Archbishop Irenée Visits the Imprisoned and Tonsures Reader
Source: Archdiocese of Canada
VICTORIA — On June 27-28, Archbishop Irenée of Ottowa made a pastoral visit to inmates at Mission and Mountain Institutions in British Columbia, bringing joy to the Orthodox Christian community behind bars. Accompanied by Fr. Mircea Tihon, who regularly ministers at Mission Institution, the archbishop offered spiritual guidance in the chapels of Mission Medium and Minimum Institutions, extending care to both Orthodox inmates and other interested individuals.
At Mountain Institution, Archbishop Irenée tonsured inmate Moses as a Reader and Emiliano as an altar server for weekly Sunday liturgies led by Fr. Richard René. Following the tonsuring, Fr. Richard conducted a Communion Service, allowing the newly tonsured inmates to partake in the Eucharist. The visit concluded with an open discussion, where the archbishop addressed theological topics, like the inspiration drawn from saints’ lives, and practical challenges such as reintegrating into parish life post-release.
Archbishop Irenée’s candid engagement deeply moved attendees, reinforcing their connection to the broader Church. His visit, a beacon of hope, continues to strengthen the faith of incarcerated Orthodox Christians, reminding them they are not forgotten.
Read also
Greek Abbot: LGBT Ideology Signals Antichrist's Approach
Fr. Dositheos told the UOJ that imposing LGBT ideology through education is a "war against God," signals the Antichrist's approach, and surpasses Sodom's depravity, urging repentance and a return to Orthodox roots.
Catholic Bishops Oppose Trump's Threat to Invade Nigeria
Abp. Ignatius Kaigama rejects U.S. President Trump's threat of airstrikes to protect Nigerian Christians, warning it would harm Christian-Muslim coexistence and urging diplomatic support, funding disruptions, and security training instead.
UOC-KP Dioceses Reject Filaret’s 'Coerced' OCU Meeting, Defends Independence
UOC-KP dioceses in Odesa-Balta and Sumy denounce Patriarch Filaret's November 5, 2025, meeting with OCU head Epifaniy Dumenko as coerced through abduction and psychotropic influence, vowing to defend the independent Kyiv Patriarchate and its primate's testament against dissolution attempts.
Governor of Mount Athos invites President Trump to Holy Mountain
The Greek official expressed confidence that Donald Trump, who has shown interest in Orthodoxy, will visit Mount Athos during his trip to Greece.
Pat. Bartholomew: Tradition Is 'Not Conservative but Creative'
The EP then praised Vatican II and its architects, including French theologians Henri de LYves Congar.
Trisagion Service Held for 107th Anniversary of Fr. Nicola Yanney’s Repose
The “Apostle to the Plains” has a strong case for canonization and is venerated by an ever-growing number of Orthodox Christians.