Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, Eastern Orthodox archdiocese in East York, Toronto, Canada
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada is an Eastern Orthodox ecclesiastical organization based at its main office in Toronto. It oversees multiple parishes and provides religious services and educational resources to support its members across the country.
The first Greek community in Canada was founded in Montreal in 1906, followed by St. George in Toronto in 1909. In 1960 the Metropolis of Toronto became the ninth archdiocesan district of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America, with Metropolitan Athenagoras of Elaia as first bishop in Canada. The Ecumenical Patriarchate split that archdiocese in 1996, and on 13 June 2019 elevated Toronto to the Archdiocese of Canada.
The archdiocese publishes the monthly newspaper Orthodox Way, launched in 1982, and produces the weekly television programme Orthodox Voice, broadcast across Canada since 1990. A School of Byzantine Music was founded in 1991, and the Metropolis Cultural Centre opened in 2002. Two monasteries established in 1993 serve the community: St. Kosmas of Aitolos in Bolton, Ontario, and the Virgin Mary of Consolation near Brownsburg, Quebec.
Visitors can attend services offered in Greek and English, giving access to the liturgical life of the community. The organization maintains educational materials and resources available for those interested in learning about Orthodox traditions.
The archdiocese runs the Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy, founded in 1998; by 2024 it had graduated 63 students and ordained 37 priests. It also oversees two monasteries founded in 1993: St. Kosmas of Aitolos in Bolton, Ontario, and the Virgin Mary of Consolation near Lachute, Quebec.
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