On Sunday February 16, the largest Slovak parish in Canada, Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish in Mississauga celebrated its parish Odpust (Feast day).
Mass was celebrated by Fr. Gregor Nowicki, former associate pastor of the parish and he was joined by Fr. Jozef Vano the parishes current pastor. In his sermon, Fr. Gregor spoke of the great mission of the patrons of the parish, the brothers Cyril and Methodius of Thessaloniki who over a millennia ago, christianized the Slavic peoples.
Following mass, a crowd over 200 parishioners, clergy and friends then gathered in the parish hall for a celebratory luncheon. A hearty meal was had by all, and following their meal the crowd was treated to a performance by the Vychodna Slovak Dancers. This event could not have been made possible without the tireless efforts of parish volunteers who gave several days of their time getting ready for the event.
The Odpust festivities mark the beginning of preparations to celebrate 80 years of the founding of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish, originally located on Claremont Street in downtown Toronto. This will culminate with a special mass and banquet on Sunday May 4 of this year. For more information on this milestone event, please continue to visit the parish website at www.slovakparish.ca.
Text: Stefan Slovak, Photos: Helen von Friedl