The Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God at the Chapel (Photos)
Our autumn season continues to unfold in a beautiful and steady stream of events — a season filled with colourful, life-giving moments of prayer, fellowship, and community. In many ways, it is as rich and varied as the October leaves outside our windows.
Our traditional Divine Liturgy, concelebrated and spiritually led by Father Jaroslaw and Mykola Sydorsky, was, as always, prayerful, thoughtful, and sincere. The children joined the choir in singing the “Our Father,” bringing a particularly warm and joyful spirit to the celebration.
After the Liturgy, the children gathered for their much-anticipated Sunday School class under the caring and dedicated guidance of Dobrodyika Natalia. At the end of the lesson, Tetyana Ternovska led a special art activity, during which the children created their own Thanksgiving lanterns. The results truly exceeded all expectations!
During our Pokrova Potluck, we watched a video explaining the origins and meaning of several important celebrations connected with the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God in Ukrainian life and tradition. For centuries, the Feast of the Protection has also held a special place in the life of Ukraine’s defenders. Since the time of the Ukrainian Cossacks, the Mother of God has been honoured as their heavenly protector. Her holy omophorion has long been a symbol of protection, courage, and the struggle for the freedom and independence of Ukraine.
The children also recited poems dedicated to this important feast of the Ukrainian Church, adding another beautiful and heartfelt moment to our celebration.
At the end of the day, Father Jaroslaw invited parishioners to a conversation about the Bible. This initiative will continue regularly, offering our community an opportunity to gather, reflect, ask questions, and grow together in faith.
This Monday, October 12, the second Bible Study session will take place at the Chapel: Read More.
We sincerely thank everyone who helped make this day so meaningful, joyful, and full of care.
We warmly invite you to take part in our upcoming initiatives and projects, as we are now approaching two of the most important events of our Centennial Year.
First and foremost, we warmly encourage everyone to take part in our “100 Years, 100 Voices” project, where we are collecting the thoughts, memories, and reflections of the people who are dear and important to our parish community.
You can find all the details, including how to participate, here: 100 Years. 100 Voices. One Community.
We also warmly encourage everyone to join us for the special Centennial Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral on October 18. The Chapel will be closed that day so that our entire community can come together for this important celebration.
More details are available here: Archpastoral Visitation and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.
In addition, more than 70% of the tickets have already been sold for our main Centennial Gala Celebration, taking place on November 7 at the St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre in Oakville. We encourage you to reserve your place in advance.
Find out more details and buy tickets right now—don't wait!
And finally, our next Sunday School class at the Chapel will take place on November 1.
Before then, we especially encourage all parish families to register their children for our special children’s event on October 31, “Night of All Saints.”
We also invite all children who would like to participate to take part in our children’s art competition, Celebrate 100 Years of Our Church!: Learn More
And so, in the midst of all these wonderful events and meaningful moments of our shared life, may we continue to walk together in faith, truth, and sincere prayer — grateful for all that makes our lives so beautifully and wonderfully unique.
With sincere prayers, All Saints of Ukraine Chapel
