I don’t normally write for the Chancellor’s Diary on Mondays, but I want to wish all Canadian readers a blessed Thanksgiving Day, which is marked on the second Monday in October and coincides with Columbus Day in the US. The Canadian celebration hearkens back to Harvest Festival thanksgiving and isn’t associated with the Pilgrims.
Since the Orthodox Church in America embraces people of three countries, a little cross-cultural education may be apropos on this day. Here is Canada’s national anthem, which has two quite different official versions—French (the original) and English. Both invoke God’s protection but I especially appreciate the French reference to the cross:
As is thy arm ready to wield the sword, So also is it ready to carry the cross.
Official English
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Official French
Ô Canada!
Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!
Car ton bras sait porter l’épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une popee
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
Translation
O Canada!
Land of our forefathers,
Thy brow is wreathed with a glorious garland of flowers.
As is thy arm ready to wield the sword,
So also is it ready to carry the cross.
Thy history is an epic
Of the most brilliant exploits.
Thy valour steeped in faith
Will protect our homes and our rights
Will protect our homes and our rights
Big week coming up at the Chancery. The Fall Holy Synod meeting starts tomorrow and goes through Thursday. A major item on the agenda is consideration of the revised Policies, Standards and Procedures on Sexual Misconduct. In preparation for that the Sexual Misconduct Policy Advisory Committee (SMPAC) is meeting today and will join the bishops on Tuesday morning.