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 reflected the colours of the feast: the readers and altar servers vested in green, Father Matthew in gold, Father Mark in blue, and Metropolitan Raffaele seated at the organ, also vested in blue. As people gathered, Metropolitan Raffaele welcomed everyone with gentle organ music, preparing our hearts for worship.

The liturgy began with the Entrance Hymn as the clergy processed into the sanctuary. Together we prayed the Common Prayer, before Metropolitan Raffaele led the congregation in the Kyrie. He chanted the litany while the faithful responded with the familiar refrain, creating a beautiful dialogue of prayer between clergy and people.

The Gloria followed as Father Mark reverently incensed the altar before offering the opening prayer. Patrick then proclaimed the Epistle from St Paul's Letter to the Romans, reminding us that whatever we do should be done with love, mercy, and joy.

As the Alleluia was sung, the Gospel was carried among the people. Father Matthew proclaimed from St Matthew, recounting the healing of the paralysed man, whom Christ forgave before commanding him to rise, take up his bed, and return home.

In his homily, Father Mark reflected upon the significance of our Patronal Feast. Bearing the name of the Holy Apostles is not simply an honour; it is a calling.

He told us that, just as the Apostles were sent into the world to proclaim the Gospel, we too are called to bring those who are searching, those who are hurting, and those who hunger for truth into the presence of Christ.

Father Mark acknowledged that the world has changed dramatically, and many have drifted away from the Church. Yet the answer is not found in louder voices or greater arguments, but in living the Christian life authentically—with joy, compassion, and love.

He reminded us that God desires what is best for each of us. When we fall, He calls us to repentance, not despair. We are invited to seek forgiveness, receive His mercy, and continue walking with Him rather than allowing our failures to define us.

He said that the Apostles transformed the world by preaching a message of hope and love. That same hope, born through the Resurrection, remains the heart of our mission today. Father Mark encouraged us to remain close to God through prayer, especially the Our Father, and to strive to love Him as deeply as He loves us.

The liturgy continued as Metropolitan Raffaele sang the Kyrie while Father Matthew chanted the prayers. The Great Entrance followed as the gifts were solemnly brought to the altar.

Together we proclaimed the Creed, before Metropolitan Raffaele led the Sanctus from the organ. The gifts were then blessed and prepared for the great mystery of the Eucharist.

The congregation honoured the Theotokos, praying the Hail Mary before singing the hymn in her honour.

Together we prayed the Our Father, and the Agnus Dei accompanied Father Mark as he prepared the Lamb. The clergy then received Holy Communion.

While Holy Communion was being prepared, Metropolitan Raffaele reflected on the many unexpected moments that had already marked the evening—from the difficulty of finding a park to the heavy rain that began falling during Father Mark's homily. Even life's small inconveniences, he reminded us, can become opportunities to place our trust in God.

Drawing from St John's Gospel and the customs of the ancient world, he spoke about the significance of the white stone. In biblical times, white stones could signify acceptance, honour, and privileged access. Spiritually, they remind us of the precious gift of faith entrusted to the Apostles and now entrusted to us.

He reflected on the importance of our Christian names, reminding us that through Baptism we receive not only a name but also the prayers and example of the saint who bears it. Alongside each of us stands a guardian angel, given by God to guide and protect us throughout our earthly journey.

Together the congregation prayed the Prayer to the Angels, asking for their continued protection and guidance. And then the faithful were then invited to receive Holy Communion.

Following Communion, the Thanksgiving Hymn was sung as the sacred gifts were returned to the side altar.

Before the dismissal, announcements were shared, including the joyful news that Father Mark will be ordained as bishop at our next gathering. The faithful were also invited to remain after the liturgy to venerate the relics of the Holy Apostles, a fitting conclusion to our patronal celebration.

As we celebrated the feast of those first disciples who left everything to follow Christ, we were reminded that the Church continues to be built through ordinary people who answer the same call. May we, like the Holy Apostles, carry Christ's love into our homes, our workplaces, and our community, living with the joy, mercy, and hope that first transformed the world.

Metropolitan Raffaele led the final hymn before everyone gathered for agape, sharing fellowship, conversation, and refreshments together.

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