Ottawa ON Saint Elias Antiochian Orthodox Christian Cathedral 1929

Ottawa, Ontario, Saint Elias Antiochian Orthodox Christian Cathedral, 1929

Prehistory

The parish of Saint Elias in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, now a cathedral parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, began as a small community of a few Middle-Eastern immigrant families who arrived in Canada in the early 1900s.

As with other new-arrivals in Ottawa at this time, there was only one functioning Orthodox Temple in city, Holy Trinity Bukowinian Orthodox Church. Therefore, they began worshipping either in this Temple, or travelling to Montréal, Québec. When the Antiochian faithful were prepared, they began to organise their own community which used their own language and customs.

Establishment of the community and the Temple, 1929

In 1929, the parish of Saint Elias was founded by immigrants to Canada who came from Kfarmishki, Lebanon.

The site at 341, Lyon Street (at Maclaren Street) in the northwest of “Centretown” was originally home to a Pentecostal congregation. It was purchased by the Antiochian Orthodox Lebanese immigrants who opened the Saint Elijah Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church in 1931.

Fire, reconstruction, 1949

The original building was destroyed in a fire in 1949. A more “Byzantine”-appearing structure was then erected to replace it at the same address.

Second Temple as it appeared in 2018

In part due to the Lebanese Civil War, the Antiochian Orthodox population of Ottawa increased dramatically in the 1970s and 1980s and the congregation began to look for a larger home.

Saint Elias Centre, 1976

The land on Riverside Drive was purchased in 1975, and the Saint Elias Centre was constructed on this property.

After due consideration and fundraising, it was decided to construct a much larger Temple.

New, Third Temple, 1989-1992

The sale of the older building, 1989

The older building was sold in 1989 to a partnership of the local Anglican Diocese and CCOC (the Centretown Citizens (Ottawa) Corporation), a non-profit housing trust. In the Anglican half of the structure, there are 20 apartments for homeless women. In the CCOC portion, there are 20 bachelor apartments. The conversion of the church building into apartments, while retaining the building's exterior character, received a City of Ottawa Heritage Award. The renovated structure is called “Saint Elijah's Housing”.

Construction of the new Temple, 1990

The main Temple construction was undertaken between 1990 and 1992. After this, it was possible to use the building, although the finishing work took much more time. Everything was moved from the original Temple, and regular worship services began on the new site.

Archpriest Ghattas Hajal, 1992-2019

In 1992, the Archpriest Ghattas Hajal assumed the pastorate of Saint Elias Cathedral in Ottawa, Ontario at the request of Metropolitan Philip (Saliba). Since his arrival at the cathedral, membership has increased significantly ; the new Temple was completed ; the mortgage was paid off.

Archpriest Ghattas Hajal

Father Ghattas held other positions of leadership in the Orthodox Church which include :

 Dean of the Canadian Deanery of the Diocese of Ottawa, Eastern Canada, and Upstate New York 
 
 President of the Eastern Orthodox Clergy Association of Ottawa
 
 Spiritual Adviser of The Order of Saint Ignatius of Antioch for the 
 Diocese of Ottawa, Eastern Canada, and Upstate New York
 
 Chaplain of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship at Carleton University
 
 Member of the Interfaith Steering Committee of Ottawa

Sanctification of the cathedral, 2000

In the year 2000, the new Temple on Riverside Drive was completed, and then sanctified.

Metropolitan Philip (Saliba) was present and presiding on this significant occasion.

It was at this time that the Temple of Saint Elias in Ottawa was designated to be a cathedral.

Enthronement of Bishop Alexander (Mufarrij), 2005

On 12 June, 2005, Bishop Alexander (Mufarrij) was enthroned as the first bishop of the newly-created Diocese of Ottawa, Eastern Canada, and Upstate New York, at the Cathedral of Saint Elias in Ottawa, Ontario.

However, the residence of Bishop Alexander was established in Montréal, Québec (where there are 3 parishes), and also the chancellory office of the diocese. The address of the chancellory is : 10820, rue Laverdure, Montréal, Québec, H3L 2L9.

Bishop Alexander (Mufarrij)

Parish life

80 years, 2010

In 2010, the cathedral parish marked 80 years since its foundation.

Some parishioners, 80th anniversary, 2010

On 9-13 September, 2015, the 85th anniversary was celebrated, along with the 15th anniversary of the construction of the new Temple (by then a cathedral). Present were Metropolitan Joseph (Al-Zehlaoui), the head of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, and Bishop Alexander (Mufarrij), the Bishop of the Diocese of Ottawa, Eastern Canada and Upstate New York.

In August, 2015, Priest Nektarios Najjar was assigned to serve as Second Priest at Saint Elias Cathedral.

Archpastoral visitation ; 85th anniversary of the parish ; 15th anniversary of the sanctification of the cathedral, 2015

On 9-13 September, 2015, Metropolitan Joseph (Al-Zehlaoui), Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America, presided over the celebrations for the 85th anniversary of the parish and the 15th anniversary of the sanctification of the cathedral.

This historical visit was the first visit of Metropolitan Joseph to Ottawa after his election as the new Metropolitan. Sayidna Joseph arrived in Ottawa on Wednesday, 9 September, 2015. Archpriest Ghattas Hajal, Pastor of the Cathedral, alongside Assistant Pastor Priest Nektarios Najjar, the parish council, a representative of Ottawa's mayor and the organising committee of the event welcomed our father in Christ Metropolitan Joseph at the airport's VIP Salon.

Sayidna's visit started with a welcome dinner that was hosted by Archpriest Ghattas Hajal and Khouria Helene at their home, where Sayidna Joseph met the Chargé d'affaires of Lebanon, Mr. Sami Haddad, as well as the parish's clergy, parish council, church organisations officers and organising committee.

Anniversary Organising Committee

Mr. S Haddad and his wife hosted a lunch on Thursday, 10 September, at the Lebanese Embassy to welcome Metropolitan Joseph. Amongst the guests were ambassadors of various countries including Algeria, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia.

That night, and on Friday at noon, Metropolitan Joseph was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Dimitri and Susanne Zeidan, and by Mrs. Joyce Tannis, respectively. Mr. Zeidan had served as the parish council president from 2009 to 2014, and afterwards as a member of the Antiochian Archdiocese Board of Trustees. Mrs. Tannis was the chairwoman of the 85th Anniversary Organising Committee.

On Friday morning, 11 September, Metropolitan Joseph met with the clergy of the Canadian Diocese at the Cathedral's board room. Antiochian priests came from Montréal to join their brothers in Ottawa in that meeting, and to hear their spiritual father's words and guidance.

On Friday evening, there was a banquet (attended by about 500 participants) in honour of Metropolitan Joseph, which was held at the Saint Elias Centre beside the cathedral. Amongst the guests were Bishop Alexander (Mufarrij) of Ottawa, Eastern Canada and Upstate New York ; Bishop Paul-Marwan Tabet of the Maronite Church in Canada ; Mr. Sami Haddad, Chargé d'affaires of Lebanon ; His Worship Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa ; Councillors of the City of Ottawa ; Archpriest Joseph Purpura, chairman of the Archdiocese Department of Youth & Parish Ministries ; clergy of the Antiochian Orthodox Church and the Maronite and Melkite Catholic Churches ; Mr. Fawaz El Khoury, Vice-Chairman of the Archdiocese Board of Trustees ; Mrs. Mary Winstanley O'Connor, member of the Board of Trustees ; Mr. Roger David, North American Chair of the Order of Saint Ignatius ; and representatives of Lebanese associations and political parties.

During the banquet, Metropolitan Joseph presented to Father Ghattas Hajal the "Antonian Gold Medal of Merit", which is the highest honour given by the Archdiocese, "in recognition of distinguished services of exceptional merit, rendered with generous and unselfish dedication".

Father Ghattas Hajal receives the Antonian Gold Medal of Merit

In addition, some parishioners were presented to Metropolitan Joseph by Father Ghattas and Khouria Helene. They were recognised by the presentation of Certificates of Meritorious Service for their dedication and work in Saint Elias Cathedral : Subdeacon George Saikali ; Nader Hajjar ; Grant Shacker ; George Hanna ; Charles Saikaley ; Susanne Zeidan ; Dr. Nawal Sarraf Sayegh ; Joyce Tannis ; Faye Thomas.

On Saturday morning, 12 September, all parish organisations and especially Sunday school students and teachers were blessed by meeting their father in Christ Metropolitan Joseph in a paternal encounter at which Bishop Alexander (Mufarrij) was also present. Following the meeting, all who were present had lunch with the bishops, and then accompanied them to the new Saint Elias Cathedral Library, which Metropolitan Joseph blessed. Metropolitan Joseph thanked Dr. Nawal Sarraf Sayegh for donating the library, and Father Ghattas announced that the library would be opened for the public for reading and research.

On Saturday evening, the liturgical celebrations of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross began as Metropolitan Joseph presided over the serving of Great Vespers. At the end of the service, Sayidna Joseph spoke about the importance of the Cross in the daily lives of Christians.

Mr. George Hanna, the chairman of the parish council, hosted a dinner on Saturday night in honour of Metropolitan Joseph. Bishop Alexander, the clergy, parish council officers, organising committee and family members were all invited to a familial dinner and encounter with His Eminence.

On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Metropolitan Joseph (Al-Zehlaoui) presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. He was assisted by Bishop Alexander (Mufarrij) ; Archpriest Ghattas Hajal ; Archpriest Joseph Purpura ; Archpriest Mitri Housan ; Priest Nektarios Najjar, and Subdeacons Rassem El Massih, Robert Bayouk and George Saikali.

After the reading of the Holy Gospel, Metropolitan Joseph granted Father Nektarios Najjar the "Epigonation", which is a blessing to be a spiritual father and hear confessions.

Father Nektarios congratulated after receiving the epigonation

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, all the Faithful venerated the Holy Cross following a procession for the Feast-day.

Metropolitan Joseph then inducted 23 new parishioners into the Order of Saint Ignatius. Three other members also became life members : George Hanna ; Joyce Tannis ; and Archpriest Ghattas Hajal, who was elevated to life member by Metropolitan Joseph upon the request of the parish council.

New members and life-members of the Order of Saint Ignatius

Sayidna Joseph's final stop in Ottawa was at the house of a former parish council president and former member of the board of trustees, Charles Saikaley, who hosted Sayidna Joseph, the clergy and other parish council members and parishioners at a dinner on Sunday evening.

Summary of parish life in 2016

In 2016, there were more than 1,500 families that called Saint Elias Cathedral their spiritual home. The majority of the members are second, third, and fourth generation Canadians of Middle Eastern descent. There is also a mix of converts from other religious traditions as well as faithful people raised in other traditions of the Orthodox Church (such as Greek and Slavic.

The worship services are sung with an equal mix of the English and Arabic languages, with congregational participation, along with a fine choir and trained chanters. Service books are available for those who are interested in following the order of the services. Children are welcomed.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, coffee is provided for all, and church school based on Scripture and Tradition is held for children from kindergarten (ages 4-5) to high school. Concurrently, adults enjoy a time of fellowship with one another.

The parish’s dedication to the Orthodox formation of their young people is demonstrated by the several components of the youth and young adult ministry. The parishioners believe that their young people, struggling to live wholesome Christian lives in an anti-Christian culture, require and deserve such a support system.

Saint Elias’ Cathedral is strongly committed to the belief that the Holy Orthodox Christian Church is the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles. The parishioners are equally committed to the implications of that belief : that the Orthodox Christian Faith requires a unity of faith and a unity of life. This unity of life and faith is nourished through worship in the Divine Services. It is strengthened through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It is sustained by the intercessions of the holy saints. It is lived every day of the week in the homes, schools, and workplaces of the people.

Sunday of Orthodoxy and the iconostas, 2017

40th anniversary of priesthood, and 25th anniversary of pastoral service in Ottawa by Father Ghattas, 2017

On 3 June, 2017, the Sunday of the Feast of Pentecost, there was a celebration of 25 years of pastoral service in the Cathedral of Saint Elias of the Archpriest Ghattas Hajal, and of his 40th anniversary of ordination to the Holy Priesthood. Bishop Thomas (Joseph) represented Metropolitan Joseph (Al-Zehlaoui) on this occasion. On the eve of the feast, a gala dinner was held at the Saint Elias Banquet Centre. It was attended by various other clergy and by local dignitaries. The Chargé d'Affaires of the Lebanese Embassy, the Mayor of Ottawa, the local Member of Parliament, the local Member of the Provincial Parliament, City of Ottawa Councillors and the chair of the Order of Saint Ignatius were amongst those present. The brother and a nephew of Father Ghattas made a surprise appearance from Lebanon. The Mayor of Ottawa, Jim Watson), presented him with the City Builder Award. Through Father Nektarios Najjar, the assistant pastor, with George Hanna, the parish president, the parish presented him with an icon of Saint John the Baptist. This icon is similar to the stained glass window of the Forerunner which was to be installed at the cathedral. The President of Lebanon, through the Chargé d'Affairs, Mr. Sami Haddad, bestowed upon him "The National Order of the Cedar (Knight Grade)". There were also 2 books published, one about his theology, and another a reflection upon his 40 years of service.

Father Ghattas, et al, with 1 of the 2 books published

After the Divine Liturgy and the services of the feast, there followed a luncheon. At this time, many parishioners expressed their love, and others spoke about their working relationships with Father Ghattas, and there were video presentations as well.

Archpastoral visit, 2017

On Friday through Sunday, 3-5 November, 2017, the Board of Trustees of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, and also the governing council of the Order of Saint Ignatius of Antioch held their annual autumn meeting at Saint Elias Cathedral in Ottawa, Ontario.

Metropolitan Joseph (Al-Zehlaoui), the other bishops of the archdiocese, the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees (Mr. Fawaz Al Khoury), and all other trustees and departments visited Ottawa in order to hold their meetings.

During the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy on Sunday, 5 November, Metropolitan Joseph inducted new members into the Order of Saint Ignatius, and he elevated some members to Metropolitan and Life Members. At this time, Metropolitan Joseph also acknowledged with prayerful congratulations the 40th Anniversary of Archpriest Ghattas Hajal in the Holy Priesthood, an occasion he had missed because of synodical obligations overseas.

Retirement of Archpriest Ghattas Hajal, 2019

From 26 November to 1 December, 2019, Metropolitan Joseph (Al-Zehlaoui) visited the Cathedral of Saint Elias in Ottawa, Ontario, on the occasion of the retirement of the long-serving Archpriest Ghattas Hajal. He had served in the archdiocese for 30 years, and of them 28 years at this particular parish.

Many events marked this event including a luncheon at the Lebanese Embassy in Ottawa with His Excellency Fadi Ziadeh, Ambassador of Lebanon to Canada. Metropolitan Joseph also presided at a parish council meeting and dinner. Then he led a pilgrimage group to the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Virgin Mary the Consolatrice in Lachute, Québec (about 2 hours' drive east of Ottawa). There, Metropolitan Joseph was joined by Bishop Alexander (Mufarrij) of the Diocese of Ottawa, Eastern Canada and Upstate New York, and several clergy and Faithful from the Ottawa and Montréal areas. Since Metropolitan Joseph had desired to meet with the various parish service-groups in the parish, the weekend was delightfully packed with 3 separate meetings.

On Friday, 29 November, 2019, Metropolitan Joseph presided at Great Vespers of the Feast of the Holy Apostle Andrew. He presided also at Great Vespers for Sunday on Saturday, 30 November. This service was followed by a gala celebration to mark the retirement from active pastoral service of Father Hajal. More than 500 people attended this expression of gratitude to Father Ghattas. There was included a short video that highlighted his journey from the world of high finance into the holy priesthood. There were many speeches that expressed love and gratitude. On Sunday morning, 1 December, 2019, Metropolitan Joseph served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the cathedral, along with many clergy.

Retirement of Father Ghattas Hajal

Deacon Yakoub Daoura, 2019

In March, 2019, Deacon Yakoub Daoura was assigned to serve at Saint Elias Cathedral.

Deacon Yakoub Daoura

Priest Nektarios Najjar assigned as Rector, 2019

On 1 December, 2019, Priest Nektarios Najjar was assigned to serve as Pastor and Dean of Saint Elias Cathedral.

Priest Nektarios Najjar

Special convention to make nominations for a new metropolitan, 2023

As a consequence of the retirement of Metropolitan Joseph (Al-Zehlaoui) in September, 2022, a special convention was convened on 13 January, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. This convention of hundreds of delegates was assembled in order to discern the names of 3 candidates to present to the Holy Synod of the Church of Antioch. Upon receipt of these nominations, the Holy Synod would pray and elect the successor to Metropolitan Joseph as the chief archpastor of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of America.

There were 9 candidates in total. From these, 3 were chosen, and their names were then sent to Damascus : Bishop John (Abdalah) ; Bishop Nicholas (Ozone) ; Metropolitan Saba (Isper).

Upon his return from this convention, Father Nektarios Najjar published his report about his experiences. He had gone to the convention with some concerns ; but his experience there was very reassuring, and he returned with hope.

Saint Elias Centre and the Temple

Parish organisations

The Order of Saint Ignatius

The Order of Saint Ignatius of Antioch is an organisation of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America with the objective of financially supporting the departments, programmes and charitable works of the Antiochian Archdiocese, the Patriarchate of Antioch and the Orthodox Christian Faith. The Order assists the Antiochian Archdiocese in its continued effort to reach out to all in need and bring to them the message of the Gospel. The membership of the order is comprised of clergy and lay-persons who make a lifetime financial commitment and pledge to work together in harmony to promote the spiritual and financial well-being of the Antiochian Archdiocese and the Orthodox Christian Faith.

The Fellowship of Saint John the Divine

The Fellowship of Saint John the Divine, simply defined, is the service arm for lay service (ministry) in the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese. It accomplishes this by offering programmes that assist spiritual growth, provide leadership training for lay ministry, programmes for young adults, and opportunities for outreach and humanitarian activities. The fellowship chapter at Saint Elias Cathedral has a good core of active members. They are involved in various ministries, such as teaching in the church school, chanting during church services, and coordinating charitable events such as the annual Hogar Rafael Ayau Orphange fundraiser. This orphanage of San Miguel del Lago in Villa Nueva, Guatemala is led by the Nun Inés and her sisterhood of the Holy Trinity Monastery under the protection of the Archdiocese of Mexico.

Holy Trinity Monastery Guatemala

In addition, they make it possible for the young adults of the cathedral to be represented at the diocesan parish life conferences and the archdiocesan conventions.

The fellowship regularly meets each Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. Special events information is posted on the web-site : https://steliascathedral.com.

Antiochian Women

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America was founded in 1973 through the vision of Metropolitan Philip (Saliba) as an organisation of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. Its purpose is to develop a spirit of Christian leadership, awareness, and commitment ; to foster a genuine expression of love and service through works of charity ; and to instil a sense of fellowship and a deeper understanding of the heritage and traditions of the Orthodox Church.

Teen SOYO

Teen SOYO is the youth movement of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. Their motto is “Living the Orthodox Faith through Worship, Witness, Fellowship, and Service”.

This local Teen SOYO chapter participates in many activities, such as spiritual discussions led by Father Nektarios, Ask Abouna Q-&-As, BBQs, making blankets and care packages for the homeless, praying together and much, much more. As a result of this chapter’s activity in recent years, the chapter won the Humanitarian Award, the Most Active Chapter Award, and the Most Active Teen Award of the Diocese of Ottawa. The SOYO of Saint Elias Cathedral is a family that is ready always to welcome new members.

Teen SOYO meetings are usually held on Friday evenings from late August to late June, at 6:00 p.m., for youth aged 12-19.

Church School

The Church School's goal-and-hope is to build upon the solid spiritual foundation that is laid in the homes of our children. Through the weekly Church School programme, students from K4 to grade 12 are given the opportunity to learn more about what it means to live out their Orthodox Faith in their day-to-day environment. By drawing from the wisdom of the saints, the Scriptures, and the Divine Liturgy itself, the youth can begin to see how God’s continuing work of salvation is active in their own personal lives. The Saint Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church School Programme is delivered by Orthodox teachers who are not only dedicated and have a great passion to teach but also have a wonderful love for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and all His children. Parents are encouraged to bring their children in order to help them along in their spiritual journey in the Orthodox Christian Faith as Jesus called us to do : “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them ; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). The Church School prepares the children to fulfil their baptismal calling to serve Christ and the Church, and to be a light unto others.

The Saint Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church School Programme :

 – exposes the students, young and old, to the many facets of Christian Orthodox teachings ;
 – engages them in various humanitarian activities to become more Christ-like ;
 – challenges students to know better and to understand the Scriptures through participation in 
 "Bible Bowl" competitions ;
 – provides them with the opportunity to express and share their faith and God-given talents through
 the Creative Arts and Oratorical Festivals (visit this site) ;
 – provides students with the opportunity to celebrate the Birth of our Saviour through Christmas concerts ;
 – and much more.

Lebanese Festival

The annual Ottawa Lebanese Festival was created in 1990 as a non-profit, community based, cultural event to celebrate time-honoured traditions and heritage of the Lebanese community in the National Capital Region. Each year, the festival attracts thousands of Ottawa residents. The festival is organised by the many hard-working volunteers from the Saint Elias Cathedral's parish family. Held every July at the time of the Feast-day of the Prophet Elias, the Ottawa Lebanese Festival celebrates 5 days of Middle Eastern food, entertainment and genuine traditions on the grounds of the Saint Elias Cathedral and Banquet Hall.

Particular parish information

Parish sign

Saint Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral is a parish of the Diocese of Ottawa, Eastern Canada and Upstate New York of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. The bishop is Bishop Alexander (Mufarrij).

In 2023, the Diocese of Ottawa includes Eastern Canada and Upstate New York.

This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the Holy Prophet Elias, 20 July.

In 2023, the dean and pastor of the cathedral is Priest Nektarios Najjar ; the deacon of the parish is Deacon Yakoub Daoura ; Retired Archpriest Ghattas Hajal is attached.

Vespers services are usually held on Saturday evenings at 5:00 p.m. Sunday morning Matins are held at 8:45 a.m., followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.

Address :

Saint Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral

2975, Riverside Drive

Ottawa, Ontario

K1V 6N1

Web-site : https://steliascathedral.com

Telephone : (613) 738-2222

E-mail : info@steliascathedral.com

Facebook

Saint Elias Banquet Centre web-site

Lebanese Festival web-site

Antiochian Women

Teen SOYO

Directions :

By car :

Drive on Riverside Drive, just east of Mooney's Bay, south of the Hog's Back Falls. The Temple is at the corner of Riverside Drive and Ridgewood Avenue.

From the Queensway (Highway #417), exit to Bronson Avenue. Turn south, and drive to Heron Road. Turn right on Heron Road. Then turn left on Riverside Drive. Drive past Hog's Back Road to Ridgewood Avenue. The Temple is on the left.

From Hunt Club Road, turn north on Riverside Drive. Drive past Walkley Road. The Temple is on the right.

There is a large parking lot, and there is some parking on nearby streets.

By bus :

Consult OCTranspo. There is bus service on Riverside Drive and on Springland Drive (2 blocks east of the Temple).

Mailing Address :

Saint Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral

700, Ridgewood Avenue

Ottawa, Ontario

K1V 6N1

Priest Nektarios Najjar, Dean and Pastor

Telephone : (613) 738-2222