Montréal QC Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church 1968

Montréal, Québec : Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 1968

"Koimisis tis Theotokou" in Greek means "Dormition of the Theotokos (Mother of God)" in English.

Prehistory of the parish

The prehistory of this parish is found in the history of the Evangelismos, and Holy Trinity parishes of Montréal, Québec, Canada, as well as the other parishes that developed in the various parts of Greater Montréal after World War II, and the subsequent substantial immigrations from Greek-speaking lands thereafter.

After World War II, there was a large emigration from Greece to Canada (as a consequence of various difficult political and economic circumstances in Greece at the time). This immigration to Canada contributed a great increase to the Greek-speaking population of Montréal, as well as other cities throughout Canada.

In general, Greeks came to Québec from the islands of Crete ; from Syros, and Skopelos, from Macedonia, and from the Peloponnese peninsula. Most of the Greeks who settled in Québec at that time came from the poor provinces of Arcadia and Laconia.

In Montréal, the Greek diaspora has maintained the Kinotis (koinotita), a Greek term meaning "the community," since 1907. The Kinotis founded a Greek Orthodox church and a school in 1909, which was named the Platon School. In 1922, the Socrates School opened its doors ; and in 1976, the community opened its own library which contains thousands of volumes donated from Greece.

Establishment of the parish

On 12 April, 1968, a church building was purchased by the Hellenic Community of Greater Montréal (HCGM) at 7700, avenue de l’Epée, at rue Saint-Roch, Montréal. It had been constructed in 1962 as an Apostolic Church (Pentecostal).

After the purchase, it was transformed into the “‘Koimisis tis Theotokou’ Greek Orthodox Church” (Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church).

Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church

Interior, Iconostas

Priest George Saitanis

On 5 May, 1968, Koimisis tis Theotokou (Dormition of the Theotokos) Greek Orthodox Church held its first service of worship. This service was led by the new pastor, Priest George Saitanis.

As was their custom from the beginning, Father George and Presbytera Stavroula Saitanis worked together as a sort of pastoral team as they nurtured the portion of Christ’s flock of rational sheep which were their responsibility.

At this time, the parish was a part of the Ninth Pastoral District of Canada of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America. At that time, the bishop was Bishop Theodosios (Sideris).

For the next several years, Father George helped the parish to settle, develop, and grow.

In 1975, Father George Saitanis was transferred away to serve the Evangelismos (Annunciation) Greek Orthodox Church in Montréal.

In time, the parish became affectionately known as “Panagitsa” (a diminutive, affectionate way of referring to the Panagia, the All-holy Theotokos).

Ninth District becomes a Diocese, 1979

In 1979, following a re-structuring of the Archdiocese of North and South America, the Ninth District of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America was elevated by the Patriarch of Constantinople to be the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Toronto (Canada), and Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of Constantia became Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of Toronto (Canada).

In 1979, Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of Constantia was elevated to be the Bishop of Toronto (Canada), in Ontario.

The Diocese of Canada becomes a Metropolis, 1996

On 30 July, 1996, the Patriarchate of Constantinople divided the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America into 4 parts : the USA, Canada, Central America, and South America. The Diocese of Canada was elevated to the status of a metropolitanate.

At the same time, the Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) was detached from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and placed directly under the authority of the Patriarchal Throne in Constantinople.

On 24 September, 1996, Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was elevated to the dignity of metropolitan, and he was given the title and responsibility of Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto (Canada), and Exarch of all Canada.

Feast of the Dormition, 2012

On 14 August, 2012, the eve of the patronal feast, in accordance with his custom, Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) presided over the serving of Great Vespers at the Temple of the Koimisis (Dormition). On this occasion, he was assisted by Metropolitan Ignatios (Alexiou) of Arta (Church of Greece) ; Metropolitan Alexios (Moschonas) of Tiberias (Patriarchate of Jerusalem) ; Bishop Jean Cassien (Tunaru) (Romanian Patriarchate) ; and Bishop Irénée (Rochon) of the Archdiocese of Canada, The Orthodox Church in America.

Festal Great Vespers

Fire

On Monday, 13 April, 2015, the Temple was destroyed by fire, an event which caused considerable consternation and anguish.

The fire

The initial thoughts of most people regarding the reconstruction were, understandably, pessimistic. The shock of the loss of their spiritual home caused great pain. The project was expensive, and difficult. People at first did not see how God could and would provide.

Re-construction

Nevertheless, the HCGM immediately called for a general meeting, at which the Temple’s reconstruction was unanimously decided. The journey had just begun. Designs, licences, budgets, and security rules were discussed, and established by the people responsible at the HCGM. Everyone involved hastened to put everything in good order so as to be able to rebuild the Temple quickly, and efficiently.

Re-construction

Interior re-construction

What was important for the community at large was that the Temple be rebuilt. It did not matter whether it was ready for the Feast of the Dormition on 15 August, or for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on 14 September, or for the Feast of Saint Demetrius on 26 October. The new Temple of “Koimisis tis Theotokou” would once again be a jewel in the Park Extension area. It was re-constructed in 2017, in accordance with all current city bylaws, with an emphasis on safety and accessibility. All necessary amenities were added ; and, of course, the traditional Byzantine appearance was maintained for all to admire and respect.

Congratulations to all those who contributed to the reconstruction of "Panagitsa". Despite malicious comments and criticism, they were determined to rebuild the Temple that was very dear to the vast majority of Greeks in Montréal, and they succeeded. Great credit is due to all involved at the HCGM, and in particular its President and the Board of Directors.

Temple interior

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada and All the Arctic, 2019

IIn 2019, the Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) was elevated to the dignity of Archdiocese. Thus, the official title of the diocese became “Holy Archdiocese of Canada and All the Arctic”, and alternatively, “Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada”.

Thus, Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was elevated to the dignity of Archbishop, with the title “Archbishop of Canada and All the Arctic”, and alternatively, “Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Canada”.

According to the 2001 census, more than 215,000 people in Canada were of Greek origin (note, however, that these figures do not necessarily include Greeks who were born in Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey, and other countries). In Québec, according to the latest census, there are more than 80,000 Greeks, the majority of whom live in Montréal.

By 2024, the Hellenic Community of Greater Montréal was operating 6 parishes :

 Saint George Cathedral (1961) ; 
 Evangelismos(Annunciation) (1909) ;
 Dormition (Koimisis) (1968) ; 
 Saint John the Baptist (1984) ; 
 Saint Nicholas (1971) ;
 Holy Cross (1991) .

There were 3 regional councils of the community : Montréal, South-Shore, Laval. The latter 2 merged in 2010.

Father Nicolaos Papageorgiou

Father Nikolaos Papageorgiou worked tirelessly during his pastorate towards improving the church physically and spiritually ; in decorating the Temple, as well as in maintaining and repairing the building.

Annual Altar Feast-day

15 August is one of the most significant celebrations of the Greek Orthodox Faith, the day of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos {Koimisis tis Theotokou) which commemorates the “falling asleep” of Mary the Theotokos, and her bodily resurrection before being taken up into Heaven.

This day is also known as “summer’s Easter”, and it is gloriously celebrated by all Orthodox Christians around the world. As every year, this parish celebrates this day. The Processionof the Holy Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, and the serving of Great Vespers take place on 14 August. Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was customarily present and leading the celebrations, often accompanied by other bishops.

Particular Parish Information

This parish is a part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Canada, of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople. The bishop is Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas). The Vicar-Bishop is Bishop Athenagoras (Salmas). The patriarch is Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis).

This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, 15 August.

In 2026, the pastor of the parish was Priest Nicolaos Papageorgiou.

Address :

Dormition of the Theotokos (“Koimisis”) Greek Orthodox Church

7700, Avenue de l’Épée Avenue

Montréal, Québec

H3N 2E6

Telephone : 514-273-9888

Fax : 514-273-9120

E-mail : koimisis@hcgm.org

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Directions to the Temple :

By public transit :

Consult Société de transport de Montréal.

By car :

This parish is situated in the “Parc Extension” district of Montréal. It is found between Rue Saint-Urbain and Boulevard de l’Acadie, north of Rue Jean-Talon, and south of Autoroute #40.

From Autoroute #40, take the exit (from the west) for Boulevard de l’Acadie, or (from the east) for Avenue Querbes.

From the west, drive south on Boulevard de l’Acadie until Rue Saint-Roch. Turn left (east), and drive to Avenue d l’Épée. The Temple is on the corner at the left. From the east, drive south on on Avenue Querbes until Rue Saint-Roch. Turn right onto Rue Saint-Roch. The Temple is on the corner of Avenue d l’Épée, on the right.

Priest Nicolas Papageorgiou