Hamilton West ON Saint Maria of Paris Orthodox Church 2020
West Hamilton, Ontario, Saint Maria of Paris Orthodox Christian Mission, 2020
Prehistory
The beginning of this West Hamilton community was through a small group of Orthodox Christians in 2016.
The community was conceived through the informal gathering on several occasions in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, of some lay people who lived around the regions near the west part of Lake Ontario. This group was inspired by the care that the New-Martyr Saint Maria of Paris personally showed to the poor and the persecuted in Paris, France, during the deeply troubled times of World War II. With the blessing of a local priest, they began by organising opportunities to contribute to their community, often in the form of providing meals to newcomers to Canada, and to refugees who lived in the area. They supported this by gathering regularly for communal prayer and fellowship.
This group decided upon the name “Saint Maria Fellowship” and they functioned in this capacity for the first years of their existence.
Year 2019
In 2019, Yuri Hladio (a student at the Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College of the University of Toronto) was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on 5 January. After this, Vladyka Irénée assigned Deacon Yuri Hladio to serve this community. Then Deacon Yuri Haldio was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on 17 August. In the course of completing his studies, he was given the blessing to provide pastoral care on a part-time basis for the nascent community (which was meeting in the homes of various people).
Year 2020
In the Spring of 2020, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) gave the initial blessing for the Saint Maria Fellowship to become “Saint Maria of Paris Orthodox Mission”. It became a new mission parish within the Archdiocese of Canada in The Orthodox Church in America (OCA). Priest Yuri Hladio was assigned to serve as rector of the mission parish. Deacon Sean Reid was also assigned to serve in this new parish.
When it was possible, available sites in the West Hamilton area were used for occasional worship services, and these occasions strengthened the sense of purpose amongst the early participants. Their hope was to be able to worship in a place not far from their homes, and they wanted their service to the Lord to be available to other Orthodox Christians in the area, and to those who might wish to embrace the Orthodox Christian Faith.
During 2020, there were occasional services made possible through the rental of existing Orthodox Christian facilities in the region.
Rented quarters in early days
The commencement of regular Sunday morning Divine Liturgies was somewhat delayed due to the 2020-2021 covid pandemic ; but with God’s help, the parishioners persevered.
Throughout the early steps, this community was supported in developing its organisation, sense of direction and service by Holy Myrrh-bearers Orthodox Mission in Toronto, Ontario.
Formal founding the parish, 2020
On 20 July, 2020, Saint Maria of Paris Orthodox Mission celebrated their first Divine Liturgy together. They all received the Holy Mysteries on the Feast-day of their patroness, Saint Maria (Skobtsova) of Paris. She is called by some, "Saint of the Open Door".
In August, 2020, with the blessing of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), the parish was blessed formally into existence as a mission-parish. The parish was officially placed under the protection of Saint Maria of Paris, France (New-Martyr †1945).
The first executive of the parish included :
Priest Yuri Hladio ; Matushka Juliana Reid ; Dr Daniel Opperwall ; Dr Erica Roebbelen ; Marina Perry.
In early 2021, a more permanent place of worship was secured through rental from the Anglican Church Niagara Diocese : the former Holy Trinity Anglican parish, in West Hamilton.
14 March, 2021 : First Divine Liturgy, First stable site
On 14 March, 2021 (Forgiveness Sunday), Saint Maria of Paris Orthodox Mission of West Hamilton passed a major “milestone” as they celebrated their first regular Sunday morning Divine Liturgy at the former Holy Trinity Anglican church in West (upper) Hamilton, Ontario. The Divine Liturgy was attended by 20 Orthodox Christians, and several visitors.
Although the restrictions imposed by the Covid pandemic of 2020-2021 did not permit a choir, Father Yuri Hladio and his wife Matushka Nikyla offered their voices in support of the singing. Thus, the Divine Liturgy was offered respectfully and beautifully, and the Faithful were able to receive the Holy Mysteries. The provincial restrictions did not allow for any further celebration of this beginning at the time ; however the joy was easy to see in the eyes of all as the parishioners departed in peace into a sunny afternoon.
Following this Divine Liturgy, all were greeted through a letter sent by Archbishop Irénée (Rochon). He offered a vision for the new parish : a vision founded on the virtues of repentance and love.
First Divine Liturgy in the long-term rented quarters, Fennell Avenue
Great Entrance at the first Divine Liturgy
The pandemic restrictions continued to hinder the gathering of the community in physical proximity ; however the internet was used generously. This helped the community to maintain its sense of interpersonal relationship in the parish. This was accomplished through frequent services, and through frequent educational opportunities.
Next stage in development, September, 2022
Commencing in September, 2022, the mission became the sole tenant of the building (renting from the Anglican Diocese of Niagara).
The first visible change was the possibility of serving "in-person" Vespers on Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. However, it also made it possible to leave the worship-space intact from week to week, and the serving of week-day services without requiring a separate booking. This new arrangement also gave greater access to the parish hall.
In addition, the mission continued with its on-line service during the week, which allows the participation by "Zoom" in daily reader's Matins, the Sixth Hour (with intercessions), a Bible-study, and other gatherings. This has allowed for the more frequent contact and participation of parishioners who do not live nearby, and there have been participants from well beyond Southern Ontario.
Annual Altar-feast Day Exchange
It became the custom that every year, on the Third Sunday of Pascha, the Feast of the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women, the parish of Saint Maria leaves Hamilton, and travels to Toronto to the "parent" parish, the Parish of the Myrrh-bearing Women for its Altar-Feast Day (parish name-day). That parish returns the favour on the Feast-Day of Saint Maria in Hamilton.
Celebrating Growth and Fellowship at Saint Maria of Paris Orthodox Church, 2024
Saturday and Sunday, 20 and 21 April, 2024, heralded a vibrant chapter in the life of Saint Maria of Paris Orthodox Church in Hamilton, Ontario. With hearts open to learning and fellowship, the parish community embarked on a journey of enrichment and celebration.
Saturday blossomed with spiritual nourishment as Dr Paul Ladouceur illuminated the life and legacy of Saint Maria of Paris. Attendees, representing a tapestry of backgrounds from across the Greater Hamilton/Toronto area, engaged attentively, fostering a dynamic atmosphere of learning and reflection. Even those well-versed in Saint Maria's story found themselves enriched by new insights.
Sunday morning radiated with anticipation as our parish family warmly greeted Archbishop IIrénée (Rochon), culminating in a momentous full hierarchical Divine Liturgy. The ordination of Subdeacon James (Robert) Dale to the Holy Diaconate filled the parishioners' hearts with profound joy, marking a historic milestone for Saint Maria's. Notably, 103 faithful souls joined together in worship, a testament to the growing community.
The fellowship that ensued, enriched by the archbishop's presence, underscored the depth of the communal bonds. Over a shared meal, Archbishop Irénée's accessibility and genuine engagement with the catechumens exemplified the essence of servant leadership.
As they reflect on that weekend's events, they embrace a new threshold in the journey of the parish, poised for deeper growth and service to the needs of Hamilton. Together, they stand united, enriched by fellowship, and emboldened by their shared faith.
Dr Paul Ladouceur lecturing
Congregation
Subdeacon R J Dale presented for ordination
Deacon James Dale, Matushka Martha Acosta Valle
Congregation photo
Ordination of Deacon Sean Reid to the Holy Presbyterate, 2025
On Sunday, 3 August, 2025, Deacon Sean Reid was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Annunciation to the Theotokos Cathedral in Ottawa, Ontario.
Assisting Vladyka Irénée during the Divine Liturgy were Archpriest James Griggs (Dean) ; Priest Nikolay Melnik (Annunciation Cathedral) ; Deacon Denis Letunovsky (Archdiocese of Canada) ; Deacon Mark Josefson (Annunciation Cathedral).
At Holy Communion
Fathers James Griggs and Sean Reid
After the Divine Liturgy
Archbishop Irénée ; Archpriest James Griggs ; Priest Nikolay Melnik ; Deacon Denis Letunovsky ; Deacon Mark Josefson ; Priest Sean Reid ; Matushka Juliana Reid ; daughters
Parish particular information
This parish is part of the Deanery of Ontario of the Archdiocese of Canada, in The Orthodox Church in America. The dean is Archpriest Georrfrey Korz. The bishop is Archbishop Irénée (Rochon).
This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.
The Altar Feast-day of the parish is the Feast of Saint Maria of Paris, 20 July.
In 2025, the pastor of the parish is Priest Yuri Hladio (wife Nikyla).
The 1st deacon of the parish is Deacon Sean Reid (wife Juliana).
The 2nd deacon of the parish is Deacon R James Dale (wife Martha).
The usual and regular hours of services are :
Great Vespers : 5:00 p.m. every Saturday
Matins and Divine Liturgy : 9:15 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. every Sunday
There are additional services and meetings as announced.
Place of worship :
Saint Maria of Paris Orthodox Church
120, Fennell Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L9A 1S1
Telephone : 204-688-0423
Web-site : https://www.stmariahamilton.ca/
E-mail : yurihladio@gmail.com
Mailing address :
Saint Maria of Paris Orthodox Church
A-366, Bay Street North
Hamilton, Ontario
L8L 1M7
Directions :
From Toronto Pearson International Airport (East)
Drive westwards on Highway #401 West to Highway #427 South. From Highway #427 South, use the right 2 lanes to take the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) exit towards Hamilton. Drive 39 km.
Keep right at the fork so as to stay on Highway #403 West. Drive 11 km.
Take the Main Street exit towards Highway #8 East. Merge onto Main Street West (Ontario Highway #8). Drive 2.6 km.
Turn right onto Wellington Street South. Immediately use the left 3 lanes to turn slightly left onto Claremont Access. Use the left 3 lanes to to stay on Claremont Access.
Turn left onto Fennell Avenue East. Drive 400 m.
120 Fennell Ave East will be on the right. Access to parking is off Warren Ave behind the church building.
From the Niagara Region
Drive on the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) in the direction of Toronto.
Take the Red Hill Valley Parkway exit with a sign for the Hamilton International Aeroport. Keep right to continue on Exit #89, follow the signs for Red Hill Valley Parkway/Aeroport. Drive 13 km.
Take the Upper Wentworth Street exit. Turn right onto Upper Wentworth Street. Drive 2.1 km.
Turn left onto Fennell Avenue East. Drive 1.3 km.
120 Fennell Ave East will be on the left. Access to parking is off Warren Avenue behind the church building.
From Brantford (West)
Drive on Highway #403 East towards Hamilton. Drive 27 km.
Take Exit #64 for Alexander Parkway. Drive 5.5 km.
Take the Upper James Street exit. Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Upper James Street. Drive 2.4 km.
Turn right onto Fennell Avenue East. Drive 400 m.
120 Fennell Avenue East will be on the right. Access to parking is off Warren Ave behind the church building.
Clergy :
References
Additional information :
Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada
Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church of America
Saint Maria of Parish Orthodox Church, Hamilton, Ontario
Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Mission, Toronto, Ontario
Saint Maria of Paris : Saint of the Open Door
Canadian Encyclopedia article about Hamilton Ontario
Wikipedia article about Hamilton, Ontario
First Sunday Divine Liturgy at New Hamilton Mission (14 March, 2021)
First Baptism at Saint Maria’s of Hamilton (5 June, 2022)
Archbishop Irénée visits Saint Maria’s in Hamilton (19 February, 2023)
Ecumenical Relations and the Canadian Council of Churches (October, 2024) (“The Archdiocesan representative on this Commission is Justin Grimmond (Saint Maria of Paris Parish, Hamilton”)
Ordination of Deacon Sean Reid to the Holy Presbyterate at the Annunciation Cathedral (3 August, 2025)