Patriarch Irinej visited the Serbian community in Guelph

On Thursday, February 4, 2016 His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Irinej, administrator of the Diocese of Canada, visited the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in Guelph.

This parish is one of the newest parishes in the Canadian Diocese. Founded in February 2012 at the 30th Diocesan Assembly and with the blessing of Bishop Georgije. Fr. Jovan Marjanac, the parish priest, welcomed the Serbian Patriarch. Together with their priest and many faithful the many children were there in their traditional folklore dress with pogaca, salt and flowers. The Doxology was served by the local priest, Fr. Jovan, together with Protosindjel Vasilije, the abbot of the Milton Monastery and Protodeacon Damjan Bozic. Bishop Christopher, vicar to His Eminence Sotirios, Metropolitan of Toronto (Greek Orthodox Church), Bishop Mina of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada, Bishop Mim of Hamilton, V. Rev. Costas Tsasrudias, parish priest of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Kitchener, V. Rev. Vasilios Petropulos, of the St. George Church in Guelph, V. Rev. Stavrophor Dragomir Ninkovic from Kitchener and V. Rev. Stavrophor Dusan Gnjatic from Waterloo.

Following the doxology Fr. Jovan Marjanac welcomed the Serbian Patriarch. His Holiness thanked him from the formal welcome noting that he was pleasantly surprised at the large number of people and children who welcomed him. (Audio in Serbian: http://www.slovoljubve.com/vesti/patrijarh-irinej-u-gvelfu-ostanite-verni-svojoj-veri)

Afterward Fr. Jovan once again addressed the congregation, in English, summarizing His Holiness' words.

The Serbian community of Guelph holds regular services at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Soon, God willing, this young parish plans on purchasing their own place of worship from where it can grow more. This parish belongs to the Deanery of East Canada. It's neighboring parish is the Holy Trinity parish in Kitchener, St. George in Waterloo and Monastery Milton.

A rich, cultural program was held in the hall prepared by the students of the Serbian school. The Kolo Sestara prepared an agape meal.

Source:  (www.istocnik.ca), photographs: Miroljub Bozovic (ZoomIn, Oakville)