Blessed Saint Xenia of Petersburg Russian Orthodox Church

NEW YORK: 10 April 2026 Venerable Brother Archpastors, Venerable Fathers, Dear Brothers and Sisters scattered throughout the world, I greet you all with Christ’s love with the Paschal kiss: “CHRIST IS RISEN!” “I wish you all that is bright in these days,” writes St Theophan the Recluse, “and in all the days to come. The Lord is always sweetness, and joy, and peace! Strive always to be with the Lord, and you will always celebrate the Bright Pascha.” “Your Resurrection, O Christ Savior, the angels proclaim in the heavens” – we sing on this night, with trepidation asking that the Lord grant us to glorify Him with a pure heart. Alas,…

St. Xenia Parish has a long-standing and cherished tradition of hosting the annual Blini Fundraising Luncheon. This year’s luncheon, held at the start of Maslenitsa week, was a wonderful success and a true testament to the unity, generosity, and dedication of our parish community. On behalf of the Warden, the Sisterhood, and the Brotherhood, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed their time, talents, and support to make this event such a meaningful and successful celebration for our community and all who attended.

On September 28, the Patronal Feast Day in honour of Blessed St. Xenia of Petersburg was joyfully celebrated at St. Xenia Parish. The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was led by Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada, with many parishioners and honoured guests in attendance. The service was further enriched by the participation of the choir from the local St. Stefan Serbian Orthodox Church, under the guest direction of Conductor Elias Dubelsten.

Every year, on the feast day of St. Herman of Alaska, the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad youth gather for a multi-day St Herman’s Youth Conference that includes lectures, beautiful hierarchical services, and social events. Each year, different parishes host the conference, providing resources to make this important gathering possible. The year 2024 marked the 45th anniversary of the conference, hosted by the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church in Toronto, thanks to a dedicated organizing committee and an active Sisterhood.

This year, the Annual Lenten Pastoral Retreat of the Canadian Diocese took place from April 8 to 10 at the Church of Blessed St Xenia of Petersburg. The ruling Hierarch, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada, presided over the retreat. It should be noted that our Vladyaka has been instrumental in organizing these sessions for more than two decades. During his opening remarks, His Eminence spoke about the history of the Canadian Diocese, which has had to endure many difficulties in the 21st Century. Despite this, the number of parishes and communities has been increasing, with new communities springing up in Vancouver, Alberta, and, Quebec City since 2023. This Fall,…

In the last days of the 30th Church Musicians’ Conference in Ottawa, Canada, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Outside of Russia, presided at an all-night vigil and Divine Liturgy on the day of remembrance of St. Sergius in the Church of Blessed St. Xenia of Petersburg in Ottawa. Along with the large choir of conference participants, His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Canada, Archpriest Vladimir Morin, Archpriest Oleg Mironov, Archpriest Mikhail Metni, Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky, Deacon Andrey Anishchenko, and Deacon Seth Davidenko also participated in the service. In his remarks to the church musicians and parishioners, Vladyka Nicholas emphasized the importance of the church singing ministry…