Edmonton AB Saint George Greek Orthodox Church 1945

Edmonton, Alberta, Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, 1945

Greek Orthodox Community of Edmonton and District, 1910, 1938

Greek Orthodox Community of Jasper

Prehistory (1902-1930)

In 1902, the first Orthodox Christian Services were held in Edmonton, Alberta (at that time, in the North-West Territories), Canada by Father Jacob Korchinsky in a house-chapel located at the site of today’s Saint Barbara’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral (10105-96 Street). Father Korchinsky was a missionary priest who founded many parishes in North America and elsewhere. He was killed in Odessa soon after the Bolshevik Revolution. Like many other priests of the Russian Mission of that time, he was able to speak and serve in Greek as well as in Russian and Slavonic.

In about 1904, G D Vlassis reported that an old man, whose nickname was simply “Yerontas” (meaning an old man), was the first Greek-speaker to set foot in Edmonton. He had arrived prior to 1904. According to the same source, Yerontas still kept a confectionery shop in the city in 1942. This has been impossible to confirm from other sources. None of the persons who arrived in the 1930s and were interviewed for this project, was able to identify Yerontas or to provide any information about him. That his nickname alone has remained in the memory of people is an obstacle to knowing more precisely who he was. If anyone does know more about him, it would be very helpful to inform the Greek Community in Edmonton and also this present web-site.

In 1904, the building of Saint Barbara’s Russian Orthodox Church at 10105-96 Street was completed. Greek immigrants began worshipping at this Temple.

In 1906, William (Vassilios) Barootes arrived in Edmonton from Triglia, Asia Minor ; it marked the beginning of emigration by the Barootes family.

In 1907, Angelos Alaoglou arrived, also from Triglia, Asia Minor.

In 1907, the Brown (Argyropoulos) brothers from Athens were managing the Pantages Theatre (Alexander Pantages, born in Andros, Greece, 1876) on the site of the Strand Theatre (10209-Jasper Avenue). This was one of the many Pantages Theatres throughout North America.

In about 1910, the Greeks in Edmonton began to organise themselves informally as a community in order to teach the Greek language and the Orthodox Christian Faith to the new generation.

In 1914, Johnson’s Café, managed by Constantine Johnson (Yiannitsis or Giannitsis) opened. Constantine Johnson arrived in Edmonton from Calgary in 1911, but he went back to Greece to fight in the Balkan wars of 1912-1913. He returned to Edmonton in 1914, and he operated the restaurant until his death in 1952.

In 1914, the American Dairy Lunch Café was acquired by George Spillios and James Lingas.

In 1923, the Saint Regis Hotel was acquired by Andrew Agrios and James Varvis.

Aurora Borealis Chapter of AHEPA established, 1930

On 19 November, 1930, the Aurora Borealis Chapter 10 C J of the Order of AHEPA (Anglo-Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) was established. George Plasteras was elected president. This was officially the first Greek organisation in Alberta.

In 1932, the Hellenic Language School was established by the Order of AHEPA. George Spillios was elected to be chairman. Argyro Procopis (later called A Burgess) was the first teacher. There were approximately 25 students attending.

First class of the Hellenic Language School : picnic at the mink farm, 1932 (Photo from the Community History)

In 1933, the local chapter of the Sons of Pericles (the junior order of AHEPA) was established. Nick Costabaris was elected to be president.

Edmonton Greek Canadian Community, 1938

In 1938, the Edmonton Greek Canadian Community was established. George Spillios was elected to be chairman.

Greek Canadian Ladies’ Society, 1941

In 1941, the Greek Canadian Ladies’ Society was established. Aspasia Spillios was elected to be president. Amongst the members were :

 Mmes Georgia Chanakos, Harikleia Demas, Evangeline Kallas, Jasmene Varvis.

The Ladies’ Society was particularly active during the years of Word War II, when it significantly contributed to the "War Relief Effort". Money, clothing, foods, medicines, and other items were collected and sent to Greece through the Red Cross.

This Ladies’ Society became the forerunner to the Greek Canadian Ladies’ Philoptochos (Benevolent) Society, which was founded in 1949. “Philoptochos” means “friends of the poor”, but not only in the sense of financial and material resources. The Philoptochos society also aids people who are poor in spirit, poor in health, poor in emotional stability, poor in companionship, and those poor in whatever is needed to lead a better life.

In 1945, Ms. Helen Plasteras (Hill) became the first woman of Hellenic descent to obtain a university degree in Alberta. She received a BCom (Bachelor of Commerce) from the University of Alberta, and proceeded then to obtain a BEd (Bachelor of Education) from the same university in 1947. She is credited with suggesting the name “Pandas” for the ladies’ sports teams of the university.

Establishing the parish, 1945

On 2 October, 1945, the “Saint George Greek Orthodox Church” was formally established and registered under the Religious Societies Lands Act of the Province of Alberta. The Church continues to be registered under this legislation until the present. This was also the first official Greek community in the Prairie Provinces.

Although the formal establishment took place as previously noted, this formal act was prepared for earlier, in 1944. According to Mr. Nicholas Spillios, the parish was informally organised one Sunday evening at a meeting held at the "Anton Cabaret", situated on 101 Street, south of Jasper Avenue.

The Greek community and parish in Edmonton was the first Greek Orthodox establishment in Alberta. Both Edmonton and Calgary began to receive Greek-speakers who emigrated in the early 1900s and arrived in Canada. However, the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George in Edmonton was able for some reason to become legally organised and established somewhat before the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Demetrios in Calgary.

Purchase of property, construction of the First Temple, 1945

In 1945, the property at the south-west corner of Jasper Avenue and 114 Street was acquired from the City of Edmonton for the sum of $3,000.00. The land was blessed, and construction commenced immediately. It must be stressed that only 12 families carried out the immense task of forming the community, purchasing the land, and building the Temple.

In 1945, the founding members of the Greek Community constituted the first Board of Directors. They included the following :

 George Spillios 				President (+1970)  
 Andrew Agrios 					Vice-President (+1960)
 Effie Leonidas 				Secretary
 Dimitrios Katsantonis (James Anast) 		Treasurer (+1962)
 Philippos Mamatas 				Member (+1959)
 Georgia Sakka (Saks)	 			Member (+19..)
 Maria Raikos	 				Member (+1960)
 Dimitrios (James) Varvis 			Member (+1969)
 Constantine Johnson (Yiannitsos/Giannitsos)	Member (+1952)

Development of the parish and the community

In 1946, the Eleusinian Club was formed by Mrs. Helen Lingas. It was the first gender-mixed youth group to be established.

In 1948, the church building was completed at the south-west corner of 114 Street and Jasper Avenue (10056-114 Street). Father John Vasil of Saint Barbara’s Church prepared the icons for the new Temple. The original Temple was a small one. The building was later expanded twice.

In 1948, the Temple was named after “Saint George the Great Martyr”, in honour of the patron-saint of the first president, Mr. George Spillios.

In 1948, the Temple received its charter from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America.

First Divine Liturgy, 1949

On 8 May, 1949, Father George Hiotis of Great Falls, Montana, celebrated the first Divine Liturgy in the new Temple.

In 1949, the parish choir was established. It was later improved and augmented during the service of the Archimandrite Ambrose (Giannoukos) (1951). The choir served the parish well into the late 1980s.

In 1949, the first cantors in the parish were : Mr. Philippos Mamatas and Mr. Elias Costouros.

In 1949, the Greek Canadian Ladies Society was disbanded and the Greek Canadian Ladies Philoptochos (Benevolent) Society was formed. Mrs. William Kazakos was elected president.

In 1952, Helen Diamandidis was appointed to be the teacher in the “Hellenic Language School”, which now operates under the auspices of the parish community.

Official establishment of the Greek Canadian Ladies Philoptochos (Benevolent) Society, 1953

On 22 May, 1953, the “Greek Canadian Ladies Philoptochos (Benevolent) Society” was officially registered in the Province of Alberta. In the same year, it also received its Charter from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America. The members of the Board of Directors consisted of :

 Mrs. Angeliki Johnson 			President (+1974)
 Mrs. Galateia Christophorides	 	Vice-President (+1970)
 Mrs. Kay Gardener 			Member (+ )
 Mrs. Georgia Chanakos 			Member (+2008)
 Mrs. Harikleia Demas	 		Member

In 1954, the “Daughters of Penelope, Edmonton Chapter” (a branch of AHEPA for women) was established.

Archimandrite Ambrose (Giannoukos)

In 1954, Archimandrite Ambrose (Giannoukos) arrived and took up his duties as the first full-time parish priest. He served the parish until 1962.

In 1955, Dr. Daphne Irene Lingas-Clements became the first female of Hellenic descent to graduate from the Medical School of the University of Alberta. At first, she worked for the Edmonton Department of Health. She later moved to California, USA, where she maintained a medical practice, and where she reposed in Christ.

Sanctification of the Temple, 1959

On 7 June, 1959, Bishop Dimitrios (Makris), Titular Bishop of Olympos, sanctified the Temple, 10 years after it had been completed. The Philoptochos Ladies’ Society was declared to be the sponsor ("anadohos") of the Temple, and it symbolically received the key.

Iconostas, 2 views

From 1960-1963, Bishop Athenagoras (Kokkinakis) of Eleia (Elaia) was in charge of the Greek Orthodox Communities in Canada.

On 2 September, 1961, the local “Greek Orthodox Youth Association” (GOYA) received its Charter from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America

Archimandrite Sotirios (Athanassoulas)

From 1962-1965, the Archimandrite Sotirios (Athanassoulas) took up the duties to which he had been assigned as the second full-time parish priest.

From 1963-1967, Bishop Timotheos (Haloftis) of Rodostolou was in charge of the Greek Orthodox Communities in Canada.

In 1963, the parish choir was re-established. The organist was Mrs. Diana Kehaya, followed by Mrs. Yolanda Coumanterakis and then by Mrs. Christina Andrews who then served very many years as the organist.

At about this time, Mr. Harry (Christos) Sergiannis becomes a regular cantor in the Temple. He continued offering his services in this capacity until his repose in Christ on 24 February, 2012.

Priest Ioannis (John) Floropoulos

From 1965-1968, the Priest Ioannis (John) Floropoulos was assigned to serve as the third full-time parish priest.

From 1967-1973, Bishop Theodosios (Sideris) of Ancona was in charge of the Greek Orthodox Communities in Canada.

Inter-Christian banquet, 1968

Priest Ioannis Floropoulos was active in the community becoming involved in the city-wide interest in inter-Christian dialogue (often called the Ecumenical movement). At that time, Major W A J Hosty of the Salvation Army was president of Edmonton and District Council of Churches. Both he and Father Ioannis formed the idea of celebrating the movement by hosting a celebrative event. Next, together with President Nicholas Ioannides and the Church Board, it was decided to hold an “Ecumenical Banquet” in the city of Edmonton. It was held at The Chateau Lacombe on 30 January, 1968. The official host of this banquet was Archbishop Iakovos (Coucouzis), primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of North and South America, and also President of the World Council of Churches.

The head-table, consisting of 2 tiers, was created to seat all the 24 “head table guests”. These guests included 6 political leaders, and 17 spiritual leaders in the city. Included were : the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Grant MacEwan ; the Premier of Alberta Ernest C Manning ; the Mayor of Edmonton Vincent M Dantzer ; 4 archbishops ; 2 bishops ; assorted Protestant church leaders ; one a rabbi. The protocol chief from the Provincial legislature oversaw the arrangements. The choir of Saint Barbara’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral offered a programme of liturgical singing during the banquet.

Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas), 1974

On 18 December, 1973, Archimandrite Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was elected by the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople in Istanbul, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkey Turkey], to become a bishop.

On 27 January, 1974, Archimandrite Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate. He was given the titular responsibility of Bishop of Constantia. He became the bishop in charge of the Greek Orthodox Communities in Canada.

Archimandrite Petros (Karatroupkos)

From 1968-1977, Archimandrite Petros (Karatroupkos) (also known as Peter Karas) was appointed to serve as the fourth full-time priest of the parish. He served until November, 1977.

Later, on 22 February, 2001, he was ordained to the Holy Episcopate and assigned to serve as the Bishop of Zambia of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.

In 1977, the Hellenic Language School acquired a governing board. Mrs. Charlotte Spillios was the chair ; Dr. Athanasios Tavouktsoglou was the full-time instructor and the principal of the school.

Priest Ioannis (John) Nikolaou

On 1 November, 1977, Priest Ioannis (John) Nikolaou was assigned to serve as the fifth full-time parish priest. He served until November, 1979.

Ninth District becomes a Diocese, 1979

In 1979, the Ninth District of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America was elevated by the Patriarch of Constantinople to be the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Toronto (Canada).

In 1979, Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of Constantia was elevated to be the Bishop of Toronto (Canada), in Ontario.

Metropolitan Sotirios

Priest Dimitrios Rougas

In December, 1979, Priest Dimitrios Rougas was appointed to serve as the sixth full-time parish priest. He continued to serve until 28 February, 1995, when he was transferred to Calgary.

On 1 November, 1980, the “Hellenic Anthology” radio program began broadcasting from CKER radio. It was produced by John Karvellas and Steve (Aristeides) Makris.

In 1980, the “Hellenic Voice of Edmonton” began to be published as the local Greek magazine. The editor was Dr. Athanasios Tavouktsoglou. The magazine published only 5 issues before stopping, due to lack of volunteers and contributors.

In September, 1981, Dr. Athanasios Tavouktsoglou became the producer of the radio programme “Hellenic Anthology” on CKER radio, and he held that position until September, 1999.

Extensions in Jasper, Alberta, 1981

In September, 1981, the Hellenic Language School opened an annex in Jasper, Alberta. Mr. Eleftherios Pitoulis was elected chairman. Dr. Athanasios Tavouktsoglou was the instructor and the principal.

In association with this establishment, the Divine Liturgy began to be served periodically (as well as other services as needed) in Jasper by the priest in Edmonton.

Further developments

In 1982, the “Hellenic Canadian Community of Edmonton & Region” was established.

In May, 1983, the “KYKLOS Hellenic Performing and Literary Arts Group” was established by a group of university and high school students of Hellenic descent under the guidance of Katerina Pizanias and Kathy Rigakis.

A non-profit, voluntary organisation, consisting of roughly 30 dancers, its purpose was to preserve and promote the Hellenic performing arts. They have travelled the world in order to perform and to learn the dances in such places as Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Prague, Canada, and the USA.

In March, 1984, the KYKLOS Hellenic Performing and Literary Arts Group was incorporated as a non-profit organisation in the Province of Alberta.

In September, 1985, the Hellenic Canadian Community of Edmonton & Region established its own Hellenic Language School.

The second Temple, 1989

In 1989, the Church-Community complex at 10831–124 Street was acquired from the Beulah Alliance Church for the sum of $1,000,000.00 (paid in cash).

Fire, 1991

In early March, 1991, a fire, caused accidentally by the crew renovating the building, damaged much of the building.

Firemen in the Temple

(Photo from the Community History)

On 6 October, 1991, Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of Toronto (Canada) sanctified the new Temple at 10831-124 Street. By then, repairs had been completed sufficiently.

Priest George Alexiou

In 1995, Priest George Alexiou was assigned to serve as the parish priest. He served until early 1997.

Canadian Hellenic Congress of Alberta, 1995

On 4 May, 1995, the “Canadian Hellenic Congress of Alberta” was incorporated in the province. The first president was Dr. Kostas Iatrou from Calgary. The Greek Orthodox Community of Edmonton was a founding member. The founding members were :

 Dr. Kostas Iatrou, Ph.D.
 Mr. Anastasios Kollias, P.Eng.
 Dr. Nicolas Kalogerakis, Ph.D.
 Mr. Michael Theodosopoulos
 Mr. Athanasios Doikas
 Mr. Sevastos Zervos, P.Eng.

Their application for the incorporation of the Congress was witnessed on 4 March, 1995, by Father Dimitrios Rougas in Calgary.

50 years of the community, 1995

On 18 November, 1995, the Greek Orthodox Community of Edmonton held its 50th anniversary celebration and banquet during the presidency of Mr. Sevastos (Stakis) Zervos. The event took place at the Mayfield Inn Grand Ballroom. Mr. Ernie Afaganis (a broadcaster at CFRN) was the master of ceremonies.

The Diocese of Canada becomes a Metropolis, 1996

On 30 July, 1996, the Patriarchate of Constantinople divided the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America into 4 parts : the USA, Canada, Central America, and South America. The Diocese of Canada was elevated to the status of a metropolitanate.

At the same time, the Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) was detached from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and placed directly under the authority of the Patriarchal Throne in Constantinople.

On 24 September, 1996, Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was elevated to the dignity of metropolitan, and he was given the title and responsibility of Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto (Canada), and Exarch of all Canada.

Archimandrite Constantine (Siarapis)

In 1996, Archimandrite Constantine (Siarapis) was assigned to serve as the parish priest. He served until September, 2000.

Priest Dimitrios Polychroniadis

From 2000-2001, Priest Dimitrios Polychroniadis was assigned to serve as the parish priest. He was a retired priest who formerly served in Calgary, and cared for Saint George's parish for the interim.

Archimandrite Theodore (Gove)

From 2001-2004, Archimandrite Theodore (Gove) (+2021) was assigned to serve as the parish priest.

2003

In 2003, Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was present in Saint George's Temple. He served the Hierarchcal Divine Liturgy, and he performed the service of the Investiture of Dr. Christopher J Varvis to be Archon Ekdikos of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Dr. C J Varvis became the first Archon of the Constantinopolitan Patriarchate in Edmonton.

Investiture of Dr. C J Varvis as a Constantinopolitan Archon

(l to r) Archimandrite Theodore (Gove) ; Archon Ekdikos Dr. C J Varvis ; Metropolitan Sotirios ; Archimandrite Constantine (Siarapis)

Priest John S Kaoukakis

On 15 February, 2004, Priest John S Kaoukakis was assigned to serve as the parish priest. He was amongst the first graduates of the Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy at the metropolis headquarters.

In 2004, Christina Andrews became the president of the Greek Orthodox Community. She was the first female president of a Greek Community in Canada.

On 1 August, 2016, Dr. George Georgiou (a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta) was appointed cantor-primus ("protopsaltis") of the parish. He had studied byzantine music under the guidance of Petros Petrou, himself a student of the Archon Protopsaltis of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, Mr. Thrasyvoulos Stanitsas. Dr. G Georgiou received his diploma in Byzantine Music with distinction from the Music School of Athens. He served this parish as cantor-primus for 2 years.

Priest Charalambos Tzintis

On 3 August, 2016, Priest Charalambos Tzintis was assigned to serve as the parish priest.

In December, 2016, Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was present in the Temple, together with Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, where they served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy together with other clergy. Metropolitan Sotirios also led the service for the investiture of Professor Dr. Athanasios Tavouktsoglou as Archon Referendarios of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Dr. Tavouktsoglou became the second Archon of the Patriarchate in Edmonton after Dr. C J Varvis.

Investiture of Dr. A Tavouktsoglou as archon

(L to R) Priest Charalambos Tzintis ; Bishop Ilarion ; Metropolitan Sotirios ; Archpriest Dimitrios Rougas ; Priest Ronald Poworoznik (photo from the community history)

In 2017, Priest Charalambos Tzintis was elevated to the dignity of "economos" by Metropolitan Sotirios.

In 2018, the Priest Charalambos Tzintis was transferred away from the parish.

In 2018, an "Ad Hoc" Committee is established to investigate the condition of the current Temple-and-community building at 10831- 124 St. NW, Edmonton. It was also mandated to discover the values of the properties both at Jasper Avenue and 124 Street, and to make recommendations about the possible purchase/acquisition of a new building for the church and community. The committee consisted of : Mr. Nectarios Stamatakis PEng (chair) ; Mr. Constantinos (Dino) Loutas PEng ; Dr. Demetri Kutsogiannis MD ; Dr. Athanasios Tavouktsoglou (convener) ; Mr. Johnny Sergiannis (and others as the need may arise).

Priest Andreas Allain

In August, 2018, Priest Andreas Allain was assigned to serve as the parish priest.

In November, 2018, a new parish choir was established. The choir director was Ms. Joyce (Zoe) Sipsas ; her daughter, Heidi, was the choir-master/conductor. The associate choir-director was Christina Andrews. Mrs. C Andrews once again became the Choir-director in September, 2019.

On 26 February, 2019, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto announced a $100,000 donation to the Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy by the late Kleoniki (Cleo) Girgulis (Georgulis) (born Barootes) of Saskatoon. Cleo had grown up in Edmonton, and she was the mother of Christina Andrews of Saint George's parish in Edmonton.

On 10 March, 2019, "Kyklos" celebrated its 35th anniversary by giving a notable performance the Timms Centre for the Arts.

In the spring of 2019, the United Conservative Party (UCP) under Mr. Jason Kenney won the Provincial Elections in Alberta. Dr. Demetrios Nicolaides of Calgary was appointed Minister of Advanced Education. He was the first politician of Hellenic descent (Cyprus) to be appointed in the Alberta Government.

In August, 2019, the "Met Youth" was established locally in Edmonton. "Met Youth" is a faith-based organization with the goal of involving Orthodox youth in the life of the Church. It promotes education of young people in the Orthodox Christian Faith and way of living through various religious events, worship services, several initiatives and volunteer opportunities, and through connecting local youth with other Greek Orthodox youth both regionally and nationally.

The first Board of Directors were : Elizabeth Helmak (President) ; Alexander Seminatore (Vice-President) ; Athena Tsoukalas (Secretary) ; Thanasi Pananos (Treasurer) ; Maria Lukowich (Board Member).

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada and All the Arctic, 2019

In 2019, the Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) was elevated to the dignity of Archdiocese. Thus, the official title of the diocese became “Holy Archdiocese of Canada and All the Arctic”, and alternatively, “Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada”.

Thus, Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was elevated to the dignity of Archbishop, with the title “Archbishop of Canada and All the Arctic”, and alternatively, “Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Canada”.

Priest Seraphim Tzitzikas

In November, 2023, Priest Seraphim Tzitzikas was assigned to serve the Parish of Saint George and the Greek Community in Edmonton.

Presidents of the Greek Community include :

 Mr. George Spillios 				1940-1963 (and lifetime honorary president)
 Mr. Theodore (Ted) B Gardener 			1963-1965
 Mr. Dimitrios Prassas 				1965-1966
 Mr. Anthony Nicolaou 				1966-1967
 Mr. Nikolaos Ioannides 			1967-1972
 Mr. Ioannis (John) Giourmetakis 		1972-1972 (8-month service)
 Mr. Nikolaos Ioannides 			1972-1974 (and lifetime honorary president)
 Mr. Christos (Chris) Pappas 			1974-1979
 Mr. Sotirios (Sam) Rigakis 			1980-1981
 Mr. Constantine (Victor) Varvis 		1982-1983
 Mr. Dimitrios (Jim) Fourlaris 			1984-1985
 Mr. George Philippides 			1985-1991
 Mr. Harry Koumarelas 				1991-1992
 Mr. Sevastos (Stakis) Zervos 			1993-1995
 Mr. Charalambos Frangogiannopoulos 		1996-1999
 Dr. Demetrios (Jim) Kutsogiannis 		2000-2003
 Mrs. Christina Andrews 			2004-2006
 Dr. Christopher J Varvis			2007-2008
 Mrs. Katina (Kate) Tsiandos 			2009-2013
 Mr. Petros Efstathiou 				2014-2014
 Mrs. Katina (Kate) Tsiandos  			2014-2015
 Mr. Constantine Dromparis  			2016-  continuing

The priests who have served in the parish of Saint George include :

 (Priest George Hiotis)
 Archimandrite Ambrose (Giannoukos)
 Archimandrite Sotirios (Athanassoulas)
 Priest Ioannis (John) Floropoulos 
 Archimandrite Petros (Karatroupkos) (also known as Peter Karas) 
 Priest Ioannis (John) Nikolaou 
 Priest Dimitrios Rougas 
 Priest George Alexiou
 Archimandrite Constantine (Siarapis) 
 Priest Dimitrios Polychroniadis 
 Archimandrite Theodore (Gove)
 Priest John S Kaoukakis 
 Priest Charalambos Tzintis (Priest Ronald Poworoznik, attached)
 Priest Andreas Allain
 Priest Seraphim Tzitzikas.

Community in Jasper, Alberta (since 1981)

For many years, there has been an associated community in Jasper, Alberta, the Greek Orthodox Community of Jasper (P O Box 85, Jasper, Alberta, T0E 1E0). The Greek community there is at present served by Priest Andreas Allain.

2020-2021 Coronavirus-19 virus restrictions on parishes

In early 2020, the Covid-19 virus made its appearance in Canada, and it quickly became a world-wide pandemic. Because of the rules governing gatherings that were laid down by the provincial and city governments, the parish stopped any further services after 8 March, 2020. Including the rules regarding social distancing, the decreasing numbers permitted for any gathering, and the considerations regarding the health of all concerned, this and other parishes were required to close for a time. All Holy Services are conducted regularly with only the priest, the cantor and the sexton (caretaker) present. The worship services were streamed on the social media.

As elsewhere, there was some controversy about the legal requirements.

Proposed development of the original property

By 2022, a complete plan had been prepared, and proposed to the City of Edmonton, for the re-development of the original site of Saint George's Temple and Community, at 114th Street and Jasper Avenue.

It was proposed to construct a 3-storey commercial building which would include underground parking.

Particular parish information

This parish is a part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Canada, of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople. The bishop is Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas). The Vicar-Bishop is Bishop Athenagoras (Salmas). The patriarch is Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis).

This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of the Temple is the Feast of Saint George the Great Martyr, 23 April.

In 2022, the rector of the parish, and of the community in Jasper was the Priest Andreas Allain. The attached priest (since 2012) is the Priest Ronald Poworoznik

Address :

Saint George Greek Orthodox Church

10831-124 Street

Edmonton, Alberta

T5M 0H4

Telephone : 780-452-7329

Fax : 780-452-1455

Web-site : http://www.gocedm.com/

E-mails : inquiries@gocedm.com ; gocedm@gmail.com

Facebook

Directions :

The Temple is situated in the inner “west end” region of Edmonton, on 124th Street.

From Highway #16, the Yellowhead Trail, drive south on 127 Street to 118 Avenue ; turn left on 118 Avenue, and turn right on 124 Street. The Temple is on the left.

From the city centre, drive west on Jasper Avenue or 104 Avenue until 124 Street. Turn right on 124 Street, and drive north. The Temple is on the right.

Edmonton is accessible by road, chiefly by Highway #16 and Highway #2.

It is accessible by bus through various interurban companies (Red Arrow, Rider Express, Poparide, The Canada Bus, Ebus, and others). There is service from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

It is accessible by various airline companies through the Edmonton International Aeroport (near Nisku).

It is accessible by railway through VIARail.

This parish takes care also of the Greek Orthodox Community in Jasper, Alberta.

Greek Orthodox Community of Jasper, Alberta

P O Box 85

Jasper, Alberta

T0E 1E0

Telephone : 780-852-4504

Serviced by : the Priest Charalambos Tzintis

Priest Andreas (Andrew) Allain

c/o 10831-124 Street

Edmonton, Alberta

T5M 0H4

References

Rougas, Archpriest D, ‘History of the Greek Orthodox Community of Saint George’s in Edmonton, Alberta’ in the “Orthodox Way” (Toronto : November, 1986).

“The Russian Mission in North America”

Additional information :

Tavouktsoglou, Dr. Athanasios, “Historical Timeline of the Greek Orthodox Community of Edmonton, AB”

Vlassis, G D, “The Greeks in Canada”, 1st edition (Ottawa, 1942)

Church and Community web-site

Metropolis web-site

Orthodox World listing for Jasper

Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada web-site

1996 Special Regulations and Uniform Parish Regulations Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Uniform Community Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, 2021