Montréal QC Sign of the Theotokos Orthodox Church 1978

Montréal, Québec, Sign of the Theotokos Orthodox Church, 1978

Église orthodoxe du Signe-de-la-Théotokos, Montréal, Québec, 1978

Prehistory

The beginnings of the Sign of the Theotokos Orthodox Church (“The Sign” for short) in the city of Montréal, Québec, Canada, can be found in a small group of parishioners at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Montréal in the mid-1970s. This cathedral community had had earlier times when the children and grand-children of the founders were conducting their daily lives in the English and French languages. However, there arose unexpected and repeated influxes of new groups of Russian-speaking immigrants who were in need of the Russian language for beginning their lives in Canada, and the Church Slavonic language for keeping links in their hearts with their homeland. Therefore, the cathedral continued to be a predominantly Russian-speaking community, even after 7 decades of life in Montréal.

In the 1970s, a small group of a dozen or so people strongly felt the need for worship services in English.

Priest John and Matushka Mary Tkachuk, 1973

In 1973, the Priest John I Tkachuk and Matushka Mary were transferred from the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Buffalo, New York (on the eastern coast of Lake Erie), to serve in the cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Montréal. Father John served as the pastor of the cathedral parish, and he became active in developing the use of the English language there.

Early OTI retreat including Holy Transfiguration Mission, Ottawa

Not long after arriving, Matushka Mary began to work as an elementary school teacher at the Priory School, a private school. This supplemented their income, and she continued thus to work together with her husband throughout their years of pastoral service. She participated in the cathedral choir, and she came to lead the English-speaking singers in English-language services. Likewise, she came to participate with the singers at the Saint Sergius Chapel at Lac Labelle.

In October, 1974, about a year after the arrival of the Priest John Tkachuk, a weekly English Liturgy was inaugurated at the side-chapel of the Great-martyr George at the cathedral, prior to the Slavonic service. The small group also instituted an English-language Sunday school for the few children who then were attending, and gradually their numbers began to increase.

Having 2 language groups at the cathedral created certain tensions. Therefore, permission was sought from Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns), the Archbishop of Montréal and Canada of the Archdiocese of Canada, to explore the possibility of initiating a new mission which would offer services in the English and French languages.

Matushka Mary taught children in schools for about 35 years, and also within the parish. One of her principal contributions was in leading the singers for many years. One important aspect of her leadership is that during every rehearsal, it was not uncommon that there would be a discussion about the meaning of the liturgical texts being sung. This helped not only the singers, but also anyone else who was present at the time. What she began at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, she continued later as well.

Annual educational conferences begin

By this time, Father John had already initiated the precursor of the annual educational conferences which were generally to be held in Châteauguay, at a Grey Nuns’ convent (now the Hôtel Manoir d’Youville), which had facilities for retreats and small conferences. People began to travel from such places as Québec City, Ottawa, Kingston and Toronto in Ontario, in order to participate.

It received the name “The Orthodox Theological Institute” (OTI) of Montréal. It functioned for several decades under the leadership of Father John. Although they are not directly related, the future theological studies programme at Longueuil that developed with the University of Sherbrooke after 1997 is one of the fruits of this annual conference.

It may be said that, by extension, the seed may also be seen in this conference for the eventual development in 2006 of the Orthodox and Eastern Christian Studies programme at Trinity College in Toronto, Ontario, which in 2015 became the Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College in Toronto. In more recent years, responsibility for the continuation of the Orthodox Theological Institute (OTI) was taken up by Dr. John Hadjinicolaou, in association with the University of Laval.

The value of the annual retreats and the various lectures cannot be understated. The beneficial influence was not limited either to the parish of the Sign of the Theotokos or to the region of Montréal. Many people attended from other places, such as Ottawa and Kingston (not all of them yet Orthodox believers), and they were all refreshed and strengthened by these opportunities. It was the personality and ability of Father John Tkachuk which made it easier for people to feel that they could and should attend.

Orthodox Christian Institute (OTI), 1978

In March, 1978, the first “Orthodox Theological Institute” (OTI) retreat was organised, and it was led by the Priests John Tkachuk and Ihor Kutash. The roots of the establishment of this institute were already developing at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral before the establishment of “The Sign”. There followed a long series of speakers who addressed these sessions during the following decades. All this developed under the insightful leadership of Father John and Matushka Mary.

Beginning of a change

On 9 April, 1978, 24 people met in a private home to discuss their future. Father John Tkachuk, who had been the rector of Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral for 5 years, had submitted his resignation (which was to become effective on 1 September). However, he had the permission of Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns) to found a mission if enough Orthodox Christians could be found to support it. The group considered the various possibilities, and the participants unanimously decided to petition Archbishop Sylvester for his blessing for the foundation of the new mission. They prayerfully decided to name the new mission for a feast-day of the Theotokos (the Mother of God). They then asked Father John to make a suggestion about which feast-day would be appropriate. He put forward a Feast-day of God’s incarnation which was and is little known in the West, that of the “sign” of Emmanuel’s birth from a Virgin, as prophesied by the Prophet Isaiah (see Isaiah 7:14). There is an icon of this feast-day, which is celebrated on 27 November.

Thus, the name “The Sign of the Theotokos” was adopted as the name for the mission. Father John often talked about the relationship between the tropar of this feast-day and the city of Montréal. From its earliest days, the city of Montréal was dedicated to the Mother of God (Ville Marie).

The icon, the Sign of the Theotokos, has a particular history in Russia ; but the Greek word “Platytera” for this icon indicates that it is a universal icon in use throughout the Orthodox Christian Church, and that it has a particular purpose. This is to emphasise the fact of the Incarnation of the Son of God. The icon’s composition reflects also the phrase from one of the hymns, which says that the womb of the Mother of God was more spacious than the heavens, because it contained Him through whom all things were made.

Icon of the Theotokos of the Sign in Yaroslavl

Founding the parish, 1978

On 9 April, 1978, the Sign of the Theotokos Orthodox Church was founded as a mission in Montréal, Québec. On 18 May, 1978, Archbishop Sylvester gave his archpastoral blessing, and he granted blessing and permission to begin liturgical services the following September for the Feast-day of the Nativity of the Theotokos. This was the second of such English-language missions blessed by Vladyka Sylvester before he retired. The first had been Saint Herman’s in Edmonton (1977), Alberta ; the third was the Holy Transfiguration in Ottawa (1980), Ontario ; and the fourth was Saint Gregory of Nyssa in Kingston (1981), Ontario.

Over the summer, much activity took place in order to prepare for the new mission. Panels for the iconostas were put in place ; the Holy Table was constructed ; various analogion stands were assembled ; vestments were sewn ; other coverings of furniture were prepared ; singers began to practice ; money began to be raised. Soon, a property was found for rental. This was a lower townhouse flat that had been used for over a decade by Saint Anthony’s Irish Catholic Church, at 2234, rue Saint-Antoine. By that time, Saint Anthony’s was in the process of erecting its own new building a few blocks to the east. An agreement was reached about how to share the premises until their new edifice was completed, and a lease was signed.

First services

The first service was sung on Thursday, 7 September, 1978, the Vigil of the Feast-day of the Birth of the Mother of God, Mary. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated for the first time the next morning, at 7:00 a.m. The choir numbered 6 persons : 3 Orthodox (2 of whom were converts) and 3 non-Orthodox. Less than 2 dozen people were present for the first Divine Liturgy service of The Sign of the Theotokos parish.

This service was celebrated in the Roman Catholic chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua, in front of its rococo wooden altar which now had 2 icons resting upon on it.

Saint Anthony’s parish moved into their new building in mid-December, 1978. The parishioners were able to renovate the premises according to their needs, and to erect the iconostas, only just in time for the Feast-day of the Nativity of Christ. The Québec Government chartered the parish as a non-profit religious organisation on 27 November of that year, precisely on the Altar Feast-day of the parish.

Founding members, early additions

The founding members of the Sign of the Theotokos parish include :

 The Priest John and Matushka Mary Tkachuk ; Paul and Marie Miklashevsky ; Irene Maikapar (born Lebedev),
 later the nun Nila ;  Vladimir Frank Natawë ; Oleg Wilson and Dr. Katherine Berdnikoff ; Kenneth Roach ; 
 Nil and Sheila Nellis ; Steven and Denise Bigham ; John Darris Wiles ; Anastassy Dickson ; 
 Joseph and Elizabeth Mouledoux ; Alexander Zeiber ; Yves and Doris Drolet ; Galina Gunter ; 
 Mstislav and Olga and George Mogiljansky ; Helen Apraxine.

There were others who had attended services at Saints Peter and Paul for long before this, but who for various reasons were not amongst the founders. Some of these either came later, or they continued to be close to the community. Yet others arrived directly to the parish soon after its foundation. Amongst all these are included :

 The then Richard Rochon, now Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) ; Marina Gillian Perry ; Efthimios (Tim) Katsikas ; 
 John Hadjinicolaou ; Anna Koulomzine ; Gregory Nimijean (later rector of the parish) ; 
 Dr. Robert Cyprian Hutcheon ; Lesley-Ann Judge ; Barbara Frank ; Ronald Mlodzyk ; 
 Lambros Kamperidis (now a priest of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto) ; Alexandra Roussos ; John Pivnicki ; 
 George and Debora Bedrin ; Elizabeth Markakis ; Theodore and Eva Manyakas ; Michael Vereshack (later Father 
 Raphael) ; Hope Pergantis ; Alexandra Valerianos ; Peter Olynik ; David and Jocelyn Belden ; Lisa Canisius ; 
 Mary Harris ; Lila Amirali ; Douglas and Joan Ellis, Lynn and John Ellis ; Manny Kolivas ; 
 Dr. Thomas Kolivakis.  Although never a member, Dr. John Foreman was a close friend of the parish.

Incorporation

Then, on 9 February, 1979, the mission parish was officially registered in the City of Québec under the "Loi des corporations religieuses" (libro D-19. folio 100). On 23 February, 1979, the parish was granted the status of a registered charity by Revenue Canada Taxation. However, the "effective date" was 27 November, 1978, the Altar-feast day of the parish.

OTI Retreats

In 1979, the Orthodox Theological Institute (OTI) established a lending-library of books about Orthodoxy at the new parish. Also in April, 1979, the OTI organised a retreat in Châteauguay, which was led by the Archpriest Thomas Hopko.

By this time, the regular agenda had already been established which characterised the succeeding years. It was a structure in which the participants seemed to thrive (in direct conjunction with the quality of the presenters who had been asked to come).

Retreatants would arrive on a Thursday evening and find their rooms, and then hear the first lecture.
On Friday, the day would begin with Matins and antiphonal psalm-reading.  Then after lunch there would be 
an hour of quiet, followed by the second lecture, Vespers, supper, and the third lecture.  On Saturday, 
there would be the Divine Liturgy and brunch, the fourth lecture, lunch, and then departure.

This schedule worked best when it could be on the weekend of western Easter (which was most times).

The setting for these retreats in this still-active convent was very conducive to a good retreat : comfortable rooms, comfortable and clean dining-room, a good hall, the river, the grounds. Father John always worked hard before, during and after these events. Even though some speakers were better than others, the whole experience was perceived to be valuable and refreshing and strengthening to the participants. It was nourishment for the soul. It was a brief experience of a different and deeper way of life which people tried not to miss. There was and remains sincere gratitude to Father John and Matushka Mary.

Archpastoral visitation of Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor), 1979

In November, 1979, Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) served at the Divine Liturgy of the parish Altar-feast. At this time, David Belden of Toronto was ordained to the Holy Diaconate. Present also were the Archpriests Joseph Shaheen (Saint Nicholas) and Anthony Gabriel (Saint George) of the Antiochian Archdiocese, Archimandrite Anthony (Abramovich), Hieromonk Gregory (Papazian) and Priest Oleg Kirilow of Montréal ; Priest Alexis Vinogradov of Wappingers Falls, New York ; Archpriest Michael Koblosh of Connecticut ; Priest Michael Westerburg of New Hampshire. Then, in December, the Archpriest Sergius Kuharsky visited his son Andrew and his wife Merry, and baptised their daughter Miriam. Andrew and Miriam later became involved in establishing a parish in South Carolina.

Almost from the beginning, the choir of the new mission was giving choral concerts in various places in the city. This participation amongst the other Orthodox communities has continued consistently.

It was a custom of Father John to read many of the so-called “priest's prayers” aloud, and in particular the long prayers of the Anaphora. As one parishioner commented, because many people learn best through hearing, these prayers (which convey what we believe, and what is the nature of our relationship with the Lord), hearing these prayers “helped those of us new to Orthodoxy to become grounded quickly”. Of course, there is early evidence that these prayers were prayed aloud. They became customarily quiet later, but there have been repeated writings from various Fathers who have been advocating their return to being audible. The parishioner who commented about the importance of hearing the prayers has many other companion voices both in this parish and elsewhere who express support for this comment and for the practice.

Father John Tkachuk as a USAF chaplain ; Matushka Mary Tkachuk

In February, 1980, the speaker at the Orthodox Theological Institute (OTI) retreat was the Archpriest George Timko.

Archpastoral visitation of Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns), 1980

On 30 November, 1980, Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns) served the Divine Liturgy in the mission, and he ordained John Wiles to the Holy Diaconate.

Changes in location of services

During the early years of the parish, there were 2 more moves. When the building in which they had rented space from Saint Anthony’s was to be sold, a new location was found at “Nazareth House”, a social service agency at 420, Saint Paul Street East, in Old Montréal. The first Divine Liturgy at Nazareth House took place on 5 October, 1980, and the parish sojourned there for about a year-and-a-half. By that time, the lease at Nazareth House was to end, and once again a search was undertaken.

About the relationship with their hosts, the parishioners began to encounter some tensions, as wrote Paul Miklashevsky :

 All went well until they started trying to influence our religious life by inviting us to participate in 
 different rites, which we could not accept.  It then turned out that we could not stay on these premises as 
 they never expected us to be so numerous, so active and so noisy ! This is not quite as bad as it sounds 
 because our community has become more solid and homogeneous and a change of address will not affect our 
 survival.

The March, 1981, OTI retreat was led by the Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann, the Dean of Saint Vladimir's Seminary in New York.

In the spring of 1981, 2 parishioners, Steven Bigham and Yves Drolet, founded the “Orthodox Fraternity of Saint John the Forerunner”, with the aim of making the Orthodox Christian Faith known in French-speaking Canada.

Then, on 26 November, 1981, the second conference of the fraternity was convened. It was given by Bishop Pierre (l’Huillier) of New York, on the occasion of the Altar Feast-day of the parish of the Sign of the Theotokos in Montréal. Steven Bigham participated in the preparation for this conference while he was spending a year in New York at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary.

Move to the Saint Léon de Westmount basement, 1982

The next site for the parish was found in the basement of the large, French-speaking Roman Catholic church, Saint Léon de Westmount. The building is situated at the corner of Boulevard de Maisonneuve and Clarke Avenue, in the section of Montréal known as Westmount.

The parish moved into this building at 330, Clarke Avenue, in April, 1982, and the community remained there for the following 18 years.

Eglise Saint Léon de Westmount, the second site

In February, 1982, Steven Bigham was ordained to the Holy Diaconate at Saint Vladimir's Seminary in Crestwood, New York, by Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor).

In March, 1982, the OTI retreat was led by the Archpriest Paul Nadim Tarazi of Saint Vladimir's Seminary.

In 1982, the fraternity organised 2 other conferences given by Father George Chişca, rector of the Romanian Parish of Saint John the Baptist in Montréal, and then by Father Alexander Schmemann of Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, a retreat in the convent of the Recluse Missionary Sisters at Rivière-des-Prairies, Boulevard Gouin Est, Montréal.

In June, 1982, there was a parish picnic at the summer cottage of Marina Perry and her relatives at Lake Charlebois in the Laurentian Mountains north of Montréal.

On 31 October, 1982, Deacon Steven Bigham was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) at the parish of The Sign of the Theotokos in Montréal. Also participating were the Archimandrite Anthony (Abramovich), the Hieromonk Gregory (Papazian), and the priests Stephen J Keaschuk (of Edmonton) and Elias Laham (of Québec City).

The OTI offered seminars on "Modern Russian Theology", and "Seminars on Living".

Father Alexis Vinogradov was the guest for the Altar Feast-day. He had been born and raised in Montréal, and he had later moved to the USA.

Year 1983

In March, 1983, the Archpriest Michael Koblosh of Terryville, Connecticut, was the OTI presenter.

In September, 1983, 3 parishioners began theological studies : Barbara Frank, at Saint Vladimir's Seminary ; Gregory Nimijean at Saint Tikhon's Seminary ; Ronald Mlodzyk by extension at Saint Tikhon's Seminary.

The representatives at the 8th All-American Council in the USA were : Father John Tkachuk ; Lambros Kamperidis ; Marie Miklashevsky ; Robert C Hutcheon ; Ronald A Mlodzyk.

Saint Benoît de Nursie parish, 1983

On 8 September, 1983, the first francophone parish of the OCA was founded in Montréal under the direction of Father Steven Bigham. The Parish of Saint Benoît de Nursie settled for 2 months in an Antiochian parish, and then returned to the English-speaking parish of the Sign of the Theotokos.

Year 1984

On 8 September, 1984, the parishioners of Saint Benoît left the parish of the Sign of the Theotokos, and they settled on their own in the Saint-Michel district (on boulevard Pie-IX Boulevard) in Montréal.

Ordination of Dr. Robert Cyprian Hutcheon, 1984

On 12 February, 1984, Dr. Robert Cyprian Hutcheon was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by Metropolitan Theodosius (during the Divine Liturgy) in the parish of the Sign of the Theotokos (Lazor). Also present were the Hieromonk Gregory (Papazian) and the Archpriest Nicolas Boldireff. Deacon Cyprian was for many decades active in many facets of the life of the parish, and he was elevated to the dignity of protodeacon. Throughout, he was only half-jokingly nick-named "Deacon Supreme".

In March, 1984, the Orthodox Theological Institute (OTI) retreat presenter at Pierrefonds, Québec, was the ✝Priest Basil Zion (founding priest of the Mission of Saint Gregory of Nyssa in Kingston, Ontario, who reposed in 1997).

In the autumn of 1984, the OTI sponsored 8 seminars on the "History of Orthodoxy in the New World".

Year 1985

In April, 1985, the Archpriest John Breck of Saint Vladimir's Seminary was the speaker at the OTI retreat.

In June, 1985, Archbishop Kirill (Gundyaev) of Smolensk, Russia (now the Patriarch of Moscow) visited the parish.

In November, 1985, at an OTI seminar, the video "Monks of Mount Athos" was viewed, and the Hieromonk Gregory (Papazian) spoke.

Year 1986

In February, 1986, at Manny Pittson's home, there was a panel discussion with Father John Tkachuk and Dr. Thomas Kolivakis about "Moral and religious education in Québec".

In March, 1986, the OTI retreat at Châteauguay was led by the Archpriest Vladimir Berzonsky.

In June, 1986, there was again a parish picnic at the home of the parents of Marina Perry near Morin Heights.

In August, 1986, Marina Gillian Perry and Emmanuel (Manny) Pittson were married.

During this year, the parish choir made its first recording and offered it for sale in September. It was directed by Vasilis Hadjinicolau and produced by Manny Pittson.

Year 1987

In March, 1987, the Priest Alexis Vinogradov, of Wappingers Falls, New York, led the OTI retreat.

In June, 1987, Deacon John Darris Wiles fell asleep in the Lord. After the funeral services, his body was transported to the family plot in Ohio.

In June, 1987, the parish picnic was held at the home of Mstislav and Olga Mogiljansky.

In October, 1987, the "Adult Christian Education" series of seminars began to be offered.

In 1987, Manny Pittson and Marina Perry moved to Oakville, Ontario.

10 years, 1988

In February, 1988, Matushka Juliana Schmemann was the preacher on the Sunday of Orthodoxy.

In May, 1988, Orthodox Paschal Vespers was served at the Triennial Assembly of the Canadian Council of Churches in Montréal (at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church). Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Toronto served, and Father John Tkachuk gave the homily.

In the same month, Mary Mzadana, of the South African Council of Churches, addressed an ACE session with Father John, about "The Ecumenical Mission".

In June, 1988, the annual parish picnic was held at the farm of Nil and Sheila Nellis at Pointe Calumet.

On 9 July, 1988, Marie Miklashevsky fell asleep in the Lord.

In August, the marriage of Alexander and Carole Hesketh was celebrated.

On 27 November, 1988, the 10th anniversary banquet had as its speaker Dr. Daniel Sahas.

By about this time, Sharon Smith was beginning to attend services in this parish. She was a Lutheran theological student and graduate, and she was very active in inter-Christian encounters. Once she had entered the Orthodox Church, she continued in her serious life of service. She became an assistant to Father John in administration, communication, and technical matters. Eventually, she came to be responsible for the library and the bookstore. In due course, she answered a call to the monastic life. She was first tonsured to be a rasophor nun (1995), and later she was tonsured fully to be a stavrophor nun. All the while, she continued her life in the parish.

Year 1990

In 1990, Vasilis Hadjinicolaou and the singers at the Sign recorded and produced its second volume about Byzantine Singing in the New World.

In 1990, Lambros Kamperidis, a Constantinopolitan-Athenian who studied history and philosophy, was ordained to the Holy Diaconate. He served as a deacon in this parish for the following 10 years. He also developed his writings on the author Alexandros Papadiamandis and he began, along with others, to teach at the University of Sherbrooke in Montréal and at Concordia University.

Orthodox Christian Women, Montréal

Year 1992

In 1992, Matushka Mary Tkachuk was able to establish the group “Orthodox Christian Women of Montréal”, which began to sponsor an annual one-day conference, primarily for women. Matushka Juliana Schmemann was the first of many other significant presenters. The conferences became very popular and well-attended. The conferences tended to be held at Saint George’s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Montréal.

Also in 1992, a hand-carved sign for the parish was installed outside the entrance door (on Clarke Avenue ; it was moved with the parish to Boulevard Saint Joseph). This was commissioned by the parishioners, and it was carved by Ms. K C Reiter of Morrisonville, New York. The text is in the English language on one side, and in the French language on the other side.

Year 1994

In 1994, The Orthodox Theological Institute (OTI) (L’Institut de théologie orthodoxe de Montréal) was more formally organised in the Sign of the Theotokos parish. However, this institute had already begun its existence while Father John Tkachuk was at Saints Peter and Paul cathedral. Throughout the years, the institute has organised various courses on the history, spirituality, and liturgical experience of Orthodoxy. Past speakers have included :

 Priest Ihor Kutash  ; Father Alexander Schmemann (twice) ; Archimandrite Kallistos (Ware) (twice) ; Father Thomas Hopko (twice) ;  
 Archpriest George Timko ; Priest Paul Tarasi ; Archpriest Michael Koblosh ; Dr. Robert Hutcheon, 
 Father Thomas Ryan, Alexandra Valerianos ; Priest Basil Zion ; Archpriest John Breck ; 
 Archpriest John Tkachuk and Dr. Thomas Kolivakis ; Archpriest Vladimir Berzonsky ; Priest Alexis Vinogradov ; 
 Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) ; Dr. Daniel Sahas ; Father Theodore Stylianopoulos ;  Father Michael Plekon.

These are examples of how the parish steadily increased its involvement amongst the other Orthodox Christians in Montréal, and of its steadily making the Orthodox Christian Faith more visible and approachable to Montrealers (also called "les Montréalais"). Nevertheless, through the Orthodox Christian Institute's activities, and in particular the annual retreats, the benefits were extended far beyond the Greater Montréal region. Retreatants would arrive from other parts of Québec, from Ottawa, Kingston and other places in Ontario, and from the northern parts of the nearby and bordering USA states. Sometimes, people came from faraway places in Canada.

Father John, Deacon Lambros and youth at a retreat

Almost from the beginning, there began to appear new parishioners of Greek birth, ancestry and/or background. Many of them have undertaken significant projects of service and education both in the parish and in other places.

Year 1995

In 1995, Bishop Kallistos (Ware) of England visited the parish.

20 years : 1998

On 20 April, 1998, the Deacon Gregory Nimijean was ordained to the Holy Priesthood at the parish of "The Sign".

The parish spent just over 18 years in Saint Leon’s basement. Its low ceilings with exposed pipes hanging down, its large square pillars supporting the Catholic church above and no windows or natural light made for some difficulties, one of them being visibility. Another was the difficulty created on greater occasions, when the large number of attendees at the Feasts of the Nativity and Pascha produced sufficient heat that alarms would sound. Thus, many parishioners felt the need of owning their very own Temple above the ground. This basement had been humourously described as a catacomb-cum-submarine.

Year 2000 : move to a new site

On 6 February, 2000, at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, papers were signed in which the parishioners committed themselves to the purchase of a building which had become available for sale. This structure had initially been built as a Protestant church. After a fire in about 1980 destroyed the interior, the shell was purchased by the Saint James Syriac Orthodox parish, and the entire interior was then rebuilt. Eventually, the Syriac parish outgrew the building, which they chose to put up for sale as they built a new building in north Montréal, which is now a cathedral.

The final closing and sale occurred on 22 June, 2000, with the Archpriest John Tkachuk and the parish warden, Dr. Katherine Berdnikoff (who was also one of the founders of the parish) signing on behalf of the community. The week before the move was busy with cleaning and preparing the new spiritual abode, while completing packing at the old basement chapel.

Opening of the new Temple, 2000

On 1 July, 2000 (which is also “Canada Day” or “Dominion Day”), many parishioners came together to accomplish the physical move of the parish into their new home. That evening, the parish of The Sign of the Theotokos began serving in their new quarters on boulevard Saint Joseph Boulevard at rue Resther Street.

On 2 July, the Feast-day of the Saints of North America, the parish celebrated with immense thanksgiving the first Divine Liturgy in the Temple, with fresh air and sunlight streaming in through the windows and eyes filled with tears of joy. Because their gracious and loving God had blessed them with this new home, the parishioners renewed their commitment to be visible witnesses of the Orthodox Christian Faith to the surrounding community, and to all who enter its doors. This new home is situated very visibly on a corner of a main street, and very near the public walkways.

At the beginning, it was necessary to improvise in various ways. For instance, in the early days in the new building, there was no possibility of establishing even a temporary iconostas. It had been possible before ; but this time, there was an organ (remaining from the previous congregation) very significantly blocking the way. Therefore, for some time the iconostas was represented by the 2 principal icons displayed on easels. Once the organ console could be removed (and all the pipes in the side-room by the Altar), it became possible to convert the side-room into a vestry. After this, plans could be prepared for an iconostas and funds could be collected for its construction.

Priest Lambros Kamperidis

On 3 December, 2000, the Deacon Lambros Kamperidis was ordained to the Holy Priesthood at the Church of the Sign of the Theotokos. He was attached to the Church of the Sign of the Theotokos, and he was given temporarily “on loan” to Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanssoulas), and the Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto. Eventually, he was fully transferred to the Metropolis of Toronto. Concurrently he teaches courses in theology, literature and the Greek language at the University of Sherbrooke in Montreal and at Concordia University, and he also works as a cattle breeder with his son Serapheim in rural Ontario. His daughter Despina married and she now lives in Greece.

Before the iconostas was built

From its first year, The Sign has had a bookstore and library which was later named “The Father Alexander Schmemann Bookstore and Library” (one of the “ministry groups” of the parish). With more than 325 titles in stock, the bookstore in particular has been a service not only to the parish but also to Montréal and to places throughout Canada where Orthodox materials in English are often difficult to find. The bookstore also sells 2 music recordings by The Sign’s choir called “Byzantine Music in the New World” and “Byzantine Music in the New World : Orthodox Saints”. Available as cassettes or CDs, these recordings have been very popular throughout the world from Canada and the USA to Mount Athos and Australia. The Father Alexander Schmemann Bookstore and Library was for a long time managed by Mother Stephanie (Smith), and then by Paul Pasarivakis. It was at first at the rear of the Temple, in the loft, and then it was moved to more accessible quarters in the lower parish hall.

Entrance and loft

Throughout the majority of the history of the parish, the pastor, teacher, and spiritual guide of the parishioners was the Archpriest John Tkachuk. During the years of his service, he also served as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Archdiocese of Canada, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Canada, the Dean of Québec, and as a chaplain in the US Air Force Reserve (retired 1 March, 2003). He last served at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts. During these years, he was also a part of the OCA Military Chaplains “Deanery”.

25 years : 2003

On 16 June, 2003, the parish of "The Sign" retired the debt of the $120,000.00 mortgage that had been undertaken in June, 2000, in order to purchase the new building.

On 29-30 November, 2003, the parish of “The Sign” marked its 25th anniversary. Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) and Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) were present and participating in the Great Vespers of Saturday evening and the Primatial Divine Liturgy of Sunday. On this occasion, many gramotas (certificates of blessing) were presented, first to the parish as a whole, and then to some particular persons.

Since the debt of the parish had been retired officially by this day, Father John ceremonially burned the mortgage outdoors at the banquet after the Divine Liturgy. The Tkachuks were grateful to have been given on this day a digital camera.

Year 2005

On 9 January, 2005, during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Protodeacon Cyprian R Hutcheon was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Bishop Seraphim.

He was elevated also to the dignity of archpriest, and he was assigned to the Sign of the Theotokos Church as Second Priest.

On 13 November, 2005, in addition to his other duties, Archpriest Cyprian Hutcheon was appointed to be the Archdiocesan Dean for the Archdiocese of Canada.

Year 2006

On 31 July, 2006, the Archpriest, Dr. Robert Hutcheon, retired from his position as Associate Professor of Paediatrics at McGill University, and as Active Attending Staff Paediatrician at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. After this, he was assigned to serve as the rector of Holy Resurrection Sobor in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where he remained for 3 years before returning to Montréal in 2010.

Sanctification of the Temple, 2009

By 2009, the Altar of the Temple had been renovated, and an iconostas had been installed.

Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) was invited to the parish by Archbishop Seraphim (Storheim) for the sanctification of the Temple.

On 18 May, 2009, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) presided at the Sanctification of the Altar (with insertion of the Holy Relics), and the Temple, and at the Primatial Divine Liturgy which followed.

He was assisted by Archbishop Seraphim (Storheim) of Ottawa and Canada, and by Bishop Benjamin (Peterson) of San Francisco and the Diocese of the West. In addition, Archpriest John Tkachuk (rector), Mitred Archpriest Anatoliy Mel'nyk, Archpriest Cyprian Hutcheon, many other priests, as well as Protodeacon Nazari Polataiko, and others.

Archbishop Seraphim with Charles Olshevsky of Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral

Year 2012

On 25 February, 2012, at Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Montréal, Québec, the Orthodox Christian Women of Montréal hosted their 21st annual conference. On this occasion, the topic was “Why Do We Need the Creed ? : The Symbol of Faith in Today’s World”. The speaker was Archpriest Cyprian Hutcheon of the parish of the Sign of the Theotokos.

Year 2016

In 2016, the Archpriest Cyprian R Hutcheon, remaining attached to the Sign of the Theotokos Parish, returned to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where he moved into a seniors' residence. He nevertheless has continued to visit his beloved Montréal and this parish.

Before the iconostas was built

New iconostas

The parish of “The Sign” has continued to grow, and its mailing list increased to about 130 families that are members or friends of the parish. The majority of parishioners are young to middle-aged adults with an ever-growing number of young, energetic children. The membership is very diverse, and it includes professionals such as doctors, nurses, lawyers, university professors and researchers, as well as students, and recent immigrants to Canada who are still struggling to begin a new life in a new culture.

In the parish hall, there are about 27 different country flags on poles, with each flag representing a country where someone in the parish was born. These flags reflect the founding pastor’s love for flags. However, they also reflect the ethnic diversity of the parish, and they indicate a very important founding principle of “The Sign” : to be a parish which would in itself be a living reflection of the multicultural makeup of Orthodox Christianity here in the “New World”. The parish has wished to be a place and community in which all would be welcome to “come home” to the ancient faith lived and experienced in new ways, and expressed primarily in the new tongues of English and French.

Meeting with Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)

Thus, parishioners have either recent or distant ethnic roots from such places as Greece, Russia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, Lebanon, Colombia, Portugal, Ethiopia, Scotland, Wales, French Québec, English Canada and the USA, amongst others. The parishioners come together in love and fellowship to worship and glorify the Lord God in Holy Trinity according to the liturgical practices of the Orthodox Church, and continually strive to witness to their Orthodox Christian Faith by welcoming all who come into their midst.

Parish hall, after a service

Retirement of the Archpriest John Tkachuk, 2013

On 1 September, 2013, the Archpriest John Tkachuk, with the blessing of Vladyka Irénée (Rochon), retired as rector of “The Sign”. The family remained in Montréal for a time ; but in 2014, Father John and Matushka Mary Tkachuk moved to live in Bronxville, New York (not far from Saint Vladimir’s Seminary). They took with them Matushka Juliana Schmemann, who moved into an extended care facility not far away, in Riverdale, the Bronx, New York.

 Accoutrements of the Temple as outlined by Father John Tkachuk :
 
 + 5 analoys (icon-stands) and the oblation table to the side of the Holy Table were constructed 
 and carved in 1981 by Pierre Papazian of Fitch Bay, Québec.  He is the brother of Archimandrite Gregory (Papazian).
 + The baptismal font, donated by parishioners, came from Greece in 1983.  
 + The Holy Table, the central carved analoy, the Golgotha-and-memorial table were carved by the
 Priest Andrew Tregubov.
 + The seven-branch candle-holder is the work of the Priest Alexis Vinogradov.  
 + The wooden artophor on the Holy Table was carved by the Priest Andrew Tregubov. 
 + The Crucifixion Icon on the Golgotha, as well as other large icons were written by the 
 Priest Theodore Jurewicz in the USA.  
 + The 19 festal icons are the work of Maria Elchaninov-Struve in France.  
 + There are many other items also which have been donated over time by one or another person.

Second Rector of “The Sign”, 2013

Later in 2013, Archpriest Gregory Nimijean was released from his responsibilities as rector of the parish of Saint Benoît de Nursie in Montréal, and he was assigned to serve as the rector of the parish of the Sign of the Theotokos. His wife and 2 sons accompanied him in this new responsibility.

In his youth, Father Gregory had been originally a parishioner at the Saint John of Sochava parish in Lachine, Québec, but long before ordination he had come to be a parishioner at "The Sign". Before his marriage, he studied at Saint Tikhon's Theological Seminary at South Canaan, Pennsylvania, where he received a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree.

Archpriest Gregory Nimijean

Lecture series following the Great and Holy Council in Crete, 2016

In the wake of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church called in Crete, Greece, the Parish of the Sign provided a series of lectures reflecting on the Synod, its context and its documents. The series ended in May, 2017.

The series began on Saturday, 24 September, 2016, in the afternoon. Dr Paul Ladouceur presented a Workshop on "The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church" (Crete, June, 2016).

On Sunday, 20 November, 2016, in the afternoon and following the Divine Liturgy, Archpriest Cyprian R Hutcheon made a presentation entitled "Relations of the Orthodox Church with the Rest of the Christian World".

On Sunday, 15 January, 2017, in the afternoon and following the Divine Liturgy, Dr John Hadjinicolaou, and his wife Dr Evangelia Amirali made a presentation entitled "The Sacrament of Marriage and its Impediments".

On Sunday, 19 March, 2017, in the afternoon and following the Divine Liturgy, Dr Emmanuel Kolivas made a presentation entitled "The Importance of Fasting and its Observance Today".

On Sunday, 7 May, 2017, in the afternoon and following the Divine Liturgy, there was a panel-discussion about the subject, "The Council & the Mission of the Orthodox Church in Today's World".

Award of the Saint Tikhon of Moscow Medal to Olga Mogiljansky, 2016

On Friday, 25 November, 2016, on the Altar Feast-day of the parish, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) served the Divine Liturgy at the Sign of the Theotokos Temple.

On this occasion, Mrs. Olga (born Dubnin) Mogiljansky, in her early 90s, a founding member, the oldest and one of the most faithful parishioners, received the Saint Tikhon Medal Award of the Archdiocese of Canada from Archbishop Irénée. Olga Mogiljansky, widow of Mstislav Mogiljansky, attended and sang in the choir on a regular basis at Saturday Vespers, and on other occasions when it was possible to be in the Temple. Her son Yuriy (George) has been a long-time reader and singer in the parish.

Vladyka Irénée presenting the Saint Tikhon Medal and Award

Archpastoral visitation of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), 2017

On Sunday, 9 April, 2017, the Sign of the Theotokos Church was honoured with the presence and the blessing of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) for the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in celebration of Palm Sunday (the Entry of our Lord into Jerusalem). During the service, the Archpriest Gregory Nimijean was awarded the right to wear the "palitsa" ("epigonation"). After the service, about 100 parishioners shared and enjoyed together the traditional Palm Sunday fundraising luncheon with a delicious Greek flavour. The food was generously donated, and all the proceeds were given to the parish.

Palm Sunday 2017 with Vladyka Irénée (Rochon)

40th anniversary of the parish, 2018

On 25 November, 2018, Archbishop Irénée made a hierarchical visit to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Sign of the Theotokos Church in Montréal. Concelebrating with His Eminence were former rector and founder, Archpriest John Tkachuk, Archpriest Cyprian Hutcheon, Archpriest Gregory Nimijean, Mitred Archpriest Anatoliy Melnyk, Archpriest Stelian Liabotis, Archimandrite Marc (Pierre), and Deacon Anthony Mansour.

Group photo of clergy

In celebration of the anniversary, the iconographic beautification of the Temple was completed by a team of iconographers led by Dr George Kordis. Archbishop Irénée blessed the walls of the Temple at the end of the Divine Liturgy. A reception was held at Milos Restaurant.

View of the new iconography

41st anniversary of the parish, 2019

On 24 November, 2018, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) visited The Sign of the Theotokos Church, Montréal on their 41st anniversary. Concelebrating with Archbishop Irénée were Archpriest Gregory Nimijean, Deacon Denis Letunovsky and Deacon Elias Fonseca.

Vladyka Irénée at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

Retirement of Archpriest Gregory Nimijean, 2020

In 2020, after having served as rector of the Parish of the Sign of the Theotokos for 7 years, Archpriest Gregory Nimijean was blessed to retire from active service.

In retirement, he was attached to this parish.

During the course of his life, in many sorts of responsibilities and service, Father Gregory spent much of his life serving within this parish.

Third rector of the parish

After the retirement, Priest Elias Fonseca was assigned to serve as rector of "The Sign".

Priest Elias Fonseca

Fourth rector of the parish

When Father Elias was transferred and assigned to serve at the Saint Benoît de Nursie parish, Archpriest Paul Kara was assigned to serve as rector of "The Sign".

Archpriest Paul Karas

Covid-19 virus closures and restrictions, 2020-2022

In the spring of 2020, the Covid-19 virus pandemic began to have a serious and limiting effect on parish life in Montréal, as it did throughout Canada. For substantial periods of time, no public services were permitted. When they were permitted, attendance was strictly regulated. As time passed, and inoculations increased, more services began to be permitted.

Bereavement, repose of Archpriest John Tkachuk, 2021

On 19 February, 2021, Archpriest John Tkachuk fell asleep in the Lord in Bronxville, New York, where he and Matushka Mary had been living together in retirement since 2014. Father John had been suffering from cancer for some time. He was survived by Matushka Mary Tkachuk, and by their daughter Vera.

On Tuesday afternoon, 23 February, 2021, the clergy vested his body in priestly vestments and laid his body in the coffin.

All the services had limited attendance because of the social-distancing and masking associated with the Covid-19 Pandemic. Nevertheless, there was a substantial number of Canadians present.

On Tuesday, 23 February, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Yonkers, New York, the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Priest was served by Archbishop Michael (Dahulich), together with 8 priests and 1 deacon. Archpriest John Hopko (a nephew) gave a eulogy at the conclusion.

On Wednesday, 24 February, 2021, at 9:30 a.m., at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Yonkers, New York, the Memorial Divine Liturgy was served by Archbishop Michael (Dahulich) and 4 priests. Archpriest John Jillions (who had known Father John in Montréal from his childhood) gave a eulogy at the conclusion.

Following this service, the final Litya for the Departed was sung at the coffin, after which Archbishop Michael (Dahulich) gave a eulogy.

After the funeral obsequies, the body of Father John Tkachuk was transported to South Canaan, Pennsylvania, to Saint Tikhon's Monastery Cemetery for interment there. The service of interment was led by Archpriest Alexis Vinogradov.

The Funeral Service

On Thursday, 25 February, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., the family hosted an internet memorial conversation and reminiscence about the life of Father John. It was moderated by Serge and Manya Schmemann, and a very large number of persons participated for an hour-and-a-half.

Archpastoral visitation, 2021

On 28 November, 2021, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) served on the Feast of the Sign of the Theotokos at The Sign of Theotokos Temple in Montréal. Concelebrating with him were Archpriest Paul Kara ; Hieromonk Serafim (Tregubov) ; and Deacon Denis Letunovsky.

Vladyka Irénée made this visit when it had become possible to have public gatherings again, in a context of 3 other pastoral visitations in Québec.

Vladyka Irénée serves after the re-opening

Sign of the Theotokos Community Celebrates Patronal Feast, 2024

On Saturday, 23 November, and Sunday, 24 November, 2024, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) led the annual celebration of the Altar-feast day of the Sign of the Theotokos Church, the Feast of the Holy Icon of the Sign of the Theotokos.

On Saturday evening, Vladyka presided at the Great Vespers with Litia/Artoclasia.

On Sunday Morning, Vladyka Irénée presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. He was assisted by Archpriest Paul Kara, the rector.

Following the Divine Services, a festal meal was provided in the lower parish hall.

Dr John Hadjinicolaou Is Named “Hellene of the Year”, 2025

On 4 April, 2025, Dr John Hadjinicolaou, very longtime parishioner of “The Sign”, was named "Hellene of the Year”. This distinction was declared by the “Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal”, which awards annually the honourary distinction “Hellene of the Year” to various persons in recognition of their contribution to the life of the Community at large, and to Hellenism..

The Hellene of the Year is an individual whose life and work exemplify the highest ideals of scholarship, faith, and community service. A person whose accomplishments span across academia, business, the arts, and social service, and whose devotion to the Hellenic community has enriched not only the present but will continue to inspire future generations.

Born and raised in Thessaloniki, Greece, he began his educational journey at the Aristotelian University, where he pursued Byzantine Music, Civil Engineering, and Orthodox Theology. His intellectual curiosity and drive led him to Canada in 1977, where he completed both a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from McGill University, later adding an MBA to his impressive credentials. This unique blend of expertise in both the sciences and the humanities has allowed him to bridge the worlds of faith, reason, and innovation, making a profound impact in both his academic and personal pursuits.

Since 1983, he has served as a Professor of Engineering at McGill University, later extending his academic influence to Concordia University. He has received the Best Teacher Award numerous times over the years, a testament to his dedication to students and the quality of his instruction. In 1998, he began leading Orthodox Theology programs at Université Laval, where his work has shaped countless minds and fostered a unique blend of scientific thought and spiritual guidance.

But it is not only in the classroom where his influence is felt. His contributions to the Greek community in Montreal and beyond are nothing short of extraordinary. As a founding member and current president of the Hellenic Scholarships Foundation, he has ensured that Greek students receive the financial support they need to pursue higher education. Under his leadership, the foundation has expanded significantly, currently offering 16 scholarships annually, with plans for even further growth in the coming years.

In 2010, he founded the Montreal Institute of Orthodox Theology (MIOT), which offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Orthodox studies, ensuring that Orthodox Christian traditions remain vibrant and relevant in today’s world. His passion for theology is matched only by his commitment to preserving Greek heritage, and he has made it his life’s mission to instill pride in Greek youth, offering them the tools to succeed academically and spiritually.

Beyond his academic and professional achievements, he has also been an entrepreneur, founding “Alexander Press” in 1983. This publishing house has become a leader in distributing Orthodox Christian literature across North America, ensuring that theological knowledge is accessible to all who seek it. He has also contributed to the literary world as a poet and literary critic, co-authoring anthologies that explore the Greek immigrant experience and identity.

His work is not limited to the written word ; he has been a United Nations expert on environmental issues, particularly water pollution, since 1996. His expertise has influenced policies and projects focused on sustainability, marking him as a scholar whose work benefits the global community.

For over four decades, he has been a pillar of the Greek community in Montreal and in Canada, working relentlessly to promote and preserve Hellenic values. In 1983, recognising the need for adult education in Greek studies, he founded the Montreal Centre for Greek Studies, which continues to provide educational opportunities in Greek language, history, and culture. Through this initiative, he has helped countless individuals reconnect with their roots and fostered a strong sense of pride in their heritage.

His dedication to Greek culture extends beyond education into the arts, where he has been involved in organising numerous cultural, educational, and spiritual events, including conferences, performances, and discussions. These efforts have ensured that Greek traditions, history, and intellectual achievements remain accessible to new generations.

Currently serving as Vice President of the Hellenic Library of Montreal, he continues to champion the preservation of Greek literature and history, ensuring that these vital elements of culture are passed down to future generations.

While his accomplishments are numerous, he remains humble and devoted to his family. He is married to Professor Dr. Evangelia Amirali, a prominent psychiatrist, and together they have four sons. His unwavering commitment to his faith, his community, and his family has made him a role model for those around him.

The Hellene of the Year is an individual whose extraordinary legacy continues to inspire generations. His unwavering commitment to education, community, and Orthodox Christian values has earned him the admiration of all who know him.

Dr John Hadjinikolaou, and his wife Dr. Evangelia Amirali ; Dr. Hadjinicolaou

Parish organisations

The Choir

The choir of the parish was led by Matushka Mary Tkachuk from the beginning. After others followed her in this responsibility, she was always the one on whom the choristers depended in order to keep them properly focussed and to lead them during intervals. Other leaders were Anastassy Dickson and Vasilis Hadjinicolaou. Lesley-Ann Judge has led the choir for more than 30 years ; but in any temporary absence, Matushka Mary substituted until her move to the USA.

The Father Alexander Schmemann Bookstore & Library

The bookstore and library are co-ordinated by Paul Pasarivakis.

The Saint John the Compassionate Fellowship

This fellowship meets after Saturday Vespers for soup and an educational discussion.

Sunday Church School (Children/Youth)

Lila Amirali, Emanuel Kolyvas and Maria Cremanzidis provide the teaching and socialising.

Adult Orthodox Christian Education Series (ACE)

This education series periodically provides talks and conversations on particular subjects.

 In 2016-2017, there was a thematic series : 'Official Documents of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox 
 Church - Pentecost 2016'.  It was well-received.
 In 2017-2018, the thematic series 'The Church in the World' was proposed, which would take a more in-depth 
 approach to some of the challenges and social concerns facing the Orthodox Church and Christians today.  The 
 one-hour sessions listed below were to take place at 12:30 p.m., after coffee hour :
 22 October, 2017 - Dr Paul Ladouceur : 'Orthodoxy and Human Rights'
 19 November, 2017 - V Rev Dr Cyprian Hutcheon : 'Orthodox Christians and Non-Christian Religions :
 Is 'Interfaith' the New Ecumenism ?'
 21 January, 2018 - Dr Evangelia Amirali Hadjinicolaou : 'Reflections on the Orthodox Christian Family 
 in the 21st Century'
 4 March, 2018 - Dr Emmanuel Kolyvas : '"All Who Have Been Baptized into Christ Have Put on Christ" : Now What ?'
 6 May, 2018 - Dr John Hadjinicolaou : 'Evangelisation and Witness'

Particular parish information / Informations paroissiales particulières

Depuis sa fondation en 1978, la paroisse du Signe de la Mère de Dieu a donné à l'Église, parmi ses membres, quatre prêtres, deux diacres, un moine et deux religieuses. Cependant, la force et le cœur de la paroisse ont toujours résidé dans l'engagement actif de ses fidèles dévoués, à travers leurs activités de service : chants, direction de chorale, enseignement et aide aux plus démunis.

Since the founding of the parish in 1978, The Sign of the Theotokos parish has given the Church from amongst their members 4 priests, 2 deacons, a monk, and 2 nuns. However, the strength and heart of the parish has always been the active involvement of the dedicated faithful through their service-activities of singing, choral conducting, teaching, and service to those in need.

Les confessions sont généralement entendues le samedi, immédiatement avant ou après les Grandes Vêpres.

Confessions are usually heard on Saturday immediately before or after Great Vespers.

Le calendrier mensuel, disponible dans l'onglet « Services » du site web de la paroisse, permet de vérifier les horaires des Grandes Fêtes et de la Semaine Sainte. Des offices sont célébrés chaque jour de la Semaine Sainte.

The Monthly Calendar shown on the "Services" tab on the parish web-site may be consulted in order to verify the schedule for Great Feasts and for Holy Week. Holy Week services are held each day.

Cette paroisse fait partie du doyenné de Québec, de l'archidiocèse du Canada, lui-même rattaché à l'Église orthodoxe en Amérique. Le doyen est l'archiprêtre mitré Anatoliy Melnyk. L'évêque est l'archevêque Irénée (Rochon).

This parish is a part of the Québec Deanery, of the Archdiocese of Canada, of The Orthodox Church in America. The dean is the Mitred Archpriest Anatoliy Melnyk. The bishop is Archbishop Irénée (Rochon).

Cette paroisse suit le Nouveau calendrier (julien révisé).

This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

La fête patronale de cette paroisse est la fête de l'icône du signe de la Théotokos, le 27 novembre.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the Icon of the Sign of the Theotokos, 27 November.

En 2025, le recteur de cette paroisse est l'archiprêtre Paul Kara. L'archiprêtre Grégoire Nimijean, retraité, y est rattaché.

In 2025, the rector of this parish is the Archpriest Paul Kara. Retired Archpriest Gregory Nimijean is attached.

Address :

The Sign of the Theotokos Orthodox Church

750, boulevard Saint-Joseph Est

Montréal, Québec

H2J 1K2

Web-site : http://www.signorthodoxchurch.ca

Facebook

Office telephone : 514-934-0539

Warden : Lila Amirali

Junior Warden : Emanuel Kolyvas

Treasurer : Andrei Maistrenko

Secretary : Panagiota Katsikas

Youth Representative : Anastasia Pivnicki

Directions :

The Temple of the Sign of the Theotokos is located near the downtown area of Montréal in the Province of Québec. This area of the city is known as the “Plateau Mount Royal”, which is to the east of Mount Royal. This area is home to many young professionals, and it is full of life with many nearby restaurants and shops. The Sign of the Theotokos is a large brick Temple on the corner of Resther Street, a side-street, and the main entrance of the Temple is on Saint Joseph Boulevard East. The entrance to the Temple is marked by a beautifully carved wooden sign bearing the Icon of The Sign of the Theotokos. It is clearly visible in front of the Temple, at 750, Saint Joseph Boulevard East.

Access by metro (subway) and/or bus :

The Temple is very conveniently located 3 blocks east of Saint-Denis Street (bus #30), and just 1 short block east of the Laurier Metro (subway) station (use the Saint-Joseph exit). The Laurier metro is on the #2 (or orange) metro line. Several buses stop at the Laurier Metro station, including #14, #27, #47 and #51.

By car :

From the east :

The “Plateau Mount Royal” neighbourhood of Montréal can be reached from the eastern part of the city by approaching from the north or south along Papineau Avenue, and turning to the west at Saint Joseph Boulevard East. The Temple is on the left. Parking is not easy but possible to find on the nearby neighbourhood streets.

From the north :

It can also be reached from the north along Saint Denis Street or south along Saint Laurent Boulevard, and turning to the west at Saint Joseph Boulevard West. The Temple is on the right. Parking is not easy but possible to find on the nearby neighbourhood streets.

From the east :

This neighbourhood can also be reached from farther east by driving westwards along the Highway #40 (Métropolitain/Metropolitan), along Sherbrooke Street (Highway #138) or Notre Dame Street East and then driving on Papineau Avenue to Saint Joseph Boulevard. Turn to the west at Saint Joseph Boulevard East. The Temple is on the left. Parking is not easy but possible to find on the nearby neighbourhood streets.

From the west :

From western Montréal, drive eastwards along Highway #40 or Sherbrooke Street, and then drive on Saint Denis Street. Turn to the east at Saint Joseph Boulevard West. The Temple is on the right. Parking is not easy but possible to find on the nearby neighbourhood streets.

From places farther to the west, enter the city either by Highway #40 or Highway #20, and turn south or north at Papineau Avenue. Turn to the west at Saint Joseph Boulevard East. The Temple is on the left. Parking is not easy but possible to find on the nearby neighbourhood streets.

From the south :

From the south, cross the Saint Lawrence River northwards on the Champlain Bridge (via Highway #10) or on the Jacques Cartier Bridge (via Highway #134).

From the Jacques Cartier Bridge, continue northwards on Papineau Avenue and turn westwards at Saint Joseph Boulevard East. The Temple is on the left. Parking is not easy but possible to find on the nearby neighbourhood streets.

From the Champlain Bridge, follow the signs for Highway #10 towards the city centre. Continue straight on Henri Bourassa Boulevard as far as Sherbrooke Street. Turn right on Sherbrooke Street and drive to Saint Laurent Boulevard. Turn left (northwards) on Saint Laurent Boulevard, and continue to Saint Joseph Boulevard West. Turn right. The Temple is on the right. Parking is not easy but possible to find on the nearby neighbourhood streets.

Mailing address :

The Sign of the Theotokos Orthodox Church

4829, rue Resther Street

Montréal, Québec

H2J 2V6

Archpriest Paul Kara

1599 100e Ave

Laval, Québec

H7W 0B2

Telephone : 514-912-5926

E-mail : paulwkara@gmail.com

Archpriest Gregory Nimijean

Home telephone : 514-893-4416

References

Kishkovsky, Archpriest Leonid & Stokoe, Mark, “Orthodox Christians in North America (1794-1994)”

‘The Legacy of Father Alexander Schmemann Thirty Years Later’ in “Jacob’s Well” (2014), pp. 4-7

Scratch, Priest Gregory, ‘Reflection on the Work and Influence of Fr John Tkachuk’ in “Canadian Orthodox Messenger”

"The Sign of the Theotokos Orthodox Church 1978 A.D." (Montréal : Sign of the Theotokos Orthodox Church, 1988)

"The Sign of the Theotokos Orthodox Church Twenty-fifth Anniversary AD 1978-2003 MONTRÉAL" (Montréal : Sign of the Theotokos Orthodox Church, November, 2003)

Additional information :

OCA listing

Parish web-site

Archdiocese of Canada web-site

Archdiocese of Canada Facebook

Archdiocese listing

Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada

Orthodox Church in America web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church in America

Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor)

Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko)

Metropolitan Jonah (Pauffhausen)