Holy Protection of the Mother of God - Hamilton
Russian Orthodox Church Abroad Parish Since 1952
The parish of the Holy Protection of the Mother of God began in Hamilton with prayers in an ordinary house and grew into a church where ancient Orthodox traditions meet the warmth of a Russian community. Longtime parishioners and newcomers to Canada from Russia and other countries are equally welcome.
The first services of the parish were held in the spring of 1952 in a private house, where a handful of Orthodox believers who had come to Canada gathered to establish a Russian church of their own. Soon a larger house was bought for worship, and in 1968 the parish acquired its present building and rebuilt it as an Orthodox church. In 1972 and 1973 the iconostasis and the entire interior were completely renewed to the design of an icon painter and architect, who also painted most of the icons and decorated the whole church, giving it the look parishioners know and love. Colored stained glass windows, made by hand, were added later. In those years the parish also ran a committee that sent parcels and containers of aid to Russia.
Come to the services:
- Saturday, 18:00: All Night Vigil
- Sunday, 9:45: the Hours, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00
- On great feast days: the patronal feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, and the blessing of Easter breads at Pascha
The parish sisterhood is the foundation of parish life, and the church choir learns ancient chants in order to bring the beauty of Orthodox prayers and hymns to every heart. The parish belongs to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Diocese of Montreal and Canada.