Eparchy of Ss. Cyril and Methodius: Nativity of Mother of God Cathedral Odpust 2009

This year’s odpust was held on Sunday, September 13^th, 2009. It began at 1pm with a procession into the church. Led by the processional cross and banners, the Bishop and clergy walked into the church while the faithful sang “Vosel jesi, Archijereju”. About 120 parishioners and guests participated in the liturgy, celebrated by H.E. Bishop John Pazak, C.Ss.R. and concelebrated by Fr. Mucha (Hamilton), Fr. Williams (Oshawa), Fr. Girhiny (Welland) and Fr. Kormanik, the pastor of Nativity of the Mother of God in Toronto. The liturgy was celebrated in English and Slovak. Fr. Andrew Kormanik read the Gospel in Slovak and English and Bishop John had the homily. At the end of the liturgy there was mirovanije.

Following the festivities in the church, the faithful gathered in the church hall for a banquet. Fr. Comeau joined Bishop John and the concelebrating clergy at the head table. The banquet started with the singing of “Our Father” and Bishop John blessing the food. Following the introduction of the head table, the delicious meal was served. Between the main meal and coffee and cake, the senior dancers from Vychodna Dance Group performed three dances: Parchovany, Margecany and Trencin. What a talent! It was a very enjoyable performance. Vychodna Dance Group is celebrating their 25^th anniversary and we encouraged all to come and show their support by attending their gala afternoon with guest orchestra Zemplin from Slovakia. Judging from their performance here it will be an excellent show.

After coffee and cakes, Bishop John had a brief speech and so did Fr. Kormanik. Towards the end of the celebrations in the hall, the faithful acknowledged the 34th anniversary of Fr. Andrew Kormanik and Fr. Girhiny by singing "Mnohaja Lita" to the two of them. Guests were also invited to the next odpust, October 4^th, 2009 at 1pm in Oshawa. The MC thanked Bishop John, Fr. Andrew, the priests and their families, parishioners and guests who attended, all those who helped make this odpust a success and especially all the ladies who prepared the delicious meal. Having our spiritual selves satisfied by the liturgy and homily in the church, and having our stomachs filled with the delicious homemade foods in the hall, we all left happy and look forward to the next odpust in Oshawa.