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Chinese New Year Celebration
"Year of the Dragon"
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Please join us on Sunday, January 22nd to celebrate the Chinese New Year immediately following the Divine Liturgy. A brief presentation of the Christian understanding of the Chinese symbolism will be part of the celebration. This is a great chance to celebrate our diversity and rejoice with one another.
Fr. Pishoy's Successful Thesis Defence
January 9, 2012
Praise be to God, Fr. Pishoy has successfully defended his thesis on January 9th and was granted the degree Doctor of Ministry. The defence which came at the end of a five year degree from the University of Toronto, was the conclusion after writing a dissertation entitled "Of All Nations: Exploring Intercultural Marriages in the Coptic Orthodox Church of the GTA". The defence which was attended by H.G. Bishop David, Fr. Abraam Kamal, Fr. Daniel Hanna, and many church members, took place at the Toronto School of Theology. After several hours of questions and deliberation by the examining committee, the recommendation was to grant Fr. Pishoy the degree. May our Lord use this academic endeavour for the glory of His name and for the edification of His people.
Visit of H.G. Bishop David
January 8, 2012
We were blessed by the visit of H.G. Bishop David to celebrate the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 8th. His Grace also ordained deacon Ryan George Sukie to the rank of Psalter. Sayedna's visit came on the 29th of Kiakh which is the Feast of Nativity according to the Coptic calendar (since this year is a leap year). Therefore all hymns and readings were of the blessed feast of Nativity. We are thankful for the pastoral care and love of our father H.G. Bishop David and for always giving us in abundance out of his precious time.
Nativity Feast Celebration
January 7, 2012
The Nativity Feast celebration was held at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church on the eve of January 6th, 2012. The church congregation assembled together in one spirit and was also joined by many guests from in and out of town.
The papal message from H.H. Holiness Pope Shenouda III was read which encouraged every one to spread and share good deeds and service. Fr. Daniel shared a spiritual meditation entitled "Searching for the King" which focused on the Lord's birth as a point of change for all of humanity and the fact that all the prophecies pointed only at Him. The evening was concluded by an agape meal where most of the congregation shared a meal of love. We pray for many more happy returns to our beloved congregation.
Visit of Mission Group from Connecticut
December 23-26, 2011
On December 23, 2011, SMSV was blessed by the arrival of Fr. Abraham Azmy of Virgin Mary and Archangel Michael Coptic Church in Hamden, Connecticut. Abuna arrived safely along with 21 members of the congregation. The energetic group of servants were eager to experience missionary work in the city of Toronto. Their outreach and ministry consisted of giving out free Christmas Outreach bags (with sermons on CD) to the shoppers around the Eaton's Centre, a Christmas Carolling Sandwich Run for the homeless, and bringing Christmas gifts and singing carols to the young patients at Sick Kid's Hospital. The group also celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 25th at SMSV and participated in the JOY meeting following the Liturgy. The Connecticut group's fire really inspired the SMSV and SMSK congregations and we are praying for them as they bring the spirit of missions back to their home town. We look forward to serving with them again in the near future.
Family Day Long Weekend Congregation Spiritual Retreat
Febuary 19-20, 2012
Spiritual Renewal
Guest Speaker: H. G. Bishop David
Registration Deadline: Sunday, January 29, 2012
Contact: Sue or Sanaa activities@smsv.ca
Submission of Building Permit Application
December 20, 2011
The church engineering team has successfully completed and submitted the building permit application to the Town of Markham on Tuesday, December 20th. In order to fulfill the requirements for submitting this application, the team had to coordinate between the church architect, consultants, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, as well as several other disciplines to complete the detailed drawings in accordance with the Town of Markham requirements. Once this application is approved by the Town, a building permit will be issued and we would be ready to start construction, God willing. Our next task is to locate construction companies and begin the tendering process. We pray that we would be ready to start construction before the summer of 2012, with the Lord's help. We praise God for His blessing and support.
CREW Christmas Dinner Celebration
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Members of the CREW Young Adults meeting organized a Christmas celebration by holding a dinner on Tuesday, December 20th at St. Luke's Church. The evening started by prayer, ice breakers, and a dinner prepared by PepperJaz catering. The members then shared in Christmas praise and worship songs followed by a meditation by Fr. Bishoy El-Atony of CYC. Everyone spent a wonderful time in joy and fellowship celebrating the birth of our Lord. God bless this ministry for the glory of His holy name.
Jr. Worship Christmas Celebration
Saturday, December 10, 2011
The Jr. Worship Team ministry was happy to celebrate its first annual Christmas celebration on Saturday, December 10th, 2011. All members gathered together for an evening of worship and praise, a bible reflection on Christ's birth and what it means to them, a secret Santa gift exchange, snacks and great fellowship. The children (of all ages) had a wonderful time. The gathering reaffirmed that this is indeed a true ministry that makes a genuine contribution to SMSV. The Jr. Worship Team is a reminder to us all that no matter what our age, everyone of us is given a spiritual gift and is called to serve and be served in His Name.
‘Apostle to the Nations’ Christmas Celebration
December 17, 2011
The church celebrated a beautiful evening of praise, worship, and meditations on Saturday, December 17th in preparation for the Nativity Feast. Our guest, Ziad Shehata, led the evening in Christmas praise songs. Our children’s choir also presented Christmas songs which were filled with joy and enthusiasm. Fr. Pishoy shared a meditation entitled “One Another” encouraging everyone to care, love, and edify every member in the church as well as the neighbouring community. We are thankful for the spirit of unity and brotherly love which exists in this meeting. God bless every ministry for the glory of His holy name.
Volunteering at Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities
December 10 & 17, 2011
Several teams volunteered at Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities on December 10th and 17th and assembled 540 Christmas hampers ready for distribution to needy individuals and families in the community. This is our fourth year to volunteer in this community initiative and to bring joy to needy families during the Christmas season. May our Lord bless everyone who is in need and to reward the volunteers for their love and dedication.
Christmas and Fourth Anniversary Celebration Dinner
December 11, 2011
Feast of St. Maximus and St. Domedius
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Divine Liturgy
9:00 am - 11:00 am
At
Brebeuf Secondary School
A Message from H. H. Pope Shenouda to the Congregation of St. Maurice & St. Verena
Announcements
January 26th, 2012
+ Prayer for H.H. Pope Shenouda III as Sayedna goes through medical treatment in Cleveland.
+ Good Shepherd Casseroles: Collection Today.
+ Mothers Ministry: Young Child and Mom Nutrition session today following Divine Liturgy.
+ Feast of Sts. Maximus & Domedius: Divine Liturgy on Thurs., Jan. 26th from 9:00am – 11:00 am.
+ Africa Mission Trip: July 8 – 25. Contact Raef Ghali for more information.
+ CREW Excursion: Raptors game on February 14th. Contact Andrew Takla crew@smsv.ca
+ Family Long Weekend Spiritual Retreat: Guest speaker H.G. Bishop David on February 19-20, 2012. Registration deadline: Jan 29th. Contact Sue or Sanaa.
+ Marriage Preparation Course: Starting February 26th 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm for 6 Sundays. Registration couples@smsv.ca
+ Youth Group Activities: Raptors game on Friday, March 2nd. NY & NJ trip from March 12-16. Contact Amani Mekael youthgroup@smsv.ca
+ Sanctity of Life: Presented by Carolyn Hyppolite
+ Happy Chinese New Year: Year of the Dragon.
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