Today with gratitude and joy, we give thanks to Our Saviour as we begin to celebrate our ten year Anniversary of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral. It was ten years ago, on January 23/February 5 (church/civil) that we served the very first Liturgy at Saint Nicholas after having read the special prayers for the opening of a new Church, blessed with holy water, and served the all-night Vigil on the evening before. That Sunday ten years ago, was also celebrated the Commemoration of all the new Martyrs of Russia which we kept in the Liturgy this morning. Through the intercessions of all the New Martyrs of Russia, we ask Our Saviour to bless our labours in His holy Church and to receive the humble hymns and prayers that we offer to Him.
This hymn from the Service of the Consecration of the Holy Sepulchre is a fitting prayer for us all to say today:
“Thou hast set Thy Church as a tower of strength, O Christ, Thou Word before the ages, for Thou has founded her upon the rock of faith….. Therefore, as we give thanks, we praise Thee with hymns, saying: Thou art He Who before the ages and beyond the ages art yet our King. Glory be to Thee.”
Over the coming months, we will mark the celebrations with an Anniversary Luncheon, a Molieben Service of Thanksgiving, and also share several brief “Recollections” of inspiring Orthodox faithful and events, that we are sure will provide uplifting reflections on Orthodox piety.
“O Lord, I have loved the beauty of Thy house, and the place where Thy glory dwelleth. Alleluia.”