Tag: Orthodox Canada

“One thing is needful…” reflection on the newly departed priest Anthony Estabrooks.

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The last few days have been full of introspection for me, with the falling asleep in the Lord of Fr. Anthony (Spencer) Estabrooks; and as I have been sifting through my time and interactions with him (which was admittedly limited and sporadic), I have come to realise just how much of a positive example of the priesthood he has been for me. If I am being honest, the youthful enthusiasm that enlivened my priesthood, was always an easy target for hubris and conceit. This stood in stark contrast with the quiet and reflective presence that Fr. Anthony provided. Regrettably this contrast skewed my understanding of this vocation (beyond its fundamental sacramental characteristics). Ironically, my understanding of priesthood’s validation was more formed by what “I” was doing, or what “I “thought a priest should do.

This understanding of what I thought validated the priesthood was tempered by those elements that Fr. Anthony demonstrated. What I came to realise was that the fundamental context or validation of the priesthood, was that of faithfulness as demonstrated in being a servant; for the Lord came “to serve, and not be served and give His life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:28). Simply put, the Priesthood is Christ’s; the sacrifice and salvific work, is Christ’s – in which He had shared with Fr. Anthony (and all those called to the priesthood like myself).

This of course didn’t happen the moment he was ordained. In fact, for many years, Fr. Anthony (or Spencer as he was known then) was engaged as a layman, in the promotion and proclamation of Orthodox Christianity in English. This is something to consider, because by God’s grace, many of us take for granted nowadays; yet only a few decades ago, this  was something of an oddity and even a betrayal. Even before his ordination, every moment presented the opportunity for him to bear witness to what the Lord was doing, and every person he met presented him the opportunity to invite them to participate with Lord in this work, regardless of whether he was Spencer, or Father Anthony.

Working closely with the Protoprysber Miron Kylsh, the Archpriest Anatoliy Melnyk, and our own Fr. Bob Kenaugh, he sought to offer our faith in a way that everyone could either encounter the Lord’s saving love, and or, deepen their relationship with Him. This all came together with the founding of the Saint Arseny’s Institute (SAI)  in 2002, which provided an alternative option for theological education in Canada. This is something in itself, yet his work was certainly not limited to that – I would go so far as to say that it far exceeded this. 

Although Fr. Anthony never intended to become a priest, (in fact he once told me at an Archdiocesan council meeting in 2006 that this was furthest from his desire – as he thought his talents were better served as a layman). Nonetheless, he was ordained to the Diaconate (at St. Nicholas) and then Priesthood in 2010, with the responsibility for serving the Life Giving Springs Mission in Winnipeg. His priesthood in many ways reconciled his many years of work, with the sacramental  life of the Church – manifesting the Lord’s mystical presence and blessings as the context and application for his teachings and work.

What I have now come to see as being amazing (even profound), is that on the surface, his witness was subtle and unnoticeable –  indeed one could say that it was unquantifiable. Yet the same way that love, as an expression of selflessness and sacrifice can seem quiet, subtle and hard to quantify – it is nonetheless verifiable. In like manner, Fr. Anthony’s humble love of God and neighbour alike, might not have been quantifiable, but was certainly verifiable in his life and especially his priesthood, as many people can attest – including me.

Although he never had proper liturgical training and his service was very limited – he  nonetheless served, in his love for God and neighbour alike. Although he never really had administrative and dynamic skills or time to expand his community – he nonetheless was a father in every respect, in his love of God and neighbour alike. Although he never had the structure or forum to expound about his teaching and writings-  he nonetheless inspired those around him, in his love of God and neighbour alike. 

Although Fr. Anthony never manifested those elements or qualities that I initially considered as being maybe the only quantifiably important elements of the priesthood (proper liturgics, expansion of mission, and exposition of work, etc) I came to realise in time, that what he offered was the very foundation of all those elements, and even more! Nothing less than faithfulness to the Lord as offered in humility and thanksgiving, was more important to Fr. Anthony, regardless of whether he was in front of the Altar, or at home with his wife Matushka Irene, children and grandchildren. Like Mary (the sister of Lazarus) Fr. Anthony saw the exceeding value of sitting at the feet of the Lord, and hearing His words, rather than fussing around and being “distracted with much serving” like Martha (Lk. 10: 38-42). In many respects, this aspect of his ministry is somewhat reflective of the kind of work a good farmer employs

As most farmers might know, the hardest part of growing anything is not necessarily the toiling of the soil, or planting of the seeds, or even the harvesting of the fruits. Those things indeed take a lot of work to do; yet it is being patient and faithful that maybe the most difficult challenge to navigate. A farmer can hope that it will rain (and not rain too much), care for the young sprouts, and have faith that there will be a bountiful harvest; but beyond this, nothing really can make a crop grow faster, no matter how much fussing around and being “distracted with much serving”  happens. This is something that Fr. Anthony understood as a principle in which he applied to his priesthood.

For as the Lord says. “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground,  and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” (Mk. 26:4-9). This was Father Anthony’s witness, as being entrusted to care for the Lord’s Vineyard- The Church.

We now find ourselves at a place where our churches are full and growing, indeed “the harvest has come”  – wrought not by our own work, but by the grace of God. What I have been called to do, is like Fr. Anthony be faithful and patient with all that the Lord is doing. – for this harvest is of the Kingdom of heaven – and not of me or any other priest.

Yet often I wanted  to see and have the fruits of my work as if the Lord wanted “results”. So often I have wanted to validate my priesthood by rushing or managing things beyond my control, because things had to be done – Alas, I have more often than not ended up being more frustrated than anything else. Yet the example of faithfulness, patience, and humility offered by Fr. Anthony was a witness to me what can happen when what is offered is of Christ, rather than just for Christ.

Indeed Fr. Anthony has compelled me to attend to the “one thing that is needful” in my life as a priest and Christian. For this I offer my profound thanksgiving to God for such a servant and priest, for he had“chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from him”.

May his memory be eternal! 

Fathers Micheal Ungrin, Anthony Estabrooks, Nikolaos Tambakis, Evan Maximiuk, and myself in 2022.

A new year – the same hope. (The Ecclesiastical new year)

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The beginning of the Ecclesiastical (Church) new year (also called the Indiction) on September 1st, is – or should at least be – like the beginning of any year, month, week, day, or moment – full of hope.

It is in the Gospel (the Good News) that as Christians we encounter this hope in the saving work of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” (Lk. 4:18-19 from the Gospel reading for this feast)

It is a hope that the poverty of our brokenness will be reconciled, and our emptiness filled to be overflowing in our hearts (Lk. 6:38) by the love of the Lord, who empties Himself out of love for us (Phil. 2:8).

It is a hope that our wounded hearts will be healed with His divine love, that seeks to save the world and not condemn it (Jn. 3:17).

It is a hope that we will be set free from the captivity of shame and fear, by our Lord and God, who in His love for us, is willingly bound in strips of linen and placed in a new tomb; that he might free us from the bondage of sin and death. (Gal. 4:3-5). 

It is a hope that we will see him as He is, the Incarnate Son of God (1 Jn. 3:2). Who in His love for us, has set us as a city set upon a hill, that we might share our light to the world shrouded  in shadow (Mt. 5:14). 

It is a hope that in that we will be exalted by humbling ourselves we might be free, as He has humbled Himself to serve us and give his live as a ransom for many (Mk. 10:45) 

Indeed this is the  “acceptable year of the Lord” as it  reveals this  hope “which does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Rm. 5:5) – even in the chaos of early mornings, preparing lunches, and commuting to work or school. 

May we be strengthened and confirmed, in this same hope offered for all humanity by the Lord, as we begin this new Church year, month, week, day, and even moment – and by God’s grace, bear witness to it, for the world around us!

The end which reveals the new (the Beheading of St. John the Baptist).

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The celebration of the solemn commemoration of the beheading of St. John the Baptist (Aug. 29th) is in indeed providential, as we are coming to the end of one cycle of life – summer holidays- and prepare for a new cycle of life (school, work, harvest, etc). It is in this ending of sorts that we are given the opportunity to reflect upon what the holy Prophet’s ending in martyrdom reveals – humility – the foundation for that which is “new”, or to put it another way, that which “renews”.

It was the humility of John which provided a perspective  in which he could see something greater than a rival teacher or prophet – that is Jesus, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn. 1:29).  

It was the humility of John that witnessed something greater than his baptism of water – that is, the baptism of the “Holy Spirit and fire” (Lk. 3:16). 

It was the humility of John which allowed his trembling hands to baptise the Lord and fulfil not his righteousness, but rather “all righteousness” (Mt. 3:15). 

It was the humility of John that did not waver in the face of the executioner’s axe, even as he preached that the “axe is laid to the root of the trees” (Mt. 3:10) to all of Israel – to Herod and his court. 

It was the humility of John that even in death, submitted to being as the “least in the Kingdom of God”; yet proclaimed by the Lord as being the greatest born of women (Mt. 3:11).

As we end this summer and season of holidays, and prepare for the new season; school, work, harvest, and all, let us be inspired by John the Baptist’s humility, that even in death reveals that which is greater and new. For it is in the work of humbling ourselves to the “other” – dying to our own expectations, and assumptions, seeking to serve and intercede, being truthful even at our own expense –  that we, like John, can bear witness to the Love of God for us; as being that which is beyond imagination, logic, power and ultimately death. 

Truly a somber confirmation of the humility we strive for, and yet a joyful confirmation of what we seek – a new creation. For “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17) and “he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 Jn. 2:17).

By the prayers and intercession of the holy Prophet and forerunner John, may the ending of this season reveal the new life that we have in our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

Back to school prayers (a nice reminder for the rest of us) 

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Over the next few weeks, many parents and students will be preparing for a new school year; and in many Churches prayers for both them and their teachers will be said for them as they begin this work. It is truly a blessing that we can send our little ones (and not so little ones) on their way having commended them to the Lord for protection, preservation, and comprehension, as they learn and grow at school.

This “blessing” has the effect, that beyond what is offered in prayer for our children, students and teachers, that reminds us, that we have “one teacher”, the Lord (Mt. 23:8) illuminating our hearts with His saving love; for “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Prov. 1:7)

Regardless of whether we are students or not, we are all called to grow “till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). Regardless of whether we are students or not, we are all called to learn from the Lord, and understand that He is  “gentle and lowly in heart” and in Him we “will find rest for (our) souls” (Mt. 11:29).  

These prayers for our students should help us recognise that no matter how wise or educated we might be, it is only with an open heart and mind, that we can understand the Lord’s perfect will – that we love one another, even as He has loved us” (Jn. 13:24). As we pray these words, may we all be inspired to grow and learn, in the same way as our children (and students) will do, as they head back to school. May the Lord bless!

“O Lord, our God and Creator, You have  honored us man with Your own image, and did teach Your chosen disciples that the fear of You is the beginning of true wisdom; You have  revealed Your wisdom to children and did teach Your law to Solomon and to all those who have sought You in purity of heart.  Open the hearts, the minds, and the lips of these students, that they may perceive the power of Your  law, and successfully comprehend the useful things which will be taught to them, so that they will understand Your perfect will and contribute to the building up of Your Holy Church. 

Deliver them from every snare of the enemy, preserve them in the true faith and in righteousness and purity all the days of their lives, that they may grow in wisdom and in the observance of Your commandments, and may be revealed as worshipers of Your Name and heirs of Your Kingdom. 

Bless also their teachers, O Lord; grant that their words may be free from every worldly deceit and vanity, and may always clearly proclaim the word of Your truth. For You are God, the Author of truth and the Fountain of wisdom, and unto You we ascribe glory:  to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.” 

“As she is, we will be.” The feast of the Dormition.

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So much could be said about the importance of the feast of the Dormition the Theotokos (Aug. 15th). Indeed many, beautiful and illuminating commentaries have been composed by the Fathers of the Church that convey its importance. Yet Saint Andrew of Crete’s (who also composed the Canon that we sing in the first week of Great Lent) commentary on the Dormition, is one that I always come back to. Indeed St. Andrew sees in the Dormition of the Theotokos, a  hope for humanity, with the simple phase  “as she is (raised and glorified) we will be”. 


Indeed by our struggle to be faithful, and work to live a life like hers (hearing the “word of God and keeping it” (Lk. 11:27)),  we also will be raised on that last day to life eternal by the perfect love of her son Jesus Christ. Her empty tomb being the template for our empty tombs, her “deathless Dormition”, being the template of for our “translation to life” (as we sing in the Troparion of the feast) . For good reason this feast is known as the “summer Pascha” as it is a witness of God’s saving victory over sin and death (Jn. 5:25) manifested in the Dormition of His mother, and our beloved intercessor, who by her prayers will “deliver our souls from death”.

A Pentecostal heritage for the Archdiocese of Canada – Altar feast of Holy Trinity Sobor. 

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Although there were various versions of Orthodox communities in Winnipeg prior to the arrival of St. Tikhon (at that time the ruling Orthodox archbishop for North America), none of them lasted beyond the charismatic pastors that either founded or served them. In 1904 when St. Tikhon was making a visit to Canada, he set into motion the establishment of a parish that would serve Orthodox Christians regardless if they be from  Bucovina, Galicia and Carpatho-Russia (Trans-Carpathia), then in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The following year, St. Tikhon returned to consecrate the newly built Church at the corner of McGregor and Manitoba Ave. in Winnipeg’s North End. This new community was given to the patronage of the Holy Trinity, and its feast day was to be Pentecost. 

There is something very providential in this. As the Apotoalic witness and proclamation of the Jesus Christ’s saving victory over sin and death, spread from that first Pentecost throughout the whole world; The witness of this same proclamation spread from Holy Trinity Sobor,  through all of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and eventually the whole of Canada, as Holy Trinity became Episcopal seat for Canadian bishops for the better part of a century (the seat moved few times until 1970 when it was formally moved to Montreal and then Ottawa in 1987). 

With the amalgamation of the Mission of the Lifegiving Springs of the Theotokos in 2016, St. Tikhon’s vision of what Orthodoxy could be in North America was truly manifested at this historic Church. The presence of a Slavic community, and an English speaking community serving together has truly been a blessing, that in many respects has exceeded expectations. Although they are challenges that have to be navigated now and again, the willingness to commit to this unprecedented arrangement, has revealed time and time again that what binds a community is first and foremost the same thing that bound the early Church as it spread from the blessed first Pentecost -that “on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Mt. 16:18)

Although Holy Trinity Sobor is no longer the Episcopal  see for the Archdiocese of Canada, and there are much larger Orthodox Churches across Canada, there is nonetheless something profound.  That so much of what now exists across the prairies and country (including our own St. Nicholas) has the DNA of that first Pentecost and Holy Trinity woven into their life. Truly a Pentecostal heritage. May the Lord confirm the clergy and faithful of the Holy Trinity with many blessed years! 

The Icon of St. Tihkon holding Holy Trinity Sobor (the very Church he founded)

40 days that feel like eternity 

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Master of the Rabbula Gospels, The Ascension, 586

Following the scriptural pattern, we are in the last week of this 40 day Paschal season. The question that is often asked, is what is the significance of 40 days being used throughout scripture? Well, without getting into biblical numerology (which if I am being honest is a little beyond me), this time stamp of 40 days is the actualisation of a completed act or event that is presented symbolically, yet in the context of reality.  

Whether it be Noah in the Ark, or Moses on mount Sinai, or the Lord fasting in the wilderness (and many more examples), this 40 day period actualises His saving, correcting, illumining, and redeeming work for humanity; and although 40 days might be more symbolic in its presentation, it nonetheless expresses something that is anything by symbolic – time. Although Divine is timeless, eternal and complete, the Lord condescends to the limits of time, that we might participate in the timelessness of the Kingdom of Heaven – the actualisation of His saving victory over sin and death. It is a paradox (like many things in our faith), that St. Paul compels us to consider;  “Behold, now is the acceptable time” -that 24hr cycle we experience – “behold, now is the day of salvation” -the timelessness of God’s victory and presence that is offered to us to not only consider, but participate in. (2 Cor. 2:6)

For almost 40 days, we have been given this “acceptable time”  in which the proclamation of “Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!” has loudly sounded; and indeed the Lord’s Pascha is a timeless and eternal victory that is shared with us (every Sunday is a little Pascha). Yet this season ends with His glorious Ascension – actualising the completion of God’s redemptive work (thus the 40 days). What now lies before us is the opportunity to enter into that redemptive work and the eternity of the Lord’s love –  the “day of salvation” in the feast of the Ascension and our anticipation of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. 

When the Lord ascends to heaven (Mk. 16:19, Lk. 24:50-53, Act. 1:9-11) humanity (flesh and blood) is restored and glorified in the Kingdom of heaven, and that which is temporal (our nature), is reconciled as eternal and timeless. Truly we witness the actualisation of Lord’s saving work as witnessed in time, and those 40 days of light and life -experienced in time -now stretch into eternity. But we know the story doesn’t end there for us; for on that “last day, that great day of the feast” (Jn. 7:37) the day of Pentecost, we who are rooted in time, are blessed to sanctify it, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

For as the Lord says “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. “If you love Me, keep My commandments.  And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth”  (Jn. 14:12-17). Truly, these 40 days of light and life, by God’s grace can feel like eternity.

Blessing of the Graves at St. Nicholas.

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There is no greater joy than the blessing of the graves of our departed loved ones during this Paschal season of light and life. This is a labour of love has been served at various cemeteries across Winnipeg and Steinbach and Winkler; yet the crown jewel (so to speak) is blessing the graves of those men and women, who  gave us St. Nicholas in Narol. Indeed the very ground of our Church has been hallowed by their witness (literally – martyrdom) of the Lord’s saving love and mercy, and the proclamation of Orthodoxy. 

The fact that we can recognise this witness (some hundred years later – no less than in English!) is something many of our founders could never have considered. Would Roman Bilak (the farmer who donated the land for the building of St. Nicholas) and those like him,  have ever dreamed that his labours and offerings might be  the source of reconciliation, healing and forgiveness for those who have found a safe haven in the Orthodoxy? Would John Kozak (who was the long time chanter -Diak) and those like him, have ever imagined how beautiful the singing and reading at St. Nicholas would be? Would John and Mary Evaschuk (parents of Fr. John Evascuck – an early missionary priest in Canada) and those like them have ever imagined that their parish would be brimming with priests and deacons? Would John and Sophie Barchyn, or William Prigoski or those like them have ever imagined that this little Church would be overflowing with people, when they rebuilt St. Nicholas after it burnt down in 1946, let alone after extensive renovations in the 1990’s?

Maybe, maybe not. 

Regardless of what any of them imagined what this little parish could be a century latter (that is, if they even had time to consider such things) their faithfulness to the Lord, and His triumph over sin and death, have given us a stable foundation for just about everything. As such, it is truly a profound joy that we now can bear witness to their faithfulness, by proclaiming the very thing they lived for – The Lord’s saving Pascha and victory! Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! Христос воскрес! Воістину воскрес!

Photos by N. Morin, W. Magrowski

Something more than just an heirloom (+Archpriest Nicolas Boldireff)

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This past week the Archpriest Nicholas Boldireff fell asleep in the Lord after a lengthy illness. Fr. Nicholas was the longtime pastor of Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church in Toronto and Holy Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles (CA); and although  I never really knew Fr. Nicholas personally well, (even though I had served with him as a young server, and deacon)  there is Nonetheless there is something very personal that I share with him. 

There is an informal tradition in the Orthodox Church that when a priest is ordained, the pectoral cross given to him, is one that has been handed down to him from another priest (sometimes this isn’t practical so a new cross is given). This was the case for me at my ordination a decade ago. The cross that Vladika Irénée put around my neck (and also my brother’s neck at his ordination) was my father’s cross, that was passed to him by the newly departed Fr. Nicholas; that was passed to Fr. Nicholas by his father (Archpriest Oleg +1997), that was passed to Fr. Oleg at his ordination (and so on). There is something quite beautiful that this same cross (a simple pewter three bar cross) has been worn by more than a few priests for over a hundred years; yet it is  more than just an heirloom passed from priest to priest. It is also a witness Apostolic tradition (the word trandition literally means passing on) and the unity of those called to  “be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12) in service to the Body of Christ as priests (in fact in the slavic tradition this scripture is written on the back of some pectoral crosses). 

It is a kind of inheritance that I consider every time I put on this particular cross (which came back to me when my brother received my father’s gold cross), as it speaks to something greater than just being a special heirloom. It is a witness of the responsibility that is given to priests at their ordination (in general), and my father, Fr. Nicholas and his father (in specific); and their voluntary struggles as His servants which manifested that the Lord’s “strength is made perfect in weakness” and  “that the power of Christ” not only rested upon them, but was also displayed (around their necks) for the world around them. (2 Cor. 12:9). Indeed this inheritance conveys something more than just an spiritual significance, but rather something that is very tangible and real; and thus profoundly personal – As real as the simple worn out and crudely mended cross that I wear on special occasions; and as real as that same cross which was Fr. Nicholas’ (and my father’s and his father’s etc.) personal and spiritual inheritance when he (and they) were called to serve the Lord as His priest. 

Ultimately this particular cross (and all crosses whether they were passed down or were brand new) express that the“message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Cor. 1:18). This is a constant source of inspiration for me, as it was for  Fr. Nicholas and those who preceded him. Although I might not have known Fr. Nicholas as much as I would have wanted to; the love of God who by The Cross drew all peoples to Himself (Jn. 12:32), has also drawn me to know him through his priesthood, in ways more personal than words can convey.

Truly may his memory be eternal, and the Lord grant him the Kingdom of Heaven.
Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! Христос воскресе! Воистину воскресе!

+ Fr. Oleg Krawchenko

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This past week the The Right Reverend Protopresbyter Oleg Alexander Krawchenko fell asleep in the Lord, surrounded by his loving family. Many people reading this email will have not known who Fr. Oleg was beyond his name being on our prayer list or his relation to Dn. Thomas Chaput (father-in-law). Beyond his many accomplishments (which are numerous) Fr. Oleg articulated  in many respects the unity between Orthodox clergy and faithful that many of us take for granted.  Despite struggles and distractions that historically were the sources of division and disunity (especially between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Archdiocesan (OCA) Churches), Fr. Oleg was to one degree or another, willing to see past them and celebrate as he was able to, the unity of our faith. In many respects his work as a teacher at St. Andrew’s college inspired many of his students (some of whom I consider my closest friends) also to see the unity of  the “Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15) in other jurisdictions regardless if they are Ukrainian, Russian, Greek, Serbian Romanian, or the OCA. It wasn’t as if his Ukrainian heritage was abandoned in this – certainly not!  Rather it provided a perspective that reconciled every difference as being the diversity of grace. 

I hold dear to my heart, the few times  Fr. Oleg would show up at St. Nicholas with his wife (Dobordika Maria), having just served at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Gonor (also called St. Nicholas!) Each and every time he would radiate joy in greeting and blessing the our faithful, as if he was their pastor, and they were his flock! Nothing was held back, or reserved in walking into a Church more full of strangers, than people he knew (I have heard other stories like this from other priests in Winnipeg). This has always been a source of inspiration for me, in my relationships with other Churches and clergy, compelling me to always look at what we do (as unique as it might be) as being truly united with what other Orthodox Christians are doing (as unique as they might be) in serving the Lord. 

Politics and culture will always surround our Churches, seeking to pull us apart – yet Fr. Oleg’s example should inspire us to recognize that although there are differences of politics and culture (some great and some small), we have been baptized into the same death and been raised in the same newness of life of Christ; we all confess our sins and are forgiven by the same Lord; and we all receive His Body and Blood from the same cup. Glory to God! 
Truly may the Lord bring peace and mercy to His newly departed servant, healing what was broken, and reconciling that which was lost; and glorifying that which was of love, and exalting that which was of mercy.

Our hearts and prayers go out to his Dobrodika Maria, and their five children, and our blessed brother Dn. Thomas. Memory Eternal! Вічная Пам’ять! Christ is Risen! Христос воскрес!