The last couple of years have been difficult for everyone including the members of parish families. 

It was such an amazing feeling to be able to finally attend our first odpust of this year at the Assumption of the Mother of God church in Hamilton on August 14th. Liturgy was at 10:30am with Fr. Jozef celebrating. It was uplifting to be in this beautiful place and among friends and parishioners as we sang and prayed together. 

Our next odpust in the Exarchy was at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God in Toronto on September 11th at 10:00am. Liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Marek with Fr. Ron Mercier, SJ and Fr. Winston Rye, SJ who delivered a very inspirational homily. Akathist to the Mother of God followed the liturgy. The congregation continued to enjoy each other’s company at a luncheon in the hall where one on one conversations brought our parishioners and friends up to date in their personal life. A very successful end to a Feast day indeed. 

The third odpust took place October 2 at Protection of the Mother of God church in Oshawa at 10:00am. The church looked different due to a new iconostasis being installed and I am sure everyone is just waiting for its completion. The liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Stephen whose homily is such a joy to listen to. The icing on the cake were the angelic voices of their choir which delivered perfect responses to the liturgy as well as responses for the Akathist to the Mother of God following the Liturgy. It was such a joy to participate in the responses with the choir as well as the rest of the parishioners. Everyone was invited to the hall for a pot luck luncheon. 

The bonus at these Feast days was the presence of a few young families which shows a promising future. 

Our last odpust of this year is set for November 13th at St. Michael’s church in Windsor at 10:00am. Liturgy will be celebrated by Fr. Marek, who administers the church. Weather permitting and God willing, parishioners from sister parishes are looking forward to attending it as well. 

Many thanks to all who worked tirelessly to make these feast day celebrations possible and those who participated in them. May God reward you for all your hard work and dedication.

Mary Siroky-Snell