Metr. Saba Encourages Faithful During Eastern Canada Visit

MONTREAL — Metr. Saba continued his pastoral visit to eastern Canada with stops in Montreal and Brownsburg-Chatham, encouraging clergy, monastics, parish leaders, and young people while emphasizing the central role of prayer and spiritual growth in Orthodox life.

During a visit to the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Virgin Mary the Consolatory in Brownsburg-Chatham on June 15, Metr. Saba joined the sisterhood for a thanksgiving service and met with Abbess Thekla. Accompanied by clergy and members of the Archdiocese Board of Trustees, he expressed gratitude for the monastery's hospitality and underscored the importance of monasticism in preserving the Church's vocation to prayer. The delegation also toured the monastery's fromagerie, where the sisters produce a variety of artisanal cheeses. Metr. Saba noted that visiting the monastery has become a regular part of his trips to Canada.

Earlier, the hierarch celebrated a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. Mary Church in Montreal. Assisted by local clergy, he preached on holiness and the witness of the Saints of Antioch and North America, whose feast is observed on the second Sunday after Pentecost. Following the service, he met with parishioners, signed copies of his autobiography, and participated in a luncheon with parish leaders and Antiochian Women.

The visit concluded with a spiritual discussion attended by 125 youth and young adults, during which Metr. Saba addressed a range of questions and topics affecting their faith and daily lives.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Saba reflected on faith and secularism.