Archbishop of Canada: The Church cannot exist without monasticism

On Saturday, October 10, 2026, Archbishop Apostolos of Canada made his first visit to the Holy Monastery of St. Kosmas Aitolos in Bolton, Ontario, where he was warmly welcomed by Abbess Alexia, the monastic sisterhood, and a large gathering of faithful.

Founded in 1993 with the blessing of the late Elder Ephraim of Arizona, the Holy Monastery is an important spiritual centre of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, offering a valuable witness of prayer, ascetic life, and monastic service for more than three decades.

Following the official welcome and the Service of Doxology, Abbess Alexia addressed His Eminence, expressing the joy and gratitude of the sisterhood on the occasion of his first visit. In her remarks, she reflected upon the missionary example of St. Kosmas Aitolos and the spiritual legacy of the late Elder Ephraim, emphasizing the importance of prayer, humility, and sacrificial love.

In his response, His Eminence expressed his particular joy and emotion at visiting the Monastery, recalling with gratitude the late Elder Ephraim and his invaluable contribution to the growth of Orthodox monasticism throughout North America.

The Archbishop emphasized the…