Kaslo BC Nativity of the Theotokos Mission 2018

Kaslo, British Columbia, Nativity of the Theotokos Mission, 2018

Mission information

Founding the mission, 2018

On 1-2 December, 2018, with the blessing of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), Priest Nilos Nellis celebrated the first Vespers and Divine Liturgy at the new Nativity of the Theotokos mission parish in Kaslo, British Columbia, with Deacon Paul Bartlett assisting.

This is the second community served by Father Nilos. He also serves as the pastor at Saint John of the Wilderness retreat in Birchdale, British Columbia. With the increasing number of attendees and the difficulties of transport to Birchdale, the decision was made to start a mission parish in a more accessible location. Access to Birchdale, opposite Kaslo, on the east coast of Kootenay Lake, is possible only by private boats.

They were able to rent the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Kaslo. Since this Roman Catholic parish was being served by a visiting priest from nearby Nelson, their services were being held on a Sunday afternoon. This left Sunday mornings available, and the Roman Catholic authorities accepted the arrangement.

The portable iconostasis was built by parishioners and secured in place for their first service of Vespers on 1 December. Divine Liturgy, with the Hours, was served at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, 2 December.

The new mission community sparked interest amongst the local population and, the Lord willing, the Nativity of the Theotokos Mission will grow.

Kaslo Temple interior

Particular community information

The place of worship is at Kaslo, British Columbia, Canada. Services are held weekly on Saturday evenings (6:00 p.m.) for Great Vespers, and Sunday mornings (9:00 a.m.) for Divine Liturgy. Services are currently held in the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic building in downtown Kaslo.

All Feast-days are held at the mission's "sister" community, "Saint John in the Wilderness", located in the off-grid wilderness chapel on the North East side of the Kootenay Lake in Birchdale, British Columbia.

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

This community is a "sister" community with the Saint John in the Wilderness Orthodox Sanctuary at Birchdale, British Columbia.

This community follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

Services are offered in English.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the Synaxis of Saint John the Baptist, 7 January.

In 2025, the pastor of the parish is Priest Nilos Nellis.

Nativity of the Theotokos Mission

(Sacred Heart Church)

313, 5th Street

Kaslo, British Columbia

V0G 1M0

Mailing Address :

Priest Nilos Nellis

P.O. Box 313

Kaslo, British Columbia

V0G 1M0

Telephone : 250-999-5010

E-mail : stjohninthewildernessbc@gmail.com

Directions :

The Nativity of the Theotokos is an Orthodox Parish located in Kaslo, British Columbia, one hour's drive north of Nelson.

Kaslo is situated 71 km northeast of Nelson, British Columbia. Drive from Nelson to Kaslo along Highways #3A and #31 until arriving at Kaslo. Remaining on Highway #31, turn left at A Avenue. Keep left. Turn left at 6th Street. The mission is situated at 313-5th Street, Kaslo.