Although today is Friday the thirteenth, no one must be superstitious about this. The fear of this date is called triskaidekophobia
which is derived from the Greek thirteen and fear. In many countries, high rise buildings do not have a thirteenth floor, and after the twelfth floor, the next one is fourteenth. We welcomed Vladika Iriney on this his visit to the monastery where he will ordain Reader Markel to the diaconate on Sunday. We had a delightful time with him this afternoon and tomorrow he has offered to help with some of the services. We have known him for many decades, and he is truly a caring shepherd of his flock here in Canada. May God grant him many years!