On Wednesday 14th October 2026 – the day that Orthodox Christians celebrate the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos (Mother of God) – I was received and baptized into the Russian Orthodox Church. This event took less than 2 weeks before my 70th birthday.

The rite of baptism was performed by Father Maksim (Abroskin), rector of Our Lady of Smolensk Church (ROCOR) in Jacksons Point, Ontario, which is located about an hour and half north of Toronto, in the beautiful cottage country of Lake Simcoe.

I would like to emphasize that my decision to convert from Anglican to Orthodoxy was not the result of a sudden whim. On the contrary, I have been considering converting to Orthodoxy for some years now. Over the years, particularly during my 29 visits to Russia between 1986 and 2018, I spent many hours in Orthodox churches attending Divine Services, lighting candles and venerating holy icons.

I have honoured the Holy St. Tsar Nicholas II and his family since I was a young boy, and I have dedicated many years since to the clearing his much slandered name from those who continue to spread the myths and lies initiated by the Bolsheviks.

I firmly believe that it was the Holy St. Tsar Nicholas II , who led me to Orthodoxy. And I am not alone. This amazing and very deep spiritual path has been followed by many other believers. The Holy St. Tsar Nicholas II become an example of true Christian faith, meekness and perseverance during the most difficult trials of his life to each of us.

Nicholas II is now my patron saint

When one is baptized in the Orthodox faith, the person takes the name a saint from whom they take their name. This practice is significant as it establishes a personal relationship with the saint, who intercedes for the individual in their spiritual journey. I have followed the example made by Charles Sydney Gobbes (1876-1963), who took the name “Nikolai”. in honour of Nicholas II. the Holy St. Tsar Nicholas II is now my patron saint.

My baptism shirt was hand-made in Russia

I ordered my baptism shirt from the Russian Clothing Company. Each piece is crafted or sourced from skilled local manufacturers across Russia, who carry on the folk traditions of Russian craftsmanship. Their mission is to help keep Slavic heritage alive around the world. The Orthodox cross embroidered on the front of my shirt is simply beautiful and I am so pleased that I could help support this company’s efforts to carry on the folk traditions of Russian craftsmanship.

Our Lady of Smolensk Orthodox Church

In December 2025, I had a health scare which found me in the ER of our local hospital. It was a very traumatic experience, one which forced me to take a more pro-active approach to my health and taking better care of myself. It was at the same time that I asked myself, “what am I doing for my faith?” It was at this point that I decided I had to also take a pro-active approach to my spiritual health. I knew that I wanted to convert to Orthodoxy and began to search for a Russian Orthodox Church, where I could be baptized into the faith, attend Divine Services and take an active part in parish life.

In early June, I received an invitation to visit Our Lady of Smolensk Orthodox Church (ROCOR) in Jacksons Point. Upon my arrival, I could not believe my eyes. The tiny blue church looked as though it had been plucked from the Russian landscape and transplanted in a richly wooded area filled with Birch trees.

That morning as Divine Services began, my eyes scanned the magnificent iconostasis. I gazed up at the dome and the frescoes painted on the ceilings, returning to take in each of the icons. As my gaze shifted to the far side of the church, I saw a familiar face staring back at me – it was the Holy Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II, who was depicted in a large icon of the Holy Royal Martyrs. Father Maxim later told me that the icon came from Jordanville, and took 6 men to carry it!

I cannot begin to explain what I felt the moment that I met the Tsar’s gaze that morning, but one thing I do know, it was at that moment that I knew in my heart that he had led me to this lovely church, and it was here that I would be baptized.

My catechism began in early July, and since that time I have attended Divine Services on Sunday, been instructed on the teachings of Orthodoxy. I read the Gospels and Orthodox Prayer Book, and studied fervently a number of books including Catechism: A Short Guide to Orthodox Christianity by Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev, who served as the First-Hierarch of the ROCOR from 18 May 2008 until his death in 2022.

PHOTO: wearing my Orthodox cross

During the service, Father Maksim blessed both my Orthodox cross – seen in the photo above – and my icon of the Holy St. Tsar Nicholas II. Following the baptism service the parish sisterhood had prepared a lunch was prepared in my honour. – see photo above

I would like to add that it had been raining and overcast that day, however, after I stepped out of the font, the interior of the church filled with sunshine. I was standing at the foot of the font, when Father Maksim turned to me smiling and said “Paul! Look! Look!” At that moment rays of sunshine were pouring in through the window on the side wall – see photo above. I couldn’t help but think that the Holy Royal Martyrs were rejoicing with me!

The day of my baptism into Orthodoxy is truly a landmark event in my life. I keep touching the cross around my neck or admiring it in the mirror, because it all seems to surreal. I am so happy!

After years of soul searching, this “son of old Russia” has at long last found his home in the Russian Orthodox Church. Now I can attend Divine Services and pray in any Orthodox church, without feeling like an outsider. Glory to God for All things!

Paul Gilbert. 15 October 2026