Mitred Archpriest Michael and Matushka Elena Fourik

Mitred Archpriest Michael M Fourik (1956-____)

and

Matushka Elena N Fourik (born Petrov) (____-____)

Michael may also be spelt Mikhail.

Elena may also be spelt Yelena, Jelena.

Early life of Mikhail Mikhailovich

In October, 1956, Mikhail Mikhailovich Fourik was born of Mikhail and Maria Fourik in the Trans-Carpathia Region (oblast, province) of the Ukrainian Soviet Republic. This region is on the western slopes of the Carpathian Mountains, and it has international borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania.

Mikhail Mikhailovich was raised in a family of faithful Orthodox Christians, in the bosom of the Russian Orthodox Church.

In Trans-Carpathia, Mikhail Mikhailovich grew up and received his primary and secondary education.

Higher education

In 1976, Mikhail Mikhailovich enrolled in the Moscow Theological Seminary, located in the Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra, in the city of Sergiyev Posad in the Moscow Oblast, not far north of the city of Moscow. From the time that he entered the seminary, along with his other studies, Mikhail Mikhailovich studied choral singing and choral direction under the tutelage of the well-known Professor Archimandrite Matthew (Mormyl’).

Upon completing the 4-year seminary programme, Mikhail Fourik was enrolled in the Moscow Theological Academy, where he studied for another 4 years. There, he wrote his post-graduate thesis on the subject of Church archaeology – about the church of the Holy Trinity in Nikitniki, in Moscow. The Candidate Degree customarily given to a candidate at the end of the Academy programme is considered to be equivalent to a Ph.D. in Europe and in North America.

The Learned Council recommended Mikhail Mikhailovich for the doctoral programme, in which he was enrolled in 1984. Such studies, another doctorate, would be equivalent to post-doctoral studies in North America. As part of this work, he wrote a book about the history and the contemporary situation of the patriarchal parishes in Hungary. He completed these studies in 1987.

Moscow Theological Academy

At the same time, from 1984 to 1988, he worked at the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, which was and is headquartered in a building on the grounds of the Danilovsky Monastery in Moscow.

Danilovsky Monastery, Moscow

Department of External Church Relations

Mikhail Mikhailovich also conducted a choir at the Church of “Znamenie” in Moscow.

It was in Moscow that Mikhail Mikhailovich he met his future wife Yelena Nikolayevna Petrova.

About Yelena (Elena) Nikolayevna Petrova

Yelena Nikolayevna Petrova is a daughter of the Archpriest Nikolai and Matushka Lubov Petrov. Her father served in a Moscow parish. Thus, she was raised in the bosom of the Russian Orthodox Church, and she grew up as a faithful Orthodox Christian.

Eventually, Yelena became a teacher of the English language. This speciality, together with her other talents, helped her and her husband throughout their subsequent life together. Elena Nikolayevna’s father was the brother of Metropolitan Sergei (Petrov) of Odessa, Ukraine, and of the Nun Theodora (Petrova), also of Odessa. Matushka Theodora (Feodora) was later tonsured into the Great Schema and given the name Seraphima (Serafima).

Matushka Elena

Marriage, 1987

In May, 1987, Mikhail Mikhailovich Fourik was married to Yelena Nikolayevna Petrova in Moscow.

Ordinations, 1987

On 5 August, 1987, Mikhail M Fourik was ordained to the Holy Diaconate.

On 28 August, 1987, the Feast of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos, the Deacon Mikhail M Fourik was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Metropolitan Sergei (Petrov) in Odessa.

Pastoral service

For one year after his ordination to the Holy Priesthood, the Priest Mikhail Fourik served in Moscow in the Transfiguration Church in Bogorodskoye.

Transfer to Canada, 1988

In August, 1988, the Priest Michael M Fourik and Matushka Elena Nikolayevna were sent to Canada and assigned to serve in the Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in Canada, and specifically in Alberta. Their daughter Anastasia had been born while they were still in Moscow, and their sons Nestor and Kyril were born in Alberta.

Father Michael had been assigned to lead the group of parishes known as “Orthodox V”. After his arrival, the number of parishes grew first to 9, and then to 13. For 11 years, he nourished the many rural parishes which were his responsibility. At first, they lived in Edmonton, where is found the hub of the patriarchal parishes, Saint Barbara’s Cathedral. Soon after their arrival, they were interviewed by "The Edmonton Journal", and their photograph was published :

Father Michael, Matushka Elena and Anastasia at Saint Barbara's Cathedral, December, 1988

In 1989, an administrative decision was made by the “Orthodox V” to move the priest serving them from Edmonton to Lamont (about 60 km/37 mi northeast of Edmonton), so that Father Michael could be closer and more accessible to the majority of the parishes and parishioners. Preparations for this began.

Publishing, 1991

In 1991, a major undertaking by the “Orthodox V” corporation was to put together liturgical texts and music in order to publish an “Orthodox Service Book”. Under the direction of Father Michael Fourik, and with the blessing of Archbishop Makary (Svistun), a book committee was formed. After approximately 16 months, the first 1,000 books were published. Shortly thereafter, a second printing took place. Until this day, this book is in use by most of the parishes in the area, and in many other places in Canada as well.

The next and biggest undertaking of the administration was to purchase a residence for the priest. Through many generous donations from parishioners, fundraising and the like, a house was purchased in Lamont in 1992.

At this time, the communities that comprised the Orthodox V corporation included :

 Saint John the Baptist Church, Chipman
 Saint Dimitrius Orthodox Church, Serediaky
 Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, North Star
 Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Stary Wostok
 Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church, Boyle
 Saints Peter and Paul Church, Chahor
 Saint Jacob’s Orthodox Church, Mundare
 Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Spirit River (Devale)
 Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, Redwater
 Saint Mary’s Dormition Orthodox Church, Shishkovtsy
 Holy Tinity Orthodox Church, Woking
 Holy Ascension Orthodox Church, Skaro
 Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Farusy

Saint John the Baptist Temple, Chipman, Alberta

Transfer to the OCA and the Archdiocese of Canada, 1999

In the summer of 1999, the Archpriest Michael Fourik petitioned the patriarch (through Archbishop Mark (Petrovtsiy), under whom he was then serving) to allow him to enter into the jurisdiction of The Orthodox Church in America. The “OCA” is the direct descendant of the original Russian Mission in North America. The request was granted by Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger), and the transition took place in October, 1999.

On 29 September, 1999, the Priest Michael Fourik was received from the Moscow Patriarchate through Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor).

After his reception into the OCA, Father Michael Fourik was assigned to the Archdiocese of Canada by Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor).

Assignment to Vancouver, 1999

On 15 November, 1999, the Priest Michael Furik was assigned by Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) to serve as the Acting Rector of Holy Resurrection Sobor in Vancouver, British Columbia.

On 5 December, 1999, the Chancellor of the archdiocese, the Archpriest Dennis Pihach, installed Father Michael in Holy Resurrection Sobor as the acting rector.

On 1 June, 2000, Father Michael Fourik was assigned by the bishop to serve as the rector of Holy Resurrection Sobor in Vancouver, British Columbia. He and his family then drove from the Lamont, Alberta, region to take up the responsibility. Parishioners from the Alberta parishes helped the family with the practicalities of the move, and their loving relationship persisted even after this transfer.

Holy Resurrection Sobor, Vancouver

In Vancouver, the lease that had been given to a family in order to live in the rectory was ended, and the Fourik family took up residence in that rectory near the Temple upon their arrival.

The following is in the words of Father Michael himself :

The move was prompted first of all by my acquaintance with Bishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada, who invited me
several times to the Archdiocesan Councils that took place in Alberta. These meetings convinced me that the
OCA is indeed the Church that will preserve the Orthodox Faith in Canada. Vladyka Seraphim works very hard,
and his labours give hope that Church life in the Archdiocese will grow livelier. All clergy and parishioners
are called upon to help this cause. Vladyka Seraphim is a model spiritual guide. People must look to their
priests and bishops for spiritual leadership. Father Andrew Somow was an example for all ; I pray to God that He
strengthen me, that I may serve the parish as diligently as my predecessor did. I trust that with God’s help,
with the assistance of Father Andrew and the parishioners, we will find ways to ensure spiritual growth in the
parish, to enliven Church life. We need to strengthen the church choir, recruit new singers, because church
singing is very important ; it plays a very big role in an Orthodox worship. When church singing is beautiful
and harmonious, it helps people pray instead of distracting them. I thank Matushka Henriette. May God grant
her strength to continue directing the choir. I thank Father Andrew for his diligent labours. God grant that
he continues to serve here for many years to come.

In order to develop spiritual life, we may have lectures on different topics, such as the lives of Saints,
that people may have knowledge of the models of saintly living ; as well as theological and historical topics,
the Old and the New Testaments. I hear of plans to organise a youth group in the parish – this is very good.
It will involve many people to participate more actively in church life.

It gladdens me that there are so many Russian-speaking parishioners here together with Canadians. I am used
to Russian customs, so I’m glad to have found such a parish, so close to my heart. The church itself reminds
me of the Temples of Moscow ; I feel myself as if in Russia when I enter the church – this is dear to me. Yet
it is my pastoral wish to serve the Orthodox Faith on the Canadian land, serving equally the needs of
Canadians and Russians.

I wish for mutual understanding, that we have as few misunderstandings as possible, that we all strive for
a peaceful life. I exhort the parishioners to come to church as often as possible, to be mindful of their
church’s needs, for it is for our benefit and salvation.

In receiving Father Michael Fourik, the parish received not only an able administrator, but also a very active pastor and pastoral visitor, and a family of active contributors to the life of the parish family. In addition to a good theological, musical, diplomatic and pastoral education, Father Michael came to the community with a broad range of practical skills. Almost from the moment of the arrival of Father Michael, Matushka Elena, and their children Anastasia, Nestor and Kyrill, the life and direction of the parish began steadily to settle and to normalise.

Fourik family

There soon began a slow and steady process in which the rectory and various parts of the Temple and hall were renewed, refreshed, and renovated. This work continued what had already been begun by Father Andrey Somow, and it is a process which continues until the present. Father Michael began this work first along with Michael Andruff, and after him other skilled persons in the parish. He worked together, “shoulder-by-shoulder” with them, and he still does so, since he is very capable with his hands.

Changes in the corporate identity and administration of the parish

During the following years also, Father Michael renewed the process begun by Father Andrey Somow (one which he had undertaken as an obedience to Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns), which was the renovation of the administration and by-laws of the parish. The first attempts had been made through repeated attempts by Father Andrey, both when he was a deacon and when he was a priest. These attempts were made within the “Russian Orthodox Society of the City of Vancouver” itself, and they were made repeatedly during the pastorates of the priests Victor Sokolov and Evan Lowig.

The main difficulty that seemed to be an insurmountable barrier was a difference in perception. Some understood and followed the canonical teaching about the Church as the Body of Christ. This means that the Church is governed similarly to a flock of sheep or a family. Others perceived that the Church is administered in the manner of a simple society or club (as directed by the "Societies Act of British Columbia", and of other provinces as well). The canonical way expects that all live and work co-operatively under benevolent leadership. The society way has, within its very foundation (by the government provisions), division, adversarial relationships, and power. The society was a distinct entity which operated the parish, rather than being itself the parish council of the parish. Under the society, the priest was separate, and even inferior to the corporation of the society. This made an open wound, as it were. Certainly, there were good intentions on the part of all, but there was great difficulty finding common ground in this matter.

In 2002, the CD “Singers of Holy Resurrection” was released.

Father Michael serving

In 2003, in recognition of his devoted service, Father Michael was elevated to the dignity of archpriest.

Soon after this, the by-laws of the parish were finally changed, and the parish itself became responsible for the life of the parish, together with, in harmony with, and under the leadership of the rector. In other words, normal government of an Orthodox parish was re-established. Although the Russian Orthodox Society of Vancouver had, indeed, saved the parish from bankruptcy many decades before, and although the society had accomplished very much good in the parish, by its very existence as a society incorporated under the Society Act, it had unintentionally introduced and maintained a division in the parish family. Although all were grateful for all the sacrificial labours and for the care of the members of the society (most of whom were active parishioners), the division was felt, and the division had regularly fostered difficulties. After the change, there was a healing of this distinction and division, and a united family in Christ became possible and grew. After the change, the parish was no longer operating as a society with its built-in weaknesses and its differences from the Orthodox way. After the change, the parish began to operate much more as a family, and healthy inter-personal relationships were much more able to be nurtured.

An example of such a family activity was the 2006 gathering to make "pelmeni" (meat dumplings).

Assembling the pelmeny

Matushka Elena assembling ; Father Michael working with the dough

Dean of British Columbia and Yukon, 2007

When the Archpriest Lawrence Farley completed his many years of service as the Dean of British Columbia and Yukon in 2007, Father Michael Fourik was assigned to replace him. From that time, he served as a member of the archdiocesan council of the Archdiocese of Canada.

In 2010, Kirill Bolshakov ended his time as leader of the singing. From that year, Victoria Popovich began to lead the parish singing.

In 2010 also, there developed the need (primarily because of age and illness) to develop a new choir in the parish. During this process, Father Michael taught the faithful of the parish as well how to sing many elements of the various services, as they participated in services. In this way, the overall singing began to become stronger once again. Matushka Elena was involved in the formation of a renewed choir, as was her daughter. Matushka was always amongst the singers, and she proved herself as being quite capable of leading the singers when necessary. Of course, she has been a constant presence in the work of the sisterhood.

Over the next several years, a plan was developed which would not only increase the space in which worshippers could stand, but it would also provide space for caring for the many children who attended weekly. The plan would require a considerable amount of work, and of money. On Sunday, 10 July, 2011, immediately after the Divine Liturgy, there was a Special General Meeting of the parish at noon in order to discuss the Church Renovation Project. There was general interest and approval of this proposal. However, the process of obtaining agreement with the appropriate departments of the City Council for the whole project proved to be an insurmountable obstacle. Therefore, only some elements of this plan were able to be realised.

In the autumn of 2011, the Archpriest Michael M Fourik was given the blessing to wear the mitre (an award to priests given primarily by the Russian Orthodox Church). This was an exceptional award which recognised the pastoral labours of Father Michael (and his wife).

Archbishop Irénée, Secretary Protodeacon Nazary, Father Michael and other Deans at an Archdiocesan Council meeting in Ottawa

Mission Station of the Archangel Michael in Kelowna, 2011

For some time, Father Michael travelled on occasion to Kelowna, British Columbia, in order to care for various parishioners who because of employment had moved there in recent years from Vancouver. As a consequence of his regular visits, in 2011, the blessing was given to establish the Mission Station of Saint Michael the Archangel in Kelowna. Father Michael then continued regularly to make the trip by automobile or by commercial bus in order to celebrate the Divine Liturgy for the Faithful there.

Saint Michael the Archangel Mission Station Kelowna : Father Michael and parishioners

On 20-21 September, 2014, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), who had arrived in Vancouver for the Altar Feast-day of the parish, presided over the Vigil and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Sobor of the Holy Resurrection. The retired Archbishop Lazar (Puhalo) and Bishop Varlaam (Novakshonoff) concelebrated together with him. Deacons Jesse Isaac, Peter Choi, Gregory Wright and Philip Ptashnik also served, along with Father Michael and Father Miroslav Dejanov (of Saint Sava’s Serbian Orthodox Church).

Vladyka Irénée blessed the Mitred Archpriest Michael Fourik and Matushka Elena Fourik with the Archdiocesan Award of Saint Tikhon of Moscow, and he gave blessed gramotas (certificates of blessing and gratitude) to others as well. After the festal procession, there was, as always, a meal served in the hall, and a concert offered.

At about this time, Father Michael in particular, and sometimes with the help of parishioners continued the work of renovating the rectory of Holy Resurrection Sobor. This work included a modernising of the kitchen and living area of the "main floor", and major changes to the flooring of the lavatories. He also continued to supervise the regular and necessary maintenance of the Temple and the Hall.

In February, 2015, the Priest Matthew Francis, rector of the Holy Apolstles Mission in Chilliwack, was invited by Father Michael (as the Dean) to serve together with him at Holy Resurrection Sobor, and to talk to the parishioners about the life and work of the mission.

Matushka Krista Francis, Father Matthew Francis, Basil Francis, Mitred Archpriest Michael Fourik, Matushka Elena Fourik, at Holy Resurrection Sobor, Vancouver

Father Michael and altar-servers at Holy Resurrection Sobor

 A partial list of homilies given by Father Michael Fourik between 2000 and 2020 (English and/or Russian) :
 
 “And to your Faith be it unto Thee”, 1 July, 2012 
 “Love God and our Neighbours”, 16 September, 2012 
 “Protection of the Mother of God”, 14 October, 2012    
 “The Resurrection of the Young Man”, 21 October, 2012   
 “Touch Christ with Faith”, 18 November, 2012   
 “Be rich in God”, 2 December, 2012   
 “The Teachings of St. John Chrysostom”, 30 December, 2012   
 “Sermon about the Talents, 3 February, 2013   
 “Follow Me”, 25 January, 2016  
 “The Samaritan Woman”, 5 May, 2017   
 “How to love your Neighbour”, 25 November, 2018  
 “Protection of the Mother of God”, 14 October, 2019  
 “The Parable of the Rich Man”, 3 November, 2019   
 “Who touched Me?”, 17 November, 2019   
 “The Good Samaritan”, 24 November, 2019   
 “A meaningful Life”, 15 December, 2019   
 “Jesus, Son of David”, 5 January, 2020   
 “The Prodigal Son”, 19 February, 2020

Reflections

The Mitred Archpriest Michael Fourik has spent his whole life in the service of our Lord, Jesus Christ within the Orthodox Christian Church, and he has done so with his whole heart.

The fact that he and Matushka Elena have worked together in harmony in serving each of the many communities to which they have been assigned has borne considerable fruit by the Grace of God.

In every case, the parishioners have been drawn closer together in their love for the Lord, and in their desire to serve Christ. The bonds of unity in the love of Christ (see Colossians 3:14) have always been increased in the spiritual family that is each parish.

In 2019, their son Nestor was married, and in 2020, their daughter Anastasia was preparing for marriage.

By 2020, both Father Michael's parents and Matushka Elena's parents had reposed in Christ.

By 2020 also, all 3 of their children had finished their post-secondary education and had been in full employment for some time.