Archpriest Charles Daniel and Presbytera Vera Matheson - Revision history

Vladyka Seraphim: /* References */

2026-10-06T14:29:55Z

References

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	[https://steliascathedral.com/our-leaders/ Archpriest Ghattas Hajal]		[https://steliascathedral.com/our-leaders/ Archpriest Ghattas Hajal]

	[http://www.newlife.ca The Rev'd Frank ~~Uhler~~] ("Temple Pastures")		[http://www.newlife.ca The Rev'd Frank Uhlir] ("Temple Pastures")

	[http://www.newlife.ca/introducing-frank-uhlir.html The Rev'd Frank ~~Uhler~~ (2)]		[http://www.newlife.ca/introducing-frank-uhlir.html The Rev'd Frank Uhlir (2)]

	"[https://www.newlife.ca/call-of-the-cross.html Call of the Cross]" by Frank ~~Uhler~~		"[https://www.newlife.ca/call-of-the-cross.html Call of the Cross]" by Frank Uhlir

Vladyka Seraphim: /* References */

2026-10-06T14:28:17Z

References

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	[http://www.newlife.ca/introducing-frank-uhlir.html The Rev'd Frank Uhler (2)]		[http://www.newlife.ca/introducing-frank-uhlir.html The Rev'd Frank Uhler (2)]

			"[https://www.newlife.ca/call-of-the-cross.html Call of the Cross]" by Frank Uhler

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Continuing pastoral ministry */

2026-10-06T14:24:45Z

Continuing pastoral ministry

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	coming up, our beliefs had become farther and farther from the official United Church doctrine. We found that through		coming up, our beliefs had become farther and farther from the official United Church doctrine. We found that through
	study and a chance visit by an [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox] priest to Ottawa that here, indeed, was the already established church in Canada,		study and a chance visit by an [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox] priest to Ottawa that here, indeed, was the already established church in Canada,
	the original church, established in the [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eastern-Orthodoxy East] by the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Apostles ~~https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatoon~~ Apostles]. To say it briefly, we experienced Orthodox worship in		the original church, established in the [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eastern-Orthodoxy East] by the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Apostles Apostles]. To say it briefly, we experienced Orthodox worship in
	[Saskatoon], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan Saskatchewan], and realized that this is where we should belong.		[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatoon Saskatoon], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan Saskatchewan], and realized that this is where we should belong.

	In his own congregation, Daniel introduced more liturgical worship, and he began to wear liturgical vestments. He continued to be considered by others as remarkable for his love for the Lord. They say that he showed it in his manner of living and preaching. He was highly respected by many people.		In his own congregation, Daniel introduced more liturgical worship, and he began to wear liturgical vestments. He continued to be considered by others as remarkable for his love for the Lord. They say that he showed it in his manner of living and preaching. He was highly respected by many people.

Vladyka Seraphim at 16:27, 30 September 2026

2026-09-30T16:27:28Z

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	[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Antiochian_Orthodox_Christian_Archdiocese_of_North_America Orthodoxwiki article about the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America]		[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Antiochian_Orthodox_Christian_Archdiocese_of_North_America Orthodoxwiki article about the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America]

			[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America]

			[[Metropolitan Philip (Saliba)]]

	[[Bishop Antoun (Khouri)]]		[[Bishop Antoun (Khouri)]]

	[~~[Metropolitan Philip~~ (~~Saliba~~)]]		[https://journeytoorthodoxy.com/2010/11/from-protestant-pastor-to-orthodox-priest-fr-gregory-rogers/ Bishop Gregory (Rogers)]

			[https://steliascathedral.com/our-leaders/ Archpriest Ghattas Hajal]

	[http://www.newlife.ca The Rev'd Frank Uhler] ("Temple Pastures")		[http://www.newlife.ca The Rev'd Frank Uhler] ("Temple Pastures")

Vladyka Seraphim at 16:23, 30 September 2026

2026-09-30T16:23:50Z

Show changes

Vladyka Seraphim at 16:02, 30 September 2026

2026-09-30T16:02:04Z

Show changes

Vladyka Seraphim at 17:33, 28 September 2026

2026-09-28T17:33:46Z

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Early life of Vera Ready */

2026-09-28T17:32:01Z

Early life of Vera Ready

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	Vera May Ready was born in Reston, Manitoba, in 1918. She was the daughter of Harold and Amelia (Cossar) Ready. This family was of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_diaspora Irish] origin, unlike the larger numbers of originally [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berwickshire Berwickshire] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_people Scots] in that town.		Vera May Ready was born in Reston, Manitoba, in 1918. She was the daughter of Harold and Amelia (Cossar) Ready. This family was of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_diaspora Irish] origin, unlike the larger numbers of originally [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berwickshire Berwickshire] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_people Scots] in that town.

	When she was 5 years old ((1923), the family moved to a farm about a mile from [https://mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/desford.shtml Desford] (a village about 161 km/100 mi west of Reston). Her father had bought it from his father-in-law, Andrew Cossar, who himself was a pioneer, who helped to open up the prairies for farming. Since their farm-house had just 4 rooms, her father bought an available house in Desford, and moved it to the farm, while she was sent to stay at my cousin’s farm nearby.		When she was 5 years old (1923), the family moved to a farm about a mile from [https://mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/desford.shtml Desford] (a village about 161 km/100 mi west of Reston). Her father had bought it from his father-in-law, Andrew Cossar, who himself was a pioneer, who helped to open up the prairies for farming. Since their farm-house had just 4 rooms, her father bought an available house in Desford, and moved it to the farm, while she was sent to stay at my cousin’s farm nearby.

	Since I was an only child until I was eight, I started out as a loner. School started at six years of age, and I travelled those		Since I was an only child until I was eight, I started out as a loner. School started at six years of age, and I travelled those

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Official retirement, 1991 */

2026-09-26T01:33:12Z

Official retirement, 1991

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	~~In about 1998~~, Presbytera Vera suffered from a stroke, after which she became limited but still mobile and able to be at home. Father Daniel had to learn to cook, and to care for his wife (who tried to help him as a supervisor).		Before 1997, Presbytera Vera suffered from a stroke, after which she became limited, but still mobile, and able to be at home. Father Daniel had to learn to cook, and to care for his wife (who tried to help him as a supervisor).

			In 1997, Vera concluded her recollections as follows :
			So after retirement Daniel set up a study in our home for those who were interested in learning more about Orthodoxy.
			Eventually we were invited to use a nearby Roman Catholic chapel for our small Orthodox worship on Sundays.

			Rather soon Daniel and three other interested persons went down to New York to speak to the Metropolitan, and to attend
			a fully organized and established Orthodox worship, and coming home with encouragement concerning Daniel’s being
			accepted as an Orthodox priest. Thank the good Lord !

			Meanwhile, at home, I had experienced a relatively mild stroke, was hospitalized for approximately a month and then came
			home, bringing with me a whole new set of circumstances with which Daniel coped very well.

			As it worked out our little congregation was absorbed by already existing parishes. Daniel and I went to the Antiochian
			Jurisdiction, where Daniel, newly ordained, assisted the priest.

			Our whole family is established in and around Ottawa and carrying on their varied lives happily.

	However, in 2001, she suffered from another stroke, from which she did not actually recover, and she had to be cared for in the New Orchard Lodge nursing home (much to the grief of her husband). Presbytera Vera was a very competent and strong person. She always supported her husband, and they always worked together as a team of equals. This was so, even in her weakened state. Nevertheless, when she became incapacitated, Father Daniel’s whole world and “modus operandi” had to change suddenly. He was a constant and attentive visitor.		However, in 2001, she suffered from another stroke, from which she did not actually recover, and she had to be cared for in the New Orchard Lodge nursing home (much to the grief of her husband). Presbytera Vera was a very competent and strong person. She always supported her husband, and they always worked together as a team of equals. This was so, even in her weakened state. Nevertheless, when she became incapacitated, Father Daniel’s whole world and “modus operandi” had to change suddenly. He was a constant and attentive visitor.

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Continuing pastoral ministry */

2026-09-26T01:23:17Z

Continuing pastoral ministry

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	'''Expanding horizons'''		'''Expanding horizons'''

	In the course of his work, he encountered many other sorts of Christians. However, it took a long time before he encountered the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christians]. He commented that he reckoned that the reason that it took so long for him in particular was related to a certain tendency towards cultural and linguistic stubbornness or insularity on the part of the Anglophones (himself included). However, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/~~Orthodox_Church_in_America~~ Orthodox Christians] [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada in Canada] have not been very visible nor easy to contact during the last century (and especially after the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_Revolution Bolshevik Revolution]), and it was only since about 1980 that the English language became more widely used in some of those communities. Nevertheless, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Worship manner of worship] in Orthodox Christian communities is quite different from what any Protestant would ever experience, and quite different even from more [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_liturgy liturgically-minded Christians] of the West such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church Roman Catholics], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglicanism Anglicans] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutheranism Lutherans]. People now often joke (along with [[Metropolitan Philip (Saliba)]]) that the Orthodox Christian Faith is the best-kept secret on the continent.		In the course of his work, he encountered many other sorts of Christians. However, it took a long time before he encountered the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christians]. He commented that he reckoned that the reason that it took so long for him in particular was related to a certain tendency towards cultural and linguistic stubbornness or insularity on the part of the Anglophones (himself included). However, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christians] [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada in Canada] have not been very visible nor easy to contact during the last century (and especially after the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_Revolution Bolshevik Revolution]), and it was only since about 1980 that the English language became more widely used in some of those communities. Nevertheless, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Worship manner of worship] in Orthodox Christian communities is quite different from what any Protestant would ever experience, and quite different even from more [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_liturgy liturgically-minded Christians] of the West such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church Roman Catholics], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglicanism Anglicans] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutheranism Lutherans]. People now often joke (along with [[Metropolitan Philip (Saliba)]]) that the Orthodox Christian Faith is the best-kept secret on the continent.

	Even Daniel's first liturgical experience of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy] of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/John_Chrysostom Saint John Chrysostom] was not amongst the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodoxy Orthodox Christians], but rather amongst the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melkite_Greek_Catholic_Church Melkite Christians] who belong to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Roman_Catholic_Church Roman Catholic] communion.		Even Daniel's first liturgical experience of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy] of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/John_Chrysostom Saint John Chrysostom] was not amongst the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodoxy Orthodox Christians], but rather amongst the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melkite_Greek_Catholic_Church Melkite Christians] who belong to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Roman_Catholic_Church Roman Catholic] communion.
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	All these events influenced the way in which he led the large congregation in his care. It became more and more liturgical. However, he also came to understand that although he loved the Orthodox Church, his relationship with that Church was still only academic. He also somehow felt that becoming Orthodox was unthinkable. He was in a difficult situation. However, the situation of the United Church by this time was so radically different from how it was when he began ministry (and so far from the Orthodox Way), that he understood that something had to change. That change had to be in him.		All these events influenced the way in which he led the large congregation in his care. It became more and more liturgical. However, he also came to understand that although he loved the Orthodox Church, his relationship with that Church was still only academic. He also somehow felt that becoming Orthodox was unthinkable. He was in a difficult situation. However, the situation of the United Church by this time was so radically different from how it was when he began ministry (and so far from the Orthodox Way), that he understood that something had to change. That change had to be in him.

			Vera's recollections add to this :
			Our church life has had an interesting and happy change that has occurred over recent years. As Daniel’s retirement was
			coming up, our beliefs had become farther and farther from the official United Church doctrine. We found that through
			study and a chance visit by an Orthodox priest to Ottawa that here, indeed, was the already established church in Canada,
			the original church, established in the East by the apostles. To say it briefly, we experienced Orthodox worship in
			Saskatoon, Sask. and realized that this is where we should belong.

	==First retirement==		==First retirement==

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	He gave some talks for a time after the death in 1980 of its founder, [http://www.newlife.ca/introducing-frank-uhlir.html the Rev'd Dr. Frank Uhlir]. After 1986, the retreat centre was an official Anglican entity in the [https://ottawa.anglican.ca/ Anglican Diocese of Ottawa], and operated as a meeting place for assorted groups until it was closed.		He gave some talks for a time after the death in 1980 of its founder, [http://www.newlife.ca/introducing-frank-uhlir.html the Rev'd Dr. Frank Uhlir]. After 1986, the retreat centre was an official Anglican entity in the [https://ottawa.anglican.ca/ Anglican Diocese of Ottawa], and operated as a meeting place for assorted groups until it was closed.

	By this time, clearly, as Vera wrote,		By this time, clearly, as Vera wrote in her memoir,
	Our church life has had an interesting and happy change that has occurred over recent years. As Daniel’s retirement was		Our church life has had an interesting and happy change that has occurred over recent years. As Daniel’s retirement was
	coming up, our beliefs had become farther and farther from the official United Church doctrine. We found that through		coming up, our beliefs had become farther and farther from the official United Church doctrine. We found that through
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	All these events influenced the way in which he led the large congregation in his care. It became more and more liturgical. However, he also came to understand that although he loved the Orthodox Church, his relationship with that Church was still only academic. He also somehow felt that becoming Orthodox was unthinkable. He was in a difficult situation. However, the situation of the United Church by this time was so radically different from how it was when he began ministry (and so far from the Orthodox Way), that he understood that something had to change. That change had to be in him.		All these events influenced the way in which he led the large congregation in his care. It became more and more liturgical. However, he also came to understand that although he loved the Orthodox Church, his relationship with that Church was still only academic. He also somehow felt that becoming Orthodox was unthinkable. He was in a difficult situation. However, the situation of the United Church by this time was so radically different from how it was when he began ministry (and so far from the Orthodox Way), that he understood that something had to change. That change had to be in him.

	Vera's recollections add to this :		Vera's recollections in her memoir add to this :
	Our church life has had an interesting and happy change that has occurred over recent years. As Daniel’s retirement was		Our church life has had an interesting and happy change that has occurred over recent years. As Daniel’s retirement was
	coming up, our beliefs had become farther and farther from the official United Church doctrine. We found that through		coming up, our beliefs had become farther and farther from the official United Church doctrine. We found that through
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	Before 1997, Presbytera Vera suffered from a stroke, after which she became limited, but still mobile, and able to be at home. Father Daniel had to learn to cook, and to care for his wife (who tried to help him as a supervisor).		Before 1997, Presbytera Vera suffered from a stroke, after which she became limited, but still mobile, and able to be at home. Father Daniel had to learn to cook, and to care for his wife (who tried to help him as a supervisor).

	In 1997, Vera concluded her recollections as follows :		In 1997, Vera concluded her recollections in her memoir as follows :
	So after retirement Daniel set up a study in our home for those who were interested in learning more about Orthodoxy.		So after retirement Daniel set up a study in our home for those who were interested in learning more about Orthodoxy.
	Eventually we were invited to use a nearby Roman Catholic chapel for our small Orthodox worship on Sundays.		Eventually we were invited to use a nearby Roman Catholic chapel for our small Orthodox worship on Sundays.