Langley BC Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church 1975

Langley, British Columbia, Church of Saint Herman of Alaska, 1975

Prehistory

In 1971, at Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Dr. Edward Paul and Vivian Maria Hartley entered the Orthodox Christian Church with their family. They had been drawn by the beauty of icons and the faithfulness of Holy Orthodoxy to the apostolic Christian Faith. They soon felt the need of an English-language Orthodox parish in which to raise their children and to draw others into the Orthodox Faith.

In 1975, a group of parishioners from the predominately Russian-speaking Holy Resurrection Church in Vancouver, British Columbia, decided to begin an English-speaking mission in the Lower Mainland. This was an undertaking that was blessed by the saintly Bishop Joasaph (Antoniuk) of thrice-blessed memory, who was the rector of Holy Resurrection at the time. He had true paternal love for Dr. Edward Paul and Vivian Maria Hartley (†2013), who were the leaders of this small missionary group.

A few faithful persons, encouraged by this blessing, gathered regularly with Edward and Vivian Hartley, and they began to hold Reader’s services in their private back-yard domestic chapel (which Bishop Joasaph also blessed with the name of Saint Herman of Alaska). This was in Whalley/Surrey. Dr. Hartley, a self-taught iconographer, produced a large quantity of hand-painted icons of various feasts and saints of the Church.

These were the first icons to be used by the mission, and very many icons produced by “the good doctor” were the first icons to be used in very many mission communities in Western Canada.

Saint Herman of Alaska Domestic Chapel

Fruits of prayer and faithfulness

Eventually, the community found a priest who would serve them, the Priest Stephen Slipko (at that time, of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA under Metropolitan Andrey (Kuschak)). Thus, it came about that the English mission was received into this Ukrainian jurisdiction (even though none of its members was Ukrainian, and all its services were in English).

The mission (which for a time bore the name of Saint Nicholas, Langley) was served by a succession of clergy, some resident, some visiting. One of the more notable of these was the Priest Andrew Morbey.

Saint Nicholas Temple, Langley

By 1986, the mission was again lacking a priest. After a year of holding Reader’s services in the back-yard chapel, through the arranging of the (then bishop-elect) Priest Seraphim (Storheim), they learned that a seminarian at Saint Tikhon’s Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania, soon to graduate, was interested in coming to Canada in order to do English mission work. This candidate, the Priest Lawrence Farley (originally a Canadian), arrived in Vancouver, and he led some services and visited the people of the mission in May, 1987.

The mission parish decided then to “return home” to The Orthodox Church in America so that Father Lawrence could be assigned by Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) (then locum-tenens for the Archdiocese of Canada). Thus, after 10 years of ups and downs and various clergy and jurisdictions, the little community had come into the Archdiocese of Canada under the patronage of Saint Herman of Alaska and there was a new and permanent pastor.

Foundation within the Archdiocese of Canada, 1987

From 1987, the mission parish, now newly-returned to The Orthodox Church in America (OCA), continued to hold services in the Hartleys' backyard domestic chapel while Father Lawrence served the small community and worked full-time at a series of secular jobs in order to support his wife, Donna, and their 2 young daughters. The mission grew in size, and it eventually outgrew the original cozy chapel. By this time, the mission community was tending to overwhelm the Hartley residence by their numbers.

The mission then found rented quarters for a time, first in an Anglican church in Surrey, British Columbia, and then for a longer time in a century-old disused but historical United Church at Langley (the former Saint Andrew's Presbyterian/United Church at 9025, Glover Road). This is in the Milner rural village of Langley Township, which is about 25 km (15 mi) to the east of Surrey. During this rental period, the pews were removed and an iconostas was constructed (everything was made to be removable).

9025, Glover Road site

Growth ; necessary moves ; the work of yeast

At length, the parish grew enough that Father Lawrence could resign from his secular job in order to serve the parish on a full-time basis. By this time, the mission parish consisted mostly of young people, students, and young families. Although, of course, the community is welcoming to Orthodox persons of all ethnic traditions, it nevertheless consists largely of converts. For many years, parishioners have found the community through various means. Living in many different places all over the "Lower Mainland", many of the flock may live an hour’s drive or more distant. They continue to be very zealous in their missionary activity.

On 1 April, 2007, the Subdeacon Kurt Edward Jordan was ordained to the Holy Diaconate at Saint Herman's Church. He continued to take an active part in parish life while he pursued studies towards becoming a physician.

More than 4 young men, converts within the parish, pursued a call to serve the Church in Holy Orders. Some of them have left the parish in order to take more formal education in preparation for fulfilling this goal. They have all been involved in other missionary activities.

A “daughter” mission was founded in Comox-Courtenay, on Vancouver Island, under the heavenly protection of the Holy Apostle Barnabas, and it was led by a former parishioner.

The next such mission became the parish of All Saints of Alaska in Victoria (on Vancouver Island), which was re-established under the leadership of a former parishioner, and it was next led by a friend of Saint Herman’s parish.

The next mission became the Church of Saint John of Shanghai in Vancouver, led by a former parishioner, and it became a visible testimony for the Orthodox Christian Faith in central Vancouver.

The next mission became the Church of Saint Aidan in Cranbrook, British Columbia, and it was founded by a former parishioner. The second priest to serve there was also a former parishioner.

The next mission established was the Mission of the Holy Apostles in Chilliwack, British Columbia. It was founded by yet another former parishioner. All are “children” of the parish of Saint Herman of Alaska in Surrey/Langley.

A new building

In the meantime, the community, which had become the Church of Saint Herman of Alaska, purchased a new building of its own in the city of Langley. It had long been hoped to expand this facility and to rework it so that it would better accommodate the large size of the congregation. However, there were very many obstacles to these plans, and the community did its best to accommodate the steadily increasing numbers of people and the many activities that occurred in this space. “Patience, prayer, and work accomplish all in Christ”. In moving to the new building, the parishioners discovered how to make improvised bells by custom-cutting metal tanks. Until such a time when other, standard bells might be available, these improvised bells were found to make an adequate substitute.

Entrance to the Temple

The interior of the Temple

40 years : 2016

Forty years of English language parish life and service in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia were celebrated at Saint Herman’s Church in Langley during 2016.

The first event of the year took place in the parish library on Sunday, 24 January. At the end of the Sunday Divine Liturgy, the clergy went in procession to the Hartley Library (as it is now known). They squeezed into the small room along with parish founder Dr. Edward (Reader Paul) Hartley and his family. Dr. Hartley’s daughters Andrea and Maria (son-in-law Gavin Campbell) and grandson Herman took turns hammering in the nails to mount commemorative materials on the wall, including a plaque, an icon of Saint Herman made for the parish by Dr. Hartley, a photograph of Dr. Hartley and his late wife Vivian, and a Paschal poem written by Vivian Maria, previously published in "The Handmaiden", a journal for Orthodox women. Subdeacon James Hartley, their son, was absent at the time, because he was out of the country. Father Lawrence then blessed all the family members with holy water, and the tropar of Saint Herman was sung by all.

Hartley Library, with Dr. Edward Paul Hartley in the centre

Dr. Edward Hartley and his daughters Andrea and Maria

Persistence and hard work (not to omit prayer !) were rewarded in Christ with growth, and the Langley building now owned by the parish came to include the small room off the narthex which in 2009 was converted to an Orthodox library. It was all organised by Vivian and her daughter Andrea, and then decorated by Diakonissa Victoria Jordan. New books have been added year by year, including a large collection of Orthodox children’s books. Some 40 members checked out books to read at home during the previous year. One of Ed and Vivian’s (many) godchildren, Wendy McGee, was the librarian in 2016.

The 40th anniversary celebrations came to their apogée on Saturday, 24 September, 2016, with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy served by Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), followed by a banquet.

Anniversary visit of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)

In the summer of 2017, Matushka Donna Farley published an article on the archdiocesan web-site, in the “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” section, which was entitled “Death and the Funeral : An Orthodox Perspective”. This article consisted in a sharing of her interview with Zane Zaccheus Green, a funeral director in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. He expressed his desire to be able to provide for Orthodox Christian believers the traditional Orthodox Christian care for the body of a believer who has fallen asleep in the Lord. The article considers both the back-ground of the subject, and the specific elements of each of the steps from the repose to the interment of the person who has reposed. This article is related to a presentation by Zane Green at the Triennial Assembly of the Archdiocese of Canada in July, 2017, in Edmonton, Alberta.

Archpastoral visitation of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), 2018

On Friday, 16 March, 2018, after a meeting in Vancouver of the Archdiocesan Council, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) visited the parish of Saint Herman of Alaska. On that evening, at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, he ordained the Subdeacon Symeon Donovan Price to the Holy Diaconate. Protodeacon Jesse Isaac and Deacon Nicolas Svetlovsky assisted at the ordination. Deacon Symeon Price was attached at this parish.

Ordination of Deacon Symeon Price

On the next morning, Saturday, 17 March, 2018, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Temple. At the Divine Liturgy, he ordained Subdeacon Zaccheus Zane Green to the Holy Diaconate. Protodeacon Jesse Isaac and Deacon Nicolas Svetlovsky assisted at the ordination. Deacon Zaccheus Green was attached at this parish.

Repose of Vivian Hartley and of Dr. Edward Hartley, 2013, 2019

In 2013 and 2019, the parish of Saint Herman of Alaska became bereft of her 2 principal founders : first Vivian, and then Edward Hartley.

Dr. Edward and Vivian Hartley in their warm, nurturing kitchen

In August, 2013, Vivian Hartley participated for the last time in an Archdiocesan Assembly in Ottawa, Ontario, and Gatineau, Québec. She had been a faithful participant and representative in many such assemblies (and some All-American Councils of The Orthodox Church in America) as a representative of her parish. At that time, she was already unwell, but her joy in Christ sustained her.

On Tuesday, 19 November, 2013, the handmaiden of God Vivian Maria Hartley departed this life and went to be with the Lord. She had been suffering from cancer, and despite the treatments, she was able to remain at home for the duration. In a significant manner, her funeral services began in the evening of 21 November, the Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple in Jerusalem. She had been the first to lead the singing in the parish, and now the parish sang her into the Kingdom.

After this, on 24 January, 2016, on the occasion of the year of celebrating the 40th anniversary, the Parish of Saint Herman of Alaska in Langley dedicated its newly-refurbished library to its founders, Dr. Edward and Vivian Hartley. Dr. Hartley himself was able to be present with his children. This library is in itself a pointer to the evangelical care of this founding pair and their care to nurture people into and within the Orthodox Christian Faith.

Then, on Saturday, 13 July, 2019 (the Feast of the Archangel Gabriel), the Reader, Dr. Edward Paul Hartley fell asleep in the Lord. He had been in declining health for a few years, and he had received considerable care from his children and a multitude of friends. The funeral services took place on the Feast of the Holy Prophet Elias, and of the New-Martyr Nun Maria (Skobtsova) of Paris. The matter-of-fact and natural care and compassion of Dr. Hartley amplified his gifts as a physician in that healing of bodies was accompanied by healing of souls and spirits amongst the parishioners and many friends.

Construction plans

The parish began preparations to construct a sufficiently large and permanent Temple on the existing property. For very many years, it had been understood that this step lay in the future, at such a time when it would be blessed by the Lord that sufficient resources be available.

Fundraising began towards this end.

Proposed new Temple

On 20 August, 2021, Archpriest Lawrence Farley posted on the archdiocesan web-site a report about the progress of the construction project, along with a request for any assistance others might give. Father Lawrence reminded the reader about the many former parishioners of this parish who became clergy and serve the Church in various places. He also reminded the people about the large quantity of writing he has been given Grace to produce because of parish support : more than 25 books and well over 400 blog posts.

Father Farley then explained that the parish was erecting a new building to help the parish family to continue to grow and to reach out with the Gospel and to create something beautiful for God. The building project encountered obstacles and costly delays due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. These and other unforeseen cost overruns have been considerable (although not unusual in construction), and more money had to be raised. With the blessing of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), he asked for the help of any who were able to provide something.

Foundation preparation (left) ; First walls (right)

On 19 May, 2022, Father Lawrence gave a further report on the archdiocesan web-site. Included was an "aerial view" of the proposed new Temple, the former Temple converted into a hall, and the parking-lot :

By the time of the 30 August, 2022, report, with photos, it became apparent what the new Temple would look like :

August, 2022

Ordination of Deacon Symeon Price to the Holy Priesthood, 2022

On Sunday, 27 March, 2022, at Holy Resurrection Sobor in Vancouver, British Columbia, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) ordained Deacon Symeon Price to the Holy Priesthood during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. During the Divine Liturgy, Vladyka Irénée was assisted by Mitred Archpriest Michael Fourik, rector of Holy Resurrection Sobor ; Archpriest Lawrence Farley, Archpriest Richard René ; Priest Peter Choi ; Protodeacon Jesse Isaac ; Deacon Gregory Wright.

Priest Symeon Wright was attached to Saint Herman of Alaska's Church in Langley, and he began to supply deanery needs in addition to his service in the parish.

Ordination of Priest Symeon Price

Further construction details

In the later autumn of 2022, the construction of the new building progressed steadily. The exterior wrapping was applied over the wood ; the roof was shingled ; the onion-cupolas for the front arrived and they were installed.

2 cupolas at the main, west entrance

Installation of the main, central cupola

However, as frequently occurs in parish life (and especially in building a Temple to the Glory of God), a major obstacle appeared. The construction required more money than had been budgeted, and at first a loan was promised by the financiers. However, the promise was withdrawn. Regardless, by the Grace and Mercy of God, through the prayers and generosity of many people, the required amount was raised by the time of the deadline imposed. With grateful hearts, the construction continued, and the large onion-cupola arrived and was installed. It seemed that the construction would be completed in time for the summer, 2023, time for opening.

Archdiocesan Council Tours the New Saint Herman's Temple

On 5 May, 2023, the Archdiocesan Council of the Archdiocese of Canada was given a tour of the new Temple of Saint Herman of Alaska.

As reported by Matushka Donna Farley, Archbishop Irenée and Archdiocesan Council members from across Canada came to the Vancouver area for an in-person meeting. At the end of a day of meetings, they adjourned to Saint Herman's, Langley for a tour of the existing present building, and of the temple-in-progress. Parish council members and volunteers from Saint Herman's hosted a time of fellowship in the space that was now rapidly taking shape.

Father Lawrence was asked to give a brief account of the parish's adventures along the way to this immense occasion in the parish, which was first begun in the late 1970s. The Archdiocese recently made a great contribution to this late stage of the project through a substantial loan from bequest funds, a welcome addition to the support we have received from members and friends of the parish far and near.

Archdiocesan Council members hear about the history and construction

Viewing the interior of the nave

The archdiocese also presented the parish with an icon book from John Hadjinicolaou's "Alexander Press".

Vladyka Irenée promised to return, and to serve a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the official grand opening.

Grand Opening of the New St Herman's Church Building, Langley, BC

On Saturday 20 July, 2023, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) (Archbishop of Ottawa and the Archdiocese of Canada) led the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the new Temple of Saint Herman of Alaska at Langley, British Columbia. The Archbishop was greeted by the clergy and parishioners. Then followed the Entrance Prayers, Vesting of the Hierarch, the serving of the Lesser Blessing of Water, and the blessing of the whole Temple with the Holy Water. Next came the tonsuring as Reader of Theodore (Ted) Mason.

Afterwards, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served by Archbishop Irénée (Rochon). He was assisted by Archpriest Lawrence Farley (Rector of this parish) ; Mitred Archpriest Michael Fourik (Dean of British Columbia-Yukon) ; Archpriest Larry Reinheimer ; Archpriest Richard René ; Priest Mircea Tihon ; Priest Matthew Francis ; Priest Peter Choi ; Priest Symeon Price ; Protodeacon Jesse Isaac ; Deacon Gregory V Wright ; Deacon Zacchaeus Green ; Deacon Paul Bartlett. The singing was led by Magdalen Farley (longtime director). During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Irenée gave a homily.

At the conclusion, Archbishop Irenée (Rochon) awarded the parish rector, Archpriest Lawrence Farley, and Protodeacon Gregory Wright with Holy Synodal Gramotas for their outstanding efforts in building the new Temple. The video was prepared by Alexander V Ovodov.

After the conclusion of the service, a parish barbeque lunch was offered in the previous church building, which had been converted into a parish hall.

Various views of the new Temple

The nearly-completed Temple, past what became the parish hall

The nearly-completed Temple, and the parish hall, seen from the street

The new iconostas structure

Archbishop Irenée, clergy, at the blessing of water

Serving clergy

Clergy and parishioners

Vladyka Irenée, clergy, the congregation

Archbishop Irenée, at the southeast of the Temple, in the parking-lot

The new Holy Table was the gift of the Holy Transfiguration Hermitage at Lone Butte, British Columbia. The 3 carved sides of the Holy Table are the work of Brother Moses.

Holy Table north side

Holy Table west (front) side

Holy Table south side

Parish activities and organisations

Within the parish, there are many avenues in which a person may serve Christ within the community.

The parish council works together with the rector to conduct the business of the parish community. Of course, finding a way to increase the space for worship and fellowship remains a constant agenda item.

Altar servers assist the clergy with their liturgical work and keep the Altar, iconostas and candle-stands clean and tidy.

Readers are under the direction of the priest and deacon to read the Epistle and to chant verses.

The choir leads the congregation in liturgical worship. Rehearsals are scheduled as needed. Bell-ringers are also organised under the authority of the choir. The choir also operates an apprenticeship programme for children capable of meeting the requirements of being a choir member.

The cleanup crew leads the entire community in cleaning up the hall and nave after major services and meals.

The “Diakonia Charity” (“diakonia” is a Greek word for "service") collects funds and goods for local and international groups, e.g. the Salvation Army "Gateway of Hope" in Langley, and "Doctors Without Borders". It also supports the local food bank. Collections are made every Sunday for the food bank in the basket in the prothesis chapel at the front of the Temple. The contents are taken to the food bank afterwards. Needed items for the homeless are collected in a bin in the narthex.

Meals for the home-bound are prepared and delivered by volunteers to new mothers, those recovering from hospital stays, and other such persons in the parish.

The bookstore offers quality Orthodox books, icons and other church goods at good prices.

The "Three Hierarchs/Hartley Family Lending Library" has a collection of mostly Orthodox material, not always easy to find in general libraries or book stores. There is a large selection of Orthodox children's books for use in the church building or at home. Members must sign out books and sign them back in on return.

Men's and women's fellowship gatherings take place every month or 2 at the Temple, or in the homes of various parishioners.

The "Saint Tabitha Vestment Guild" produces and cares for all fabric arts in the parish as required.

The prosphora makers provide the bread for weekly and special services of the Divine Liturgy.

The church decoration group provides flowers, candles and such, as appropriate for particular services.

The church school meets in the library during the lunch hour after services. Several times a year, there are all-day Saturday events as well.

The "Abbotsford Dinner and Study Group" meets at a parishioner's home, monthly or bimonthly, on a Tuesday as announced.

Father Lawrence has written many books and commentaries, which are available from Ancient Faith Publishing and Saint Vladimir’s Press. He has also produced many podcasts, which are available online at "Ancient Faith Radio" at "Coffee Cup Commentaries" and "No Other Foundation".

It is useful to know that Matushka Donna Farley is also a prolific author. Her writings include Orthodox Christian fiction, poetry, and children's books.

In 2022, the majority of the parish consisted of converts, just as were its first founders, as well as some members from several different traditionally Orthodox backgrounds. The parish community, with a great number of young families, has again mostly outgrown its present quarters, and it continues to pursue developing a building project that would allow them to worship in a larger and more fully Orthodox style of Temple, with a more suitable hall facility.

Most importantly, the parish works very hard at making the riches of the Orthodox Christian Faith accessible to the residents of the Lower Mainland. It has produced its own prayer book, as well as liturgical booklets consisting of the Church’s services of Vespers, Matins, Liturgy and Presanctified Liturgy. The Sunday morning homily is available on podcast.

Parishioners