On November 20th, Divine Liturgy for the congregation in Yorkton, Saskatchewan was celebrated at St. Mary’s Church by the Redemptorists with Bishop Peter Stasiuk, Father Leonid Malkov, Pastor and Father Yevhen Zadorozhnyi, Assistant Pastor. The service concluded with a rousing Mnohaya Lita.
Before the Liturgy, Sister Terry Anne Slota, SSMI gave a brief presentation on Blessed Josaphata and distributed relevant literature. Blessed Josaphata was a woman of vision, kindness, compassion, dedication, and care for her people an example for all of us today. The icon of Blessed Josaphata was displayed on the tetrapod and the Josaphata tropar and kondak were prayed.
Troparion, Tone 4: O Blessed Josaphata* you inspire us through your spirit of service and love.* Тeach us to uplift and renew the hearts of the people* wherever we are sent to minister,* to serve where the need is the greatest,* all for the glory of God.
Kontakion, Tone 4: O Blessed Josaphata,* co-foundress of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate,* you began your mission in Ukraine for your people,* and brought light into the darkness of their abandonment.* By educating children and youth,* you gave parents renewed strength and hope.* You tended the sick and the poor, for you saw in them the image of God.* You cared for the beauty of God’s temple,* instilling in people the beauty of liturgy.* The Lord led you to sanctity through great suffering.* Thus, you became a woman for all times.
Blessed Josaphata – Pray for us!
After the Liturgy, the Sisters served breakfast to the clergy and enjoyed several hours of lively conversation.