On the third Sunday after Holy Pascha, May 19, 2024, we will celebrate the Sunday of the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women. The Orthodox Church celebrates this day as a holiday for all Christian women. In honour of the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women, the Brotherhood of St. Xenia parish will host a luncheon in the Elizabeth L. Skok Memorial Hall immediately following the Divine Liturgy to honour all women of our parish. All are welcome to join us in celebrating and showing our appreciation for the women of our parish.

During Passion Week, we experience a journey through various lands before reaching the Holy Land. Finally, on Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, we enter Jerusalem with Our Lord. During the Divine Services of Passion Week, we are thankful to experience the Gospel account of our Lord's passion, death, and, at the Midnight Paschal Matins, his Resurrection. The faithful parishioners at St. Xenia have been deeply moved by the powerful and meaningful experience of the events leading up to Pascha.

During Great Lent, effort is made to conduct the Mystery of Holy Unction in Orthodox parishes. Holy Unction is offered for the healing of soul and body and the forgiveness of sins.

The Blini fundraising luncheon at St. Xenia Parish was a great success. We would like to express our gratitude to the Sisterhood and the many volunteers who helped prepare the luncheon, as well as to all the participants for their attendance.

Maslenitsa or Butter Week is underway, leading up to our St. Xenia Parish Blini Luncheon, which will happen this Sunday, March 17th, at 12:30. The Sisterhood, Parish Council Blini Committee, and other volunteers are working together to ensure this traditional Blini luncheon and fundraiser are successful. There are only a few tickets remaining, so don't miss out!

The St. Xenia parish has a long tradition of holding a Blini luncheon. This year, the Council and Sisterhood have decided to organize it primarily for our parish. A lot of effort is being put into making it a memorable and traditional afternoon, and a portion of each of the 100 tickets will go towards the finances of the parish. It is highly recommended that you attend this event, and invite your friends to join you at a table. Please make sure to get your tickets well in advance of 17 March, as all tickets are sold in advance only.

Today, on January 24/February 6, the Russian Orthodox Church and our Parish in Ottawa commemorates the memory of Blessed St. Xenia of Petersburg, our miracle-working Patron who continues to watch over us.