Archbishop of Canada makes first pastoral bisit to Greek Orthodox Church in Markham

Archbishop Apostolos of Canada paid his first pastoral visit to the Greek Orthodox Church of Sts. Panteleimon, Anna and Paraskevi in Markham, Ontario, on Sunday, October 11, 2026, where he presided over Orthros and celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

The Archbishop was assisted by parish priest Fr. Christian Vela and Deacons Christos Bourolias and Spiros Bozikis.

He was welcomed by members of the Parish Council, the Philoptochos Society and numerous faithful. Children dressed in traditional Greek costumes greeted him at the church entrance, while the congregation welcomed him with chants of “Axios!”

Among those attending the service were Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate George Dimitrakopoulos, Andy Seretis and Ted Papadatos, as well as representatives of the Greek Canadian media.

In his sermon, Archbishop Apostolos reflected on the Parable of the Sower, emphasizing the importance of cultivating God’s word and passing on the Orthodox faith to future generations.

Marking the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday, he encouraged the faithful to express gratitude to God for His blessings and praised the parish for its commitment to youth…