Our conversation begins with the history that led to the commissioning of the icon. We then explore the landscape of meaning associated with such icons in the ancient world, their invocation for the protection of cities, churches and monasteries. We talk about Canada and the way he, through his long ministry, hassought to deepen the presence of Orthodoxy in “our Canadian land and Canadian people” not as a matter of nationalism but of moving the faithful to apprehend the presence of the commonwealth of God is here in Canada as well as in the historical lands that claim Orthodoxy. We touch on the icon of the Theotokos as the icon of the human vocation calling us all to our deepest vocation as birth givers of Divine love in the world. Icons including the Joy of Canada are associate with healing, psychological, physical and spiritual. This last matter, central to the spiritual life, closes out our reflection. 

Welcome to our conversation.