Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada

Prehistory

Αt the beginning of the 20th century there were approximately 300 Canadians of Greek descent. This number increased rather rapidly across the country.

The first communities established were the Greek Community of the Annunciation in Montréal (1896), the Greek Community of Saint George in Toronto (1909), and the Greek Community of Holy Trinity in Thunder Bay (1918).

The term “community” includes both the Church’s parish itself, and the wider social association of Greek-speakers who support the parish amongst other interests. In some respects, the term reflects the consequences of the secular, provincial, legal incorporation under which parishes and communities achieved recognition as a corporate entity.

In those days, as with the USA, the parishes in Canada communicated with the Church of Greece in Athens about various concerns.

Bishops in the USA

Archbishop Alexander (Demoglou)

In 1918, Bishop Alexander (Demoglou) was assigned to serve as the Vicar-Bishop of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece for the newly-established Archdiocese of North and South America, formed by Metropolitan Meletios Metaxakis) of Athens, Greece.

This incipient archdiocese was formed to care for all the Greek Orthodox Faithful in North and South America, with Metropolitan Meletios as its head in the responsibility of Exarch of America. Bishop Alexander (Demoglou) became the first Greek bishop to head the ethnic Greek Orthodox parishes in North and South America, as Archbishop of New York.

This appointment of Bishop Alexander was made during a period of chaos for the Orthodox Church in North America, and also in other parts of the world (as a consequence of the Russian Revolution of 1917). The chaos was also produced by the Russian Civil War Russian Civil War, the beginning of the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire at that time, and the Greek-Turkish War which followed World War I.

At some time after 1918, parishes in Canada began to be cared for by Greek Orthodox bishops in the USA, who became responsible for assigning clergy, blessing parish communities into existence, and resolving difficulties as the need arose.

Meanwhile, in 1922, Patriarch Meletius IV (Metaxakis) of Constantinople transferred the archdiocese to the jurisdiction of the Church of Constantinople

During 1930, Archbishop Damaskinos (Papandreou) effected the transfer of the hierarchs who had been assigned by Patriarch Meletios to new sees in Greece. In the course of the changes, on 19 June, 1930, Archbishop Alexander (Demoglou) was released from his responsibilities in North America, and he was returned to Greece.

Archbishop Athenagoras (Spyrou)

In late 1930, the Holy Synod of the Constantinopolitan Patriarchate and Patriarch Photios II (Maniatis), with the consent of the Church of Greece, elected Metropolitan Athenagoras (Spyrou) to be Archbishop of New York, and Exarch of North and South America.

In 1931, when he assumed his new responsibilities, Archbishop Athenagoras was faced with the task of bringing unity and harmony to a diocese that was racked with dissension between Royalists and Venizelists. Archbishop Athenagoras centralised the ecclesiastical administration into the archdiocesan offices in New York City. All other bishops then served in the Archdiocese of North and South America as Vicar-Bishops, who were assigned to assist the archbishop, without having dioceses and administrative rights of their own. He did much to settle and develop the administration of the archdiocese.

Then, on 1 November, 1948, Archbishop Athenagoras (Spyrou) was elected by the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople to become the next patriarch.

Archbishop Michael (Konstantinides)

On 18 December, 1949, Archbishop Michael (Konstantinides) was assigned to serve in North America as Archbishop of New York, and Exarch of North and South America. While he led the archdiocese, Archbishop Michael focussed his attention on the inner life and good order of the Church. He urged the recitation of the Lord's Prayer and Creed in both Greek and in English. He was particularly active in expansion of the educational activities of Saint Basil Academy in Garrison, New York. He continued in his archpastoral service until his repose in the Lord on 13 July, 1958.

Archbishop Iakovos (Coucouzis)

On 14 February, 1959, Bishop Iakovos (Coucouzis) was elected by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Church of Constantinople to become Archbishop of New York, and Exarch of North and South America. He was enthroned to this responsibility in Holy Trinity Cathedral, in New York City, New York, on 1 April, 1959.

In 1960, he became the founding president of the “Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas” (SCOBA). He remained at its head until 1996.

As a substantial immigration to North America by Greek-speakers began, Archbishop Iakovos developed a more efficient manner of caring for the widely-dispersed spiritual flock. He developed many educational and pastoral organisations ; and, as his predecessor, he stressed the importance of increasing the use of the English language.

Establishment of a Canadian Pastoral District (Ninth Region), 1960

In 1960, it was decided by Patriarch Athenagoras (Syprou) to establish an episcopal region for Canada, of which the assigned bishop would be "Episcopal Commissioner" for Canada. The region was a preparation for a future diocese ; the "episcopal commissioner" was the preparation for a future ruling bishop.

Metropolitan Athenagoras (Kokkinakis)

On 6 September, 1960, Bishop Athenagoras (Kokkinakis) was elevated to the dignity of “Titular Metropolitan of Elaia”. (Elaia was a city near Smirna, Anatolia.)

At that time, he was assigned by Patriarch Athenagoras (Spyrou) to oversee the parishes in Canada that belonged to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America. Those parishes together became known as the Ninth (Canadian) Region.

He was the first bishop to be assigned for Canada, and he lived in Toronto, Ontario. It is probable that Saint George's Greek Orthodox Church in Toronto served as his cathedral.

In 1961, during the time of his archpastoral supervision, Bishop Athenagoras (Kokkinakis) blessed the purchase of a pre-existing building and the opening of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Toronto (under the Greek Community of Metropolitan Toronto).

At that time, he was assigned by Patriarch Athenagoras (Spyrou) to oversee the parishes in Canada that belonged to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America. He was the first bishop to be assigned for Canada, and he lived in Toronto, Ontario. It is probable that Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Toronto served as his cathedral.

In 1963, Metropolitan Athenagoras (Kokkinakis) was transferred to London, United Kingdom.

Bishop Timotheos (Haloftis)

On 11 December, 1963, Bishop Timotheos (Haloftis) was assigned to the Ninth (Canadian) (Region), with offices in Toronto, Ontario. He was named “Titular Bishop of Rodostolon” (a former diocese in East Thrace, now in Turkey).

It was in 1963 that Annunciation Greek Orthodox Parish in Toronto purchased a building which would later become for a time the diocesan cathedral for the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Canada.

In 1967, Bishop Timotheos (Haloftis) was transferred away from Toronto.

Bishop Theodosios (Sideris)

In December, 1967, Bishop Theodosios (Sideris) was transferred in order to serve as the Bishop of the Ninth (Canadian) District, with the see in Toronto, Ontario.

He was given the title “Titular Bishop of Ancona” (a former Orthodox diocese in Italy).

On 1 November, 1973, Bishop Theodosios (Sideris) entered retirement.

Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)

On 27 January, 1974, Archimandrite Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate in Montréal, Quebec.

He was given the title “Titular Bishop of Constantia” (a titular see in Mesopotamia), and he was given the responsibility to serve in the Ninth District as the Bishop of Toronto in Ontario.

Canada Ninth District named a diocese, 1979

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

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

The Diocese of Canada becomes a Metropolis, 1996

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

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

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

New office building, 1998

In 1998, a large, former office-building was purchased in Toronto at 89, Overlea Boulevard (a portion of which was then named Patriarch Bartholomew Way). This building became the new centre for the Metropolis. Besides providing ample necessary office-space, it became the home of the Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy, a library, student residences, meeting-space for the Metropolis Council, and the residences of Metropolitan Sotirios and of the Vicar-Bishop.

The Offices of the Metropolis (Archdiocese)

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada and All the Arctic, 2019

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

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

Particular Archdiocese information

The “Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada”, also called the “Holy Archdiocese of Canada and All the Arctic”, which is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is an eparchy of the Church of Constantinople. In 2024, the Patriarch is Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis).

In 2024, Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) is the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Canada.

Address :

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese 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/

Facebook

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Youtube Channel

Parishes, institutions, programmes :

In 2024, the Archdiocese includes 76 parishes ; 2 monastic communities established in 1993 : Panagia Parigoritissa, and Saint Kosmas Aitolos ; 6 homes for the homeless ; 4 senior citizens’ homes ; and 1 nursing home.

Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy

The Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy (Toronto, Ontario) is affiliated with Saint Paul’s University in Ottawa, Ontario, and it offers a four-year course in Theological Studies. A Bachelor of Theology Degree is awarded from Saint Paul’s University upon completion of course requirements. Ignatios Delis is the Academy’s current Dean.

The “Department of Religious Education” provides instruction, access to resources and networking to support the proclamation of the Gospel of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ throughout the Archdiocese and in the Arctic. This Ministry hopes to encourage a greater communion with God by nurturing a deeper faith through the Orthodox Christian Church.

The “Archdiocese Missions Board” exists to : promote the domestic and foreign mission programmes of the Archdiocese ; encourage the establishment of mission committees in each parish, which would be responsible for promoting mission activities ; communicate with other Orthodox jurisdictions and coordinate our mission programmes ; organise short-term mission teams ; educate youth in the area of missions and evangelism ; minister to inmates in Canadian prisons ; perpetuate and promote the Greek Orthodox Faith.

“Orthodox Voice” is a half-hour weekly religious television programme in Greek and English, produced by the Archdiocese, which airs each Sunday, between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. (EST), on the Odyssey Television Network. On the air since March 1990, it has attained an audience of up to 75,000. Episodes can be viewed also on the YouTube Channel of the Archdiocese. "The Orthodox Voice" is supported by the Greek Orthodox Order of Canada, established in 1975.

“Orthodox Way” is a monthly eight-page newspaper in Greek and English, in circulation since 1982. It contains substantial religious, catechetical and news articles.

“Met Youth” was founded in the 1990s. Its mandate is three fold : to connect Greek Orthodox youth in Canada ; to communicate the Orthodox Faith ; to cultivate local youth groups and initiatives in cities across Canada.

The “School of Byzantine Music” was established in 1991 to train chanters for the churches of the Archdiocese. In addition to the school in Toronto, a school was established in Montréal in 2016. A school was established also in Winnipeg, but it does not now function.

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada is a member of the “Canadian Council of Churches”. Through this means, the Archdiocese expresses its opinion on important social issues, and in general participates along with other bodies in Canadian society.

References

Efthimiou, Miltiades B and George A Christopoulos, eds., “History of the Greek Orthodox Church in America” (New York : Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America, 1984). ASIN ‏: B001AD93BI.

Kitroeff, Alexander, “The Greek Orthodox Church in America : a modern History” (Ithaca, New York : Cornell University Press, 2020).

Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada

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., “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.

Additional information :

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada web-site

Wikipedia article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada

Orthodox Churches in Toronto

Orthodox World entry for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

1996 Special Regulations and Uniform Parish Regulations Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Uniform Community Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, 2021

Patriarchate of Constantinople web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Orthodox Church of Constantinople

Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)