Vancouver, BC.– The congregation of St. Mary the Virgin South Hill Church, with the guidance and leadership of its rector Reverend Expedito Farinas, held its successful 2026 Vestry Meeting on February 22,2026.
The Annual Reports were presented to the congregation by the Rector, the Wardens, the Mothers Union, Sunday School, Altar Guild, Tea & Coffee Group and the Treasurer. All the reports were accepted by the parishioners.
Year 2025 was a full and productive year. St. Mary the Virgin was one of the churches that responded quickly after the horrific tragedy at the Lapu-Lapu Festival to pray for the victims, the injured, those impacted by the tragedy, and for the wider community. The Most Reverend Archbishop John Stephens, Archbishop of the Diocese of New Westminster and Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of British Columbia and the Yukon described the work of St Mary the Virgin in his visit last September 7, 2025 as “a haven to all who walk through its doors…a place where newcomers to Canada – often migrant workers of some form- find community, belonging and support regardless of where they are in their faith journey.“
The parishioners elected the members of their Parish Council, the Board of Trustees, the Heads and members of the church’s various programs and committees, and its Lay Eucharistic administrators for the year 2026-2027.
The church has an active Migrants’ Ministry with its Migrante Mass, a joint service of the church and the grassroots organization Migrante BC, every third Sunday of the month.
St. Mary the Virgin South Hill is part of the Archdiocese of New Westminster, Anglican Church of Canada. Known as the “little church with a big heart“, it is an “open & welcoming, celebrating the diversity of all people.” All are welcome to come to the Sunday service at 10:30 am and join the fellowship with hot coffee and refreshments after the service. The church is located at 808 East 50th street in East Vancouver. All are truly welcome. ###
Vestry news also appeared in the Philippine Asian News Today, page 18. Or here – https://reyfortmedia.com/pntv28n04/