The Greek parade celebrating 25th March 1821 Anniversary in Toronto, Canada

The Greek parade of March 25th in Toronto this year was celebrated on Sunday, April 7th.

Initially, the parade was scheduled for Sunday, March 24th. It was a sunny day, and the entire Greek community poured onto Danforth Avenue where the magnificent parade took place. Never before had there been such a crowd and enthusiasm at the parade.

Leading dignitaries included Ontario Premier, Mr. Doug Ford, Toronto Mayor Ms. Olivia Chow, His Grace Bishop Athenagoras (representing Archbishop Sotirios, who had previously scheduled spiritual gatherings in the communities of southwestern Ontario for this weekend), President of the Greek Community of Toronto Ms. Betty Skoutakis, and many others. The whole organisation was carried out by the Greek Community of Toronto. Congratulations!

On Friday, 5 April 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios of Canada and Fr. A. Bandura celebrated the Third Stasis of the Salutations at the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Kitchener. The faithful attended with great joy and in large numbers. It was an unforgettable service, and the love shown to Archbishop Sotirios was moving.

The following day, Saturday, 6 April 2024, the second Spiritual Retreat of the Philoptochos Sisterhoods took place in London, Ontario, (the communities of Kitchener, London, Sarnia, Chatham, and Windsor participated). As per the program, a Divine Liturgy was presided by Archbishop Sotirios, with the participation of priests E. Drosos, K. Hatzis, A. Bandura, G. Papazoglou, and Ch. Achilleos. Fathers D. Tselonis and E. Aravantinos were also praying in the Altar of the Church. Almost all the ladies of the Philoptochos Sisterhoods received Holy Communion. The speakers were Archbishop Sotirios on the topic “Faith is the substance of things hoped for” from Hebrews 11:1 and Fr. K. Chatzis on the topic “Our entry into Great Lent.”

Unusual for this area was the large number of ladies from the Philoptochos Sisterhoods who participated. A fasting meal was provided for everyone. It is noted here that President Mrs. Z. Veroutis and the delegation of the Archdiocesan Philoptochos Council, the presidents of the Philoptochos Sisterhoods of the communities Kitchener Mrs. K. Govani, London Mrs. A. Alben, Sarnia Mrs. V. Rigakos, Chatham Mrs. Ch. Protopappas, Windsor Mrs. O. Karathanasi, all took part. It was truly a packed program with participation in spiritual discussion. It was indeed a very meaningful day.

On Saturday, 6 April 2024, Archbishop Sotirios, President Mrs. Z. Veroutis, and the ladies from the Archdiocesan Philoptochos Council, Mrs. V. Karagianni, Mrs. G. Orfanakou-Harami, and Mrs. K. Peters arrived in Windsor. Archbishop had a private meeting with the president, Mr. Th. Papantonis.

On Saturday night, a dinner was held for Archbishop Sotirios and the ladies of the Archdiocesan Philoptochos Council, as well as the Council of the Board of Directors of the Windsor Community and the Council of the Philoptochos Sisterhood of Windsor. All topics were discussed with much love and thoroughness.

The next day, Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross, 7 April 2024, Archbishop Sotirios officiated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Holy Cross in Windsor with priests Fr. E. Aravantinos and Fr. J. Ayoub. The cantors sang excellently, and the altar boys served with great reverence.

The devout Christians flooded the church, and most partook of the Holy Gifts. The procession of the Holy Cross was conducted with reverence. After the Divine Liturgy, a fasting meal was provided for everyone. The love of the faithful towards Archbishop Sotirios overflowed.

Source: Archdiocese of Canada