29 September, Canada hosted the Grand opening of the first on the North American continent of the chapel-monument to the Holy Royal Martyrs, which marks the 100th anniversary of the martyrdom of the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II and his family.
A year ago, the start of construction was consecrated by Metropolitan Hilarion, first Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad in the Cathedral of the Smolensk icon of the Mother of God. The initiator and leader of the project was the rector of the Church, father Maxim (Abroskin). Chapel was constructed on own means by the parishioners of the temple of the Smolensk Icon of the mother of God in the city of Jacksons point, near Toronto.
Solemn prayer on the occasion of the consecration of the chapel was led by the Archbishop of Montreal and Canada Gabriel (were offered hospitality by FR). The opening ceremony was attended by the clergy of the Orthodox Church in America headed by Archbishop otavsky and Canadian Iriney (Rochon), as well as the Consul General of the Russian Federation in Toronto Kirill Sergeyevich Mikhaylov. Songs performed “Konevets Quartet” from St.-Petersburg.
The Archbishop of Ottawa and the Canadian Irenaeus presented the rector of the Church, father Maxim, the icon of the Holy Royal martyrs.
To commemorate the opening of the chapel all participants received the icon of the Royal Martyrs.
The Sisterhood of the temple were offered a festive meal, “Konevets Quartet” addressed the audience with a concert, singing Russian folk songs.