First Pastoral Visit of Archbishop Apostolos of Canada to St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Toronto
(Toronto, Ontario) On Sunday, October 18, 2026, the feast of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, His Eminence Archbishop Apostolos of Canada made his first pastoral visit to the historic St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Toronto. His Eminence presided over Orthros and celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.
Joining His Eminence were the Parish Priest, the Rev. Protopresbyter Philip Philippou, the Rev. Protopresbyter Evangelos Bardouniotis, and the Rev. Deacon Christos Bourolias.
Among those in attendance was Mr. Dimitris Markopoulos, Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance of the Hellenic Republic. His Eminence welcomed the Deputy Minister and his delegation to Canada and to St. George, the “Mother Church” of Toronto, extending his wishes for a pleasant stay and every success in the many responsibilities entrusted to him.
In his homily, the Archbishop reflected on the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke and the precious legacy of his Gospel, through which the truth and love of Christ are proclaimed. Drawing upon the Gospel reading of the day, His Eminence emphasized that receiving the apostolic message means receiving the Lord Himself, and called upon the faithful to keep Christ at the centre of their lives.
His Eminence spoke about the power of prayer, repentance, and trust in God’s grace throughout the daily spiritual struggle. He encouraged the faithful to cultivate purity of heart and to welcome the presence of Christ into their lives and homes.
Particular emphasis was placed on meaningful participation in the Holy Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist, through which the faithful are united with Christ by receiving His Body and Blood. The Archbishop underlined that the sacramental life of the Church is a source of sanctification and spiritual transformation, inviting the faithful to approach with faith, humility, and repentance.
Through examples drawn from his pastoral ministry, His Eminence illustrated how love, patience, and a faithful Christian example can lead others closer to God. He also expressed his gratitude to the parish community for its love, hospitality, and dedication to the Church, encouraging young people in particular to remain close to Christ and participate actively in parish life.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence read the prayer for a reader over Ioannis Karakoulas, son of the President of the Community.
The youth of the community presented the Archbishop with a card bearing the acclamation “Axios!” and their signatures, expressing their love and best wishes for his archpastoral ministry. The President of the Community, Mr. Gregory Karakoulas, Archon Protonotarios of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, presented His Eminence with an engolpion as an expression of honour and respect.
His Eminence expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Parish Priest, the President and members of the Community Council, the Philoptochos Society, the youth, and all the faithful for their warm welcome and loving hospitality. He offered his paternal prayers for the continued spiritual growth of the parish, encouraging everyone to persevere in unity, love, and dedication to the life and mission of the Church.
PressOffice
Archim. Evdokimos Mathioudakis
October 19,2026
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