• Skip to main content

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Scarborough, Toronto, English Language Orthodox Church Toronto,Orthodox Services English

English Orthodox Church in Toronto, English Language Christian Orthdox Services

  • Service Schedule
  • Announcements
  • Holy Orthodox Faith
  • Location
  • Our Diocese
  • Contact Us

Metropolis News

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Russel, Manitoba: The Story of its Founder, Father John (Nicholas Dohie)

February 22, 2022 By The Deacon

“The Lord is my light, and my saviour; whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the defender of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

2010, Father John (Nicholas Dohie) and Father Bohdan

For a number of years a little humble chapel, dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in the small town of Russell, Manitoba, existed within the Diocese of the Metropolis of Toronto. Older copies of the Diocesan Pocket Calendars made reference to St. Nicholas Chapel and its warden, Nicholas Dohie.

This, quite simply put, is a short memoir of a that little underground (catacomb-like) chapel, the man who built and prayed in it, where the Divine Services were once celebrated, its closure, and in time, how the faithful were blessed with the establishment of a beautiful cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The little chapel, like a tiny seed hidden in the ground, appeared to be dormant – forgotten; but by the grace of God, the seed sprouted and blossomed – a quiet marvel.

Who was this man? His name in the world was Nicholas Dohie. He was born on June 8, 1926 to Elias and Magdalena Dohie and raised on a homestead-farm a short distance from St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in the district known as Lenard, Manitoba.

For a good part of his adult life, Nicholas worked at the then, well-known Skinner Nursery and Tree Farm. Nicholas loved trees and knew a great deal about them – he had a profound respect for God’s creation – the land and what was grown in it. Later, he and his family moved and made Russell, Manitoba their home.

2002, in his chapel

As time passed, he and his family made their way through daily life in Russell. But in around 1976, Nicholas found himself quite alone in his desire to keep the “Faith of the Fathers” pure and unchanged. He was grieved by the numerous innovations he readily observed evolving in the local church communities along with changes in the mindset of people. Unpretentious, Nicholas was vocal in his objections to issues such as the Church calendar change, episcopal disregard for the Holy Traditions of the Church, the haphazardly executed translations, and last, but not least, the ever-growing embrace of ecumenism.

In light of these trends, Nicholas separated himself from these ‘church’ communities. Facing isolation and local community ostracizing and condemnation, he remained firm. He no longer, in good conscience, felt he could attend services at the local churches which had been such a great part of his life. (During his lifetime, he served as a Church School teacher, chanter; and out his love and respect for those who reposed, worked tirelessly in restoring and repairing the graveyard Crosses, fencing and maintaining general upkeep of the Romanian Orthodox Church cemeteries (St. John the Baptist, St. Elias the Thesbite and St. George Great Martyr.)

In his youth he would recollect, there were several people who had greatly impressed him. One such individual was an old priest who admonished the people a day would come where a right-believing man would have to travel for days to find the True Church. Amazed at hearing this and not fully understanding his meaning, the then young Nicholas went outdoors and looked around as he could clearly see the domes of St. John and of St. Elias Churches. Nicholas thought to himself, “what is he (the priest) talking about?”. However, in later years, Nicholas would find himself in just such a situation as he heard the old priest warn many years earlier.

The thought of building a home chapel grew and became a reality. His home was small and modest and spare room was non-existent; he therefore decided to dig, pail by pail, an area next to the root cellar in the basement. The room was no more the 8’ by 8’. One entered St. Nicholas Chapel via a sliding door located at the base of stairs. At first glance, your eyes were “treated” to icons and vigil lamps. The walls were painted in shades of blue — the “Voronets” blue predominating. A long counter lined the east and south walls and on the west wide was a couch. Above the couch, were shelves of books. The floor was covered with kilims and little carpets. St. Nicholas Chapel became a ‘must see’ in later years especially by clergy who heard of this wonderful, little gem

Nicholas made candle frames for the beeswax candles he routinely made. Closer to retirement, he enjoyed making icon frames and carving crosses, which he gave away, and was a source of joy for him. He also loved gardening, picking wild fruit/berries and mushrooms.

Father George Monk, Father John (Dohie) and Metropolitan Gregory

Eventually, Nicholas found himself having to leave his home and sanctuary of prayer in his chapel so that by 2010 (at the age of 84) he found himself having to reside in a seniors’ care home. It was just prior to this move he requested I come out to pick up some items of what remained from his little chapel; and at that time, he expressed his hope to be tonsured a monk.

Nicholas’ prayers were answered. He was tonsured and given the name John on April 11/24, 2013 (Sts. Antipas, bishop of Pergamum and Callinicus, Bishop of Rimnicu in Romania).

As a monastic, there was a quiet joy and peace in having (possessing) the knowledge of what was best for himself and his soul. He fell asleep in the Lord on Oct. 30/Nov. 12, 2014, (Holy Martyrs Zenobius and Zenobia), and was buried at the church where he was baptized — St. John the Baptist, Leonard, Manitoba. Throughout his life, Fr. John embodied the virtues of almsgiving, boldness for the True Faith and emulated that of Sts. Elias and John – a voice crying in the wilderness, cautioning and admonishing. Memory eternal.

P.S. Almost from the beginning of our married life, Nicholas (Fr. John in the monastic tonsure) became and continued to be part of our family over these decades. We have much joy and consolation from acknowledging a “link” between this small, humble chapel which closed its doors and in time, the emergence of a cathedral with St. Nicholas the Wonderworker as patron and protector.

There are more recollections/memories we have recorded for our family albums. Our purpose in sharing this small narrative of Fr. John (Nicholas) was intended for the edification of the faithful of St. Nicholas, the archives of the Metropolis of Toronto; and for the keeping in memory eternal of this pious person.

-Father Bohdan
Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Mission
Two Hills, Alberta, Canada

Filed Under: Metropolis News

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral

February 5, 2022 By The Deacon

Opening Blessing of Water-St. Nicholas Orthodox Church English Language Orthodox Church Services Toronto in EnglishToday 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.”


St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Scarborough, English Language Orthodox Church Toronto, Orthodox Services in EnglishOver 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.”

Filed Under: 10th Anniversary of St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, Metropolis News

Our Metropolitan Gregory serves the Hierarchical Diving Liturgy at Saint Nicholas Cathedral

October 13, 2021 By The Deacon

Dear and Faithful Orthodox Christians,

‘Right and correct spiritual progress always produces humility‘
–Gregory, Metropolitan of Boston – Sermon on the First Sunday of Luke, Sept. 27 / Oct. 10

We were so grateful to have Gregory, Metropolitan of Boston and Locum Tenens of Toronto with us this past week, from Friday morning, October 8th to Monday morning October 11th. How many insights! What spiritual bonds! And great blessings!

Hierarchical Visit-Clergy and all-St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Scarborough, Orthodox Services in English Toronto

Arriving in Toronto early on Friday morning, the Metropolitan went directly to Saint Seraphim of Sarov Russian Parish in Toronto and celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, the great light of Russia! The day and festive meal that followed, were particularly special as the Metropolitan was together with Father Sergey and Matushka Vera for Father’s Nameday.

Father Sergey served the Divine Liturgy at Saint Nicholas Cathedral on Saturday, Oct 9/Sept 26, the Feast of Saint John the Theologian. Metropolitan Gregory spoke of the beloved Apostle during the sermon which you can listen to here.

After the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Gregory presided at the Memorial Service where we remembered all the faithful reposed and especially, our beloved Metropolitan Andrew. Vladika, eternal memory!

We gathered with the Metropolitan after Liturgy for conversation and blessings and the hours passed so quickly, it was time to begin the Vigil.

Sunday morning was beautiful with the first leaves of Fall all golden and shining around the Church. We gathered for the Divine Liturgy, greeting the Metropolitan, and after vesting him, it was a joy to hear the prayer for our brother-in-Christ and long-time parishioner and founder of our parish, John, as he was elevated to the position of Ecclesiarch for the Cathedral. John has served and contributed to the Church for over 30 years with diligence and dedicated service. With his wife Sarah recently becoming our leader of the Sisterhood, whose patron is Grand Duchess, Saint Elizabeth the Martyr, John has now received the blessing to serve Our Saviour as Ecclesiarch. Axios!

How blessed it was to have our Metropolitan celebrating the Divine Liturgy together with Father Anthony and Father Protodeacon George of Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Father Demjan of Saint Andrew’s Parish, and Father Sergey of Saint Seraphim’s Parish. Together, with the many chanters, servers, and with the prayers of the parishioners, we offered praise to God!

At the sermon, Metropolitan Gregory reminded us that, ‘When we say “I have trust in God”, we are saying “we have faith in God.”‘ You can listen to his edifying Sermon here.

Metropolitan Gregory 2021 Visit-St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Scarborough, English Language Orthodox Church Toronto, Orthodox Services in English

Following Divine Liturgy, the faithful gathered in the Church Hall for a delicious meal prepared by the Sisterhood of Saint Elizabeth the Grand Duchess and we celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the ordination of Father George to the Deaconate. Many years Father Deacon George and Deaconissa. Please accept our gratitude and appreciation for all you do for us and Christ’s holy Church!

As the meal concluded Metropolitan Gregory provided great insights through a Question and Answer period. It was a wonderful talk that covered how and why we pray for the reposed, Christian stewardship, the Angels, and many other topics. I encourage everyone to listen again to this Q&A here.

“Preserve, O Lord, our Master and Hierarch. Many years to you, Master!”

Let us ask the intercessions of the Saints whom we commemorated during Metropolitan’s visit, Saint Sergius of Radonezh, Saint John the Theologian, and Saint Callistratus the Martyr, as we pray that our Metropolitan’s journeys to the Canadian Parishes be blessed, and that he return to us again soon, as God wills.

We are grateful for your visit Your Eminence!

With prayers in Christ,
Father Anthony

Filed Under: Father Anthony, Metropolis News

In Memorium, Metropolitan Andrew

June 13, 2021 By The Deacon

t. Nicholas Orthodox Church Scarborough, English Language Orthodox Church Toronto, Orthodox Services in English

Metropolitan Andrew

1943-2021

t. Nicholas Orthodox Church Scarborough, English Language Orthodox Church Toronto, Orthodox Services in English

Metropolitan of Toronto
June 2019 – June 2021

Bishop of Markham, Suffragan Bishop of Toronto
March 2013 – May 2019

Metropolitan Andrew was born in 1943 in Washington D.C., USA where he and his younger brother grew up before spending some time in Arlington, Virginia. His father was from Washington D.C. as well, while his mother comes from Freeland, Pennsylvania – north of Philadelphia.

Metropolitan (Vladyka) Andrew is from a long-line of Herron Family descendants; his first ancestors immigrated to the United States in 1710 from Alsace-Lorraine, France. However, the generations that followed mostly included Irish and English lineage.

In 1963, at the age of 20, he became an Orthodox Christian and following this, he entered Seminary School at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, New York in 1965 where he studied for two years.
In July of 1968 he entered Holy Transfiguration Monastery where he lived for most of his life before he moved to Toronto.

As he continued to live the Liturgical life of the Church, he was ordained Deacon in November of 1972 by St. Philaret, Metropolitan of New York. By 1988, he was raised to Archdeacon (highest rank of monastic deacons) and continued to serve at the Monastery, Convents and Parishes, including visits to Toronto, until he was ordained to the priesthood in October 2012.

Along the way, he had been fortunate to meet many holy people, including Archbishop Tikhon of San Francisco in 1962 (who held the See before St. John (Maximovitch) of San Francisco).

In addition to his love to his patron-saint, Saint Andrew the First-Called, St. Xenia of St. Petersburg, and St. Patrick, Enlightener of Ireland all held a special place in his heart. He loved so much to celebrate all the Feast Days of our Church, and always said he especially enjoyed the Feast of Theophany. He loved the Orthodox Saints of every land, and when it comes to favourite hymns of the Church, he was always moved by the “Glory of Matins for Holy and Great Monday”.

He was buried on June 9, 2021, at Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, Massachusetts, USA.

Eternal Memory for our beloved

Metropolitan Andrew
-June 6, 2021-


“We stand for the truth.
We say the truth…clearly.”


Said during his last sermon on Saturday June 5, 2021 (May 23. OS),
Saturday before Sunday of Blind Man
at
Holy Nativity Convent, Brookline, MA, USA

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Scarborough, English Language Orthodox Church Toronto, Orthodox Services in English

Filed Under: Father Anthony, Metropolis News, Metropolitan Andrew

Gregory, Metropolitan of Boston confirmed Locum Tenens of Holy Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto

June 12, 2021 By The Deacon

Bless!

Dear and faithful Orthodox Christians,

As we proclaimed in the Divine Liturgy this morning at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, the Holy Synod has confirmed Gregory, Metropolitan of Boston as the Locum Tenens of the See of Toronto.

Following the repose of our blessed Vladyka Andrew, Metropolitan of Toronto on May 24/June 6, the commemoration of the Glorification of Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg, we now commemorate Metropolitan Gregory as the holder of the seat of the Metropolitan of Toronto of HOMT.

Please see the attached letter issued yesterday by the Holy Synod of the Holy Orthodox Church in North America.

Eternal be the memory of our beloved Hierarch, Metropolitan Andrew!

Many Years to Gregory, Metropolitan of Boston, and Locum Tenens of the See of Toronto!

In Christ,
Father Anthony
Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral
Toronto, Canada

Filed Under: Father Anthony, Metropolis News

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

Copyright © 2023 · St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Inc. - 77 Craiglee Drive, Scarborough, ON, M1N 2N6, 647.748.7800

Do you have a question? Contact our Parish