Cathedral Faces – The Decken/Lazaris Family



The Decken/Lazaris family consisting of Dad – Andreas, Mom – Roula and 14 year old Hannah worship at 11:45 a.m. on Sundays. After searching around for a home Church as newcomers to Fredericton, a good friend suggested that they might enjoy “11:45 at the Cathedral” and they’ve been regulars ever since.

Andreas came to Canada from Germany in 1987 as part of a student exchange program at McMaster University. He loved the Canadian experience so much that he went home, finished his degree and headed back to McMaster to do his PhD in chemistry. Andreas and Roula, met at the Hamilton Sailing Club where Roula, who was living and working in Toronto, frequently sailed with her sister and brother-in-law. They were engaged before the PhD was completed! After a 2 year stint in Austin, Texas doing a post-doctorate fellowship, Andreas accepted a position at University of New Brunswick. He is in his 21st year at UNB and currently holds the position as Assistant Dean in Science and Associate Professor in Chemistry.

You can breathe now, Andreas!

hannah_dekenNowadays, there are many young families and toddlers at 11:45 but when baby Hannah started attending, she was pretty much the only child! She went on to become the first little one to actively join in the worship music as she danced in the aisles! Then, when she was about six years old, she became the first little one to help prepare for Communion at the credence table assisting then Dean Keith Joyce. Andreas recalls the first day tiny Hannah was allowed to hold the chalice! “I was sure that she was going to drop it and only realized how nervous I was when Gregg Finley poked me in the back and said, “You can breathe now, Andreas!”

Hannah has been able to pass on the reins both for helping with Communion and dancing in the aisles. At almost 15 years old, she is more likely to be found at the back of the Church helping out with the toddlers!

Hannah, Roula and Andreas have been residents of Douglas for 18 years and members of Christ Church Cathedral since 1998.

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3 thoughts on “Cathedral Faces – The Decken/Lazaris Family

  1. I remember Hannah sitting in front of me while I looked after the sound system. She NEVER stopped smiling and was one of the happiest children I have ever seen!

  2. …and only realized how nervous I was when Gregg Finley poked me in the back and said, “You can breathe now, Andreas!”

    I remember that moment. But it was not so much “poke” as a Northside blessing!

    (The Decken/Lazaris family and the Finleys are neighbours in Douglas.)

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