Our parish in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada, as part of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), lives in unity with its spiritual traditions, canonical structure, and pastoral ministry. Under the leadership of our rector, Archpriest Victor Kramarenko, the parish community continues to grow in the Orthodox faith, prayer, and love for Christ, while maintaining a living connection with the life of the entire Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

The administration of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia is carried out by the Council of Bishops through the First Hierarch, the Synod of Bishops, and the diocesan bishops. The Council of Bishops, usually convened every two years, is the highest authority of church legislation, administration, ecclesiastical court, and oversight within ROCOR. The Synod of Bishops serves as the executive body of the Council.

The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia is divided into dioceses, each under the care and authority of its ruling bishop. This structure helps preserve church unity, spiritual order, and the continuity of Orthodox tradition.

First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia - His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas (Olhovsky), Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York, Chairman of the Synod of Bishops of ROCOR.

Biography of Metropolitan Nicholas

Ruling Bishop of the Canadian Diocese - His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada (Chemodakov).

Biography of Archbishop Gabriel

Rector of the Parish - Archpriest Victor Kramarenko.

Name Day: November 24 — Holy Martyr Victor of Damascus

Biography

I was not ordained to the priesthood immediately; rather, it was the result of a long spiritual journey and my gradual coming to the Church. When the Lord, according to His holy will, determined that I, though sinful, might still be worthy to serve Him, I, though unworthy, was ordained to the rank of deacon.

The hierarchy of the Orthodox Church consists of three ranks: deacon, priest, and bishop. My ordination took place in 2001 on the Great Feast of the Meeting of the Lord (Presentation of Christ in the Temple). At that time, I was already an adult, married, and the father of three sons. I served in the Diocese of Nikolaev under the omophorion of Bishop Pitirim while also studying at the diocesan theological school. Later, I entered and successfully graduated from the Kiev Theological Seminary.

My path was not easy, but I firmly believe that God never abandons His faithful servants. While continuing my ministry, I also continued my studies. In 2013, I was invited to Canada, to the city of Red Deer, at the invitation of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR). There, through the efforts of the faithful, a parish dedicated to the Holy Great Martyr George the Victory-Bearer was established.

On November 4 of the same year, during the Divine Liturgy in Edmonton, His Grace Bishop Job, then Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada, ordained me to the priesthood. Since then, I have served for the glory of the Holy Trinity, whose Kingdom shall have no end.

Amen.