ΤΟΡΟΝΤΟ – On the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee and the opening of the blessed Triodion period His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the historic Greek Orthodox Community of St. George the Great Martyr in Toronto, assisted by Protopresbyter Triantafillos Porfiris.

During the memorial service, His Eminence commemorated the name of His Grace Bishop Christoforos, who fell asleep in the Lord two years ago this month. May his memory be Eternal!

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew decided to honor distinguished Greek Orthodox People of Canada with the office of Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Among them are distinguished lawyers Messrs. Nicholas P. Kapelos and Christopher Tzekas, who have made significant and longstanding contributions to both their local Greek Orthodox Communities as well to the Archdiocese in Canada. Following the Divine Liturgy Archbishop Sotirios presided over the investiture of the new Archons. Because of the pandemic the investitures of the rest of the named Archons have been delayed, but as the restrictions are lifted throughout the country, the Archbishop will preside over additional services throughout the rest of the year.

To conclude the celebrations at St. George, the community, led by Fr. Porfiris and Community President and Archon Protonotarios Grigoris Karakoulas organized a luncheon for the assembled guests. The Consul General of Greece in Toronto, the Hon. Victor Maligoudis, who also attended the Liturgy, offered moving remarks at the luncheon, as did the two new Archons. They first thanked Patriarch Bartholomew for the great honor bestowed upon them and emphasized the importance of the St. George community to themselves and their families.

The celebration concluded with chanting the ‘Fimi’ of His All-Holiness. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada extended congratulations to all of the organizers and participants and especially to the new Archons.