Glory to Jesus Christ!
The motto for the fall season is: “The seasons change, but God remains the same.”
This motto also reflects the life of St. Elia Parish, because members return to
the Church, while others move away. It is a part of life, and we continue our
journey with faith in God.
I had the pleasure of welcoming our Elder Vasyl back to Canada after his long
vacation. And I said goodbye to Igor, who has left Canada for Spain. We wish
him all the best in his new journey.
On September 25, I had the opportunity to drive His eminence to the
airport as he was leaving for Montreal. I am also thankful to the Church
Executive for meeting with me on September 26 to finalize my salary at St. Elia Parish.
October 1 was the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God. More
than twelve parishioners came together to honour the Theotokos during the
Akathist service. It was encouraging to see our faithful gather in prayer on this
special feast day.
Unexpectedly, on October 2, I received a call to visit a sick person at the
hospital in Lloydminster who needed Confession, Holy Communion, and the
Last Rites. It was a reminder of the importance of our pastoral ministry and
our responsibility to be there for those who are in need.
The fallowing day, October 3, Dobr. Irena and I had the pleasure of
celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Holy Trinity Parish in Redwater. It was
a wonderful accession to share in the joy of this important milestone.
As I do every month, on the second Saturday I visited St. Nicholas
Parish in Red Deer to serve the community there.
On October 13, I joined His Eminence and other members of the
Western Eparchy Executive to prepare the program for the Western Eparchy
Assembly.
October 14 was a special day for our sister in Christ Hilda, who
celebrated her 90th birthday. On behalf of all the members of St. Elia Parish, I
would like to wish her good health, happiness, Gods blessings for many more
joyful years of life.
On October 15, ten members gathered for the second session of our
101 Orthodox Study Program. Our next class will take place on Thursday,
November 19. I am thankful to everyone who participates in this program and
wishes to learn more about out Orthodox faith.
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Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who
contributes their time, energy, and talents to support St. Elia Parish. Special
thanks go to all those who work so hard for the good of our parish, every
contribution, whether large or small, helps strengthen our Church
Community. May God bless all of you for your dedication, kindness, and
continued support. Glory to Jesus Christ!
COMMUNION GUIDELINES: To partake of Holy Communion, one must be a
Baptized/Chrismated Orthodox Christian and be in good standing with the church.
Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting and
regular participation in Holy Confession are welcome to receive communion. One
should also be present at the Liturgy before the Scripture readings. Please follow
the directions of the ushers during Holy Communion, and please allow children to
commune first.
COMMEMORATION OF YOUR LOVED ONES & ACQUAINTENCES! Should you wish
to have names of your family and friends commemorated at Proskomedia or by
special petition in the Liturgy, please take advantage of the Commemoration Lists
in the entrance to the Church.
PASTORAL NEEDS, HOSPITAL CALLS, NURSING/REHAB AND HOME-BOUND
PARISHIONERS:
If you have a pastoral need or emergency and would like to speak to Fr. Slawomir,

or know of someone who would like to schedule a pastoral visit, please contact
Father by phoning the office at 306 737 4697 or Email: fr.slawomir@yahoo.ca
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION Gregory of Nyssa
Solders do not arm themselves partially, leaving the rest of their bodies
unprotected. For if they received their death wounds in the unprotected area,
what would be the point of their partial armor? Again, who would consider some
feature flawless when in an accident it lost something essential to beauty? The
disfigurement of the mutilated part destroys the grace of the untouched part. The
gospel implies that those who try to build a tower but spend all their time on the
foundation and never finish, are ridiculous. From the Parable of the Tower, we
also learn to work hard and finish every lofty goal, to complete the work of God
through the varied structures of His commandments. Of course, one stone
doesn’t make an entire tower any more than obeying one commandment lifts the
soul to the required height of perfection. The foundation must be laid first. But, as
the Apostle Paul says, the structure of gold and precious gems must be built over
it. For the psalmist cries, “I have loved Thy Commandment above gold and many a
precious stone.”
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For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if
any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay,
stubble: Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it,
because it shall be revealed by fire: and the fire shall try every man’s work of what
sort it is.
1 Corinthians 3:11-13
ST. ELIA ALTAR SERVERS AND PRIEST VESTMENTS UPGRADING.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
It has been many years since we have upgraded vestments for Altar Servers
and our Priest. We intend to purchase 15 sets of vestments from Ukraine
(most economical place to order) and have budgeted $2,000 which includes a
generous amount for freight. Glory to God that St. Elia has so many new Alter
Servers now!
Your generosity in the past for special projects has blessed us immensely.
Please donate to this project by using a separate donation envelope and
marking it “Vestments”. We will provide a tax receipt for this special
donation as usual.
God bless you.
Sincerely, Church Council and Parish Priest Fr. Slawomir