Pastoral Visit of Bishop Lazr of Niagara, Exarch of Canada, to Alberta

This past April 19th (OS) / May 2nd (NS) and April 20th (OS)/ / May 3rd (NS), His Grace, Bishop Lazr of Niagara, made a pastoral visit to the churches of our Metropolia in Alberta. Vladyka Lazr was accompanied by Hieromonk Raphael of St. Cuthbert’s Hermitage in Nova Scotia, and the layman John, assisted His Grace. They were met by Archpriest John Lipinski, who graciously hosted them, and arranged for their transportation and accommodations during the visit. Vladyka Lazr visited All Saints Cathedral in Edmonton as well as St. Vladimir’s Church in Elk Point, and the Nativity of the Theotokos Church in Hamlin.

On Sunday morning, Vladyka Lazr celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom at All Saints Cathedral, and concelebrated with the clergy; Archpriest John graciously remarked that it was “a great honour for a Bishop to be present holding the hieararchical staff once again, after an entire decade, since the repose of Archbishop Joseph of blessed memory.” His Grace, Vladyka Lazr, greeted each of the parishioners after Liturgy and during a meal afterwards. During the the visit, Vl. Lazr with other clergy and laity visited and prayed at the grave of our reposed Archbishop Joseph of Edmonton, and other departed faithful.

It is a great joy to once again come into greater and better contact, after so long an absence, with the faithful and pious clergy and people of our Metropolia in Western Canada, and it is the prayer of our Synod, clergy, and laity, that this can be the beginning of greater spiritual rewards in the Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in closer fellowship with our clergy and people, who despite so long a time and distance, have remained faithful.