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DIVINE
LITURGIES


Patronal Feast: Holy Apostles
Saturday 11th July 2026 @ 7pm Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford The bells rang out across Abbotsford as the faithful made their way to Good Shepherd Chapel for the celebration of our Patronal Feast of the Holy Apostles. Though parking proved challenging and a cold winter wind greeted those arriving, the warmth of the community quickly embraced all who entered. The sanctuary was beautifully illuminated with gentle washes of blue and purple, while the clergy and ministers reflec

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Jul 124 min read


St Luke of Crimea and the Holy Martyrs of Lesbos
Saturday 13th June 2026 @ 7pm Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford As the faithful gathered, Father Mark filled the chapel with a peaceful organ meditation. The sanctuary was adorned in red, white, and gold, colours speaking of martyrdom, purity, and divine glory. The gentle sounds of music and conversation slowly gave way to prayer as the liturgy began. The clergy entered as Metropolitan Raffaele sang Praise the Lord, his voice leading us into worship. Before the prayers commenc

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Jun 136 min read


Pentecost
Saturday 30th May 2026 - 7pm Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford The chapel was adroned in green, the colour of life, renewal, and the Holy Spirit. As the bells rang out across Abbotsford, the soothing sound of the organ welcomed the faithful into the church. The atmosphere was peaceful and expectant, as we gathered to celebrate the great feast of Pentecost, the day on which the Holy Spirit descended upon the Church. The liturgy began with the Entrance Hymn, after which Metropo

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Jun 15 min read


Holy Saturday
Saturday 11th April 2026 - 10pm Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford We arrived to a dimmed church, where a single light illuminated the altar. In that quiet space, Metropolitan Raffaele and Father Mark began chanting the Evening Hours, recounting the mystery of Christ’s descent into death and the promise of Resurrection. The prayers unfolded slowly, carrying us through the final moments of Holy Saturday. After a time, the Kyrie was sung, and the chanting continued. Metropolitan

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Apr 124 min read


Good Friday
Friday 10th April 2026 a.d. - 7pm Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford The church was dimmed in deep hues of red and purple, the colours of sorrow and sacrifice. Only three candles flickered upon the altar, their quiet light breaking the stillness of the evening. In silence, the clergy entered. Without a word, they prostrated themselves before the altar in profound stillness. As they lay low before God, Metropolitan Raffaele began to chant the Hours, his voice moving gently throu

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Apr 113 min read


Holy Thursday
Thursday 9th April 2026 a.d. Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford The evening began in quiet reverence as Metropolitan Raffaele played the organ, gently drawing the faithful into the mystery of the night. Holy Thursday recalls the Passover—the night of remembrance, sacrifice, and deliverance—and now, fulfilled in Christ. As the clergy entered, Metropolitan Raffaele sang “An Upper Room,” setting the scene of the Mystical Supper. We were blessed this evening to have so many of our

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Apr 93 min read


Vigil of Palms
Saturday 4th April 2026 @ 7pm Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford The portals of Holy Week were opened by the Convent bells ringing out around Abbotsford, inviting the faithful to prayer, reflection, and hope for a much troubled world. The congregation sang glory to God as Metropolitan Raffaele led them in song with praise to the Lord. Fr Matthew greeted the faithful as the celebrating presbyter and all sung solemnly the Kyriale and following Gloria. Reader Patrick read from St.

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Apr 53 min read


Forgiveness Sunday
Saturday 21st February 2026ad Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford As the faithful arrived, Metropolitan Raffaele serenaded the congregation from the organ, singing as he played. The altar, the church, and the clergy were vested in deep red — a colour of repentance, sacrifice, and divine love — setting the tone for the final Sunday before Great Lent. The liturgy began with “The Lord is My Shepherd” as the clergy entered and prepared to serve. The Common Prayer united our voices,

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Feb 214 min read


Presentation of The Lord
Saturday 14th February 2026 ad at 7pm Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford The evening began quietly, with Metropolitan Raffaele at the organ, filling the chapel with gentle music as parishioners arrived and searched for parking. His singing accompanied the clergy as they entered, setting a peaceful and prayerful tone for the feast. Father Mark led the congregation in the Common Prayer, and Metropolitan Raffaele sang the Kyrie and Gloria while Father Mark incensed the altar and t

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Feb 143 min read


Theophany
Saturday 17th January 2026 @ 7pm Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford Victoria As the faithful arrived, Father Mark’s organ playing filled the chapel with a gentle, prayerful warmth. At the centre of the church stood three fonts of water, gathered from the mountains, waiting quietly to be sanctified. Before the liturgy began, the community joyfully welcomed Patrick, our newest altar server, marking the beginning of a night rich in blessing and renewal. The Entrance Hymn opened th

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Jan 184 min read


Nativity
Tuesday 6th January 2026 a.d. Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford Victoria The sound of bells carried throughout Abbotsford as the faithful gathered, welcomed into the chapel by the gentle swell of the organ. The high altar glowed in the soft light of twelve candles, where the Nativity scene shimmered with quiet splendour. Wreaths and delicate white decorations framed the sanctuary, touched with hints of crimson, while lights of white and gold reflected the joy, purity, and prom

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Jan 74 min read


Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple
Saturday 6th December 2025AD at 7pm The Good Shepherd Chapel - Abbotsford, Victoria The chapel was adorned in gentle shades of blue, the colour of the Holy Theotokos, as the congregation gathered to honour her feast. Metropolitan Raffaele played quietly at the organ while Father Mark and Father Matthew greeted the faithful, and the atmosphere settled into a peaceful stillness before the liturgy began. While we waited, the Metropolitan offered a soft Alleluia, filling the chap

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Dec 6, 20254 min read

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