I made my monthly visit to the chiropractor this morning for a spinal decompression which is actually painless and almost restful. In any case, it has helped me over the years. I happened to mention to him that some people enjoy standing on their head for a few minutes each day and he reacted very […]
Daily Diary
by Vladika Varlaam
SUNDAY 27 MAY 2018
Upon entering the church this morning I was struck by the abundance of greenery everywhere. In previous years it was more sedate, but this year we saw large branches of maples leaning against the iconostas and elsewhere, giving a true feeling of Green Sunday, as it has been called, that is, Holy Pentecost. I was […]
SATURDAY 26 MAY 2018
Father Moses frightened me when he telephone to ask about the two baptisms we were to have had today. “Did I forget, or am losing my memory?” I asked myself. As it happened, there were no baptisms to take place and I sighed with relief. Everyone who came for Vespers stayed for a light supper […]
FRIDAY 25 MAY 2018
As most readers of Daily Diary are aware. I usually prepare Sunday’s prosphora on Fridays so that, in the event that the prosphora does not turn out successfully, another one can be baked on Saturday. Today I had a helper in Liudmila when a large prosphora was baked, beautifully round and with no blemishes on […]
THURSDAY 24 MAY 2018
Yuri and Liudmila came today to help in the production of the skin creme that the monastery is proud of, for it truly is an excellent product. As I grow older, it becomes more difficult for me to make it, so this assistance was gratefully accepted. There are only the labels to be applied to […]
WEDNESDAY 23 MAY 2018
A nurse, who specializes in foot care, came in the morning to look after Vladika and me since both of us cannot tend to our feet properly. She is a sweet and kind older woman with thirty years of nursing experience and, after each visit, our feet feel significantly better. She told us that she […]
TUESDAY 22 MAY 2018
A sudden burst of energy fell upon me and I was able to accomplish several tasks that had been lurking in the background, not being done. And, with this surge of energy I quickly completed them, leaving me optimistic for the rest of the day. After weeks, or at least many days, of not […]
MONDAY 21 MAY 2018
As this is the last day of the Victoria Day weekend, the highways are jammed with cars returning home from a brief camping or visiting trip. This is the kind of day when it is best to stay off the highways. Lija and Olga arrived early in the afternoon to do cleaning for us but, […]
SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018
I awoke late in the night and I could hear the rain, a soft and gentle rain. By the time I went to church, it had stopped, leaving the air fresh with a strong hint of spring fragrance. Just as we had expected, many people were away on this long holiday weekend, but we expect […]
SATURDAY 19 MAY 2018
A very light rain cleansed the air and added a freshness that only a light rain can bring. It in no way can resemble the fragrance of freshly cut hay or grass, yet it can offer us much pleasure. When Kirill accompanied me to the cottage in the evening, we could hear an owl hooting […]
FRIDAY 18 MAY 2018
Four women showed up before seven thirty in the morning to work in the gardens where they weeded, trimmed, hoed, mulched and did many other things involved with gardening. Even a small birch tree was transplanted and, if it takes root, it will be a joy for us to look at it through the large […]
THURSDAY 17 MAY 2018
Morning began with the celebration of an Ascension Liturgy but, because Father Alexey could not be present, Vladika Lazar served the entire Liturgy except for some censing and giving Communion, as his right arm is not yet strong enough. Still, it was good to see him vested and serving once again. Later in the afternoon […]
WEDNESDAY 16 MAY 2018
The temperature fell somewhat today and that affected us by having to put on a lightweight jacket or sweater. Mind you, the average younger person still walked about in shorts as if it were the middle of July. I, for one, made sure that I would not get chilled. I do not want you readers […]
TUESDAY 15 MAY 2018
Today might have been called a perfect day with a brilliant sun above us, yet a fairly cool breeze comforting and refreshing us. In fact, I could have gladly stretched out on a hammock, although we do not have one, or on a chaise lounge, which we did have at one time but which has […]
MONDAY 14 MAY 2018
And it was another scorching day, but we should not complain. Everything looks beautiful outside, but there is the daily task of having to water all the flowers. We sent out a Constant Contact message, asking for volunteers to help Glyko move from her house to an apartment. She has no family here to help […]
SUNDAY 13 MAY 2018
For us, today was a real scorcher! Fewer people were present today, no doubt because of the beautiful weather and the fact that it is Mothers’ Day which is so widely celebrated. I did mention in church that we also celebrate our Mother, but in this case it is the Most Holy Theotokos. We were […]
SATURDAY 12 MAY 2018
Most of the day was spent outdoors, for we served an outdoor wedding for Dan and Nadezhda. It was a bright, sunny and hot day, allowing us to appreciate this special service. The arch outside the small outdoor chapel was decorated with flowing white sheer cloth and dozens of freshly cut flowers. We all stood […]
FRIDAY 11 MAY 2018
One of the joys of arising in the morning is to step outside and to take a deep breath of fresh air. This morning, however, was an exception for, as I opened the door and took a step forward, a familiar barnyard smell greeted me. From time to time our neighbouring farmers have to spread […]
THURSDAY 10 MAY 2018
Father Moses and I saw a delightful sight as two Canada geese slowly waddled their way along the side of the road together with two tiny goslings. Soon we will see more such sights, as for example, the herons and various summer birds. Of course there will be sad moments as well when we discover […]
WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018
This day unfolded quietly and I was not in a rush to drive Vladika Lazar to the clinic, but we were somewhat pressed for time. Just as we approached the main road, several large gravel trucks , a truck loaded with logs and a slow tractor blocked our way so, that by the time we […]
TUESDAY 8 MAY 2018
Summer tires were put on the Jeep in addition to a general tune up and change of oil, so that it should be in fine condition for the summer. The newly planted trees were watered, with water being carried in buckets to the field. Christian, thank you for your email from Germany; it is always […]
MONDAY 7 MAY 2018
After yesterday’s excitement, today seemed to be quiet and even uneventful. In the afternoon both Vladika and I went to town to do some necessary shopping, each one on his own. I used a large cart while Vladika used his walker, as it has a large container for carrying things. After the shopping had been […]
SUNDAY 6 MAY 2018
We had been promised a beautiful day and so it was. In fact it could not have been any better. It was sunny and warm, at times almost hot, with a few scattered cloud that made the main event of the day most pleasant. At the end of the Liturgy we set out on a […]
SATURDAY 5 MAY 2018
Today has been a sunny and warm day, just right for the work party. Some people arrived before nine o’clock, while others came throughout the rest of the day. I have never seen the windows sparkle as they did today, floors wee scrubbed, washing done inside and outside, with a group in the kitchen preparing […]
FRIDAY 4 MAY 2018
While driving Vladika Lazar to the clinic I had to turn on some heat in the car, as it was chilly. In fact, the entire day felt chilly but we have been promised better weather for the weekend. I was really quite proud of Vladika, as he got into the car and out of it […]
THURSDAY 3 MAY 2018
I set out to photograph some of the radiantly blooming bushes only to discover that the camera setting was wrong which means, of course, that I shall have to make another effort. I have no difficulty, in fact I can excel, in drawing or painting but, for some reason, cameras are not my forte. Could […]
WEDNESDAY 2 MAY 2018
Once in a while the person sent out by Home Care to help Vladika in the morning is a man and today a young man came for the second time. Little did he know what he was getting into in his discussion with Vladika, for I am certain that he thought that he was conversing […]
TUESDAY 1 MAY 2018
The sun has returned and there are smiles on people’s faces again. A kind lady brought us soup and, before we could get to it, our neighbourhood boys ate most of it, proof that it was very tasty. Vladika had two sessions of therapy, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, both of […]
MONDAY 30 APRIL 2018
We have reached the last day of April and, even though we are surrounded by flowering bushes and an array of colourful flowers, it still does not entirely feel like spring. Perhaps May will give us the results we so desire. Vladika Lazar and I both visited a clinic in New Westminster with Thomas driving […]
SUNDAY 29 APRIL 2018
Since this is the last Sunday of the month, the Liturgy was served in Church Slavonic and I was surprised to find fewer people in attendance than usual, since usually the church is filled for this Liturgy. Whatever the reasons, it was great to see baby Taisia, whom we baptized last week, and baby Sophia […]
SATURDAY 28 APRIL 2018
What a sudden change we experienced in the weather, for today the wind was brisk with light rain falling throughout much of the day. It definitely did not feel like spring, even though more and more flowers and shrubs have burst into bloom. Still, we have been promised more sun and warm weather next week. […]
FRIDAY 27 APRIL 2018
This must have been both a busy and enjoyable day for many because I received only two phone calls and not a single email, not that I am complaining, no, it is rather nice to be left alone for a change. We completed one of the annual reports, the one that is most tedious and […]
THURSDAY 26 APRIL 2018
It was as hot today as it gets in summer and I think that is why I had only one phone call. Everyone was outside gardening or else enjoying the weather. I am afraid that my gardening days are over, but some kind people have come to my rescue by promising to plant flowers and […]
WEDNESDAY 25 APRIL 2018
We could feel the heat today, so that when the neighbours came to visit Vladika Lazar, they sat outdoors, shaded from the sun and breathing the scented air. Jon began building a pathway for Vladika to use from the cottage to the main building through the back door, thus avoiding the many steps that would […]
TUESDAY 24 APRIL 2018
The first impression one receives as they drive onto the monastery grounds is the profusion of blossoms on the ancient cherry trees and the much smaller but sturdy pear tree. The two apple trees next to them have not yet put forth their blossoms. Today’s hot weather certainly will affect the shrubs and flowers everywhere. […]
MONDAY 23 APRIL 2018
Having had to drive into town twice today, I could not see a single person with a frown on their face, for the spring weather has delighted everyone. For a while I sat outdoors, looking at our gigantic cedar trees that stretch up into the heavens, with their lower branches touching the ground; how tiny […]
SUNDAY 22 APRIL 2018
I did not have to dress warmly when I walked to church this morning, for I usually have had to wear a couple of sweaters to protect myself from the cold. There were last minute preparations for the baptism of Taisia who is about three months old. She behaved marvelously and then slept well during […]
SATURDAY 21 APRIL 2018
Vladika Lazar and I went to Maple Ridge for a memorial dinner on the occasion of the repose of Vitaly six months ago.We arrived somewhat late but everyone had been patiently waiting for us. The house was crammed with people eating in every room on the main floor, and the dishes were largely Kazakhstani, that […]
FRIDAY 20 APRIL 2018
The male nurse who came to see Vladika Lazar this morning reminded me of how, a number of years ago, he had come to buy some of the candles that we made and how he had prized them. That was a kind compliment but I told him that we no longer made them, although I […]
THURSDAY 19 APRIL 2018
Today’s warmth has brought out countless dandelions that are covering the lawns like a carpet. The intense yellow of the dandelions, combined with the rich green of the grass present us with a living picture. We no longer think of them as weeds, but as dear friends that can be gathered [and even eaten]. While […]
WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2018
What a great difference a bright, sunny and warm day can make, as it did today. I made two trips into town, the first for Father Moses who had his broken tooth examined and who will have it repaired tomorrow, while the second was for Vladika Lazar who visited his family doctor who had encouraging […]
TUESDAY 17 APRIL 2018
Today is commonly known as a memorial day when people gather to pray for the repose of their loved ones and to visit their graves at the cemetery. Although we had done this on Sunday, nevertheless some people came to the monastery today for this purpose, bringing flowers and blini, as is customary. Then we […]
MONDAY 16 APRIL 2018
I had some difficulty with my computer so I am using Vladika’s, which feels so different and so this entry might end up being brief. The foot nurse came again today, bringing a bouquet of daffodils and a pot of sorrel that will soon be transplanted among the herbs. Two boxes of candles arrived at […]
SUNDAY 15 APRIL 2018
We were excited to see Vladika Lazar walk into the church during the Divine Liturgy, at the end of which he gave a short sermon and blessed the Holy Well and the addition to it that is almost finished. We also served a memorial litany today for all the departed rather than on Tuesday when […]
SATURDAY 14 APRIL 2018
We have had many visitors today, starting early in the morning and ending in mid evening. Kyril and Vanya came later than usual, yet still managed to complete a number of tasks. Then, Lija came with Olga, bringing food and groceries for us, followed by Marina and Sergei who also brought food. After Vespers we […]
FRIDAY 13 APRIL 2018
Superstitious people claim that any Friday the thirteenth of any month is certain to bring bad luck and, if that were so, we should have experienced such bad luck today, yet I cannot recall a single such incedent, unless one thinks that a rainy day constitutes misfortune! I baked two prosphoras using different techniques in […]
THURSDAY 12 APRIL 2018
As it so often happens, upon reflecting on the events of the day, there seems nothing worth mentioning. And this is what I thought tonight, until I began to recall the interesting events of the day. A young nurse, a man from Manitoba originally and of a Mennonite background, came to tend to Vladika’s dressings. […]
WEDNESDAY 11 APRIL 2018
Although it has been cool and damp, spring is evident everywhere. Driving through residential areas is much like driving through a park. Flowers, shrubs and trees are bedecked with the bright colours of spring. In fact, as I walk out of my door, I am greeted with the spicy fragrance of the mahonia bushes and […]
TUESDAY 10 APRIL 2018
Father Vasili’s visit came to an end and we were sorry to see him leave, but he undoubtedly will be back before long. I cannot say that we were exceedingly active, as we are still recovering from the services of Holy Week and Pascha. It seems almost unusual to have fewer services now. We had […]
MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018
How quiet it has been today after all the services of Holy Week and Pascha, and how welcome this has been. We discovered that we ran out of candles and barely had enough for the main service. Although we quickly reordered candles, they will not arrive in time for Thomas Sunday so we shall have […]