Archimandrite David (Edwards) fell asleep in the Lord on June 14, 2025, unexpectedly, at his residence. Rector of St. Vladimir Prince of Kiev Orthodox Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Born in Southampton, England, in 1940, Father David’s early years were shaped by the trials of wartime Britain. His family endured the bombing of Southampton before relocating to the peaceful countryside of Dorset near Dorchester in 1945. In 1954, the family embarked on a new chapter, crossing the Atlantic to Canada during a fierce hurricane.
Father David’s educational and professional background reflected his deep curiosity about the world and commitment to service. After working for the Toronto-Dominion Bank, he pursued his Bachelor of Arts at St. John’s College, University of Manitoba, graduating in 1965. He continued his theological studies at St. Chad’s College, Durham University, England, earning his degree in Theology in 1967.
Initially ordained as an Anglican deacon and priest, Father David served as curate at Brandon Cathedral and later as vicar of Fairford in Interlake Manitoba. He dedicated several years to education, teaching drama at Newport High School in South Wales while serving as. Officer Commanding 633 Squadron ATC (RAF).
Father David’s spiritual journey took a decisive turn in 1979 when he left the Anglican Church. After a period of discernment that included tonsure into the Roman Catholic Church in Montreal in 1981, he was received into the Orthodox Church in 1982. He was subsequently tonsured to the monastic habit, embracing the ascetic life that would define his spiritual leadership.
In 2000, Father David retired from teaching and moved to St. Albert, Alberta, where he primarily attended St. Herman Church in Edmonton. His ministry also took him to St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Ottawa, touching countless lives across the country. The most fruitful chapter of Father David’s ministry began on November 1, 2019, when he arrived in Halifax to serve a small Orthodox community that had been established a quarter-century earlier. He was officially appointed Rector of St. Vladimir Prince of Kiev Orthodox Church in 2020.
Under Father David’s spiritual guidance, St. Vladimir parish experienced remarkable growth and maturation. His unconditional love and attention to every person he encountered drew together a vibrant international community of faithful and inquirers.
His enthusiastic initiative gave rise to the active and vibrant community of the Mission of St Seraphim of Sarov in Cape Breton.
In his final church bulletin, written just days before his passing and his 85th birthday on June 18th, Father David penned words that perfectly encapsulated his grateful heart and deep love for his parish: “I want to give thanks to God that He sees fit that I should be strong enough to remain the Rector of this beautiful parish – that’s you, each of you and that is a privilege that I thought could never be mine. On my actual birthday, I shall come to the church and with difficulty, prostrate myself before the altar and thank God for all His blessings.”
He is predeceased by his parents William Edwards and Louisa Edwards and survived by his siblings Garth Edwards (Barb), Marty Edwards (Jude), Robin Edwards (Dave), and his nieces Ann (Alfred) and Louisa (Namit), nephew Alex, and grand-niece Viola.
The funeral services for Father David are as follows:
Friday, June 20
10:00 AM - Divine Liturgy at St. Vladimir Church, Halifax
Friday, June 20
5:00 PM - Funeral service for a priest at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church (1146 Purcell’s Cove, Halifax, NS) + reception at St. George after the Funeral
Saturday, June 21
11:00 AM - Burial at the Hermitage of the Annunciation (172 Goose Chase Road, New Germany, NS, B0R 1E0)
May Father David’s memory be eternal!