Celebration of Transfiguration in Mansonville

On Sunday for the Afterfeast of Transfiguration as is traditional, faithful from different parts of North America gathered at the Holy Transfiguration Skete in Mansonville.

During the Divine Liturgy concelebrated by Archbishop Vladimir with clergy from Montreal and Toronto: Priest Andrey Lomov, Priest Igor Gritsischin, Priest Alexy Fimin, Priest Dimitri Mercoushev, Deacon Sergei Agou and Deacon Maxim Beilin. During the small entrance Archbishop Vladimir awarded the Rector of the Montreal parish of St. Seraphim of Sarov, Priest Andrey Lomov, the purple Kamilavka. In the spring of this year, Fr. Andrew celebrated the tenth  anniversary of his priesthood during which time Fr. Andrew has selflessly served the parish.

Archbishop Vladimir also awarded the Nabedrennik to Priest Dimitry Mercoushev, second priest of the parish of Sts. Royal Martyrs. Exactly two years ago, Demetrius was elevated to the priesthood, and since then has tirelessly carried the difficult cross of priestly ministry.

Also at the sixth hour Vladika  ordained a sub-deacon, and then during the Liturgy ordained as Deacon the reader Konstantin Balashov. Father Konstantin for many years was a faithful parishioner of the St. Seraphim of Sarov parish in Montreal. Previously, he studied at the Holy Trinity Seminary, Jordanville, where withdrew because of heresies which began to spread in the monastery, and escalated later into what became known as "Lavrovskii split”, which resulted finally with most of the ROCOR merging with Sergianists and Ecumenists.

After the Divine Liturgy, a procession and blessing of water, guests gathered for a festive meal, traditionally hosted by the sisterhood. During lunch Diplomas were awarded for the faithful labors this year for the sake of Christ in the Orthodox children's camp organized every year at the Transfiguration Monastery. Also, a small children's performance was arranged.

Let us thank God for all His blessings and we pray to Him to continue to bless the faithful, giving them the strength.