Winnipeg MB †Theotokos of the Life-giving Spring Mission 1990-2016

Winnipeg, Manitoba, †Mission of the Theotokos of the Life-giving Spring, 1990/2006-2016

Prehistory

Mission of All Saints of North America, 1990

This mission in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. began its life in 1990, when its name was the “Mission of All Saints of North America”. Its purpose was to provide Orthodox worship services in the English language in the central part of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and it was an entity within the Archdiocese of Canada of The Orthodox Church in America. Its existence covered many years, during which various priests served the community in different places, not always regularly.

Holy Cross Mission

Some years later, a similar mission, named “Holy Cross”, grew up within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. The main priest to serve this community was the Priest Andrew Jarmus. However, Father Jarmus was transferred to the Archdiocese of Canada. For various reasons, the Holy Cross Mission was eventually closed in about 2013.

Establishment of the mission, 2006

In 2006, the mission was re-formed and re-named within the Archdiocese of Canada. The new name was the “Theotokos of the Life-giving Spring”. The Priest Andrew Jarmus was the first priest of this community, until he was transferred to the USA, where at first he worked in the central office of The Orthodox Church in America for several years.

After the departure of Father Andrew, Father Anthony Estabrooks was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 2010, in order to serve the mission and continue the work begun earlier. Because of the limits on his time, Father Anthony was not able to devote as much time as he wished to the pastoral needs and missionary outreach in the parish. For instance, he also served as the director of the Saint Arseny Orthodox Christian Theological Institute. Therefore, after the ordination of the Subdeacon Matthew Beynon to the Holy Diaconate in 2014, Father Anthony had more help and support in this needed work.

The mission met for many years in the lower hall of Saint Philip's Anglican Church (Norwood) in Saint Boniface, a portion of Winnipeg on the east side of the Red River.

Saint Philip's Anglican Church

Meeting-place via the rear entrance

On 29 October, 2016, Deacon Matthew Beynon was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) at the Church of Saint Nicholas in Narol, Manitoba (23 km/14 mi north of Winnipeg), during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy there. He was ordained to serve in the deanery, but his primary service was to be in this mission.

Parishioners of the mission

Amalgamation, 2016-2017

At the end of 2016, it was evident to all that a change would be required, since the host-parish where quarters had been rented was going to require the space soon. Serious consideration was given to finding another suitable space for rent ; however, there was nothing affordable which could be found. At the same time, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) and others understood that if it were possible to establish a healthy relationship with the Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Sobor, both communities could benefit spiritually and materially through the pooling of their resources.

Holy Trinity Sobor, Winnipeg

This process was engaged, and it was found that despite difficulties (mostly resulting from the usual need for clearer language and more face-to-face talking), the 2 communities would be able to live together harmoniously. During the ensuing months, a mutually-agreeable schedule of English-and Slavonic-language services was established ; the manner of using 2 calendars was agreed upon ; the relationship amongst the priests was clarified, and the way in which the 2 communities could become 1 community was determined. By the Feast of Pascha, 2017, the unification of the 2 communities had been achieved.

On 4 June, 2017, during an archpastoral visit to Manitoba for the Feast of Pentecost, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) and Deacon Nicholas Svetlovsky served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Vespers of Pentecost at Holy Trinity Sobor. Under the blessing of Archbishop Irénée, during the previous winter, beginning at the end of 2016, this parish and the Mission of the Life Giving Spring of the Theotokos in Winnipeg initiated a process towards a possible amalgamation. The process retained the 2 liturgical languages (English and Slavonic) in separate services, while at the same time moving towards becoming a single parish (Holy Trinity). This process has manifested the vision of Saint Tikhon (Belavin) for the development of the Orthodox Christian Faith in North America. This vision was held also by Archbishop Arseny (Chahovtsov) when he was the Bishop of Winnipeg and Canada (1926-1936).

This amalgamation provided the needed stability of place for the English-speaking community, and at the same time a greater pastoral presence for the Slavonic community in various ways. Vladyka Irénée's presence at Holy Trinity Sobor for this, the first Feast-day of this new community, gave witness to the unity of our Faith. This unity was evident to those present.

Particular parish information

This mission was part of the Manitoba & Nunavut Deanery of the Archdiocese of Canada, of The Orthodox Church in America. The dean was the Archpriest Gregory Scratch. The bishop was Archbishop Irénée (Rochon).

This parish followed the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish was Bright Friday during the week after Pascha.

In 2016, the pastor of the parish was the Priest Anthony S Estabrooks. The deacon (later the priest) was Deacon Matthew Beynon.

Former address :

Mission of the Theotokos of the Life-Giving Spring

240, avenue Taché Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba

R2H 1Z7

Directions :

The mission met in the lower level of Saint Philip’s Anglican Church (Norwood) at 240, Taché Avenue in Winnipeg, 5 minutes south of Saint Boniface Hospital. Enter by the red door, just off the back lane.

From central Winnipeg, approach by Saint Mary’s Road. Turn left at Eugénie Street. The church is on the corner, near Coronation Park.