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Archbishop Canada Sotirios formally submits his resignation to the Mother Churchtranslated

July 7, 2026 · 1 min read

Report office ope.gr In Istanbul is Rev. Archbishop of Canada Mr. Sotirios who after 52 years of Episcopal ministry will officially submit his resignation to the Mother Church. This morning, from the celebratory Holy Church of Agia Kyriaki Kontoskali where he hosted, the Ecumenical Patriarch Mr. During his speech, Bartholomeus greeted with warm words the Reverend Mr. Sotirios who was present praying during the Divine Liturgy.

His Holiness praised the work of the Archbishop for half a century and more and his multidimensional contribution to the Mother Church and Genos. At the same time, the Ecumenical Patriarch also referred to Mr. Sotiriou's intention to submit his resignation to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, once again expressing his satisfaction and thanks for the ministry of the Archbishop of Canada.

The 90-year-old Hierarch of the Ecumenical Throne had confirmed his intention speaking to the National Herald.

Since 1962 in Canada Rev. Archbishop of Canada, Venerable and Exarch of all the Arctic, Mr. Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was born in Lepiana, Artis, Epirus, in 1936.

He studied at…

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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Ondrej Novák

Mr. Sôtirios served for 52 years and at the age of 90 he personally went to Constantinople to submit his resignation. That's quite a service. May the Lord give him health even in his retirement.

Thomas Hall

He really went all the way to Constantinople himself at 90 to hand in his resignation after 52 years. That’s the kind of quiet duty you don’t see much anymore. May the Lord grant him peaceful years now.

Μαρία Παππά

Sotirios from Lepiana of Arti, 90 years old, went alone to Istanbul to resign after 52 years. That shows respect and class, you don't see that often anymore. God bless him in his spare time.

Иван Виноградов

Yes, at the age of 90, going to Constantinople yourself and personally submitting a petition is truly respect for order. From Lepiana Arta, 52 years old in Canada, but still did it. May God bless him in his retirement.

Ελένη Νικολαΐδου

Sotirios from Lepiana of Arti, at the age of 90, went alone to Constantinople to hand in his resignation after 52 years. This shows class and respect, as others have written. God bless him in his spare time.

Ηλίας Παναγιωτόπουλος

I agree, Maria. From Lepiana of Arti and going alone at 90 to the City to do it right, shows character. I hope God bless him and enjoy some quiet time with his family.

Daniel Lewis

Yeah, heading to the Phanar in person at 90 shows real old-school respect for the Mother Church. After all those decades starting from 1962 in Canada, he’s earned some quiet time. Hope the new baker in our youth group kitchen can keep up with the pace he set.

Daniel Davis

Yeah, turning up at the Phanar in person at 90 does show proper respect. I remember reading how he started basically from scratch in Canada back in '62 – must have been tough winters. Wonder who they'll send over next to keep things running.

Марина Иванова

Yes, at the age of 90 going there yourself is a rare thing. We have an 82-year-old grandmother in our choir, who also goes to the clinic herself and says “so as not to relax.” May God give him strength to rest, as you said. How did you know about him, Ivan?

Xenia Davis

Yeah, showing up in person at 90 says a lot about the old ways. We had him visit our parish in Chicago once back in the early 2000s and the man still outworked everyone in the kitchen after Liturgy. Hope the new youth baker brings the same patience with those picky teens.