Parish Feast Day - Sermon
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, we hear of the Canaanite woman, a foreigner whose faith surpassed many of the chosen. Christ’s silence was not rejection but testing. Her prayer was the cry of a mother who trusts even when Heaven seems silent. This is the faith of the Church — a faith that never gives up, a faith that perseveres in love.
St. Cyprian of Carthage wrote: “He cannot have God as his Father who does not have the Church as his Mother.” Through the Church we come to God, through her prayers we receive grace, through her Sacraments we are born into eternal life.
The Church is not a building — it is the living heart of Christ on earth. When we are united in prayer and love, Christ Himself dwells among us.
Sunday, 5 October, 2025
Parish life is not only about prayer, but also about sacrificial love, where everyone offers something of themselves. St. Paul says: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). The Church lives through the love of her children. Every candle, every offering, every moment of service is a prayer rising to Heaven.
St. John Chrysostom reminds us: “Nothing is stronger than the Church; not even the gates of hell shall prevail against it.” When we stand together in prayer, we are unshakable. When we share love, we overcome darkness. Our parish is a family in Christ — a place where God works through human hearts.
Today, we thank the Lord for 76 blessed years of our parish — a home built by the prayers and faith of generations. We express heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your love, service, and generosity, especially to those who contributed to the fundraising and restoration of our church. May the Lord richly reward every faithful heart that sustains this holy house, our spiritual Mother, in whose embrace we grow toward salvation.
May the Lord strengthen our community so that, in faith, love, and generosity, we may always remain the children of our Holy Mother — the Church. Amen.
Rev. Fr. Taras Kinash
The Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos - Sermon
Sunday, 15 September, 2024
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Glory to Jesus Christ!
Dear brothers and sisters,
Every event that took place in the history of salvation or described in the Gospel carries a deep spiritual meaning for us even today. The Holy Orthodox Church solemnly celebrates the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos - the day when her earthly life began. This holiday reminds us that God always hears prayers, appreciates our efforts and generously rewards those who believe and persistently seek His support.
The story of a woman who sincerely prayed to the Holy Mother of God for the safe return of her husband from the war vividly demonstrates the power of faith and the importance of endurance in times of trials. When she heard the terrible news of the death of her husband, despair and anger seized her heart, which led to a temporary loss of faith. However, The Mother of God does not leave her children. With time had passed, the woman was informed that the husband was alive, albeit wounded. This became a moment of her deep remorse and boundless gratitude for the maternal care of the Queen of Heaven. Since then, she had shared her story with the world, emphasizing that God's love is constant and He tirelessly cares about us all.
The earthly life of the Mother of God is a way of spiritual nobility and dignity for every person. Celebrating Her birth is our opportunity to express our gratitude for Her participation in our lives, for Her constant presence and help.
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is an important reminder of the power of faith, prayer and God's mercy. This day testifies that even in the darkest moment of life, one should not lose hope. The Mother of God is always ready to support Her earthly children and lead them to the light. Her life example of spiritual stability inspires us on a righteous, worthy path, filled with faith, gratitude and humility before God's grace.
Rev. Fr. Taras Kinash