"Christ is born!" - To all Eastern rite Christians, "Happy Christmas!"

"Ось Діва в утробі зачне, і Сина породить,

і назвеш ім’я Йому: Еммануїл."

Isaiah 7:14

Today Orthodox and Catholic Christians of the Eastern rites celebrate the Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Walt, Poor Len [and Ed.] wish all our friends and readers who are worshipping today a very merry Christmas, and a peaceful and happy new year!

We are pleased to share with you a short video of Father Roman Galadza and the children of Saint Elias Ukrainian Catholic parish (Brampton, Ontario, Canada) as they carol from home to home on the Feast of the Nativity.

VIDEO: St. Elias Church reopens - Cлава Богу!

Walt was pleased to be in the company of a number of his agents this past weekend for the Consecration of the newly rebuilt Saint Elias Ukrainian Catholic Church in Brampton ON, Canada. A devastating fire burned the first church to the ground just before Easter of 2015, but, as reported here, the temple has been rebuilt. Cлава Богу!

The Consecration began with a Festal Vigil on Friday evening. The Great Consecration and Divine Liturgy were celebrated on Saturday morning. The first Sunday Divine Liturgy the next day was followed by a coffee social.

Hundreds of parishioners and guests from as far away as Europe attended the ceremonies. Among those present were His Beatitude Patriarch Sviatoslav, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, who flew in from Ukraine, and His Grace Bishop Stephen Chmilar, Eparch of Toronto.

75% of the cost of rebuilding the church was covered by insurance. The parish is still raising money to cover the remaining 25%. In particular, many 1000s of dollars and many years will be needed to restore the magnificent iconostasis which graced the old church. If you wish to contribute, you can send your cheque, payable to "St. Elias", to Father Roman Galadza at 10193 Heritage Rd., Brampton, ON, L7A 0A1, Canada. Or just click here to go to the Canada Helps web page. Tell them Walt sent you!

Photos by Agent 78. Thank you!

And here is a video of the highlights from the Great Consecration. Running time is 35:15. Perhaps just watch a little to hear the beautiful music and get the flavour of it.

Saint Elias Church has been rebuilt!

Longtime readers of WWW will know that Walt has a special place in his alleged heart for Saint Elias Ukrainian Catholic Church, in Brampton ON, within the Eparchy of Toronto. As reported here, the church building was destroyed by fire just before Easter of 2014. The church itself -- the priests and faithful -- survived. And now, thanks and praise be to Almighty God, the temple has been rebuilt!

The Great Consecration of the new building will be the featured event in a three-day celebration, from September 30th through October 2nd, 2016. (October 1st is also the 40th anniversary of the founding of the parish.)

The public is invited to join the clergy and members of the parish on this joyful occasion. Click here for the complete schedule of liturgies, socials and the Celebration Dinner, as well as information on hotel accommodation, tickets, etc.

In addition to the events of the consecration weekend, there will be a special open house for friends and neighbours of St. Elias, on Sunday, October 16th. A brief Thanksgiving Prayer Service at 2:00 PM will be followed with tours, refreshments and socializing until 5:00 PM.

If God allows, Walt will be there. I hope you will be there too, if not in person, then in prayer. Meanwhile, there is still need for funds to complete the decoration of the sanctuary, landscaping of the grounds, etc. If you wish to contribute, you can send your cheque, payable to "St. Elias", to Father Roman Galadza at 10193 Heritage Rd., Brampton, ON, L7A 0A1, Canada. Or just click here to go to the Canada Helps web page.