View source for Toronto ON Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada 1960



[[File:Metropolis_Headquarters_(Toronto).jpg]]

'''Toronto, Ontario, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, 1960'''


— Sources : the “Brief History of the Greek Orthodox Church in Canada”
by [http://www.panagia.ca/Panagia/Contact.html Protopresbyter Panagiotis Avgeropoulos] ; various internet articles


==Prehistory ==

Greeks began arriving in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada] as early as the 19th century. These early immigrants came from the poorer areas of [https://www.britannica.com/place/Greece Greece], such as the islands of [https://www.britannica.com/place/Crete Crete], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syros Syros], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skopelos Skopelos], as well as from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Greece_(geographic_region) Roumeli] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peloponnese Peloponnesos] regions – especially the poorer villages of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phocis Phokida], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arcadia_(region) Arcadia], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laconia Laconia].

Some of these immigrants settled in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal Montréal], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec Québec], as early as 1843.  The [https://library-archives.canada.ca/eng/collection/research-help/genealogy-family-history/censuses/Pages/censuses.aspx Canadian Census in 1871] states that there were 39 persons of Greek origin living in Canada.  [https://greekreporter.com/2009/11/11/history-of-greek-immigration/ Greek immigration], sporadic prior to 1900, increased considerably in the early 20th century as a result of poverty, war, and political upheavals at home.

[https://library-archives.canada.ca/eng/collection/research-help/genealogy-family-history/censuses/Pages/censuses.aspx In 1901], 213 Greek immigrants lived in Canada ; [https://library-archives.canada.ca/eng/collection/research-help/genealogy-family-history/censuses/Pages/censuses.aspx in 1911] the number was 2,640 ; [https://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/9.832354/publication.html in 1931], 5,580 ; and [https://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/9.833108/publication.html in 1941], 5,871.  Immigration was halted during the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II World War II] ; but from 1946 to 1981, about 116,300 Greek immigrants entered Canada.  According to the [https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/index-eng.cfm 2016 census], there were 271,405 Canadians of Greek origin living in Canada.  Of this number, the majority lived in the provinces of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec Québec] (148,550 and 71,330, respectively).  The most recent census done in 2021 records that there were 262,140 Canadians of Greek origin in Canada (a drop of over 9,000 persons since the last census 5 years previous).

It may be useful to understand as well that although the Canadian Census refers to those of Greek origin in particular, there were [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language Greek-speakers] emigrating from elsewhere who also arrived in Canada.  Until the end of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I World War I], there were Greek-speakers arriving from various parts of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottoman_Empire Ottoman Empire] (which fell in 1918).  Within this empire, there were Greek-speakers in the region of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatolia Anatolia] (now [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkey Türkiye]), [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria Syria], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant] (now [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanon Lebanon]), [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_Palestine Palestine] (now [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel Israel]), and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt Egypt].  Another source was [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprus Cyprus], which at that time had been annexed to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Empire British Empire].  The nature of the immigration of Greek-speakers to Canada has not been just the same as that in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States USA].  

'''Early days'''

It is important to note that prior to the organisation and foundation of the Greek Communities and Churches, the early immigrants would attend the already-established Orthodox Temples of the “[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America Russian Mission]” of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Church of Russia] (which at that time had developed into the “[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America#Diocese_of_the_Aleutian_Islands_and_North_America,_1900 Diocese of North America and the Aleutian Islands]”).  Most of its Faithful were [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language Ukrainian]-, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_language Russian]-, or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanian_language Romanian]-speakers.  They had arrived in large numbers earlier in Canada, during the middle to late 19th century, and they were the first to build [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox Christian Churches] in Canada.  

It is known that the missionary priests of the “[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America#Diocese_of_the_Aleutian_Islands_and_North_America,_1900 Diocese of North America and the Aleutian Islands]” provided occasional services in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language Greek] for the few Greek Orthodox Christians who were living in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver Vancouver], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia British Columbia], region before and after 1900.  They did this while they were journeying to the region of Slavic settlement near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/north-west-territories-1870-1905 North-West Territories] ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta]).   

The first recorded celebration of an Orthodox [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy] on Canadian soil took place on 12 June, 1897, on a farm belonging to [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Theodore_and_Katherine_Nemirsky Theodore and Katerina Nemirsky] at Old Wostok, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta], north-east of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton].  It is also known that at this Liturgy, approximately 600 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Greek_Catholic_Church Greek Catholics] – Ukrainian Galician immigrants from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austrian_Empire Austro-Hungarian Empire] – were united to their ancestral [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian Faith].  

This Divine Liturgy was served by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle Seattle]-based Russian Orthodox missionary Priest, Father Dimitri Kamnev, and he was assisted by his [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archpriest_Vladimir_and_Matushka_Rose_Alexandrov Deacon Vladimir Alexandrov], with the blessing of their [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Nicholas_(Ziorov) Bishop Nicholas (Ziorov)], whose episcopal see was in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco San Francisco], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California California], [https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States USA].  In 1897, it was this same Bishop Nicholas Ziorov, of the Diocese of the Aleutians and North America of the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America Russian Mission], who became the first Orthodox Bishop to visit Canada.  Entering Canada from the south through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California Minneapolis], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota Minnesota], he visited some of the Faithful who had settled in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Canada central Canada], in the vicinity around [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg Winnipeg], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba Manitoba].

Another case of inter-Orthodox cooperation took place in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London,_Ontario London], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario], in 1916 with the establishment of the first Orthodox Church there.  The Russian Community founded the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/London_ON_Holy_Transfiguration_Antiochian_Orthodox_Church_1916 Holy Transfiguration Russian Orthodox Church] with the help of the Greek immigrants residing in London, Ontario, at that time. 

'''Greek Orthodox Parish/Community Formation'''

With the increase of Greek immigration to Canada after 1905, these early immigrants began to join together to establish community organizations, such as cultural and patriotic associations. The purpose of these formations was to help immigrants adjust to their new life in Canada, and to
combat prejudice and discrimination.  The primary reason for joining together was to preserve the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language Greek language], their [https://stgeorgegreenville.org/our-faith/tenpointprogram/ Greek traditions], and their rich [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Greece culture].  This was done by establishing Greek Schools to teach the language to their children, and also Greek Orthodox Churches in order to fulfil their spiritual, sacramental, and devotional needs.

The first Greek Communities and Churches formed in Canada were in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal Montréal], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec Québec], in 1906 ; [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto Toronto], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario], in 1909 ; and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunder_Bay Thunder Bay], Ontario, in 1918. 

'''First Greek Orthodox Church in Montréal'''

The first Greek religious organisation in Montréal, Québec, was granted a charter by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Assembly_of_Quebec Legislative Assembly of Québec] on 7 May, 1909, under the corporate name “[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Montr%C3%A9al_QC_Evangelismos-Annunciation_Greek_Orthodox_Church_1909-1931,_1975 The Greek Orthodox Church Evangelismos of Montréal]”, although religious services in the Greek language and an interim Council of Trustees are said to have existed as early as 1906 or 1907.  In 1910, this ecclesiastical corporation constructed the first Greek Orthodox church “Evangelismos” or “[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Annunciation Annunciation]” on a vacant lot on the west side of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Laurent_Boulevard Saint-Laurent Boulevard] between [https://www.maps-streetview.com/Canada/Montreal/streets.php?street=Rue+Milton Milton Street] and Prince Street, just north of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherbrooke_Street Sherbrooke Street]. 

'''First Greek Orthodox church in Toronto'''

The first Greek Orthodox Church in Toronto was founded in 1909 by Toronto’s early Greek immigrants, in a 2-level building on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarvis_Street Jarvis Street].  On the ground floor was the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Saint_George%E2%80%99s_Greek_Orthodox_Church_of_Toronto_1909 Saint George’s Church], and on the second floor were the classrooms for the Greek language school.  Due to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greeks_of_Toronto influx of Greek immigrants], they quickly out-grew this building, and they looked for a larger building to accommodate their spiritual and cultural needs.  

In 1936, the parish of Saint George in Toronto was able to purchase the [https://ontariojewisharchives.org/exhibits/synagogues/introduction.html first] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synagogue Synagogue] in Toronto on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bond_Street_(Toronto) Bond Street], which was to become its permanent home.  This building had previously served (since 15 September, 1887) as the "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Blossom_Temple Holy Blossom Temple]".  By 1936, the congregation of this synagogue had outgrown the building, and the congregation moved to their new Synagogue on Bathurst Street.  

The architecture of the former Synagogue on Bond Street had been executed in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-Byzantine_architecture Neo-Byzantine style], which lent itself to its relatively easy transition into an Orthodox Christian Temple of worship.  This Greek Orthodox Christian Temple is located in the very heart of Toronto, alongside other historical places of worship.

On 19 June, 1938, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Athenagoras_(Spyrou) Archbishop Athenagoras (Spyrou)] of America arrived to sanctify the Church in the ancient Rite of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Consecration_of_a_church Sanctification of a Temple].  It is this same Archbishop Athenagoras who was later elected Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and enthroned on 1 November, 1948.

'''Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Thunder Bay, Ontario'''

In 1904, the first Greek immigrant who went to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunder_Bay Thunder Bay], Ontario, was Stavros Petrakos.  Over the next 25 years, more Greek immigrants arrived from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kozani Kozani], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonia_(Greece) Macedonia] (Greece) ; from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatolia Asia Minor] ; and from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Greece Central Greece].  These first immigrants came together to build a Church for their religious and cultural needs.  According to the historical records of the Community, the cost of the lot on Spring Street was $800, and the material and labour for the building of the new Church was $2,300.  

In 1918, the new Church was completed and named after the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Trinity Holy Trinity].  Five Priests served in [http://gothunderbay.org Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church] up until 1935, when financial difficulties arose, forcing the Church to close for 20 years.  Local history tells that the Greeks would go to the [https://www.uocc.ca/parish/assumption-dormition-of-st-mary-parish-5/ Ukrainian Orthodox Church] for their [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Marriage Weddings], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Baptism Baptisms], and [https://www.goarch.org/-/the-funeral-service-of-the-orthodox-church Funerals] until 1955, when the Church re-opened with the arrival of [http://www.gothunderbay.org/history_2.htm Priest Christophoros Tsarouchas].   He will always be remembered for his sacrificial ministry there.  

'''Bishops who served in Canada in the earlier times'''

From the establishment of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_North_and_South_America Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America], because of proximity (at least to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Canada Eastern Canada]), it was the bishops in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston Boston], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts Massachusetts], who took care of the needs of the Greek Orthodox parishes in Canada.  These were :  
  [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Joachim_(Alexopoulos)_of_Demetrias Bishop Ioakim (Alexopoulos)] 		1923-1930
  [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Athenagoras_(Kavadas)_of_Thyateira_and_Great_Britain Bishop Athenagoras (Kavadas)]		1938-1949
  [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ezekiel_(Tsoukalas)_of_Pisidia Bishop Ezekiel (Tsoukalas)]			1950-1954
  [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Athenagoras_(Kokkinakis) Bishop Athenagoras (Kokkinakis)]		1955-1960

'''Ninth Archdiocese District'''

For many years, the Greek Orthodox parishes in Canada were cared for within the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_Canada#History ninth archdiocese district of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America].  

From 1955 until 1960, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Athenagoras_(Kokkinakis) Bishop Athenagoras (Kokkinakis)] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston Boston] took care of the Greek Orthodox parishes in Canada in addition to his responsibilities in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States USA].

==First resident bishop in Canada, 1960==

In 1960, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Athenagoras_(Kokkinakis) Metropolitan Athenagoras (Kokkinakis)] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaea_(Aeolis) Elaia] (Elaia was a city near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smyrna Smyrna], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatolia Anatolia]) was assigned to lead the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Canada.  He was transferred to Canada from Boston, and he became the first bishop to be resident in Canada, in Toronto (which became the see-city).  Canada was still known as the Ninth Archdiocese District.  

Metropolitan Athenagoras (Kokkinakis), [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Titular_bishop Titular Bishop] of [https://www.greecetravel.com/peloponessos/eleia.htm Elaia], was assigned by [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Iakovos_(Coucouzis) Archbishop Iakovos (Coucouzis)] to serve in the Ninth Archdiocese District (Canada), which was part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North & South America since its founding in 1922.  

Metropolitan Athenagoras served the Church in Canada from 1960 until his transfer to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_Thyateira_and_Great_Britain Archdiocese of Thyateira & Great Britain] in 1963. 


[[File:Athenagoras kokkinakis 1.jpg]]  '''Metropolitan Athenagoras (Kokkinakis)'''


'''First Ecclesiastical Conference of Greek Orthodox Communities, 1961'''

A year after his arrival, Metropolitan Athenagoras prepared a report about the status of the Greek Orthodox Church in Canada.  He presented this report to the First Ecclesiastical Conference of the Greek Orthodox Communities in Canada that took place in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa Ottawa], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario], in June, 1961.  In the Introduction of his report, he wrote : 
  “We did not come here just to enjoy the beauty, the opportunities and the
  wealth that Canada offers to all.  We did not come just to take, but to offer,
  as well. […] We came to offer something deeper than all these, and this is our
  rich Greek culture and the venerable Tradition of Orthodox Christianity.
Reading through his report, one is struck by his motivation to grow the Church in Canada by giving priority to Religious and Greek education ; [https://www.goarch.org/departments/youth Youth ministry] ; and the use of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language English language] to maintain the Youth.

Metropolitan Athenagoras was also instrumental in working together with the [http://www.stgeorgestoronto.org/community.html Greek Community of Saint George in Toronto], Ontario, to purchase the second Greek Orthodox Church in Toronto, which would become [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Annunciation_to_the_Theotokos_Greek_Orthodox_Cathedral_1961 Annunciation (Panagia) Greek Orthodox Church].  Metropolitan Athenagoras encouraged the Parishioners of Saint George to purchase the former [https://www.archeion.ca/north-parkdale-united-church-toronto-ont North Parkdale United Church] in 1961.  Searching through the parish files, Father Panagiotis Averopoulos found the original Deed of Purchase, which states that the Church was bought by “the St. George's Greek Orthodox Church Congregation in Toronto”, as was its corporate name at the time.

Metropolitan Athenagoras gave the name of “Panagia-Evangelistria” to the new congregation, and he assigned the late [https://ogden.funeraltechweb.com/tribute/details/18609/Mrs-Tula-Demopoulos/obituary.html Father George Demopoulos] to serve as the first priest.  On the day of  Panagia’s sanctification in 1963, Metropolitan Athenagoras wrote these words on the original [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Antimension Antimension] that still exists :  
  Sanctified at the Consecration of the Cathedral of Panagia in Toronto Canada
  on the 5th of May 1963.  Signed, Metropolitan Athenagoras of Elaia. 

It is also note-worthy that it was this same Metropolitan Athenagoras who in Boston ordained the future first Bishop of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Toronto (Canada) ([https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)] to be a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Deacon], and then to be a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presyter Priest].  At that time, Metropolitan Athenagoras was serving as Dean of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Cross_Greek_Orthodox_School_of_Theology_(Brookline,_Massachusetts) Holy Cross Theological School].  

'''Bishop Timothy (Haloftis)'''

The second Bishop to serve in Canada was [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Timotheos_(Haloftis) Bishop Timothy (Haloftis)] of Rodostolon (a former diocese in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Thrace East Thrace], now in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkey Turkey]/Türkiye).  He had been ordained in Greece as a deacon and then as a priest.  Then, he had served as the Director of Confessions for the “[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Apostoliki_Diakonia Apostoliki Diakonia]” in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athens Athens], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece Greece].  In 1956, he arrived in the USA, and he served various communities, including  the [https://stdemetrioschurch.ca/ Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg Winnipeg], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba Manitoba].  In 1959, he became the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Protosyngellos Chancellor] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_America Archdiocese of North and South America].  

In 1962, he was elected by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople#Administration_and_structure Holy Synod of Constantinople] to be Titular Bishop of Rodostolon. He served the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_North_and_South_America Ecclesiastical Districts of South America], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_Canada Canada], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska Alaska], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago Chicago].  It was under his episcopal leadership that the previous Episcopal Residence and Headquarters of the Church in Canada was purchased on [https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.733947,-79.3989097,17z?entry=ttu Teddington Park Avenue] (in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddington_Park Teddington Park] neighbourhood), east of [https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Yonge+St+%26+Teddington+Park+Ave,+Toronto,+ON/@43.7330559,-79.4068596,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x882b32ea4001b77b:0xdbc6b1476d847da!8m2!3d43.7330559!4d-79.4042793!16s%2Fg%2F11gdswyz_5?entry=ttu Yonge Street], in Toronto.  It was Bishop Timothy who elevated the then [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas)  Priest Sotirios Athanasoulas] to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archimandrite archimandrite].  


[[File:Bishop-Timotheos-(Haloftis)_1.jpg]] '''Bishop Timotheos (Haloftis)'''


'''Bishop Theodosius (Sideris)'''

The third Bishop to serve in Canada was [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Theodosios_(Sideris) Bishop Theodosios (Sideris)] of Ancona.  After having served as Professor and deputy Director of the famous [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athonite_Academy “Athoniada” School on Mount Athos], he was transferred to the USA in 1937, and he served various parishes.  He pursued graduate studies at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Presbyterian_Seminary Union Theological Seminary] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond,_Virginia Richmond], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia Virginia], where he received his [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_of_Theology Doctorate in Theology] in 1947.  In 1960, he was elected by the Holy Synod of Constantinople as Bishop of Ancona.  He served the Ninth Archdiocesan District in Canada from 1967-1973. 


[[File:Bishop-Theodosios-(Sideris).jpg]]  '''Bishop Theodosios (Sideris)'''


'''Archbishop Iakovos (Coucouzis) makes significant changes'''

In 1967, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Iakovos_(Coucouzis) Archbishop Iakovos (Coucouzis)] recognised the development of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Canada by designating [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Annunciation_to_the_Theotokos_Greek_Orthodox_Cathedral_1961 Holy Annunciation Church] (Panagia) in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto Toronto], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada], to the diocesan cathedral.  This recognition continued for many years.  

It is to be kept in mind that Archbishop Iakovos had a special concern for the Ninth Archdiocesan District/Greek Orthodox Diocese of Canada, and he did whatever he could to nurture it.


[[File:Archbishop-Iakovos-(Coucouzis).jpg]]  '''Archbishop Iakovos (Coucouzis)'''

==Fourth bishop, a distinct diocese, 1973==

In 1973, a new direction was taken by the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Patriarchate of Constantinople] with regard to the Greek Orthodox Church in Canada.  

'''Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)'''

First, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Archimandrite Sotirios (Athanassoulas)] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta], [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas)#Pastoral_service was elected] by the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople to become a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop bishop].  

Then, on 27 January, 1974, Archimandrite Sotirios (Athanassoulas) [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas)#Episcopal_ordination,_1974 was ordained] to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Episcopate Holy Episcopate] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal Montréal], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec Québec].  

Upon ordination, he was given the title “Bishop of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constan%C8%9Ba Constantia]” (a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Titular_bishop titular see]), and he was given the responsibility to serve in the Ninth District as the Bishop of Toronto in Ontario.  

Effectively, the Ninth District became the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_Canada Greek Orthodox Diocese of Toronto (Canada)] ; and from that time, the development of the diocese developed in parallel with the personal progress of Bishop Sotirios over the next many decades.    

==Diocese of Toronto (Canada), 1979==

In 1979, following a re-structuring of the Archdiocese of North and South America, the Ninth District of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_North_and_South_America Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America] was elevated by the Patriarch of Constantinople to be the [https://goarchdiocese.ca/ Greek Orthodox Diocese of Toronto (Canada)], and [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)] of Constantia became Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto Toronto] ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada Canada]).

In 1979, Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of Constantia was elevated to be the Bishop of [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/toronto/ Toronto] (Canada), in [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ontario/ Ontario].  

At that time, there were 22 Greek Orthodox parishes in the Canadian diocese.  

Meanwhile, Bishop Sotirios continued to serve as a member of the [https://www.goarch.org/council Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Archdiocese of North and South America].  He did so from 1968 until 1996, when another major change occurred (in connexion with the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Iakovos_(Coucouzis)#Retirement,_1996 retirement of Archbishop Iakovos (Coucouzis)]).   

'''Development of services for the Faithful by the diocese'''

During these years, Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) worked steadily at developing the structure and resources of the diocese, as well as its active service.  

In 1980, Bishop Sotirios established the [https://www.thegreekend.com/upcoming-events/g5vjmdeik2zhri7nq76e7npdttsadh annual Youth Assemblies], which brought together hundreds of Greek Orthodox young people for the annual three-day Youth Assemblies in Peterborough.  The best attendance was one in Peterborough with 700 young people attending.  

In 1982, Bishop Sotirios began the publishing of the monthly newspaper
“[https://goarchdiocese.ca/orthodox-way/ Orthodox Way]” so that he could better communicate the message of the
Church with all the Parishioners across Canada.  In time, this newspaper was published [https://goarchdiocese.ca/orthodox-way/ on the internet].  

The [https://211north.ca/record/69795263/?searchLocation=Toronto&topicPath=22&latitude=43.775379&longitude=-79.343934 Social Services Department] was established in 1984. 

Metahomes was established also in 1984, in order to provide transitional housing for the homeless and disadvantaged. 

In 1990, the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3VUH9H1Y1k “Orthodox Voice” television programme] was launched.  Later, this programme continued on in the [https://www.youtube.com/user/GOMetropolisToronto internet environment].  

In 1991, the [https://www.scholipsaltikismontreal.org/ School of Byzantine Music] was initiated, in order to promote the teaching and executing of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_music traditional Byzantine musical art] in the parishes of the diocese.  Later, this provision was incorporated into the syllabus of courses of the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Patriarchal_Toronto_Orthodox_Theological_Academy_1998 Theological Academy] when it was established.  

'''Monasteries established, 1993'''

In 1993, having seen the need for a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monasticism monastic] presence and witness in Canada, Metropolitan Sotirios blessed the establishment of 2 female monasteries in the Canadian Greek Archdiocese : the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bolton_ON_Saint_Kosmas_Aitolos_Greek_Orthodox_Monastery_1993 Saint Kosmas of Aitolos Monastery] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolton,_Ontario Bolton], Ontario, and the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Brownsburg-Chatham_QC_Greek_Orthodox_Monastery_of_the_Virgin_Mary_of_Consolation_1993 Virgin Mary of Consolation] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownsburg-Chatham Brownsburg], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec Québec].  

In 1996, the “Greek Orthodox Education in Ontario” [https://www.greekcommunity.org/greek-schools Day Schools] were established in Toronto.  

==The Diocese of Canada becomes a Metropolis, 1996==

On 30 July, 1996, the Patriarchate of Constantinople divided the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_North_and_South_America Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America] into 4 parts : the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States USA], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada Canada], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_America Central America], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_America South America].  The Diocese of Canada was elevated to the status of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolis_(religious_jurisdiction) metropolitanate].  

At the same time, the Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) was detached from the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_America Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America], and placed directly under the authority of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople Patriarchal Throne in Constantinople]. 

On 24 September, 1996, [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)] was elevated to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop#Archbishops_and_Metropolitans metropolitan], and he was given the title and responsibility of Metropolitan Archbishop of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto Toronto] (Canada), and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exarch Exarch] of all Canada.

==Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy, 1998==

In 1998, with the blessing of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis) Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)], Metropolitan Sotirios established the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Patriarchal_Toronto_Orthodox_Theological_Academy_1998 Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy].   The purpose of establishing the academy was to train the future clergy of Canada instead of having to send them abroad to study. 

Later, Patriarch Bartholomew honoured the Academy by blessing the re-naming of the Toronto Academy to “Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy”.  This distinction was granted ahead of the older schools of theology in the USA.  

==Patriarchal visit to Canada==

Also in 1998, there was the historical and remarkable 9-day [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis)#1998,_visit_to_Canada Apostolic Visit of Patriarch Bartholomew to Canada].  The visit was between 25 May and 2 June, and it included the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Metropolis of Toronto, and the beginning of the Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy.  

Patriarch Bartholomew visited parishes in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver Vancouver], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg Winnipeg], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto Toronto], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa Ottawa], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal Montréal].  Metropolitan Sotirios had been the chief organiser of this visit, and he had worked tirelessly for its success. This visit included encounters with the Orthodox Christian bishops of other Orthodox dioceses in Canada.  It culminated in a very large public serving of the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy in “[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maple_Leaf_Gardens Maple Leaf Gardens]” in Toronto.

==Vicar-Bishop Christophoros (Rakintzakis), 1999==

In 1999, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Christophoros_(Rakintzakis)#Episcopal_ordination,_1999 Bishop Christophoros (Rakintzakis)], ordained in [https://www.stnicholascenter.org/gazetteer/1169 Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarborough,_Ontario Scarborough], Toronto, Ontario, was assigned to serve as [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Auxiliary_bishop Vicar-Bishop] in the Metropolis of Toronto (Canada).  

He had the responsibility of leading the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Patriarchal_Toronto_Orthodox_Theological_Academy_1998 Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy], and assisting Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) in many and various ways.  He served in these responsibilities faithfully, lovingly, and paternally until his retirement in 2017.  

'''Canadian Council of Orthodox Bishops, 2000'''

In 2000, with the blessing of Patriarch Bartholomew, Metropolitan Sotirios organised the establishment of the “[https://goarchdiocese.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CANADIAN-CONFERENCE-OF-ORTHODOX-BISHOPS.pdf Canadian Council of Orthodox Bishops]”.  As [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Exarch Exarch] of the Patriarch of Constantinople in Canada, Metropolitan Sotrios has chaired the meetings of this episcopal assembly in Canada, in accordance with the direction of the [https://mospat.ru/en/news/58017/ Consultation in Chambésy in 1993] of all the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/List_of_autocephalous_and_autonomous_churches autocephalous Orthodox Churches].  

The purpose of this body is to co-ordinate joint initiatives of all the Orthodox Churches in Canada, and especially to promote the unity of the different Orthodox administrations in Canada, with a view to the future bringing together of the entire Orthodox Church into conformity with the proper Orthodox [https://en.orthodoxwiki.org/Ecclesiology ecclesiology], and into visible unity.

'''Archdiocese assemblies'''

It became the custom of the diocese that there be a clergy-laity assembly of the parishes and communities on a bi-annual basis.

In July, 2024, the archdiocese convened its [https://goarchdiocese.ca/2024-clergy-laity-assembly/  31st biennial assembly] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Catharines Saint Catharine's]. Ontario

==Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada and All the Arctic, 2019==

On 13 June, 2019, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Synod_of_Constantinople Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate], in its meeting with [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis) Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)] presiding, elevated the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Diocese Metropolis] of Toronto to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Diocese Archdiocese] of Canada.   Thus, the official title of the diocese became “Holy Archdiocese of Canada and All the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic Arctic]”, and alternatively, “[https://goarchdiocese.ca/ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada]”.  

Consequently, Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was elevated to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop#Archbishops_and_Metropolitans archbishop].  His title was adjusted to “Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Canada and all the Arctic”, and alternatively, “Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Canada”.

==Vicar-Bishops, 2020==

In 2020, under the blessing of Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis) and the election of the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople, 3 [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Auxiliary_bishop Vicar-Bishops] were elected, ordained, and assigned to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada :  [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Athenagoras_(Salmas) Bishop Athenagoras (Salmas)], [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Bartholomew_(Mostratos) Bishop Bartholomew (Mostratos)], [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Iakovos_(Antonopoulos) Bishop Iakovos (Antonopoulos)].  

After a time, Bishops Bartholomew and Iakovos were transferred away.  [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Athenagoras_(Salmas) Bishop Athenagoras] remained serving in the archdiocese.   

In 2024, Patriarch Bartholomew recognised the accomplishments of Archbishop Sotirios, in a congratulatory letter dated 10 January, 2024, for his 50th Year Golden Jubilee.   Patriarch Bartholomew wrote :
  This significant milestone marks fifty years of dedicated service to the Church, 
  a journey highlighted by the many sacrifices you have made on behalf of the Mother 
  [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Church of Constantinople] and the faithful in Canada.
  
  Your service as [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop#Archbishops_and_Metropolitans Bishop, Metropolitan, and now Archbishop], has been filled with 
  many notable achievements, not least the incredible growth of the flock in Canada 
  and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philanthropy philanthropic], educational, and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Missionary missionary] efforts of the Archdiocese.
  Furthermore, we are reminded of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Wisdom Divine Providence] that, on the sacred day 
  of 18 December 1973 – the feast day of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Sebastian Holy Martyr Sebastian] – both our
  destinies were intertwined, as we were elected to serve the Holy Great Church of Christ 
  in different capacities.  

In addition, Patriarch Bartholomew wrote,
  On this momentous occasion, we give thanks to Almighty God for the blessing
  of your episcopal ministry and pray for your continued health, strength, and
  inspiration in the years to come, in addition to the prosperity of Orthodoxy in
  Canada and the longevity of the Holy Archdiocese there.

In 2024, Archbishop Sotirios reached the significant milestone of having served as the Head of the Greek Orthodox Church in Canada for 50 years.  In this context, Archbishop Sotirios continued to serve in the same manner as always. 

In 2024, the archdiocese numbered 75 parishes.

==Particular archdiocese information==

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada_(Greek) The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada] is an archdiocese of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Patriarchate of Constantinople].  The Patriarch is [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis) Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)].  The bishop is [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)].  

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada follows the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Revised_Julian_Calendar New (Revised Julian) Calendar].  


Address :

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada_(Greek) Greek Orthodox Diocese of Canada]

1 Patriarch Bartholomew Way

(86 Overlea Boulevard)

Toronto, Ontario 

M4H 1C6

Telephone : 416-429-5757  

Fax : 416-429-4588  

E-mail : office@goarchdiocese.ca

Web-site : https://goarchdiocese.ca/ 

[https://www.facebook.com/gometropolis/ Facebook] 


Directions :

By Toronto Transit : 

Consult the [https://www.ttc.ca/ Toronto Transit Corporation web-site].  


By car :

From [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downtown_Toronto  downtown Toronto] :  Drive south towards the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downtown_Toronto Gardener Expressway].  Use an entrance to the Gardener Expressway east-bound.  Follow the signs for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Valley_Parkway Don Valley Parkway] North.  Drive on the Don Valley Parkway north-bound until Exit 7B from the Don Valley Parkway at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Mills_Road Don Mills Road] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_York East York].  Follow Don Mills Road, keeping to the right, until [https://www.waze.com/live-map/directions/ca/on/toronto/overlea-boulevard?to=place.ChIJwaGIn_vM1IkRMpYG905-_U0 Overlea Boulevard].  Turn left onto Overlea Boulevard.  Drive over the ravine, and take the first turning to the right on [https://www.waze.com/live-map/directions/ca/on/toronto/william-morgan-drive?to=place.ChIJnyDPJfzM1IkRLM4InByRRg8 William Morgan Drive] (at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Clement_of_Ohrid_Macedonian_Orthodox_Cathedral,_Toronto Macedonian Orthodox Church]).  At the first turning, turn to the right on William Morgan Drive, and continue to the end.  The entrance to the Headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Diocese is on the right.

==References==

Avgeropoulos, Protopresbyter Panagiotis, “Brief History of the Greek Orthodox Church in Canada” (Toronto, 2024).  

Efthimiou, Miltiades B and George A Christopoulos, eds., “[https://archive.org/details/historyofgreekor0000unseHistory of the Greek Orthodox Church in America]” (New York : Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America, 1984). ASIN ‏: B001AD93BI. 

Kitroeff, Alexander, “[https://academic.oup.com/cornell-scholarship-online/book/38210 The Greek Orthodox Church in America : a modern History]” (Ithaca, New York : Cornell University Press, 2020).

Pappaioannou, Priest George, ‘The Historical Development of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America’ in “A Companion to the Greek Orthodox Church”, ed. Litsas, F K (New York, NY : Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America, 1984).

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., “[https://archive.org/details/orthodoxamerica10000unse/page/n3/mode/2up Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America]” (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America The Russian Mission in North America]   


'''Additional information :'''

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Montr%C3%A9al_QC_Evangelismos-Annunciation_Greek_Orthodox_Church_1909-1931,_1975 Greek Orthodox Church Evangelismos of Montréal]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Saint_George%E2%80%99s_Greek_Orthodox_Church_of_Toronto_1909 Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church of Toronto 1909]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Annunciation_to_the_Theotokos_Greek_Orthodox_Cathedral_1961 Annunciation to the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, Toronto, Ontario]  

[http://www.gothunderbay.org/ Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Thunder Bay, Ontario]   

[https://stdemetrioschurch.ca/ Saint Demetrius Greek Orthodox Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Patriarchal_Toronto_Orthodox_Theological_Academy_1998 Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy]   

[https://goarchdiocese.ca/ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada web-site]  

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada_(Greek) Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada]     

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_Canada Wikipedia article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada]     

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_America Wikipedia article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]   

[https://patriarchateofconstantinople.com/index.html Church of Constantinople web-site]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Constantinople]   

[https://el-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%CE%91%CF%81%CF%87%CE%B9%CE%B5%CF%80%CE%AF%CF%83%CE%BA%CE%BF%CF%80%CE%BF%CF%82_%CE%98%CE%B5%CF%8C%CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B7%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%82_%CE%91%CE%84?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp Archbishop Theokletus I (Minopoulos)] 

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meletius_Metaxakis Patriarch Meletius IV (Metaxakis)]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_VII_of_Constantinople Patriarch Gregory VII (Zervoudakis)]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_VI_of_Constantinople Patriarch Constantine V (Araboglou or Karatzopoulos)]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil_III_of_Constantinople Patriarch Basil III (Georgiadis)] 

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photius_II_of_Constantinople Patriarch Photius II (Maniatis)]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_I_of_Constantinople Patriarch Benjamin I (Psomas)]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximus_V_of_Constantinople Patriarch Maximus V (Vaportzis)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Athenagoras_(Spyrou) Patriarch Athenagoras (Spyrou)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Demetrios_I_(Papadopoulos) Patriarch Demetrios I (Papadopoulos)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis) Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Athenagoras_(Kokkinakis) Archbishop Athenagoras (Kokkinakis)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Iakovos_(Coucouzis) Archbishop Iakovos (Coucouzis)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Christophoros_(Rakintzakis) Bishop Christophoros (Rakintzakis)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Athenagoras_(Salmas) Bishop Athenagoras (Salmas)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Bartholomew_(Mostratos) Bishop Bartholomew (Mostratos)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Iakovos_(Antonopoulos) Bishop Iakovos (Antonopoulos)]  

[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/greeks Canadian Encyclopedia article about Greek Canadians]    

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Canadians Wikipedia article about Greek Canadians]      

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_diaspora Greek diaspora]     

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis)#1998,_visit_to_Canada Visit of Patriarch Batholomew (Archontonis) to Canada] (May-June, 1998)  

[https://goarchdiocese.ca/brief-history/ Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto, Canada, elevated to Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada] (13 June, 2019)

[https://orthodoxtimes.com/three-auxiliary-bishops-for-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-canada/ Three Vicar-Bishops received into the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada] (2 August, 2020)   

[https://orthodoxtimes.com/47th-anniversary-of-ordination-of-archbishop-sotirios-of-canada/ 47th anniversary of the Ordination of Archbishop Sotirios of Canada] (28 January, 2021)   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_Canada_1960#Archdiocese_and_Archbishop Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) : 50th Year Golden Jubilee] (10 January, 2024)  

"[https://greektimes.ca/15620/ Archbishop Sotirios of Canada to step down after 52 years]" (24 June, 2026) 

[https://orthodoxtimes.com/metropolitan-apostolos-of-new-jersey-elected-as-the-new-archbishop-of-canada/ Orthodox Times : Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey elected as the new Archbishop of Canada] (22 July, 2026)


  

[[Category:Parish Communities]]  [[Category:Ontario]]  [[Category:GODT]]  [[Category:EP]]