Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov)

Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) (1961-____)

George may be spelt Georges, Georgios, Georgii, Georgiy.

Gabriel may be spelt Gavriil.

Family background

The great-grandfather of George L’vovich on his mother's side was Gabriel Lucinin, a priest in the Vyatka Province of the Russian Empire (896 km/557 mi northeast of Moscow). After the 1917 Communist Revolution, during the repressions of Orthodox Christian believers, he was starved to death in 1931. Thus, he became a martyr for Christ. There were other, more distant relatives, who also became martyrs during that time.

Zoya Gavrilovna Chemodakova (born Luchinina), his daughter, married Nikolai Vladimirovich Chemodakov.

Nikolai Vladimirovich Chemodakov (grandfather of George L’vovich) was born in Vyatka. After the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, he and his family fled to the east, to Chita, Siberia. There, he found a job and settled with his family. However, with the advance of the communists in Siberia, the family was later forced to flee to Manchuria in China.

Lev Nikolaievich Chemodakov (father of George L’vovich), was born in Chita, but he grew up in Harbin, Manchuria.

Olga Evgenyevna Avenarius (mother of George L’vovich) was born in Harbin, Manchuria. She was of a noble family of Russified Germans (such Germans who had lived mainly in Saint Petersburg). This family had fled eventually to China after the revolution. She was married to Lev Nikolaievich Chemodakov in Harbin, Manchuria.

After 1949, difficulties increased for Orthodox Christians in Manchuria because of the progress of civil war there, and the arrival of communism. Many of the Russians soon began to emigrate to various places in the world.

In 1959, after the so-called Cultural Revolution began in China, Lev Nikolaievich and Olga Evgenyevna and all their family managed to move to Australia with their older children.

Early life of George L’vovich Chemodakov

George L’vovich Chemodakov was born on 2 June, 1961, in Sydney, Australia. His parents were Lev Chemodakov and Olga Evgenyevna Avenarius.

His father, Lev Chemodakov, was a reader of the Temple of the Protection of the Theotokos (ROCOR) in Cabramatta, a southwest suburb of Sydney.

George L’vovich was raised within the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). There were 3 older siblings who had been born already in China : Natalya, Tatiana and Nikita. George was the youngest of the 4. The family also had another son, also named George, who had been adopted. The adopted son was called Gosha, and George himself was called Zhorik in order to avoid confusion.

George completed all his primary and secondary education in Australia. During this time, he became aware of the contrast between his Russian Orthodox friends (who understood well the Orthodox way of life and world-view, and the centrality of the Church and the Faith in their lives) and his Australian friends (who did not seem to be able to comprehend what they perceived as "foreign customs"). He recalled that Archpriest Rostislav Gan (who had baptised him) understood the importance of Orthodox Christian friends and activities. He blessed the young people to create a youth choir, which sometimes sang during the liturgy together with the main choir. George was one of the singers. With the blessing of Father Rostislav, a youth circle was also created, which was named "Kitezh". They met together, and they organised picnics, meetings, and other events. As a consequence, the friendships established then were kept throughout their lives.

As a child, George had had a deep love for the services of the Church instilled in him through Father Rostislav. According to his own memoirs, "from the age of 15-16, thoughts began to appear about becoming a priest". He recalled that Father Rostislav was an ascetic, strict with himself and others. If the Altar-servers should misbehave during services, he would sharply correct them. Thus, they grew to have love for the Church and a serious approach to their serving. He recalled that Father Rostislav gave the example of a true shepherd who served often in the Temple, and who frequently visited the parishioners. The parishioners loved him.

Archpriest Rostislav Gan

George's brother, Nikita, who was 10 years his senior, graduated from Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, New York, USA.

When George had finished secondary school, he had the option of going to the University of Sydney to study in the Faculty of Education, or to Canberra to study in the Faculty of Law.

However, having been influenced by what his brother told him about his experiences at the seminary, George decided to go there instead of one of the universities.

Higher education

In 1980, George Chemodakov entered Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, New York, from which he graduated in 1984.

During his stay in the seminary, he studied iconography for a year with the famous icon painter of the Russian emigration, Archimandrite Cyprian (Pyzhov), and he also produced a few icons. From Archimandrite Cyprian (who was of a noble family), George also learnt many things about Russian history and culture.

After graduation, George remained at the seminary for 4 more years, until 1989, as an instructor in Church History, in Russian culture (mostly for non-Russian students) and other subjects.

After leaving the seminary in 1989, he returned to Australia, and he thought that he would get married and become a parish priest, as had his older brother.

However, later in 1989, George was summoned back to the USA, and he was assigned to be the cell-attendant to Metropolitan Vitaly (Ustinov), and then to Bishop Hilarion (Kapral) of Manhattan. He continued in this obedience until 1996.

Monastic tonsure, 1996

In 1996, George L’vovich Chemodakov was tonsured to be a monk by Archbishop Laurus (Škurla) in Holy Trinity Monastery. He was given the name Gabriel in honour of his great-grandfather, Holy Martyr Gavriil Lucinin.

Diaconal ordination, 1996

On 31 March, 1996, the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, the Monk Gabriel was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by Archbishop Laurus (Škurla) of Syracuse and Holy Trinity Monastery.

Presbyteral ordination, 1996

On 7 April, 1996, the Feast of the Entry of our Lord into Jerusalem, Hierodeacon Gabriel (Chemodakov) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Metropolitan Vitaly (Ustinov).

Pastoral service

Later that year, Hieromonk Gabriel (Chemodakov) accompanied Archbishop Hilarion (Kapral) to Australia in order to help the ailing Archbishop Paul (Pavlov).

After that, and to his shock, Hieromonk Gabriel was chosen by the Synod of Bishops of the ROCOR to become a bishop in order to serve in his homeland.

At this time, Hieromonk Gabriel (Chemodakov) was elevated to the dignity of archimandrite.

In the evening of 6 July, 1996, in the Catholicon of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, and in the presence of Metropolitan Vitaly (Ustinov), Archbishop Antony (Medvedev) and Archbishop Laurus (Škurla), Archimandrite Gabriel (Chemodakov) made his Profession of Faith, and he was named Bishop-elect of Brisbane, Vicar-Bishop of the Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand. After this, he gave his words of acceptance.

Episcopal ordination, 1996

On 7 July, 1996, the Feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist (Old Style), Archimandrite Gabriel (Chemodakov) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate in the Catholicon of Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville. The ordination was accomplished by Metropolitan Vitaly (Ustinov), Archbishop Antony (Medvedev) of San Francisco and Western America, Archbishop Laurus (Škurla) of Syracuse and Holy Trinity Monastery, Bishop Hilarion (Kapral) of Washington, and 2 hierarchs of the Greek-Old-Calendar Synod at Etna, California : Bishop Chrysostom (Gonzales), and Bishop Auxentius (Chapman).

Bishop Gabriel (Chemodakov)

Episcopal service

Bishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) was assigned to serve as Vicar-Bishop to the Archbishop of Sydney, with the title Bishop of Brisbane (a vicariate of the ROCOR Archdiocese of Sydney, Australia and New Zealand).

However, before long, Vladyka Gabriel was transferred to the USA. This was in part because it had been decided that Vladyka Hilarion would stay in Australia.

Bishop of Manhattan, 1997

In 1997, he was assigned to serve as Vicar-Bishop of Manhattan, New York, which is a vicariate of the Eastern American Diocese. He was also assigned to be the Deputy Secretary of the Synod of Bishops of the ROCOR.

In October 2001, he was assigned to serve as the Secretary of the Synod of Bishops of the ROCOR.

In a 2002 biography by M Woerl, it was stated that Vladyka Gabriel followed in the foot-steps of his predecessor Vladyka Hilarion (Kapral) as he often visited parishes, and as he was accessible to the clergy and laity alike.

Between 2000 and 2005, Vladyka Gabriel was spoken about as being an opponent of the impending rapprochement between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. However, he responded to this :

 I have never been an opponent of restoring the unity of the Russian Church.  However, 
 in those days, in the early 2000s, I, like others, was very concerned about the possible 
 schism in our Church Abroad, the signs of which were quite obvious.  Disagreements on 
 the issue of unification have affected our parishioners, our clergy, and, to a certain 
 extent, our archpastors.  I was constantly thinking about how to prevent divisions, 
 how not to lose even a small part of the flock.  

Vladyka Gabriel's concern about the possibility of a schism within the ROCOR because of the proposed reconciliation with the Moscow Patriarchate was justified. Led at first by the very much ailing and retired Metropolitan Vitaly (Ustinov), the "Russian Orthodox Church in Exile" (ROCE) was formed. This non-canonical entity embraced bishops, clergy and parishes who were unwilling to be reconciled with the Moscow Patriarchate for various reasons.

Canadian Diocesan Assembly Meeting, 2002

On 23-25 October, 2002, at the Church Hall of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Toronto, under the presidency of Metropolitan Laurus (Skurla), First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, the Diocesan Assembly of Canada met. The session was conducted by Bishop Gabriel (Chemodakov), Bishop of Manhattan, who headed the Diocesan Council of the Canadian Diocese. The Diocesan Assembly opened after the Divine Liturgy and a service of supplication (moleben), on the Feast of the Venerable Elders of Optina. This was the second such meeting during 2002.

On the first day of the sessions, a solemn and moving Akathist to the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God was served. A combined choir sang, directed by Mr. G A Skok. The second and third days of the sessions were taken up by a working discussion by responsible persons of the Diocese, and also by reports given by the rectors of the parishes of Eastern and Western Canada. A report on the successful work of the “Ruskok” (i.e., “Russia in Maskok”) Children’s Camp, on the banks of a river 2 hours from Toronto, was heard with great interest. Participants in the Diocesan Assembly endorsed the text of the Epistle to the Flock of the Diocese, which was published soon after.

At the conclusion of the sessions, Metropolitan Laurus and Bishop Gabriel, along with all who had gathered in Toronto, expressed their gratitude to Archpriest Vladimir Malchenko, rector of Holy Trinity Cathedral and Dean for Eastern Canada, to Mr. A. Ya. Furlani, warden of the Cathedral, and to the Sisterhood and their Senior Sister, M. Ya. Slin’ko, for their excellent organisation of the meeting, their hospitality and, especially, for the food they provided. Those present sensed with joy the truly brotherly, conciliar spirit which prevailed throughout the meeting, and the readiness of the parishes to support their brethren who find themselves in difficult circumstances. Not for nought did the report of the Treasurer of the Diocese (which by its very nature is full of numbers and was, it would seem, of a business-like character) end with the words of the Apostle Paul : “Bear ye one anothers’ burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galations 6:2-5).

Preparation for the Fourth All-Diaspora Council, Pilgrimage to Russia, 2005

On 27 January, 2005, Vladyka Gabriel was assigned additionally to be a member of the Commission for the Conducting of the Fourth All-Diaspora Council (San Francisco, California : 6-14 May, 2006).

Between 28 September and 6 October, 2005, Vladyka Gabriel made a pilgrimage to the holy places of Russia. On 5 October, he met with Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger) of Moscow and All Russia. The patriarch received him warmly. In his statements and interviews during the trip, Bishop Gabriel commented that his position had changed regarding the unification of the Russian Church after getting acquainted with the real life of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Fourth All-Diaspora Council, 2006

From 6-14 May, 2006, the Fourth All-Diaspora Council of the ROCOR met in San Francisco. At this time, approval was given for the reconciliation and normalisation of relations with the Moscow Patriarchate.

Reconciliation of the ROCOR and the Moscow Patriarchate, 2007

On 17 May, 2007, the Feast of the Ascension of Christ, Metropolian Laurus (Škurla), along with many of the clergy of the ROCOR, participated in the signing of the “Act of Canonical Communion” in Moscow, Russia. Together with this signing, Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla) participated in serving the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy with the Patriarch of Moscow, Aleksey II, at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow.

On 14 May, 2008, at a meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the ROCOR, it was decided to transfer Vladyka Gabriel to Canada, and to release him from his responsibility as Secretary of the Synod of Bishops.

Bishop of Montréal and the Diocese of Canada, 2008

On 14 May 2008, Bishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) was assigned to serve as Bishop of Montréal and the Diocese of Canada.

On 31 August, 2009, the Russian Consul General in New York (Sergey Harmonin) presented Vladyka Gabriel with a Russian passport.

Celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Russian Church Abroad in the Canadian Diocese, 2010

The year 2010 marked the 90th anniversary of the canonical founding of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad. This significant event in Russian history was solemnly celebrated in the Canadian Diocese.

With the blessing of Bishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) of Montréal and Canada, it was decided to hold the celebration on 7-8/20-21 November, at the Temple of Holy Trinity in Toronto, Ontario (the largest parish of the Church Abroad). The date for the celebration was not chosen deliberately. It was during these days in 1920, aboard the ship “Great Prince Alexander Mikhailovich” (one of those used by the Russian exiles leaving Crimea), near the shore of Istanbul-Constantinople, and then in the city itself, that the first sessions of the Temporary Highest Church Administration in the South of Russia took place. The session met under the presidency of Metropolitan Antoniy (Khrapovitsky), which gave the beginning to the existence of the Russian Church beyond the borders of Russia.

The first session took place on 6/19 November, 1920. Then, on 7/20 November, the well-known Ukaz #362 (Decree #362) of Saint Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow, with the Holy Synod and the Highest Church Council of the Russian Church, that, in particular, stated :

 2. In the event that a diocese [...] will be unable to communicate with the HCA (Highest Church Administration), or the 
 HCA itself, headed by the Patriarch for some reason will cease its activity, the diocesan hierarch must immediately 
 contact the hierarchs from the neighbouring dioceses in order to organise the Highest Church Administration [...] 
 3. The care for organising the Highest Church Administration, for those [...] in circumstances described in paragraph 2 [...] 
 is the indispensable duty of the highest ranking hierarch in the said group.

Nine decades later, on exactly the same day, in the parish hall of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toronto, a youth conference began, which also opened the Diocesan solemnities. In his opening remarks, Vladyka Gabriel touched upon those numerous difficulties, experienced by the bearers of the Orthodox worldview in contemporary setting, especially for the Russian people outside of Russia. Vladyka noted that in our times, when maybe even the Gadarene demoniac (whose story is related in Holy Scripture (Luke 8:26-39)) would be considered if not healthy, then at least only in need of a psychotherapist, people do not notice the influence of the evil spirits, although their activity now is seen almost more than in the times of the earthly life of the Lord Jesus Christ. He underscored especially that one may find salvation from the demonic activity of this world exclusively within the fold of the Church, and that the founding, by the will of God, of the Russian Church Abroad allowed our immigration to preserve both our spiritual and Russian identity.

After a lively discussion of Vladyka’s opening remarks, participants in the conference were offered a presentation prepared by the choir conductor George A. Skok. His presentation offered a detailed look at the history of the Canadian Diocese of the Russian Church Abroad.

The conference was concluded by Archpriest Vladimir Morin, rector of the Temple of Christ the Saviour in London, Ontario. He talked about the first visit in the last 90 years of the Holy Wonder-working Icon of the Mother of God of “Kursk-Root” to the Russian Federation. Father Vladimir was a member of the delegation that took the Directress of the Russian Diaspora on the trip to Russia. This trip became a great spiritual event, in some way a crowning of the Grace-filled process of the re-establishment of the unity of the Russian Church. He illustrated his story with a documentary film about both the Wonder-working “Kursk” Icon of the Theotokos, and about the way in which the regenerating Orthodox Russia met this holy icon.

At 7:00 p.m., the All-night Vigil began. It was served with a special pious inspiration, assisted in this greatly by the tender singing of the cathedral choir under the guidance of Mr. G. A. Skok. During the polyeleios, Vladyka Gabriel served along with the rector of the Trinity Cathedral, Mitred Archpriest Vladimir Malchenko ; Mitfed Archpriest Sergey Rasskazovsky (Patriarchal Representation, Parish of Saint Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow), who came especially for the feast ; Archpriests Vladimir Morin, and Michael Lyuboshchinskiy (Holy Protection Church, Hamilton, Ontario) ; Priests Viatcheslav Davidenko (Toronto) and Alexey Pjawka (Holy Protection Memorial Church, Ottawa, Ontario) ; and with Protodeacon Vasili Milonow, and Deacons Alexander Morin, Ilia Grozdanov and Eugene Schukin.

On Sunday, 21 November, At the Sunday Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, which took place with a great gathering of the Faithful (more than 800), the Holy Relics of the Baptiser of Russia, Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Great Prince Vladimir (in Canada with the blessing of Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) of Kiev) were brought to the Trinity cathedral. The above-mentioned clergy of the Russian Church Abroad, joined by Archpriest George Lagodich (Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Montréal, Québec), concelebrated together with Vladyka Gabriel.

It is on this day that the Church celebrates the Synaxis of Holy Archangel Michael and All the Bodiless Hosts, the 25th anniversary of the blessed repose of the ever-memorable Metropolitan Philaret (Voznesensky) was marked. He was third in the succession of the First Hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad. This great man of prayer was commemorated in the entire Canadian Diocese, in accordance with the Ukaz (decree) of Bishop Gabriel. At Trinity Cathedral, "Memory Eternal" was sung for him after dismissal. "Memory Eternal" was chanted for all the ever-memorable First Hierarchs of ROCOR and for all the Russian people, who gave their lives for the faith, for the tsar, and for the fatherland, for all who fell asleep in diaspora and for all who fell in fratricidal war. A prayer-service (Moleben) to Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Great Prince Vladimir was served, and "Many Years" was intoned for Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia, the current First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral), all hierarchs of ROCOR, and also for the rector, clergy, and many parishioners of Trinity cathedral in Toronto – the hospitable hosts, who labored much for the success of the current celebration.

At the banquet, which was attended by more than 300 people, Bishop Gabriel addressed all present with words of gratitude ; and once again, he turned to the historical events, the memory of which gathered all the children of the Russian Church Abroad on that day. "Let us recall, brothers and sisters, that in the years of civil trouble and rule of the godless authorities in the Russian land, almost 1,500,000 people fled from its borders. Amongst them were notable politicians, military commanders, famous writers, philosophers, and scientists. They created political, military, and creative organizations. Already, in the first half of 1920s, many publishing houses, newspapers, and magazines appeared in the diaspora. Russian political, scientific, and literary life possessed a striking richness and diversity. Yet, by the unfathomable will of God, all of it, with the passing of the short (from the historical perspective) 9 decades, almost completely vanished, and in any case, took on a very humble resemblance. Conditionally speaking, only one immigrant “organisation” continued to grow steadily. Despite all obstacles, difficulties, and troubles, it remained the sole organisation that united within its borders everything that was called and is now called the Russian Diaspora. The entire essence of the mission of the Russian Emigration was concentrated in it. For this “organisation”, as it is said in the Scripture, came to be “not of men and not according to men”. This is our Russian Church Abroad. If it weren’t established by the providence of God, then the Russian Orthodox Diaspora would not have been preserved".

Bishop Gabriel also reminded that the well-known Ukaz #362 of Patriarch Tikhon, along with the “Tomos” of the Ecumenical Patriarch, the 2 that served as the foundation for the canonical activity of the Russian Church Abroad, was adhered to strictly. And when, by the mercy of God, the Russian Orthodox Church in the Fatherland, after long sufferings, once again obtained freedom to carry on its service, the canonical communion between the 2 parts of the Russian Church in the Diaspora and in the Fatherland was re-established. Yet, that doesn’t mean that our special purpose is fulfilled. The Russian Orthodox Church Abroad was always faithful to its mission : the care for the Russian Orthodox people who for different reasons happened to be outside of Russia, and the preaching of the Orthodox Christian Faith amongst the nations, on whose lands we carry out our service. In his recent interview to the magazine “Trinity Heritage”, Metropolitan Hilarion underscored that after the re-establishment of the canonical unity of the Russian Church, these 2 main directions of our mission do not lessen, but rather are broadened and strengthened.

Following this, there was a concert of the cathedral choir under the guidance of Mr. G. A. Skok. The wide programme of the concert was grounded, as it were, on a historical canvas, in a way a vocal chronicle of Russia and Russian Orthodox Diaspora. A good combination of the Church and secular songs, masterful, penetrating performance, all evoked a sort of ecstasy in the listeners.

Those present were greeted by the rector of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Archpriest Vladimir Malchenko and Archpriest Sergey Rasskazovsky, rector of the Patriarchal representation in Toronto. In conclusion, Reader Y G Miloslavsky, author of a number of articles on the history of the Russian Church Abroad, gave a small lecture. In particular, the lecturer touched upon the role that the 2 great hierarchs, Saint Tikhon the Confessor, Patriarch of Moscow, and Metropolitan Antoniy (Khrapovitsky), played in ordering and developing the Russian Church Activity in the years of persecution. In his words, each one of them received the obedience prepared for him, and each one fulfilled it completely. Saint Tikhon the Confessor, contrary to all the efforts of the antichrist’s powers, was granted, as Saint John of Shanghai later said, “by the cross to hold the Russian Church on the surface of Russian life”. The service of Metropolitan Anthony was different. He was granted to preserve the Russian Diaspora. Actually, only on account of the colossal, unequalled authority of Metropolitan Anthony amongst the First Hierarchs of the Eastern Churches, it was possible to continue the activity of the Highest Church Administration in the South of Russia abroad on canonical grounds.

On 17 May, 2011, Bishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) was elevated by the Synod of Bishops to the dignity of archbishop.

Amongst his other responsibilities, Vladyka Gabriel was attending for some years the annual meeting of Canadian canonical Orthodox Bishops in Toronto, Ontario.

Canadian Orthodox Bishops meeting, 2013

40th anniversary of Mitred Archpriest Vladimir Malchenko, 2013

On 14-15 December, 2013, the Holy Trinity parish in Toronto celebrated with great joy the 40th anniversary of ordination to the Holy Priesthood of its long-time rector, Mitred Archpriest Vladimir Malchenko. The celebrations were led by Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) of Montréal and Canada, who had traveled to Toronto especially for this occasion, together with Bishop Georgije (Djokic) of the Serbian Diocese. Father Vladimir was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on 2 December, 1973, in the Saint Nicholas Cathedral of Montréal by the Ruling Bishop of the Canadian Diocese at that time, Archbishop Vitaly (Ustinov), the future Metropolitan and Hierarch of Russian Orthodox Church Abroad. Only a few months later Father Vladimir was ordained to the Holy Priesthood, and from that very time he never left the Holy Trinity parish. He followed another prominent representative of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Archpriest Matthew Andrewszhenko. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Vladyka Gabriel announced that, according to the resolution of the Bishops’ Council of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, in order to commemorate his 40 years of priestly service, and for his outstanding diligence, dedication, and hard work for the well-being of our Mother Church, the Mitred Archpriest Vladimir Malchenko was awarded the Church Order “The Sign”, Third Degree, and he presented to him all the insignia of the Order, along with the appropriate certificate.

On 31 May, 2018, Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) made a pastoral visit to this Temple on the occasion of the Altar Feast-day, the Feast of Pentecost. He served the Vigil on Saturday evening, and he presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on the Sunday of Pentecost.

Archbishop Gabriel anointing at Vigil

By a decision of the Synod of Bishops of the ROCOR (meeting 30 June-1 July, 2016), Bishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) was assigned to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Holy Trinity Theological Seminary in Jordanville, New York, on behalf of the Synod of Bishops.

On 22-26 December, 2017, at the Novo-Diveyevo Monastery in Nanuet, New York, Vladyka Gabriel addressed the annual Saint Herman Youth Conference. In his welcoming speech, he drew the attention of the conference participants to 2 main events in 2017 : the tenth anniversary of the reunification of the 2 parts of the Russian Orthodox Church, and the 100th anniversary of the restoration of the Patriarchate in Russia.

On Sunday, 6 May, 2018 (the 5th Sunday of Pascha and the Feast-day of Saint George the Victory-Bearer and Miracle-Worker), Archbishop Gabriel served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Washington, DC. Serving with Vladyka Gabriel were the senior priest of the cathedral, Protopresbyter Victor Potapov, and its other clergy.

Archbishop Gabriel in Washington

On 4 July, 2018, Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Theotokos of Kazan Cathedral in Saint Petersburg, Russia, together with a Vicar-Bishop of the Metropolitanate, and with many clergy.

Archbishop Gabriel in Saint Petersburg

On 29 September, 2018, a new chapel-monument in honour of the Holy Royal Passion-Bearers was officially opened and blessed in Jackson’s Point (beside Lake Simcoe), Ontario. Along with Archbishop Gabriel, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) of the OCA Archdiocese of Ottawa and Canada participated in the service.

The new chapel is part of the parish of the Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God in the “Beryozki” Russian conclave in Jackson’s Point, not far from Toronto.

Jackson's Point chapel

During a visit by Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) to Montréal, Archbishop Gabriel escorted him to Rawdon, Québec (about an hour's drive north of the city). There, they visited the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God of Kazan. While they were in the town, they also visited the OCA Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), the Saint Séraphim Church and Skete, and the Saint Séraphim Cemetery.

At Saint Seraphim Skete, Rawdon, Québec

(r to l) Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov), Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral), Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)

After 15 December, 2018, when Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople established as "autocephalous" the "Orthodox Church of Ukraine", the Moscow Patriarchate broke communion with the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Likewise, all the dioceses belonging to the Church of Russia ceased communion with all entities associated with the Church of Constantinople. This situation interrupted some of the fraternal Orthodox meetings and activities within Canada as well.

70 year anniversary, 2019

On 23-24 November, 2019, Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) led the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Holy Trinity parish.

On Saturday, 23 November, Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, led the festal All-Night Vigil. He co-served by Archbishop Gabriel of Montréal and Canada, and Bishop Luke of Syracuse, as well as numerous clergy from all parts of the Canadian Diocese, and guests from the Eastern American Diocese.

It was providential that the celebrations in Toronto coincided with the Feast of the Wonder-working Montréal-Iveron Icon of the Theotokos. In addition, Holy Trinity Parish was visited by the Myrrh-streaming Icon of the Theotokos, "Softener of Evil Hearts", which had arrived in Canada from Moscow.

The parish choir was amplified by singers from Montréal and other places, and it was led by George A Skok.

On Sunday, 24 November, Metropolitan Hilarion presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, and he was assisted by the bishops and clergy previously mentioned.

At the Little Entrance, parish rector Archpriest Vladimir Malchenko was awarded the right to wear a second Jewelled Cross. Deputy rector Archpriest Viatcheslav Davidenko was awarded the palitsa.

At the conclusion of the service, Metropolitan Hilarion presented the 5 oldest parishioners of Holy Trinity Church with the Synodal Order of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. The highest award was given to the last of the surviving founders of the church and the teacher of the parish school, Vasily P Malikov ; the longtime psalmist Olga F Pechnikova ; parish treasurer Maria N Blagoveshchenskaya ; parish choir conductor George Skok (directing the choir since 16 years of age) ; longtime head sister Maria Y Slinko ; longtime former parish warden Alexandra Y Furlani. Diocesan gramotas for zealous work for the benefit of the Church were issued to parishioners who were the most distinguished in this field. Metropolitan Hilarion, warmly congratulated the clergy and parishioners on their 70th anniversary. Following this, "Memory Eternal" was intoned for all the reposed clergy and parishioners, and the Polychronion sung for the clergy and parishioners.

Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral), Archbishop Gabriel and Bishop Luke serving with the clergy and parishioners

During 2020-2021, many complications for Church life arose with the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of the rules regarding services, many restrictions had to be applied.

Another complication for Archbishop Gabriel arose when the international border between the USA and Canada was closed in 2021. At that time, Vladyka Gabriel had been in the USA, and he was prohibited from returning to Canada by this regulation.

On 2 May, 2021, Archbishop Gabriel served on the Feast-day of the Great-Martyr George in the parish of Saint George in Queens, New York. This parish, founded in 1924, is a community belonging to the Russian Patriarchal parishes in the USA.

At Saint George Church, New York

60 years of age, 25 years of episcopal service, 2021

On 2 June, 2021, Archbishop Gabriel marked his 60th birthday.

On 7 July, 2021, Archbishop Gabriel marked the 25th anniversary of his episcopal ordination and service.

Archpastoral visitation, to Holy Trinity Cathedral, Toronto, Ontario, 2023

On 3-4 June, 2023, in accordance with the established custom in the Canadian Diocese, the Ruling Bishop, Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov), arrived for the Altar Feast-day Holy Trinity Cathedral Church in Toronto, Ontario. Holy Trinity Cathedral is the largest parish of the diocese. This visitation was for the celebration of the Altar Feast-day of the cathedral, on the Feast of Pentecost (Descent of the Holy Spirit, the All-Holy Trinity).

On Saturday, 3 June, for the serving of the Vigil of Pentecost, the cathedral was filled with worshippers. Archbishop Gabriel presided, and he was assisted by the cathedral clergy.

On Sunday, 4 June, for the serving of the festal Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, there were so many present that, as the saying goes, "there was nowhere for an apple to fall". Archbishop Gabriel presided, and he was assisted by Mitred Archpriest Vladimir Malchenko, Rector of the parish (Dean of the Eastern Deanery of the Canadian Diocese) ; Vyacheslav Davidenko ; Protodeacon Alexander Morin, and Deacon Seth Davydenko. The cathedral choir sang solemnly and with emotion, under the direction of one of the most famous choir directors of the Russian Orthodox diaspora, Reader George Skok. There were more than 300 communicants.

Reader George Skok, choir-director

At Divine Liturgy, Subdeacon Andrew Petarodas was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov). The newly-ordained Deacon Andrew will help in the pastoral care of the Greek community that was formed at Holy Trinity Cathedral.

After the dismissal, everyone was invited by the cathedral sisterhood to a festive meal, and the vast hall barely accommodated all those present.

After congratulating the parish on its anniversary, and expressing gratitude to the local sisterhood, Vladyka Gabriel spoke about a significant event in which he recently took part : on Sunday, 28 May, 2023, the Saint Nicholas parish of the Russian Orthodox Church in Brisbane, Australia (the first Russian parish in Australia) celebrated its 100th anniversary. On this occasion, clergy from various Australian Orthodox parishes and guests from foreign countries arrived at Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Archbishop Gabriel had been born in Australia, and he led the festive service.

Archpastoral visitation to Red Deer and Calgary, Alberta, 2023

From 9-12 June, 2023, Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) made an archpastoral visit to the city of Calgary, and also to Red Deer.

On the morning of Friday, 9 June, 2023, Archbishop Gabriel arrived in Red Deer, where he served a Moleben of Thanksgiving in the newly-acquired Temple of the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious. This community is one of the youngest in the Canadian Diocese. It was only in April, 2023, that this community had been able to find a permanent home. Archbishop Gabriel was accompanied by Igumen Nicholas (Perekrestov), priest of Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Montreal (Quebec), and Hieromonk Spiridon (Gusakov), rector of the Church of Saint John, Archbishop of Shanghai, San Francisco the Wonder-worker (Calgary).

Then, on the same day, in Temple of Saint John the Wonder-worker in Calgary, Church, Archbishop Gabriel presided at the Vigil service.

On Saturday, 10 June, Divine Liturgy in the Temple of Saint John the Wonder-worker, Archbishop Gabriel presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, which was co-served by the Rector Father Spiridon ; Father Nicholas ; Priest Dmitry Grigoriev (Rector of the Church of All Saints in Alberta) ; Priest Anthony Ciobanu (Rector of Assumption Church in Alberta) ; Priest Victor Kramarenko ; Priest Obrad Filipovic (Church of Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming, Serbian Orthodox Church) ; Protodeacon Alexander Morin (Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toronto, Ontario) and Protodeacon Boris Sidorenko (Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Montreal) ; Deacon George Misku (All Saints Church), and Deacon Vyacheslav Purdika (Saint John Church). During the reading of the Hours, Sergiy Shevchuk was ordained a reader, and Forrest Megeryuk was ordained a subdeacon.

On the same Saturday evening, Archbishop Gabriel arrived at the Temple of All Saints, Calgary, for the Vigil Service of the Altar Feast-day of the parish.

On Sunday, 11 June, Archbishop Gabriel presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Temple of All Saints, and there was a large gathering of parishioners and guests. Archbishop Gabriel was assisted by the above-mentioned priests, who was joined by Priest Alexander Koval, the second priest of All Saints Church. On the very day of the patronal feast, at the sixth hour, Vladimir Medvedev was tonsured as a reader, and then ordained a subdeacon. The rector, Father Dmitry Grigoriev, was awarded the right to wear a kamilavka.

Upon the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy, a prayer service was held with a procession of the cross around the church, followed by a festive meal prepared by the local sisterhood.

— Bishop of Brisbane (ROCOR) 1996-1997. Preceded by : Bishop Constantine (Essensky). Succeeded by : See abolished.

— Vicar-Bishop of the Archdiocese of Sydney, Australia and New Zealand.

— Bishop of Manhattan (ROCOR) 1997-2008. Preceded by : Bishop Hilarion (Kapral). Succeeded by : Bishop Jerome (Shaw).

— Vicar-Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York and Eastern America.

— Bishop of Montréal and Canada (ROCOR) 2008-2011. Preceded by : Archbishop Vitaly (Ustinov).

— Archbishop of Montréal and Canada (ROCOR) 2011-____. Succeeded by : ___.

Reflections

During a 2021 interview of Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) in New York by Tatiana Veselkina, he was asked what he had learnt over his first 25 years of service as a bishop. He replied :

 Over 25 years of service, communication with a variety of people, solving parish and 
 diocesan problems, experience is undoubtedly accumulating, which helps me to treat 
 people with understanding, love, teaches me to be more patient, condescending to the 
 weaknesses of my neighbours and always to show attention to people and benevolence.  It is 
 the tradition of the archpastors of the Russian Church Abroad always to be available 
 to the flock, which is possible due to the fact that our Church is not so large in size. 
 And people feel this closeness and strive to be part of our spiritual family.  

Awards :

• Order of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, 2nd degree (2 June, 2011) – with the citation : "Attention to your hard work and to commemorate your significant date" (50th birthday)

• Order of Saint Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow and Kolomna, 2nd degree (2 June, 2016) – with the citation : "In view of the hard work and the significant dates you celebrate" (55th birthday and 20th anniversary of the episcopal ordination)

References

Wyrwoll, Nikolaus ed., “Orthodoxia 2014-2015” (Regensburg : Ostkirchliches Institut, 2015). ISBN 978-7245-1959-1.

Orthodoxwiki biography

Patriarchia.ru biography

Russian Wikipedia biography

Batiushka.org biography

Academic Dictionary biography

Drevo Encyclopaedia biography

Wikipedia biography

Biography of Bishop Gabriel by M Woerl

Additional information :

Protopopov, M A, “The Russian Orthodox Presence in Australia”

Seide, Gernot, "History of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia from its Beginnings to the Present : Part IV, Chapter 1.9 – The Dioceses in Australia and New Zealand" (rocorstudies.org)

......, "History of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia from its Beginnings to the Present : Part IV, Chapter 1.5 – The Dioceses in Canada" (rocorstudies.org)

Web-site of the Russian Orthodox Canadian Diocese of Montréal (ROCOR)

Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Montréal, Québec

Synod of Bishops of the ROCOR

Wikipedia article about the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia

OrthodoxWiki article about the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia

Act of Canonical Union

Orthodoxwiki article about the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

Orthodoxwiki article about the Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, New York

Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger)

Metropolitan Philaret (Voznesensky)

Metropolitan Vitaly (Ustinov)

Metropolitan Laurus (Skurla)

Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral)

Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)

Archpriest Rostislav Gan

The Diocesan Council Meets at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Toronto, Canada (28 October, 2002)

The Trip to Russia of Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan (28 September-6 October, 2005)

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and to St Catherine’s Monastery (Sinai) led by Bishop Gabriel (26 March, 2010) (photo report)

Meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad (New York, 17 May, 2011)

“Patriarchal Greeting to Archbishop Gabriel of Montréal on his 50th Birthday” (2 June, 2011)

Meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad (Toronto, 10 September, 2013)

Election of the Members of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad (25 June, 2014)

“Synod of Bishops appoints Archbishop Gabriel to HTOS Board of Trustees” (June 2016)

Memorial Service to Metropolitan Vitaliy (Ustinov), fourth First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad on the 10th anniversary of his repose (photo report) (26 September, 2016)

Pastoral Retreat & Assembly of the Priests and Clergy of the Diocese of Montréal and Canada, Jackson's Point (“Berezki”), Ontario (led by Archbishop Gabriel at the Russian Orthodox Church of “Our Lady of Smolensk”, 5 Birch Road, Box 2-6, Jackson's Point, Ontario L0E 1L0] (photo report) (5-7 March, 2018)

Visit of Archbishop Gabriel to the parish of Saint John of Shanghai for the parish Feast-day, Calgary, AB (photo report) (25 June, 2018)

Archbishop Gabriel at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Kazan Cathedral, Saint Petersburg 4 July, 2018 (photo report)

Celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Russian Church Abroad in the Canadian Diocese (20-21 November, 2010)

Interview with Archbishop Gabriel ; pastoral letters, announcements (a translating programme may be necessary) (9 May 2021)

Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada visits the Canadian capital (21 October, 2022)

Stay of His Eminence Gabriel, Archbishop of Montreal and Canada in the parishes of the Western Deanery in Calgary (Alberta) (9-12 June, 2023)