View source for Vancouver BC Saint John of Shanghai Orthodox Church 2005


[[File:SaintJohnOfShanghaiChurchNVancouver2023 2.png]]

'''Vancouver, British Columbia, Church of Saint John of Shanghai and Saint Nina of Georgia, 2005'''


==Prehistory==

The [http://archdiocese.ca/community/st-john-shanghai-orthodox-mission-vancouver-bc Orthodox Church in the name of Saint John of Shanghai] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver Vancouver], [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/british-columbia/ British Columbia], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada], is an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language English-language] [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox parish] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America].  It was, in its earlier days, the only wholly English-language Orthodox Church in the city of Vancouver.  

This parish began as a mission on 15 August, 2005, as a “daughter parish” and “church-plant” of [[Langley BC Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church 1975 |Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langley,_British_Columbia_(city) Langley], British Columbia.  Saint Herman's Church was, for many years, the only canonical English-language Orthodox Church in the whole of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Mainland Lower Mainland] of the province.  

==Establishment of missions ; merger ; establishment of the mission, 2006==

In the summer of 2006, there was a merger of [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saint_John_(Maximovitch) Saint John of Shanghai's] Orthodox Mission with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nino Saint Nina of Georgia] Orthodox Mission – another English-language Orthodox mission in Vancouver whose priest had moved to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario].  Therefore, the mission’s full name came to be Saint John of Shanghai and Saint Nina of Georgia Orthodox Church, a rather large name for what was a rather small (although growing) mission.  The parish considers itself to be a long-term mission to the City of Vancouver in order to make more available access to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian Faith] for the English-speakers of the city and region.  

==First chapel, 2006==

The community of Saint John of Shanghai began to meet in the chapel of what used to be [https://bccatholic.ca/news/catholic-van/poor-clares-open-a-window-on-their-cloistered-life  Saint Clare's Franciscan convent], a historical building located in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Vancouver East Vancouver], at 1967, [https://duckduckgo.com/?q=napier+street+vancouver&atb=v358-1&ia=web&iaxm=maps Napier Street] (at the corner of Napier Street and Semlin Drive, directly across the street from [https://grandviewheritagegroup.ca/2012/05/04/st-francis-of-assisi-church-and-the-italian-community/ Saint Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church]).  

Many parishioners (including the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter priest] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon deacon]) are converts to [https://orthodoxwiki.org/What_is_Orthodoxy Orthodox Christianity], which makes Saint John’s a particularly great place to encounter the riches of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_Church Eastern Orthodox Christian] tradition for the first time.  As the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Apostle Philip] said to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathanael_(follower_of_Jesus) Nathaniel], “Come and see” (Saint John 1:46).  


[[File:Saint John of Shanghai Vancouver.jpg]]  '''The first chapel site'''


[[File:Saint John of Shanghai Parish Vancouver.jpg]] '''Parishioners'''


[[File:1967-Napier-Street-Vancouver 2.jpg]]  '''The complete facility'''

==Archpastoral visit, 2013==

On Saturday, 5 January, 2013, the Saint John of Shanghai and Saint Nina of Georgia Orthodox Mission was greatly blessed to begin the year with a visit from [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Ir%C3%A9n%C3%A9e_(Rochon) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)], on the Eve of the great [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Theophany feast of Theophany].  After [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Vespers Great Vespers], Vladyka Irénée celebrated the [https://churchmotherofgod.org/articleschurch/about-services-and-prayers/10-great-blessing-of-water.html Great Blessing of Water].  Then, with the blessed water, he [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_water#Usage blessed everyone present, and the building itself].  This included the blessing of the new [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconostasis iconostas] (built by the vice-president of the parish council, Jeremy Eisenhauer, with help from the parish president, Aaron Huizenga).  Following the service, a time for tea and a period of questions-and-answers with Vladyka Irénée was held in the church fellowship hall.  The visit was a great blessing to all who were able to attend. 


[[File:New iconostas S.jpg]] '''New iconostas'''


[[File:Blessing water S.jpg]] '''Blessing water'''


[[File:Saint John parishioners S.jpg]]  '''Saint John parishioners with Vladyka Irénée'''




[[File:Vladyka Irenee and parishioners 2.png]]  '''Vladyka Irénée (Rochon) and parishioners'''


On Saturday, 12 October, 2013, this mission parish [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/bishop-irenee-visited-st-john-shanghai-orthodox-mission-vancouver-bc  was blessed to have Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) presiding] "from the throne" (as it were) at the regular [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Vespers Great Vespers] service.  The service was followed by a communal meal and a lively question-and-answer session with Vladyka Irénée.  During this time, a wide variety of topics were raised and discussed.  They ranged from the health of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada archdiocese] to parish life, and to outreach to [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/first-nations/ First Nations].  All those who were able to make it to this [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_(Canada) Thanksgiving weekend] service were very thankful to have had the opportunity to pray and to chat with Vladyka Irénée, and with the hard-working [https://www.oca.org/clergy/Nazari-Polataiko/ Protodeacon Nazari Polataiko].  


[[File:Vladyka Irenee at St John S.jpg]]  '''Vladyka Irénée (Rochon) at Vespers'''


[[File:Choir and parishioners at Vespers S.jpg]]  '''Choir and parishioners at Vespers'''


[[File:Saint Johns q and a S.jpg]]  '''Questions and answers with Vladyka Irénée'''

==Sunday of Orthodoxy, 2014==

On Sunday, 9 March, 2014, representatives of many Orthodox parishes of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Vancouver Greater Vancouver] took part in [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/sunday-orthodoxy-vespers-vancouver Great Vespers commemorating] the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sunday_of_Orthodoxy "Triumph of Orthodoxy"].

The celebration took place at [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Vancouver_BC_Saints_Nicholas_and_Dimitrios_Greek_Orthodox_Church_1978 Saints Nicholas and Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Vancouver East Vancouver].

The following clergy served during Great Vespers :
[https://www.goeastvan.ca/our-past-parish-priests Protopresbyter Dorotheos Trifonopoulos] ([https://www.goeastvan.ca/ Greek Orthodox Church]) ; [https://helleniccommunity.org/our-clergy/ Protopresbyter Demetrios S Partsafas] ([https://helleniccommunity.org/our-church/ Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral]) ; [https://serborth.org/06182015 Archpriest Miroslav Dejanov] ([https://www.svetisava.net/ Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church]) ; [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Mitred_Archpriest_Michael_and_Matushka_Elena_FourikMitred Archpriest Michael Fourik] ([http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Vancouver_BC_Holy_Resurrection_Russian_Orthodox_Sobor_1924 Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor, OCA)] ; [https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-very-rev-archpriest-stephen-slipko/ Archpriest Steven Slipko] ([https://www.uocc.ca/parish/ukrainian-orthodox-parish-of-st-mary/ Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Mary]) ; [https://www.victoriahellenicsociety.org/about1 Priest Evangelos Aravantino] ([http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Vancouver_BC_Saints_Nicholas_and_Dimitrios_Greek_Orthodox_Church_1978 Saint Nicholas and Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church]) ; [https://www.oca.org/clergy/Nicolae-Lapuste/ Priest Nicolae Lapuste] ([https://www.oca.org/parishes/OCA-RO-VANHTC Holy Trinity Church], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Romanian_Orthodox_Episcopate_of_America_(OCA) Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America]) ; [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Surrey_BC_Saints_Constantine_and_Helen_Greek_Orthodox_Church_1990#Priests_who_served_in_the_parish Priest Konstantinos Tsiolas] ([http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Surrey_BC_Saints_Constantine_and_Helen_Greek_Orthodox_Church_1990 Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrey,_British_Columbia Surrey]) ; [https://www.holynativitychurch.ca/users/fr-michael-gillis Archpriest Michael Gillis] ([https://www.holynativitychurch.ca/ Holy Nativity Antiochian Orthodox Church], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langley,_British_Columbia_(city) Langley]) ; [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/hewlett-archpriest-justin-edward Priest Justin Hewlett] ([https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/st-john-shanghai-orthodox-church-vancouver-bc Saint John of Shanghai Orthodox Church, OCA]) ; Priest Malisha Milanovic ([https://orthodoxwiki.org/Serbian_Orthodox_Church_in_North_and_South_America Serbian Orthodox Church]) ; [https://serborth.org/06182015 Priest Marko Radmanovic] ([https://orthodox-world.org/en/i/25272/canada/british-columbia/burnaby/church/saint-archangel-michael-serbian-orthodox-church Holy Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church]) ; Hierodeacon Philip (Ptashnik) ([https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America  OCA]).   

During this service, [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/hewlett-archpriest-justin-edward Father Justin Hewlett] [https://youtu.be/KO-qwtbClqU preached a homily]. 


[[File:HomilySundayOfOrthodoxy2014 2.png]]  '''Homily, Sunday of Orthodoxy, 2014'''

==Sunday of Orthodoxy, 2017==

On the Sunday of Orthodoxy, 5 March, 2017, priests from several Orthodox Christian jurisdictions of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Vancouver Greater Vancouver Area] and their flocks gathered at [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Vancouver_BC_Saints_Nicholas_and_Dimitrios_Greek_Orthodox_Church_1978 Saints Nicholas and Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church] in Vancouver, British Columbia, [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/great-need-share-our-orthodox-faith-dark-world-prisons in order to celebrate the "Triumph of Orthodoxy"].

During the service, [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/hewlett-archpriest-justin-edward Priest Justin E Hewlett] of Saint John of Shanghai Church gave the homily, and a collection was taken for [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Victoria_BC_All_Saints_of_Alaska_and_Saint_Arseny_Orthodox_Church_1972 All Saints of Alaska OCA Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria,_British_Columbia Victoria], British Columbia.

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Mitred_Archpriest_Michael_and_Matushka_Elena_Fourik Mitred Archpriest Michael Fourik] of [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Vancouver_BC_Holy_Resurrection_Russian_Orthodox_Sobor_1924 Holy Resurrection Sobor] in Vancouver, British Columbia, and [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/francis-priest-matthew Priest Matthew Francis] of [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Chilliwack_BC_The_Holy_Apostles_Orthodox_Mission_2014 Holy Apostles Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilliwack Chilliwack], British Columbia, were also present.  


[[File:SundayOfOrthodoxyVancouver2017 2.jpg]]  '''Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers, 2017'''


On that day also, Subdeacon Barnabas Neufeld challenged the priests to support a [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/great-need-share-our-orthodox-faith-dark-world-prisons new Orthodox ministry to persons in prison], as follows : 
  I am happy to say that I have been appointed to the 'Interfaith Committee 
  on [https://interfaithchaplaincy.ca/ Chaplaincy]' by His Grace, [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Ir%C3%A9n%C3%A9e_(Rochon) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)] of Ottawa, who is 
  the ruling bishop of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada] in [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America the Orthodox Church in America].
  
  This was only the first step : I then had to be approved by the [https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/health-support/chaplain/interfaith-committee.html Interfaith Committee] 
  which is made up of representatives from most faith groups in Canada, including 
  several non-Christian religions (i.e. [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Judaism Jewish], [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Islam Muslim], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism Sikh], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism Buddhist], etc.).  
  Due to my experience and background, they voted to approve me, and I am now 
  the first Orthodox representative to the  Chaplaincy Services of the 
  Correctional Service of Canada.
  
  Part of my role is to assist with evaluating current Chaplaincy services. 
  Every [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Chaplain Chaplain] no matter what their religious persuasion must find 
  appropriate supports, and materials to serve every religious need. Often, 
  this means identifying and recruiting volunteers of different faiths.  It 
  is my role to ensure that the religious and dietary needs of all Orthodox 
  prisoners in Canada are being met.  Another of my duties is to raise 
  awareness of the great need for religious services to Prisoners in my own 
  faith community : The [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Orthodox Christians in Canada].  Once I am aware of 
  an Orthodox prisoner, I work with the chaplain in that institution to find 
  an Orthodox clergyman nearby to provide the necessary services.
  
  As far as we know, there is only one Orthodox Prison chaplain in Canada, 
  and that is [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/rene-archpriest-richard Father Richard René] who serves at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_Institution Kent Institution] and 
  [https://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/institutions/001002-5006-en.shtml Mission Medium Security Institution].  There are only three members of the 
  Interfaith Committee from British Columbia : The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Canada Roman Catholic] representative, 
  the Buddhist representative, and me.  The Roman Catholic representative,
  Dan O’Hara, is only too happy to have me as a colleague, as he is familiar 
  with the work of Father Richard René.  Prison Chaplains in Canada are now 
  employees of a Private Contractor, 'Bridges', and the Interfaith Committee 
  on Chaplaincy provides guidance.
  
  We attended a meeting with Ms. Anuradha Marisetti, the Pacific Regional 
  Director of Corrections, and the Rev. Dr. Dwight Cuff, Pacific Regional 
  Chaplain : Correctional Service of Canada.  We explained some of our 
  concerns that the contractor didn’t seem to understand the difference 
  between Roman Catholic and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_Church Eastern Orthodox].  For example, Correctional 
  officials seemed to think an Orthodox inmate could make his confession to
  a Catholic priest ! Government Policy stipulates that each prison must 
  have access to both Catholic and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestantism_in_Canada Protestant] religious services, but we 
  explained how the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Faith] was completely different.
  
  Then they asked us to join a team that will be evaluating the Chaplain at 
  [https://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/institutions/001002-5009-en.shtml William Head Institution] on Vancouver Island on 15 March.  Mr. O’Hara 
  asked : What standard should we use ? Dr. Cuff said : 'The GOLD standard 
  of Chaplaincy : the way Father Richard René does things !' Corrections is 
  obviously very pleased with his work.
  
  Father Richard has registered a BC Society called '[https://www.orthodoxprisonministry.ca/ Saint Silas Orthodox] 
  Prison Ministry Society'.  It should be incorporated shortly, at which 
  time he will set up a bank account.  The next step would be to apply for 
  charity status at the federal level, so we can issue tax receipts.  Anyone 
  is welcome to donate now, but they should know that we cannot provide a 
  receipt yet.  New board members familiar with charitable societies would 
  be welcome.
  
  The three goals of the [https://www.orthodoxprisonministry.ca/ Saint Silas Prison Ministry Society] are as follows :
  1. To provide support for clergy to undertake prison ministry to Orthodox Christian inmates.
  2. To provide for the various spiritual and religious needs of Orthodox Christian inmates 
  (books, items, teaching, services).
  3. To raise awareness of the needs of Orthodox Christian inmates at the regional 
  and national levels, specifically the [https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/health-support/chaplain/interfaith-committee.html Interfaith Committee].
  
  Currently, Father Richard is serving Liturgy at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Institution Mission Medium Institution] 
  twice a month, with up to 12 men attending.  [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/ordination-fr-symeon-price Symeon Price], a member of 
  [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Langley_BC_Saint_Herman_of_Alaska_Orthodox_Church_1975 Saint Herman's OCA in Langley], also goes twice a month to run an inquirer's group. 
  They have two [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Catechumen catechumens] currently, and at least one 'cradle' Orthodox 
  returning to communion.
  
  The [https://www.orthodoxprisonministry.ca/ Saint Silas Society] has the following needs :
  1. Donations to support the education of one inmate, who is working on 
  Orthodox studies by correspondence ([https://www.ahos.edu/ Saint Stephen's Antiochian House of Studies])
  2. Prayer ropes (bracelet types) 
  3. Orthodox Study Bibles (Old and New Testament)
  4. Paper icons
  5. A seamstress willing to make an altar cover
  6. A set of gold vestments to leave at the Institution
  
  A profound passage in Matthew Chapter 25 takes us to Judgement Day where 
  our Lord separates His sheep, those who will inherit His kingdom, from the  goats,
  who will not, and He tells them by what measure we would be judged :
  'I was hungry and you gave me food'.
  'I was thirsty and you gave me drink'.
  'I was a stranger and you took me in'.
  'I was naked and you clothed me'.
  'I was sick and you visited me'.
  'I was in prison and you came to me'.

==Major change, 2022==

It had been known all along that the former convent in which the community was worshipping could not be a permanent site.  Frequently, suggestions were made that some sort of redevelopment would occur eventually.  Certainly, the parishioners were aware of the need to move at some indefinite moment.  

In 2022, more concrete plans for redevelopment of the property became visible, and [https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/1967-napier-street-vancouver an architectural proposal was published].  

Providentially, the community would not be left homeless ; but what became available brought about drastic changes.

==2023 : a new site, Second Temple==

In late September, 2022, [https://www.nsnews.com/in-the-community/upper-lonsdale-church-closes-after-122-years-of-service-5885242 Saint Martin's Anglican Church in North Vancouver closed after 122 years].  The remaining parishioners merged with another nearby [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglican_Church_of_Canada Anglican] parish.  

This left an opportunity for the Saint John of Shanghai community to make a rather dramatic move, and a change in its direction and visibility.  This move was [https://www.stjohnofshanghai.org/page/5/ announced as follows] :

  Saint John of Shanghai Orthodox Church is moving to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Vancouver North Vancouver].  Our new 
  home is the beautiful Anglican church dedicated to [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin], located at 
  195 East Windsor Road, North Vancouver, BC.  We continue to serve as the 
  only fully English-language Orthodox Church in the greater Vancouver area, 
  and we will be continuing to serve [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy] on Sundays, beginning 
  with the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Hours Hours] at 9:00 a.m., and [https://orthodoxwiki.org?Vespers Great Vespers] on Saturdays at 6:00 p.m., 
  with weekly book studies (currently conducted via Zoom ; e-mail : 
  info@stjohnofshanghai.org for login details) on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. any 
  week when there is not a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Great_Feasts Great Feast] being celebrated.
  
  Our first service at the new location will be held this Saturday, October 1st 
  ([https://orthodoxwiki.org/Vespers Great Vespers] at 6:00 p.m.), with services being held at that location 
  thenceforward.
  
  We are grateful to our very generous landlord of the past fifteen years, 
  [https://sfaparish.ca/ Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church], and now also to our new landlord, 
  the [https://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/ Anglican Diocese of New Westminster].  We are thankful to God that He 
  has provided us with a place where we can worship Him !


[[File:ParishionersSeptember2022StJohnShanghai 2.png]]  '''At the last Sunday in East Vancouver'''


'''New site, first services, 1 October, 2022'''


[[File:SaintJohnOfShanghaiOrthodxChurch 2.jpg]]  '''Second Temple'''


'''2023 : July visit  of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)'''

On 29-30 July, 2023, [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/vladyka-irenee-visits-vancouver-parishes Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) visited] both [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Vancouver_BC_Holy_Resurrection_Russian_Orthodox_Sobor_1924 Holy Resurrection Sobor] and the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/st-john-shanghai-orthodox-church-vancouver-bc Temple of Saint John of Shanghai] in Vancouver.  On Saturday, 29 July, 2023, he served the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/All-Night_Vigil Vigil] in Holy Resurrection Sobor.  

On Sunday, 30 July, he served the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy] ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IyLz0o3iVM video of the complete service]) in the newly-acquired Temple of Saint John of Shanghai in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Vancouver_(city) North Vancouver].  This is the site of the former [https://www.nsnews.com/in-the-community/upper-lonsdale-church-closes-after-122-years-of-service-5885242 Saint Martin Anglican Church].  


[[File:HiearchicalDivineLiturgyNorthVancouver2023 3.png]]  '''First Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, July, 2023'''

==Archpastoral visit, 2024==

During his archpastoral visit to British Columbia, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Ir%C3%A9n%C3%A9e_(Rochon) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)] made an archpastoral visit to the parish of Saint John of Shanghai.  

On Saturday, 19 October, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., Vladyka Irénée led the parish in the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFpmvAmFOxM Hierarchical Divine Liturgy].  He was assisted by 6 priests and 4 deacons.  

During the Divine Liturgy, [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Subdeacon Subdeacon] Gareth John Howell (of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamloops Kamloops], British Columbia) was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Diaconate].   [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/howell-deacon-john Deacon G John Howell] was assigned to serve as deacon at [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Kamloops_BC_Saint_Nicholas_Orthodox_Church_1994,_2016 Saint Nicholas Orthodox Mission] in Kamloops, British Columbia.  


[[File:SaintJohnNorthVanClergy 3.png]]  '''Serving clergy'''


[[File:SaintJohnNorthVan 3.png]]  


[[File:SaintJohnNorthVanParish 3.png]]  '''Parishioners'''

==Parish organisations==

'''Holy Wisdom Bookstore'''

The bookstore which is operated by the parish offers an assortment of useful books for the formation and the information of Orthodox Christians and potential Orthodox Christians.  The books, booklets, and periodicals that are offered for sale feature authors from Russia, Romania, Greece, the Holy Land, the Americas and more.  The bookstore also has available oil lamps, prayer ropes, mounted icons, buttons, and Crosses.

==Particular parish information==

This parish is part of the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/communities?field_deanery_tid_i18n=6&field_community_type_value_i18n=All&title= Deanery of British Columbia & Yukon] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada], of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America].  The dean is the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/fourik-mitred-archpriest-michael Mitred Archpriest Michael Fourik].  The bishop is [[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]].  

The parish follows the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revised_Julian_calendar New (Revised Julian) Calendar]. 

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/John_(Maximovitch)_the_Wonderworker Feast of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco], 2 July.   The secondary Feast-day is the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Nino_of_Cappadocia Feast of Saint Nino of Georgia], 14 January. 

In 2025, the pastor of the parish is the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/hewlett-archpriest-justin-edward Archpriest Justin E Hewlett].  The deacon of the parish is [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/freeman-deacon-evan Deacon Evan Freeman].


Address :

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/st-john-shanghai-orthodox-church-vancouver-bc Saint John of Shanghai Orthodox Church]

195, East Windsor Road

Vancouver, British Columbia

V7N 1J9

Telephones : 604-541-7343 ; 778-737-5646

Web-site : http://www.stjohnofshanghai.org

[https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-John-of-Shanghai-and-San-Francisco-Orthodox-Church/639924902742125 Facebook]


Directions : 

By car :

The Temple is found in the northern part of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Vancouver_(city) North Vancouver], between [https://vancouversbestplaces.com/north-shore/north-vancouver/lower-lonsdale/ Lonsdale Avenue] and [https://www.waze.com/live-map/directions/ca/bc/north-vancouver/saint-georges-avenue?to=place.EitTdCBHZW9yZ2VzIEF2ZSwgTm9ydGggVmFuY291dmVyLCBCQywgQ2FuYWRhIi4qLAoUChIJt98VRDxwhlQR9F3WbowfqpISFAoSCUErI_lGcIZUEVrs-9RLy4Vv  Saint Georges Avenue], north of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia_Highway_1 Highway #1]. (It is also high on a mountain-side.)

On Highway #1, drive north-west across the [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/second-narrows-bridge-collapse Second Narrows bridge], and continue until the [https://vancouversbestplaces.com/north-shore/north-vancouver/lower-lonsdale/  Lonsdale Avenue] exit.  Exit to the right, and turn northwards on Lonsdale Avenue.  Continue past 29th Street until [https://www.walkscore.com/score/140-w-windsor-rd-n-vancouver-bc-canada Windsor Road]. Turn right on Windsor Road.  The Temple is at the end of the block, on the right, before Saint Georges Avenue.

By bus :  

[http://www.translink.ca/ Vancouver Transit] offers bus service on ([https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-line-230-Southwest_British_Columbia-145-1137672-768500-1 Route #230]) along Lonsdale Avenue. 

[https://www.translink.ca/schedules-and-maps/seabus Metropolitan Vancouver offers] a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SeaBus SeaBus] link from the City of Vancouver across [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burrard_Inlet Burrard Inlet] to North Vancouver, which stops near Lonsdale Avenue.  

By rail :

Vancouver has passenger rail service from Eastern Canada provided by [https://www.viarail.ca/en VIARail Canada].  There is also passenger service from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle Seattle], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_(state) Washington], [https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States USA] and other connecting sites provided by [https://www.amtrak.com/home.html AMTRAK]. 

Vancouver is accessible by road, chiefly by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia_Highway_1 Highway #1] from the west, and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia_Highway_99 Highway #99] from the south.  

It is accessible by various airline companies through the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver_International_Airport Vancouver International Aeroport].  

It is accessible by ferry through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BC_Ferries BC Ferries] at either [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsawwassen Tsawassen] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horseshoe_Bay,_West_Vancouver Horseshoe Bay].  


[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/hewlett-archpriest-justin-edward Archpriest Justin Edward Hewlett]

36436, English Road

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission,_British_Columbia Mission], British Columbia

V2V 0B1

Telephone : 604-541-7343

Mobile : 778-737-5646

E-mail : frjustin@stjohnofshanghai.org


[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/freeman-deacon-evan Deacon Evan Freeman]  


[[File:SaintJohnShanghaiNoticeboard 1.png]]

==References==

[http://archdiocese.ca/community/st-john-shanghai-orthodox-mission-vancouver-bc Archdiocese listing]


'''Additional information :'''

[http://www.stjohnofshanghai.org/ Parish web-site] 

[https://www.archdiocese.ca Archdiocese of Canada web-site]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada]  

[http://orthodox-world.org/gr/i/23633/Saint_John_of_Shanghai_Orthodox_Church_Vancouver?language=en Orthodox World listing] 

[https://www.oca.org/parishes/oca-ca-vansjs Orthodox Church in America (OCA) listing ]  

[https://www.oca.org/ OCA web-site] 

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America  Orthodoxwiki article about the Orthodox Church in America (OCA)]  

[[Saint John (Maximovitch)]]

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Tikhon_(Mollard) Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard)]    

[https://www.oca.org/holy-synod/past-primates/metropolitan-jonah Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen)]     

[[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]] 

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/fourik-mitred-archpriest-michael Mitered Archpriest Michael Fourik]   

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/francis-priest-matthew Priest Matthew Francis]   

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/rene-archpriest-richard Archpriest Richard René]  

[https://oca.org/saints/lives/2013/01/14/100191-st-nino-nina-equal-of-the-apostles-and-enlightener-of-georgia Saint Nino of Georgia] 

[https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2021/11/11/103285-saint-martin-the-merciful-bishop-of-tours Saint Martin of Tours]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/List_of_parishes_in_British_Columbia_(Canada) Orthodoxwiki list of Orthodox parishes in British Columbia]  

[https://grandviewheritagegroup.ca/2012/05/04/st-francis-of-assisi-church-and-the-italian-community/ "St. Francis of Assisi church and the Italian community" : A historical summary of the original property] (May, 2012)

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/st-john-shanghai-orthodox-mission-vancouver-bc-vigil-vladyka-irenee ”St. John of Shanghai Orthodox Mission Vancouver BC – Vigil with Vladyka Irénée”] (5 January, 2013) 
 
[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/bishop-irenee-visited-st-john-shanghai-orthodox-mission-vancouver-bc ”Bishop Irénée visited St. John of Shanghai Orthodox Mission, Vancouver, BC”] (12 October, 2013) 

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/sunday-orthodoxy-vespers-vancouver Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers in Vancouver] (9 March, 2014)  

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/great-need-share-our-orthodox-faith-dark-world-prisons The great Need to share our Orthodox Faith in the dark World of Prisons] (5 March, 2017)  

[https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/1967-napier-street-vancouver Proposal to convert East Vancouver heritage church into housing] (February, 2022)

[https://www.nsnews.com/in-the-community/upper-lonsdale-church-closes-after-122-years-of-service-5885242 Saint Martin Anglican Church in North Vancouver closes] (2 October, 2022)   

[http://www.stjohnofshanghai.org/2022/09/ Saint John of Shanghai Church moves into new Location in North Vancouver] (29 September, 2022)    

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/vladyka-irenee-visits-vancouver-parishes Archpastoral Visit of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) to Holy Resurrection Sobor and Saint John of Shanghai Church] (29-30 July, 2023)   

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IyLz0o3iVM Video of the Divine Liturgy with Vladyka Irénée at Saint John of Shanghai Orthodox Church] (30 July, 2023) 

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFpmvAmFOxM Archpastoral Visit of Archbishop Irénée to St John of Shanghai Orthodox Church] (19 October, 2024) 

Video : [https://youtu.be/UFpmvAmFOxM The Divine Liturgy, Vladyka Irénée at Saint John of Shanghai Orthodox Church] (19 October, 2024) 









[[Category:Parish Communities]] [[Category:British Columbia & Yukon]]  [[Category:ADOCA]] [[Category:OCA]]