Welcome to Saint Silouan Orthodox Mission
Located - University campus of Lethbridge Anderson Hall: Room AH175, for the convenience of the students and those living on the west side of Lethbridge
An Orthodox Christian church in Lethbridge Alberta rooted in the ancient faith, guided by the love of Christ, and welcoming all who seek the fullness of truth, worship, and spiritual life in the Church.
Worship With Us in Lethbridge
At Saint Silouan Orthodox Mission, we gather each week to worship Jesus Christ in the fullness of the Orthodox Christian tradition. All services are conducted in English, and everyone is welcome.
Vespers
Saturday 6:00pm
In the Orthodox Church the liturgical day begins in the evening with the setting of the sun. This practice follows the Biblical account of creation: “And there was evening and there was morning, one day” (Gen 1.5). Read More
Divine Liturgy
Sunday 10:30am
What Is Orthodox Christianity?
Orthodox Christianity is the ancient Christian faith, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Apostles, and lived out through nearly 2,000 years of unbroken tradition. It is the faith of the early Church — preserved in Scripture, worship, and the lives of the saints.
In the Orthodox Church, worship is not just a gathering but an encounter with God. Through the Divine Liturgy, prayer, fasting, and the sacraments, we are united to Christ and invited into the life of the Holy Trinity.
The Orthodox Church is both ancient and living, continuing to guide Christians today with the same spiritual wisdom and practices that have nurtured believers across centuries and cultures.
Ancient Faith
The Orthodox Church is the original Christian community, faithfully preserving the teachings of Christ and the Apostles for nearly 2,000 years.
Living Tradition
Our worship, prayer, and sacraments are the same practices that have shaped the lives of Christians across centuries and cultures.
Christ-Centered
At the heart of Orthodoxy is union with Christ, experienced through the Divine Liturgy, Holy Communion, and daily prayer.
“In order to abide in the love of God it is essential for anger and ‘hate’ to attain their maximum intensity but be directed against the sin that lives in me, against the evil active in me – in me, not in my brother.” – St. Silouan
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Visiting a new church can feel overwhelming. At Saint Silouan Orthodox Mission, we want you to feel welcome and at peace. Our services are reverent, traditional, and filled with prayer and chant — but you don’t need to know anything beforehand to come and worship with us.
Services in English
At Saint Silouan Orthodox Mission, all services are conducted in English so that everyone can understand and participate. The prayers, Scripture readings, and hymns are deeply traditional, but easy to follow. Service books and guidance are available if you’d like to read or sing along, but many visitors simply stand quietly and join in through listening and prayer.
Come As You Are
There’s no need to worry about special clothing or rituals before visiting. While Orthodox Christians traditionally stand during worship and dress modestly, we welcome everyone as they are. Some people wear their Sunday best, others come more casually. What matters most is an open heart and the desire to worship God.
Warm Welcome
Walking into a new church can feel intimidating, but you will be greeted with warmth and hospitality. Our community is small but growing, and we are always glad to meet new faces. Whether you are Orthodox, Christian from another tradition, or simply exploring the faith, you will be received as a friend.
About Communion
In the Orthodox Church, Holy Communion is received by baptized Orthodox Christians who have prepared through prayer and confession. If you are not Orthodox, you will not be expected to receive Communion — but you are warmly invited to participate in the prayers and receive blessed bread (antidoron) at the end of the service, as a sign of fellowship and God’s blessing.
Meet Father Patrick Mclean
“Greetings in Christ! My name is Father Patrick McLean, and together with my wife, Matushka Donna, we are blessed to serve the new Saint Silouan Orthodox Mission in Lethbridge. Married since 1976, we have four children and fifteen grandchildren, and now, by God’s grace, we are beginning this new mission with the blessing of Archbishop Irenee.
My journey to the Orthodox Church has been a long one. Raised in the Catholic faith, I drifted into atheism and agnosticism during my youth, until a powerful encounter with Christ transformed my life. I pursued ministry through the Lutheran Church, eventually serving in rural Saskatchewan and Alberta. Yet my search for the fullness of the Christian faith led me to discover Orthodoxy, where I found the living tradition of the Apostles, the wisdom of the saints, and the depth of spiritual life I had long sought.
After many years of study, prayer, and service, I was received into the Orthodox Church in 2006 and later ordained a priest in 2025. It is my joy and calling to share the beauty of Orthodox Christianity with those seeking Christ here in southern Alberta. All services are in English, all are welcome, and questions are encouraged. Come and see.”
I’m Father Patrick McLean, priest of Saint Silouan Orthodox Mission in Lethbridge, together with my wife, Matushka Donna.
After many years of ministry and a long journey through different traditions, I found the fullness of faith in the Orthodox Church. In 2025, I was ordained a priest and blessed to begin this mission with Archbishop Irénée’s support.
All services are in English. All are welcome. Questions encouraged. Come and see.
Saint Silouan the Athonite
Our Patron and Guide in Christ
Saint Silouan the Athonite (1866–1938) was born in Russia as Simeon Ivanovich Antonov. As a young man he worked as a carpenter and served in the Imperial Russian Army, but his heart longed for God. At the age of 27 he left everything behind and entered the holy monastic state of Mount Athos in Greece, where he devoted the rest of his life to prayer and repentance.
Known for his great humility, Saint Silouan would often pray with tears for the whole world. He taught that forgiveness, repentance, and above all the love of one’s enemies are at the very heart of the Christian life. His most famous teaching, received from Christ Himself, was: “Keep your mind in hell, and despair not.” These words reflect the Orthodox way—acknowledging our weakness while never losing hope in God’s mercy.
Through his writings, preserved by his disciple Saint Sophrony of Essex, Saint Silouan continues to guide Christians to this day. His example reminds us that true holiness is found not in outward achievements but in humility, love, and constant prayer. For this reason, our mission in Lethbridge has chosen him as our patron and heavenly intercessor.
Saint Silouan the Athonite (1866–1938) was born in Russia as Simeon Ivanovich Antonov. He worked as a carpenter and served in the Imperial Army, but his heart longed for God. At age 27 he left everything and entered Mount Athos in Greece, where he lived in prayer and repentance.
Known for his deep humility, Saint Silouan wept and prayed for the whole world. He taught forgiveness, repentance, and—above all—the love of one’s enemies. His most famous words, given by Christ Himself, were: “Keep your mind in hell, and despair not.”
Through his writings, preserved by his disciple Saint Sophrony, he continues to guide Christians today. His example shows that holiness is found in humility, love, and constant prayer. For this reason, our mission in Lethbridge has chosen him as our patron and heavenly intercessor.
Life at Saint Silouan Mission
Worship, Learn, and Grow in Christ
Parish life is at the heart of Saint Silouan Orthodox Mission. Here, faith is not only celebrated in worship but also lived out in fellowship, teaching, and love for one another. Whether you are taking your first steps into Orthodoxy or are already rooted in the faith, there is a place for you in our mission family.
Come to Worship
Experience the beauty of Great Vespers and the Divine Liturgy as we gather weekly to glorify God.
Learn & Grow
Explore the richness of the Orthodox faith through Father’s teachings, reflections, and shared learning.
Connect with Others
Join us for fellowship and friendship as we build a mission parish rooted in Christ’s love.
“The grace of God is in the love of our neighbor, for the Lord is in every man.”
– Saint Silouan the Athonite
Support the Mission
Help Us Build an Orthodox Presence in Southern Alberta
Saint Silouan Orthodox Mission is just beginning its journey in Lethbridge under the blessing of Archbishop Irénée and the Orthodox Church in America. As a mission parish, we rely on the generosity of faithful friends and supporters. Your gift helps us grow, sustain our worship, and share the light of Christ in southern Alberta.
All donations for Saint Silouan Mission are currently processed through our sister parish, St. Aidan Orthodox Church in Cranbrook, BC, who are supporting our work.
From The Father’s Desk
Reflections to Strengthen Your Faith
Father Patrick McLean shared reflections from Scripture, the lives of the saints, and his own journey of faith. These writings are meant to encourage us, challenge us, and remind us of Christ’s constant love for His people. Whether you are new to Orthodoxy or have walked this path for many years, Father’s Desk offers a place to pause, reflect, and grow in your walk with Christ.
Do Not Despair
Do Not Despair Introduction Every Christian faces moments of darkness—times when God feels far away, when prayers seem unanswered, and when sin feels too heavy
Love Of Enemies
Love of Enemies Introduction One of the hardest commands Christ gives us is also one of the clearest: “Love your enemies, and pray for those
Why Does God Seem to Abandon Us?
Why Does God Seem to Abandon Us? Introduction Every Christian at some point asks, “Where is God?” In times of suffering, loneliness, or spiritual dryness,
Come and Visit
There are plenty of public activities to do at the university of Lethbridge after the divine liturgy, Bring your family or friends whether their young or old there is something for everyone. All events are free for children and teens.
