The First Hierarch Celebrates the Nativity of Christ in Montreal

Even before his recent illness, His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus, the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, expressed his intention of visiting Canada on the first day of the Nativity of Our Lord, to spend the holiday with the parishioners of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Montreal. By the mercy of God, his wish was granted, and on 6 January 2003, the First Hierarch, accompanied by Protodeacon Victor Lokhmatov, Deacon Seraphim Chemodakov and Reader Nicholas Olhovsky, arrived in the cathedral city of the Canadian Diocese before all-night vigil. The clergy and all the multitude of worshipers whom the Lord brought to this evening at the Cathedral witnessed themselves that Vladyka Metropolitan (who just turned 75) was in good health. On the morning of Christmas Eve in Jordanville he celebrated the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great, after which he departed for Canada.

This year, Christmas in Montreal proved white: snow-laden and sunny. On the day of the holiday, the First Hierarch celebrated liturgy along with the rector of St. Nicholas Cathedral, Priest George Lagodich and the Cathedral priest Fr. Michael Metni and Protodeacon Victor Lokhmatov and Deacon Seraphim Chemodakov. There were twelve subdeacons, readers and altar-boys; the number of those wishing to serve in the altar at St. Nicholas Cathedral grew significantly over the last year, so that during the Christmas celebrations, the young altar-boys had to take turns; some served at evening service, others in the morning. By the beginning of the liturgy, the church was already filled—it should be noted that the Orthodox Christmas in the Russian Diaspora fell on a workday, and many Montreal schools are fervently preparing for exams. Both evening and morning services were conducted with prayerful concentration, joy and the true spirit of peace and humility, which bring “peace on earth and goodwill to mankind.”
His Eminence Vladyka Laurus began his sermon to the parishioners of St. Nicholas Cathedral with the words “How wonderful that the Lord gave us this holiday!…But its fullness is given to those who prepare for it, for the birth of the God-Child, as the Holy Church teaches us, with prayer and fasting, for this holiday might otherwise pass us by.”

The First Hierarch wished St. Nicholas Parish strength and courage, for not a few tribulations lay ahead in continuing to rebuild successfully the Cathedral. In his response, Fr. George Lagodich said: “For many years our parish has not felt such archpastoral love and care…Holy Vladyka, may the Lord save you for visiting us amidst all your other cares.”

Then came a surprise for everyone, as the Reverend Rector said: the Cathedral Choir, knowing where Vladyka Metropolitan’s youth was spent, had secretly prepared a few Christmas carols that even today are sung in Carpathian Russia. The First Hierarch was visibly touched, and specially thanked the carolers in his words of gratitude. The younger students of the parish school of A.S. Pushkin presented the First Hierarch with a Christmas card drawn and signed by all of them—over a meter in length! It had to be rolled in a tube to fit into his automobile. Vladyka Metropolitan, besides blessing them in their studies, asked that they never forget that they are Russian.

The First Hierarch left by car for the six-hour trip to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, where he was to serve on the second day of Christmas.