The Very Reverend Canon Nissa Basbaum, Dean of the Diocese of Kootenay and of the Cathedral

Prior to arriving at St. Michael’s in 2009, Nissa Basbaum was a parish priest in the Diocese of Niagara. Before studying theology and being ordained, she graduated from Carleton University in journalism and briefly worked as a newspaper reporter in Grand Falls, Newfoundland. It was during her time in Newfoundland that she converted from Judaism to Christianity.

It has taken most of her years as a Christian and then as an ordained minister for Nissa to figure out just how Jewish she really is. Much of her journey of conversion is documented in her book A Jewish Mother in a House of Holy Fathers: A Recipe for Living, which is still in progress and yet to be published. In the meantime, alongside her ministry as Incumbent of St. Michael’s and Dean of Kootenay, she continues to pursue her love of writing in a variety of ways.

The Most Reverend John E. Privett is the Archbishop of the Ecclesiatical Province of British Columbia and Yukon, and Bishop of Kootenay. Just prior to becoming our Bishop, in 2005, John completed his PhD at South Western in the field of Congregational Development, while continuing a very successful ministry at Christ Church, Edmonton. He was elected as Archbishop on September 25, 2009.

The Reverend Canon Jim Kiddell is technically resident in the last diocese in which he functioned as full time clergy, but in addition, he helps on occasion at the Cathedral. Jim currently works part-time assisting the Dean as a pastoral visitor to the congregation.  Jim and his wife sometimes lead groups for Churchman Tours to a variety of locations.

The Reverend James Buenting served several parishes in both the Anglican Church and Lutheran Church before retiring to the Okanagan. James lifetime ministry now find expression as a part-time pastoral visitor for the Cathedral, with a particular focus on lapsed and new members. 

The following clergy perform a variety of pastoral functions, as shown, although none are remunerated for their ministry:

The Most Reverend David Crawley retired as the Diocesan Bishop in December 2004, and now returns to an office of ministry at the Cathedral as preaching fellow. He had enjoyed a varied ministry in Edmonton, Winnipeg, Regina and Vancouver before coming to Kootenay. He has established a distinguished reputation locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Reverend Canon Peter Davison joins us one Sunday each month. He lives in Vernon where he finished a distinguished career in parish ministry at one of the principle parishes in the Diocese – All Saints, Vernon. Previously to that he served in London, Vancouver, and Ottawa. Peter is known as a hymn writer and preacher. He prepares a sermon a week (old habits die hard!) which the diocese publishes on its website as a resource for lay ministers of Word and Sacrament who need to prepare for conducting services without clergy being present. These sermons are available at http://www.kootenay.anglican.ca/ . Select “Resources/Sermon of the Week.”

The Reverend Dick Fletcher is one of the longest serving permanent Deacons in the Diocese. He assists at services of the Cathedral, and has a vital visiting ministry and ministers to veterans, specially naval veterans in the City.

The Reverend Heather Karabelas is a permanent deacon who began her appointment at St. Michael's June 1, 2007, coming to us from St. Andrew's, Kelowna.  She has exercised a lively and effective pastoral ministry, and as an advocate for ministry to the world, particularly through the PWRDF.

The Reverend Canon Michael Karabelas comes to us after retiring from full time ministry, most recently at the neighboring parish of St. Andrew's. His passions are liturgy, stewardship, preaching and parish administration. He currently serves the Diocese as Chairman of the Examining Chaplains and as Canon Pastor to the Retired.

The Very Reverend Jack Greenhalgh retired as Dean of the Cathedral in 2000, and was honoured by the Diocese with the title of Dean Emeritus. Jack occasionally takes part in services at the Cathedral. He serves as Chaplain in the summer at Camp Vernon, and conducts a wonderful ministry to those who ski at Big White.

The Reverend Canon Doug Hodgkinson began as a young priest serving this Diocese and was seconded by Bishop Ted Scott to go to Toronto with him when Bishop Scott became Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada. Doug became a very valued member of the national program with special attention to the continuing education of clergy. He provided support for chaplaincies in Canada, and was a distinguished teacher and consultant in Adult Education and Bible Study. He returned to parish ministry by becoming the Rector of St. George’s Westbank, and, since retirement, helps at the Cathedral by taking services, preaching, and conducting short term courses of study on various Christian themes.

The Reverend Janet Wood is one of our parish deacons who helps at services and carries out a visiting ministry to the sick and shut in.