodox Church in 1991, and members of his family followed one by one. At that time, they were members of the cathedral parish. Then, in 1994, the whole family left for Saint Vladimir’s Seminary in New York so that James Silouan could study there. At the seminary, he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on 21 November, 1995. At the completion of his time there, the family returned to Ottawa. Deacon James Griggs was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on 2 June, 1996, at Holy Trinity Bukowinian Orthodox Cathedral. He was then assigned to serve as the Priest-in-charge of Saint Gregory of Nyssa’s Church in Kingston, Ontario.

In 2003, he began to divide his time between this parish and the Greek Orthodox Church of the Ascension in Brockville (because of economic concerns and the needs of both communities).

In September, 2006, Father James, his wife Tena and their family of 4 children were released from their responsibilities in Kingston, and they returned to Ottawa. Father James began to serve “on loan” as second priest at the Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church in Ottawa.

On 9 March, 2008, the Priest James Griggs was recalled from his “on loan” status (he was serving in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto), and he was assigned to serve as third priest in the cathedral. He continued to serve Brockville for 2 years. Father James can serve in French and Greek besides English.

During the time of their mission and parish experience, their daughter Kaitlin came to learn how to sing in more than one melodic tradition. She was learning about leading the singing already in Kingston as she observed Mother Sophia (Zion) and Michael Holden (then a student at Queens University) in particular. Upon arriving at the cathedral, she continued to sing, and then very often to lead the singing, which she does until the present.

In 2010, the Priest James Griggs was released from his other responsibilities, and he was assigned to serve as the dean of the cathedral parish. He continued to serve faithfully in this capacity throughout several difficult periods regarding his health, after which his health stabilised.

On 1 October, 2010, Subdeacon Sebastian Scratch was ordained to the Holy Diaconate. He, Matushka Helen, and their family of 3 children had been a visible and active presence in the cathedral parish family.

Priest Nikolay Melnik (2012-____)

On 4 November, 2012, Subdeacon Nikolay Melnik was ordained by Bishop Irénée (Rochon) to the Holy Diaconate. He was attached to the cathedral. His wife, Svetlana, was very active in the parish ; both their sons served in the Altar, and their daughter sang in the choir and helped in other ways.

Before this ordination, both Nikolay and Svetlana Melnik had worked hard for many years driving trucks all over the continent in order to pay off debts caused by immigration and settlement in Canada. They had emigrated to Canada (with the blessing of both bishops) a decade earlier from Saratov, Russia. Nikolay also worked diligently to complete the studies that he had nearly completed in Russia. Having completed these studies through Saint Tikhon's Orthodox University in Moscow, he pursued yet more studies.

On 10 March, 2013, Deacon Nikolay Melnik was ordained to the Holy Priesthood. He was attached to the cathedral, where he gave supplemental care to the Russian-speaking parishioners. Near the end of 2014, he was given the blessing to help the Moscow Patriarchate parish of the Kazan Icon of the Theotokos-Protection (several blocks away from the cathedral). He began to serve there as second priest, and then primarily as first priest.

Later, Father Nikolay and his family returned to the cathedral parish, where Father Nikolay began to serve as Second Priest. In 2025, he continues to serve in this capacity, while he works in a secular position in the federal government.

In October, 2013, Deacon Sebastian Scratch was released from his responsibilities at the cathedral, and he was transferred to Saint Herman of Alaska’s Sobor in Edmonton, Alberta, where he was attached. He had moved there because of having found secular work.

The Archpriest Stelian Liabotis (2014-2024)

Born into a Greek family, Father Stelian Liabotis grew up in London, Ontario and he graduated from the University of Western Ontario. All the while with his family, he was an active parishioner of Christ the Saviour Church in London. After his marriage to Helen Kozlowski, he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on 31 December, 1995, by Metropolitan Vitaly (Oustinov) of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. He was then ordained to the Holy Priesthood on 9 January, 2000, by Archbishop Michael (Donskov). Father Stelian served as an auxiliary priest for several years by helping in the parish of Christ the Saviour in London, and by serving in many other parishes as required.

In 2004, secular employment took Father Stelian and his family to Ottawa where he worked as a public servant for the federal government. He then served in one or another capacity in the Protection of the Theotokos Church for 10 years. He was received into The Orthodox Church in America from the ROCOR in January, 2014, and from that time, he was attached at the Cathedral of the Annunciation. Matushka Lena and her daughter Maria Cherry served as choir-leaders.

Father Stelian speaks English, Greek, and Russian. He and Matushka Lena have three children, Maria, Kathrine and Nikolai. They welcomed their first grandchild into the world, followed by others.

By 2024, the family had moved (in several stages) to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where they became part of the Parish of Saint Vladimir, Prince of Kiev.

Ordination of Priest John Gryba for Whitehorse, Yukon, 2014

On Sunday, 2 March, 2014, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) ordained Deacon John Gryba to the Holy Priesthood. The ordination took place during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the Sunday of the Expulsion of Adam from Paradise (often called Cheesefare Sunday), at Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral in Ottawa. Father John had been ordained for the purpose of serving the Saint Nikolai of Zhitsa Mission in Whitehorse, Yukon.

During the following decade and more, Father John and Matushka Sharon Gryba pursued the steady development of the mission in Whitehorse as the community became more and more visible in the city. More and more people began to find and embrace the Orthodox Christian Faith.

Ordination of Priest Nazari Polataiko, 2014

On 19 August, 2014 (Old Calendar Feast of the Holy Transfiguration), Protodeacon Nazari Polataiko was ordained to the Holy Priesthood (with the blessing of Bishop Irénée (Rochon)) by Metropolitan Onufry (Berezovskiy) in the Dormition Cathedral of the Monastery of the Caves in Kyiv, Ukraine. He was attached as Priest to the Cathedral of the Annunciation. On 29 November, 2014, he was elevated to the dignity of archpriest.

Photo of parishioners

Enthronement of Bishop Irénée (Rochon) (2014)

On 1 December, 2014, after having been elected by the archdiocesan assembly, Bishop Irénée (Rochon) was enthroned in the Cathedral of the Annunciation to be the Ruling Bishop of the Archdiocese of Canada. He was enthroned at a Primatial Divine Liturgy by Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard), members of the Holy Synod of Bishops, and bishops and clergy of various Orthodox Christian dioceses in Canada. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the presence of the Wonder-working Icon of the Mother of God, “Abbess of the Holy Mount Athos,” and the relics of Saint Gabriel of Mount Athos.

Photos of the Enthronement Primatial Divine Liturgy, 2014

Icon of the Theotokos, Abbess of Mount Athos

Deacon Mark Josefson (2015-____)

On 20 September, 2015, at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Subdeacon Mark Josefson was ordained to the Holy Diaconate in the cathedral, at which he is attached. He originally came from Chambly, Québec, and his wife Valérie Lemay came from the Ville de Québec, Québec. Both are fluently bilingual.

In time, Deacon Mark received the blessing to wear the double orar.

In 2025, Deacon Mark Josefson continued to serve as the only deacon at the cathedral, as well as serving on the Parish Council, and in many other capacities.

Exterior Theotokos of Pochaiv Icon ; water-blessing and moleben table (until 2017, when it was moved)

Other persons

There are many persons in this parish family, both past and present, whose lives and activity in worship and in work are exemplary. From time to time, one hears positive comments from visitors and others about the cathedral parish family. They say that they are touched by the warmth of Christian love that is demonstrated by the manner in which they live and work together, and in which they welcome others. It is this mutual love, respect and forgiveness which nurtures and develops a parish family. Quite significantly, the persons who offer their time, talent and treasure in serving the Lord in this parish are modest and do not call attention to themselves or their work.

In making a basic outline for historical purposes, it is necessary to mention the names of some persons, although it is never possible to name everyone. The following list of names and comments is merely a representation of very many more similar Christ-loving and Christ-serving persons.

Brian Ahier (whose wife is Charlene), has served as a reader and singer in the cathedral for many years. During the time of Father Morbey, he succeeded Larissa Rodger as the main director of the choir. He fulfilled this responsibility which included the introduction of the singing of the Lamentations of Great and Holy Saturday Matins in the Constantinopolitan melodic tradition. He was also responsible for introducing the first rota of readers. After he continued to do something similar in Paris (where he spent some years working), he returned to continue his service in the cathedral. Now, he reads at services often, and he leads the choir occasionally. His wife is a well-known portraitist. Their daughter Kyra sometimes sings with the choir.

Matthew Culhane (whose wife is Deborah) and his sister Anna were teen-agers when they returned to Ottawa and to the Holy Transfiguration Mission. They were the children of Jack and Helene Culhane who had long served in diplomatic posts abroad. Matthew has served as a reader and then subdeacon in the mission and the cathedral for decades. He began helping Father Andrew Morbey with the domestic production of parish sacramental wine, and he continues to do so with Father James Griggs later on. He served on the parish council for many terms, and he particularly was responsible for buildings and grounds. He served a couple of terms as the parish warden. He continued to serve "ex-officio".

Anna Culhane, whose husband is Len Cunning, served in the earlier days before the amalgamation by singing in the choir and sometimes leading the singing. She had to withdraw from this service because of trouble with a severe allergy.

Robert James (Bob) Dale (whose wife is Martha) has been active since near the beginning of the Holy Transfiguration Mission, as a teen-ager. He has continually served as a singer, a reader, an altar-server, and, after his marriage, as a subdeacon. He has served on the parish council, and he served as the deputy warden. Recently, he and his wife moved away because of work. They settled at Saint Catharine's, Ontario ; and after some years, they became members of the Saint Maria of Parish Mission in West Hamilton. In 2025, R James Dale was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by ]https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Ir%C3%A9n%C3%A9e_(Rochon) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)], and he was assigned to serve in this parish.

Daniel Dixon (whose wife is Davina) was active in the cathedral from its beginning, and before that in the Holy Transfiguration Mission. Employed by the government, he worked nearby. His wife Davina became more visible later. Daniel served many times on the parish council, and he served as the treasurer at least once. Davina was active amongst the "divas" and in the educational and hospitality groups. Their daughter Rebecca served as a chorister for many decades, and she also served on the parish council as the communications co-ordinator. The Dixons visited shut-in seniors and those who were ill and hospitalised. They were known for bringing soup and joy. On 9 October, 2025, Daniel P Dixson fell asleep in the Lord.

Tarik Habib (whose wife is Fadia), is a well-trained and competent Antiochian cantor. He graduated from the Balamand Seminary in Lebanon. He trained many singers in the cathedral parish not only to sing correctly the Constantinopolitan melodies, but he also taught them how to read the special notation. As a result, it is particularly remarkable how strongly and accurately the Lamentations of the Matins of Great and Holy Saturday are now sung, and how well the congregation is able to follow and to join in the singing.

Alexandra Heard (whose husband is Patrick) served as a parish council member numerous times, and as warden for several terms. She may be said to have been "born into the parish". Her parents were amongst the founders of the Holy Transfiguration Mission, and her grandmother, the Nun Dorofea (Mirochnitchenko) was a member of the parish of Saint Nicholas.

Richard Hinz was very much involved in the renovations and repairs to the new cathedral building in its early years. He patched and repaired walls that were slightly damaged in removing certain articles. He built the exterior stand for the Icon of the Theotokos at the LeBreton Street entrance. He remodelled the office, and renewed one of the kitchens. He did this while driving a truck for a living and raising a son who needed extra attention because he had autism.

Michael Holden (originally from Edmonton) and his wife Lydia (Scratch) have each lived in several cities, and twice together in Ottawa. It was Lydia's father, the Archpriest John Scratch, who introduced her and Michael to each other in Edmonton. Lydia served twice as the parish warden, and before that as the treasurer. Michael's main contribution to parish life was in leading the singing. He was the successor to Brian Ahier when he left to work in Paris for some years. Michael increased the repertoire of the choir and the the facility with which they sing. The choir came to be well-known and to produce a CD. Michael and Lydia then moved to Calgary, Alberta, for work.

Liviu Ignat (whose wife is Magda) and who had training in singing and choir-conducting (in more than one melodic tradition) in Romania, served as "ecclesiarch". Sometimes, he led the choir. He served on the parish council, and as deputy warden, and for a very long time as one of the parish readers. Magda often taught the children in the church school, and often, they both visited those who are ill.

"Jurgens-Culhane" : this expression refers to Olga Jurgens and her sister Helene Culhane. They both have long been active on many levels in parish and diocesan life. Olga and their mother moved to Ottawa from Québec City in 1967, and they both attended and served in Saint Nicholas' Church in different capacities.

Olga participated in the 1977 All-American Council in Montréal, Québec, (the first time women were admitted as observers). On returning from diplomatic service, Helene spent more of her time in the Holy Transfiguration Mission because of her children. From the time of the amalgamation, they were both very active in the educational and hospitality services of the community. They also both sang in the choir (as did their mother before them).

After the death of their mother, Olga allowed her mother's former attic apartment to be lived in by the new bishop (Bishop Seraphim) for 1½ years. After the bishop moved to the newly-purchased headquarters in Johnstown (a property called "Fair Haven"), with her blessing he was able to use this apartment as a "pied-à-terre" when he had to overnight in the city. (Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) had instructed the archdiocesan council to provide a place for the bishop and the administration in a place distinct from the cathedral parish.) The intrepid sisters were frequently to be found at parish council meetings and archdiocesan council meetings. They were active participants in preparing the archdiocesan council meetings in general, and those in Ottawa in particular. In addition, they were amongst those who prepared for the several archdiocesan assemblies which were convened in Ottawa.

Together, they voluntarily undertook the responsibility of travelling almost weekly from Ottawa to the new diocesan centre in Johnstown in order to help the bishop with office-work. They continued to do this for 25 years (despite bad weather, and even snow-storms). When the new secretary, Protodeacon Nazari Polataiko arrived, they introduced him to the existing office system, and to the archives, and they supported his work of developing the system further. They also were grateful that his work enabled them to rest more. On 6 February, 2020, Olga Leonidovna Jurgens reposed in Christ. Then, on 11 June, 2025, Helene Culhane reposed in Christ.

Alexandra Lopoukhine arrived with her siblings Sofia and Raphael, and their her parents in the Holy Transfiguration Mission not long before the amalgamation which produced the present cathedral community. As she grew up, with her whole family she was active and present in parish life. In due time, she served on the parish council, particularly in communications, and she served a term as the parish warden. She has much the same dedication and spirit as her parents. It lately was time for Alexandra to go abroad for work. Her elder sister Sofia was for a long time away in New York and Paris, where she studied. Sofia's activity in the parish has been principally amongst the hospitality service groups.

Mark Steski (whose wife is Anne) and the family have been a faithful and active presence in the parish family since the time of the Transfiguration Mission. Mark has served for many years both as warden and treasurer in the parish, and in other capacities in the parish council over many, many years. He has applied his other talents frequently to the maintenance and repair of the former and the present facilities. It is necessary to remark that it was Mark whose diligent and patient work enabled the price of purchase of the new cathedral building to be reduced by $600,000 to $900,000. Further, at the beginning of the move, Mark was the main organiser of work-crews for the painting, cleaning and construction which was required before the building could begin to be used. He and his whole family remain regular participants in parish life.

Vera Theokritoff arrived in the early days of the cathedral parish. She has served for several terms on the parish council. She has always concerned herself with the beautification of the grounds. She has been an active fundraiser. She has continually been active in enabling the relief of the poor through food collections. She continues to keep others mindful of this need, and most particularly the needs of the poor. When her brother, Victor Theokritoff, came to live with her, he became a lively, affable and welcoming presence in the cathedral community until his repose in Christ in 2020.

Both Jane Szepesi and Karen Edwards (active parishioners) have served as the parish treasurer. Jane Szepesi founded the Cathedral Bookstore, and she also undertook frequent visits to the diocesan centre in Johnstown, Ontario, where she catalogued the bishop's library over the course of several years. In the earlier years of the cathedral's life, Jane also served as choir-director.

Matthew and Cheryl Zacharias have long been active parishioners. Before having children, Cheryl regularly sang in the choir, but it is now possible for her to sing only occasionally. Her sons have sometimes sung in the choir, and sometimes they have served in the Altar. Matthew has consistently sung in the choir, and served as a reader and as a subdeacon. He has also from time to time led the choir.

There are several monks who in the past have had a substantial relationship with the cathedral. There was the Nun Mother Dorofea (Mirochnitchenko), and before her the Nun Raphaela (Bulatova). There have also been the Monk Pierre (Vachon), the Schemanun Maryam (McCluny), and the Nun Séraphima (LaVoie). In addition, there has been a long-standing, warm relationship with the nuns of the Greek Panagia Panigoritissa Monastery at Brownsburg, Québec, from which monastery candles and icons have been purchased for many years.

There are far more active and competent persons than this brief selection can meagrely express. A fuller consideration would require a large book. The intention in presenting these details about a few persons is to help us all to keep in mind our own personal responsibilities in this large parish family, and also to help us all to persevere in our Christ-loving service. In the words of the saying to which the book-title of Dr. Elizabeth Pollonetsky refers, our life of service in Christ is "not just a walk across a field".

2016 : Fire

On 6 September, 2016, the derelict and empty house next north to the cathedral residences caught fire in the middle of the night. It is likely that it was caused by arson. The fire was very intense, and it caused considerable damage to the residence and sacristy on the north side of the cathedral precincts. The damage to the residence was greater than the original estimate, and the complications involved in repairing and restoring the building left the cathedral without electricity for 2½ months. There were many weeks of cold in the Temple itself, since the boilers were unable to function until electricity was restored and water-pressure was sufficient. Because of damage to the lavatories, portable exterior toilets were required until late April, 2017. It was many months before normal life was possible and the residents (who lived elsewhere in temporary accommodations) could return. Regardless, the faithful parishioners remained undaunted and they continued to worship in the cathedral Temple in the usual numbers throughout this test.

Aftermath of the 6 September, 2016, fire Repaired north side, October, 2017

Archbishop Irénée visits the Annunciation Cathedral after the Fire (9 September, 2016)

2017 : the Holy Fire from Jerusalem

On Saturday, 20 May, 2017, Matushka Lena Liabotis brought the Holy Fire of Great and Holy Saturday (the day before the Feast of Pascha), 2017, in Jerusalem from Rochester, New York to the Cathedral of the Annunciation. Circumstances had allowed her to pass through this city on her way home, and to collect the fire which had been brought to this city earlier.

In 2017, it was the first time that the Holy Fire had been brought to North America and spread about. Through the missionary generosity of a Russian Brotherhood, this year's Holy Fire had been brought first to Moscow, then to London, England, and then to New York. From there, it has been shared across the continent with many parishes. It had just one week previously arrived in Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton, Alberta, followed by Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and then Winnipeg, Manitoba. When the Holy Fire was brought, all the lamps in the cathedral were lit from it. The day of the arrival was the Eve of the Sunday of the Man Born Blind (John 9:1-38), and also of the Feast of Saints Constantine and Helen. Saint Helen had discovered the Holy Cross in Jerusalem in AD 327.

The Holy Fire by the Holy Relics

On 25 June, 2017, the Priest Nikolay Melnik returned to the cathedral parish after having served for nearly 3 years (on loan) at the Moscow Patriarchate's parish of the Protection of the Theotokos on Booth Street in Ottawa.

On 2 July, 2017, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) made a pastoral visit to the cathedral. At this time, before the Divine Liturgy, he blessed the Altar-servers Elijah Kassis and Vladimir Melnik to wear the Orar of a Subdeacon.

On 31 December, 2017, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) made a pastoral visit to the cathedral. At this time, before the Divine Liturgy, he awarded the Diaconal Double Orar to Deacon Mark Josefson.

2017 : Parking lot

By the conclusion of 2017, the parking-lot at the side of the cathedral had been completed. The parish council had determined, with the agreement of a parish general meeting, that it was necessary to give up the green space in favour of 14 parking spaces, since finding parking near the cathedral had consistently been a great difficulty. Since its completion, it has been well-used by parishioners, and it has become also a source of extra income through rentals.

The new parking-lot, 2017

Other repairs were undertaken in order to improve the condition of the structure of the cathedral building, including repairs to the pointing of the brickwork, and also a major repair to the chimney, and the re-shingling of the main roof.

2018, fund-raising dinner

On Sunday, 14 October, 2018, at 5:30p.m., Holy Annunciation/Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral held an autumn fundraising dinner at the Saint Elias Antiochian Orthodox Centre in Ottawa. The evening included a buffet dinner, live music and silent auction. All proceeds went to the support of an accessibility project. Part of the ticket cost was treated as a tax-deductible donation. As usual, the fellowship of that evening was filled with familial joy and good humour.

The funds were raised in order to install an elevator (lift) at the Annunciation Cathedral so as to improve its accessibility. It was added on to the side entrance at 15 LeBreton Street North. When it was erected not long afterwards, it allowed the current and future community members with disabilities to participate in the spiritual and community life of the parish more easily and safely. It also ensured that accessibility is not a barrier to welcoming visitors or potential new members, and it increased the parish's ability to partner with organisations serving the local community.

2019-2020 : Elevator construction

After much preparation, in 2019, construction of an elevator began. This elevator was installed on the exterior, and it permitted access from the parking-lot at ground level both to the level of the Temple and to the basement. At last, wheel-chair access to the Temple on three levels had become possible.

2019 elevator construction Completed, 2020

2019 : Archpastoral visit, 10th anniversary of episcopal ordination

On Sunday, 6 October, 2019, ) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), Archbishop of Ottawa and Canada, arrived at his Cathedral of the Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas in Ottawa, Ontario, in order to serve the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

Archbishop Irénée was greeted at the entrance to the cathedral at 10:00 a.m., after which followed the Entrance Prayers and the Vesting. Upon the conclusion of the vesting, the Acolyte Joseph Farid Wazem was brought to him. After the prayers, Vladyka Irénée tonsured Joseph to be a reader in the cathedral.

Then began the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Vladyka Irénée was assisted by the Cathedral Dean, the James Griggs, by Archimandrite Luke (Majoros), and by the Priest Nikolay Melnik, as well as by Deacon Alexander Moisa, Deacon Denis Letounovsky, and Deacon Mark Josefson ; by subdeacons, readers and acolytes.

Vladyka Irénée gave the homily, and at the conclusion of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, all sang joyfully the “Many Years” in particular because this service marked the 10th anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of Archbishop Irénée in this cathedral.

There followed a festive dinner in the parish hall, where a celebratory cake was offered to Vladyka. The parishioners looked forward to his next visit.

10th anniversary Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

2020 : Coronavirus-19 closure of parishes

Because of the rules governing gatherings that were laid down by the provincial and city governments regarding the Covid-19 Pandemic, the cathedral stopped any further services after 8 March, 2020. Including the rules regarding social distancing, the decreasing numbers permitted for any gathering, the considerations regarding the health of all concerned, and the directions of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) that the civilian rules be obeyed, this parish was unable to have any more of the usual services in the Temple until the lifting of the restrictions. These measures are similar to those that were taken in the past, in various parts of the Orthodox world, during the time of a plague.

Nevertheless, the Dean, Father James Griggs, and various members of the parish worked out a system whereby "reader's services" could be offered on the internet. These services included live views of the cathedral's iconostas and central icons. In the vicinity of Great and Holy Pascha, some of the services (although necessarily abbreviated) were officiated as a priest by Father James from his home-chapel with his family. The 4 persons who live at the cathedral participated with due care for social distancing from the Temple itself.

Although this very long period of time was the most difficult challenge that the cathedral parishioners had thus far encountered, they nevertheless eagerly participated in the services offered through the internet. Some of them provided opportunities for the parishioners to speak with each other in advance or after a service, and used the same internet connexion. Parishioners were also given the opportunity to share their photographs and videos of previous Paschal celebrations. All this was done with the intention of helping people to pray at home, and in their homes to offer the services in the manner of a reader (which most people need some help in order to learn and to understand how to do this).

Later, when services became possible again in the summertime (with imposed limitations about social distancing, and the requirement of mask-wearing and hand-sanitising), it was a relief to all to be able to enter the Temple and to participate again in worship, even with conditions. The period of stress and testing, together with economic stress lasted for the rest of that year.

Great and Holy Wednesday, 2020

Great Friday Vespers, 2020

Presbyteral Ordination, 2025

On Sunday, 3 August, 2025, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Annunciation Cathedral. He was assisted, as usual, by Archpriest James Griggs (Dean) ; Priest Nikolay Melnik (Second Priest) ; Deacon Mark Josefson (Cathedral) ; Deacon Denis Letunovsky (Archdiocese) ; and by Deacon Sean Reid (Saint Maria of Paris, Hamilton).

On this occasion, Deacon Sean Reid had been asked to travel to Ottawa since Vladyka Irénée intended to ordain him to the Holy Priesthood for his home parish in Hamilton. This was accomplished at the time of the Great Entrance at the Divine Liturgy. The new Priest Sean Reid took up his responsibilities as Second Priest immediately.

At Holy Communion

Father James and Father Sean

After the Divine Liturgy

Archbishop Irénée ; Archpriest James Griggs ; Priest Nikolay Melnik ; Deacon Denis Letunovsky ; Deacon Mark Josephson ; Priest Sean Reid ; Matushka Juliana Reid ; daughters

Addressing the neighbourhood

The cathedral parish is situated in the area of Ottawa known as "Centretown West". Its history may be described for the most part as having been "working class", and it is part of a larger region known as "Dalhousie". Centretown West is just south of the region known as "LeBreton Flats" which has been under re-development for many years.

The near neighbourhood around the cathedral consists mostly of Asian shops and restaurants (hence the nickname "Chinatown"). Adjacent to the cathedral is now a large apartment building with new shops (constructed 2019-2022). Within 6 blocks of the cathedral are several Roman Catholic parishes, the Dominican University College, a Chinese Alliance parish, an Anglican parish, and another Orthodox Christian parish. There are many others within a kilometre's distance. There is also a convalescent hospital.

Because of economic and other circumstances in society in general, there is also a transient population which is aided by several groups in the neighbourhood, particularly the "Somerset West Community Centre". Although the Anglican parish nearby has a well-established programme of support for the transient and homeless population, some of the needy come to the cathedral parish at service times, and some seek shelter from the elements on the front steps from time to time. Although it is "inconvenient", as it were, expressions of gratitude were left on a door and on a pillar as shown in the following photos :

Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cemetery Section, Pinecrest Cemetery

Through the prudent foresight of the parish council of the Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas (the main ancestor-parish of the cathedral parish), a section of the Pinecrest Cemetery was acquired for the interment of the reposed parishioners and others related to the parish. Although this cemetery by no means includes all the clergy and parishioners of the Saint Nicholas and Annunciation Cathedral parishes, a visit to this cemetery constitutes an encounter with the history of the cathedral and its ancestors. Since, by 2017, the cemetery was almost completely occupied, it was found necessary to secure a place in another cemetery in the city.

Saint Nicholas Cemetery section, spring, 2018

Parish summary

It is estimated that the cathedral parish has or has had parishioners from more than 22 ethnic backgrounds (there is one long-term parishioner from Ghana). Although there has been a stable core of people who have lived and worshipped in the cathedral parish for a long time, there are many others who have come to be part of this family for some period of time, and who have then gone elsewhere to become active and fruitful participants in the Orthodox parish communities where they live.

The common language of worship is English. Services are consistent with the Typikon of the OCA, itself based upon the usage of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The cathedral is the seat of the ruling Bishop of the Archdiocese of Canada of The Orthodox Church in America, the largest Orthodox diocese of the world (in territorial terms). It has about 100 parishes and missions across Canada from the east coast to the west coast, and as far north as Whitehorse, Yukon.

The cathedral is situated in the West Centretown district of Ottawa. It is 1 block south of Somerset Street West (in the heart of the area called “Chinatown”), 3 blocks east of Preston Street (known as “Little Italy”). It is also quite near the redeveloping area called “LeBreton Flats”.

Rear window

Icon of Christ, the wall behind which was twice found clean only behind the right blessing hand

Icon of Saint Nicholas of Myra which helps people who suffer from addictions, particularly to alcohol (left) ; Donation letter (right)

Copy ("spisok") of the Wonder-working Icon of the Theotokos of Pochaiv, which was blessed on the original icon in Pochaiv

Holy Cross (from the Transfiguration Mission) at the memorial place

Iconostas Cross hand-crafted by Yarema Polataiko

Icon of the Kiev Caves Fathers (Holy Relics of each) by Sche-Archimandrite Gregory (Papazian)

Cathedral interior, 2018

Cathedral rainbows, 2019

Icon of Saint Nicholas by Eugene Klimov

Cathedral entrance, Pascha, 2021 (left) ; Cathedral interior Bright Week 2021 (right) (some icons missing because of nearby construction vibrations)

Pascha, 2023, views of the interior of the cathedral

Particular parish information

This cathedral parish is a part of the Deanery of Ontario, of the Archdiocese of Canada, of The Orthodox Church in America. The provincial dean is the Archpriest Geoffrey Korz. The bishop is Archbishop Irénée (Rochon).

This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day is the Feast of the Annunciation to the Theotokos, 25 March.

Supplementary commemorations include the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ, 6 August, and the 2 Feasts of Saint Nicholas the Wonder-worker, on 6 December and 9 May.

In 2025, the Cathedral Dean is the Archpriest James Griggs (Tena).

The Second Priest is the Priest Nikolay Melnik (Svetlana).

The Deacon is Deacon Mark Josefson (Valérie).

Address :

Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Cathedral

15-17, Eccles Street

Ottawa, Ontario

K1R 7H1

Telephone : (613) 230-2687

E-mail : annunciationortho@bellnet.ca

Web-site : www.ottawacathedral.org

Facebook

Directions :

Ottawa is accessible from various places by road, by VIA Rail, by bus, and by many airlines.

Ottawa is approximately 200 km (125 mi) west from Montréal (following Autoroute #40 and Highway #417). The travelling time is about 2 hours.

From Toronto, Ottawa is approximately 450 km (280 mi) to the northeast (following Highways #401 East, and Highway #416 to Highway #417). The travelling time is about 5 hours.

The nearest main streets to the cathedral are Somerset, Bronson and Preston Streets. The main entrance to the cathedral is at #15, Eccles Street, 1 block south of Somerset Street (between Arthur Street and LeBreton Street). There is a side entrance at #15, LeBreton Street North.

To approach from Highway #417 from the east or the west, follow the exit for Bronson Avenue. If from the west, turn left (northwards) on Bronson Avenue. If from the east, turn right (northwards) on Bronson Avenue. Drive north to Somerset Street. Turn left (westwards).

Driving westwards on Somerset Street from Bronson Avenue, turn left on LeBreton Street North. Driving eastwards on Somerset Street, turn right 1 block after Booth Street, on LeBreton Street North. The cathedral is to the left.

Approaching from Gladstone Avenue, turn northwards on LeBreton Street and drive to Eccles Street. The cathedral is visible to the right from LeBreton Street. It is across the street from the Chinese Alliance church.

There are some available parking-spaces on the cathedral property. There is pay-parking and free parking on the nearby streets. However, it is often difficult to find spaces.

By bus :

Take the #2 along Somerset Street, and ask to be let off at LeBreton Street.

Other nearby routes include the #4 (Bronson and Somerset West) and the #85 (Preston and Somerset West). The LeBreton LRT station "Pimis"] is about 8 minutes’ walk away.

The Bayview O-Train station and also the ]https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/Ottawa-Light-Rail-Transit/ LRT Confederation line] can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes.

Mailing address and side entrance :

Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Cathedral

15, LeBreton Street North

Ottawa, Ontario

K1R 7H1

Archpriest James S Griggs

Telephone : 613-221-9533

E-mail : frjasil@gmail.com

Priest Nikolay Melnik

Telephone : 613-837-8224

E-mail : nmelnik@sympatico.ca

Deacon Mark Stephen Josefson

Telephone : 819-319-1715 (mobile)

E-mail : msjosefson@gmail.com

Spring, 2020

References

Original Article

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.

Archdiocese listing

OCA listing

Archdiocese of Canada web-site

Archdiocese of Canada Facebook

Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada

Orthodox Church in America web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church in America

Russian Mission in North America

Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich)

Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish)

Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor)

Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko)