Victoria BC Saint Sophia Russian Orthodox Church 1989: Difference between revisions
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==Prehistory== | ==Prehistory== | ||
The official history regarding the development of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Russian Orthodox Christian] community in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/victoria-bc Victoria], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/british-columbia British Columbia], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada Canada], may be found [https://saintsophia.ca/history-of-our-parish/ here]. | |||
However, | In the late 1970s, as there was as yet no permanent Orthodox Church in Victoria. However, Orthodox Christians who lived in and near Victoria would travel occasionally by ferry in order to attend [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Vancouver_BC_Holy_Trinity_Russian_Orthodox_Church_1938 Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver Vancouver], British Columbia. | ||
During these travels, many met and became acquainted with [https://www.geni.com/people/duke-Nikita-Golitsyn/6000000022633348991 Prince Nikita Galitzine] and his English wife, [https://www.geni.com/people/Blanche-Evelyn-Eve-Marion-Galitzine-Pryor/6000000073826273263 Princess Eve Galitzine (born Pryor)], who themselves made the voyage from Victoria to Vancouver, in order to attend this parish of the Canadian diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). The priest of that parish in those days was the Archpriest Vladimir Chekanovsky, and he gave a warm welcome to the growing Victoria contingent on behalf of what had become their “home parish”. Since the church services were in Church Slavonic, both the Canadian non-Orthodox visitors naturally gravitated to Prince Nikita, or to Princess Eve (herself a British convert), of whom they would ask questions regarding the services, and about the Orthodox Christian Faith. This was necessary, because at that time there was very limited material available to be read in English. | |||
When they were able, the Faithful would travel could to Vancouver on Sundays and on Feast Days. Eventually, in 1986, Father Vladimir gave them the blessing gather at certain homes, and to offer Reader’s Services, when people were unable to go to Vancouver. During the next 4 years, many Victorians were baptised and/or married in the Orthodox Church at Holy Trinity Church in Vancouver. | |||
In 1985, during an archpastoral visit to Holy Trinity Church in Vancouver, Archbishop Vitaly of Canada (who later became the Metropolitan and First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad), personally chose a parishioner from the Victoria congregation to begin the training of becoming our priest (now the reposed Archpriest John Adams). | |||
==Formal establishment of the Saint Sophia parish, 1989== | ==Formal establishment of the Saint Sophia parish, 1989== | ||
Revision as of 22:53, 22 April 2025
Victoria, British Columbia : Saint Sophia Russian Orthodox Church, 1989
Sophia may be spelt Sofia.
Prehistory
The official history regarding the development of the Russian Orthodox Christian community in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, may be found here.
In the late 1970s, as there was as yet no permanent Orthodox Church in Victoria. However, Orthodox Christians who lived in and near Victoria would travel occasionally by ferry in order to attend Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church in Vancouver, British Columbia.
During these travels, many met and became acquainted with Prince Nikita Galitzine and his English wife, Princess Eve Galitzine (born Pryor), who themselves made the voyage from Victoria to Vancouver, in order to attend this parish of the Canadian diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). The priest of that parish in those days was the Archpriest Vladimir Chekanovsky, and he gave a warm welcome to the growing Victoria contingent on behalf of what had become their “home parish”. Since the church services were in Church Slavonic, both the Canadian non-Orthodox visitors naturally gravitated to Prince Nikita, or to Princess Eve (herself a British convert), of whom they would ask questions regarding the services, and about the Orthodox Christian Faith. This was necessary, because at that time there was very limited material available to be read in English.
When they were able, the Faithful would travel could to Vancouver on Sundays and on Feast Days. Eventually, in 1986, Father Vladimir gave them the blessing gather at certain homes, and to offer Reader’s Services, when people were unable to go to Vancouver. During the next 4 years, many Victorians were baptised and/or married in the Orthodox Church at Holy Trinity Church in Vancouver.
In 1985, during an archpastoral visit to Holy Trinity Church in Vancouver, Archbishop Vitaly of Canada (who later became the Metropolitan and First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad), personally chose a parishioner from the Victoria congregation to begin the training of becoming our priest (now the reposed Archpriest John Adams).
Formal establishment of the Saint Sophia parish, 1989
As has happened with many communities, the missionary group continued its regular life of worship, prayer, and service for a long time before it was ready to become visibly, formally, and legally established. In the case of this parish, the official registration as a Crown charity took place on 1 April, 1989. This implies that by this date, the parish had become legally incorporated (most parishes do so through the Provincial Societies Act as not-for-profit entity), and had adopted a set of by-laws that were acceptable both to the Diocese of Montréal and Canada (Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia), and to the civil authorities represented by the Canada Revenue Agency. In the earlier days, the parish (along with other Western Canada parishes) was cared for pastorally by the ROCOR Diocese of San Francisco and Western America.
This particular parish is dedicated, in fact, to Divine Wisdom (in Greek, "Sophia"). This means that the dedication of the parish is to Jesus Christ the Lord Himself. Parishes dedicated to Christ celebrate on various feast-days of the Saviour throughout the year. In this parish, it is the third Feast of Christ in August, the Feast of the Icon of the Saviour not Made by Hands.
Icon of Christ Not Made By Hands
English language services
Whether the use of Slavonic or English and/or in what proportions may have influenced the separation of the community from the Archdiocese of Canada in the early 1980s, by 2023, the parish had come to offering all services in the English language. It became the first parish in the Diocese of Montreal and Canada of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia to offer services in the English language.
First pastor
The first and founding pastor of the parish of Saint Sophia was Archpriest John Adams.
In addition to his responsibilities, during his 33 years of pastoral service, he personally beautified the Temple of Saint Sophia with many icons made by the mosaic method.
Current Temple
The second Temple began as a house. It is not clarified in available writings whether or not this house is the present structure. Nevertheless, whether it was from the 1980s or later, the present building was developed from on a house, which was extended to the east in order to accommodate parish worship. It is situated at the junction of Joseph and May Streets, and there is on-street parking available. After a time, a ramp was constructed so as to allow for better access to the main door of the Temple straight from May Street.
The location of the Temple makes it easy to find.
The Temple at Joseph and May Streets
In addition to regular worship, the parish offers an abundance of educational resources for the young, for long-term Orthodox Christians, for newly-arrived Orthodox Christians, and for enquirers. The primary concern is the healthy spiritual development of everyone.
The parish has a sisterhood which supports the parish family in various ways, and which gives support to the needy.
The parish offers a monthly, digital newsletter, “Sophia”.
The Temple interior at Pascha
Reconciliation of the ROCOR and the Moscow Patriarchate, 2007
On the Feast of the Ascension of Christ (17 May, 2007), Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla), along with many of the clergy of the ROCOR, participated in the signing of the “Act of Canonical Communion” in Moscow, Russia. Together with this signing, Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla) participated in serving the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy with the Patriarch of Moscow, Aleksey II (Ridiger), at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow.
Metropolitan Laurus and Patriarch Aleksey sign the Act of Reconciliation
Metropolitan Laurus, Patriarch Aleksey
Return to the Montréal and Canada Diocese, 2008
Upon the arrival of Bishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) as Bishop of Montréal and Canada in 2008, the Saint Sophia Parish was reunited (along with other Western Canada parishes) to the Diocese of Canada of the ROCOR.
Be that as it may, the geographical situation of Victoria presents access to the USA through Seattle and Port Angeles in Washington State, that in certain ways, there is extra support available easily from the Seattle region.
60 years : 2014 ; Archpastoral visitation by Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov)
By May, 2014, 60 years had passed since the establishment of the Holy Trinity Parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) in Vancouver, British Columbia. This anniversary was marked by the Holy Trinity parish on the day of the Holy Trinity, the Feast of Pentecost (the Feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit), which is the patronal feast-day of the Temple. For this event, the patronal feast and parish anniversary, the ruling bishop of the Diocese of Canada, Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) of Montréal and Canada visited Vancouver.
On the eve and on the day of the Holy Day of Pentecost, Archbishop Gabriel presided at the celebration of all the services. On the day of the Holy Trinity, 8 June, Vladyka celebrated the Divine Liturgy, followed by Great Vespers for the Day of the Holy Spirit, and he lead the Cross-procession around the Temple. At the Lesser Entrance of the Divine Liturgy, by decree of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia the archbishop awarded Archpriest Serge Overt, the right to wear a pectoral Cross with jewels. Father Overt had already been the rector of many years, and Dean of the parishes of the western part of the Diocese of Canada. At the end of the service, Archbishop Gabriel read the Gramota of Blessing (an honourary certificate) that was bestowed to the entire parish by the Synod of Bishops to commemorate the 60 years of its existence.
The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia is based on the mission of preserving the loyalty of the Russian Orthodox Christians in exile, the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Russian Orthodox spiritual culture. This mission has been carried out and executed in daily life in Temples, schools, and homes, and in the concern about preserving the Russian spiritual life as far as possible in a foreign environment.
Temple interior, 2024
Election of a new First Hierarch, 2022
On 13 September, 2022, at the Meeting of the Holy Synod of Bishops in New York, Bishop Nicholas (Olhovsky) was elected to be First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. He was to be elevated to the dignity of Metropolitan, and to be the ruling bishop of the Diocese of Eastern America and New York.
On 14 September, 2022, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church approved his election.
On 17 September, 2022, he was elevated to the dignity of metropolitan in the New York Synodal Cathedral of the Sign of the Theotokos.
On 18 September, 2022, Metropolitan Nicholas (Olhovsky) was assigned by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church to be First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia.
He was later elected to serve as a Member “ex officio” of the Presidium of the Inter-Council Presence of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Enthronement
On Sunday, 18 September, 2022, Metropolitan Nicholas (Olhovsky) was enthroned by the bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) as Archbishop and Metropolitan of New York and the Diocese of Eastern America, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. The enthronement took place during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Sign of the Theotokos Cathedral in New York City, New York. A video of the enthronement service may be found here.
Bereavement, 2024
On Monday, 12 August, 2024, Archpriest John Adams fell asleep in the Lord in hospital in Victoria. He was prepared spiritually for his departure to the Lord by Priest Philosoph Uhlman. Besides administering sacramental support, Father Philosoph also led other prayers in the hospital room, including the Prayers at the Departure of the Soul.
On Thursday, 15 August, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., a panikhida (Memorial Service) was offered by Priest Philosoph Uhlman at Saint Sophia's Russian Orthodox Church.
On Friday, 16 August, 2024, the Memorial Divine Liturgy was served at Saint Sophia's Russian Orthodox Church. After a pause, the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Priest was served for Father John Adams.
Following the funeral obsequies, the body of Archpriest John Adams was interred at the Royal Oak Burial Park (Section T).
Royal Oak Burial Park
Particular parish information
This parish is part of the Diocese of Montréal and Canada of the Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). The bishop is Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov).
This parish follows the Old (Julian) Calendar.
The Altar Feast-day of the parish is the Feast of the Icon of Christ Not Made by Hands, 16/29 August (in this parish, 3 September).
In 2023, the rector is Archpriest John Adams ; Priest Philosoph Uhlma is the Second Priest.
The deacons are : Protodeacon Gordian Bruce ; Deacon Olexandr Savytskyi.
Regular services (in English) :
Saturday, 6:00 p.m., Vigil
Sunday, 10:00 a.m., Divine Liturgy
195, Joseph Street
Victoria
British Columbia
V8S 3H6
Telephone : (250) 704-2838
Web-site : https://saintsophia.ca/
E-mail: saintsophia@shaw.ca
Directions :
Victoria, British Columbia, is situated on Vancouver Island.
It is approached by air at Victoria International Aeroport.
It is approached by sea with BCFerries from Vancouver ; with FRS Clipper from Seattle, Washington, USA ; or with Black Ball Ferry from Port Angeles, Washington.
From northeasterly parts of Vancouver Island, Victoria is approached by road with the BC/Transcanada Highway #1 (between Nanaimo and Victoria) and BC Highway #19 (North of Nanaimo).
From westerly parts of Vancouver Island, Victoria is approached by the West Island (Sooke) Highway #14.
Saint Sophia Church is situated at the corner of Joseph and May Streets in Victoria.
Parish sign
References
Additional information :
Archdiocese of Montréal and Canada web-site (in Russian)
Archdiocese of Montréal and Canada web-site (in English)
The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia web-site
Orthodoxwiki article about the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia
Wikipedia article about the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia
Orthodox Church of Russia web-site
Orthodoxwiki article about the Russian Orthodox Church
Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger)
Metropolitan Antony (Khrapovitsky)
Metropolitan Anastasy (Gribanovsky)
Metropolitan Philaret (Voznesensky)
Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral)
Metropolitan Nicholas (Olhovsky)
Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov)
Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor, Vancouver, British Columbia
Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church (ROCOR) in Vancouver, British Columbia
Saint Nicholas the Wonder-worker Russian Orthodox Church, Vancouver, British Columbia
Wikipedia article about the Russian Diaspora
Canadian Encyclopaedia article about Russian Canadians
Wikipedia article about Russian Canadians
Mapquest reference for Saint Sophia Orthodox Church
Saint Sophia Orthodox Church Newsletter
Orthodoxwiki list of Orthodox parishes in British Columbia
Act of Reconciliation of the ROCOR and the Moscow Patriarchate (2007)
90th Anniversary of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad (2010)
‘The Sisterhood and other Parish News’ in “Sophia Newsletter”, issue no. 115 (November, 2021), p. 5.
Election of Metropolitan Nicholas (Olhovsky) new First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (18 September, 2022)
‘History of the Parish’ in “Sophia Newsletter”, issue no. 135 (September, 2023), p. 3.