Bishop Varlaam [Novakshonoff]

DEWDNEY, B.C. [OCA]

His Grace Bishop Varlaam (Novakshonoff), 85, fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, February 13, 2020. Born near the town of Buchanan, SK in 1935 he was the son of immigrants from the Caucasus region of southern Russia who settled in Canada in 1899. He studied Slavic Culture at the University of Alberta, where later in life he also taught Russian for a number of years.

In 2003, Bishop Varlaam and the Monastery and community of All Saints of North America were received into the Orthodox Church in America. Bishop Varlaam was received as a retired bishop with the title “Former Bishop of Vancouver.”

Bishop Varlaam translated several Russian spiritual and theological works into English. He also conducted symposiums and spiritual talks for both the English and Russian speaking communities in the Vancouver area. Amongst his early translations were the “Life of St. Theophil of the Kiev Caves, the Fool for Christ of the Kiev Caves”, and the “Life of St. Xenia of St. Petersburg”. He also translated various works of Metropolitan Antony (Khrapovitsky) into English.

Funeral services for His Grace Bishop Varlaam will be celebrated at the Monastery of All Saints of North America, 37323 Hawkins-Pickle Rd, Dewdney, B.C. on Friday and Saturday, February 21 - 22, 2020. A Panikhida will be served on Friday, February 21. The funeral for a bishop will be served on Saturday, February 22 at 11:00am followed by interment at Heritage Garden Cemetery, Surrey, B.C. His Eminence Archbishop Irénée will preside.

May Bishop Varlaam’s memory be eternal!