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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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💬 Comments (10) 🌐 Translate comments

Ondrej Novák

Pán Sôtirios slúžil 52 rokov a ešte vo veku 90 rokov osobne odišiel do Konštantínopola podať rezignáciu. To je poriadna služba. Nech mu Pán dá zdravie aj na dôchodku.

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

Ο Σωτήριος από τα Λεπιανά της Άρτης, 90 χρονών, πήγε μόνος του στην Κωνσταντινούπολη να παρατήσει την παραίτηση μετά από 52 χρόνια. Αυτό δείχνει σεβασμό και τάξη, δεν το βλέπεις συχνά πια. Να τον έχει καλά ο Θεός στον ελεύθερο χρόνο του.

Иван Виноградов

Да, в 90 лет самому поехать в Константинополь и лично подать прошение — это действительно уважение к порядку. Из Лепианы Арты, 52 года в Канаде, а всё равно так сделал. Дай Бог ему здоровья на покое.

Ελένη Νικολαΐδου

Ο Σωτήριος από τα Λεπιανά της Άρτης, στα 90 του, πήγε μόνος του στην Κωνσταντινούπολη να παραδώσει την παραίτηση μετά από 52 χρόνια. Αυτό δείχνει τάξη και σεβασμό, όπως έγραψαν και οι άλλοι. Να τον έχει καλά ο Θεός στον ελεύθερο χρόνο του.

Ηλίας Παναγιωτόπουλος

Συμφωνώ, Μαρία. Από τα Λεπιανά της Άρτης και να πας μόνος σου στα 90 στην Πόλη για να το κάνεις όπως πρέπει, δείχνει χαρακτήρα. Εύχομαι να τον έχει καλά ο Θεός και να απολαύσει λίγο ήσυχο χρόνο με την οικογένειά του.

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

Да, в 90 лет самому туда ехать — это редкое дело. У нас в хоре одна бабушка в 82 года тоже всё сама в поликлинику ходит, говорит, «чтобы не расслабляться». Дай Бог ему сил на покое, как ты сказал. А ты откуда про него узнал, Иван?

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.