Toronto ON Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy 1998

Toronto, Ontario, Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy, 1998

Prehistory

From the beginning of the development of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Canada (formerly called the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada)), clergy were generally brought to Canada from Greece, or from another Greek-speaking country.

Those potential theology students who arose from amongst the Canadian parishes themselves, who felt called and received the blessing to study, had to go abroad. For the most part, they went to one of the theological faculties in Greece (Athens or Thessalonica). Another alternative was generally to study in the USA, at one of the theological seminaries there, and primarily at the Holy Cross School of Theology at Brookline, Massachusetts (near Boston). However, any of these choices proved to be expensive for many Canadian students.

In time, and with God’s help, Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) searched for and found the way in which to establish a pastoral school in Canada.

Establishment of the theological academy, 1998

The Greek Orthodox Theological Academy of Toronto was founded and established in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 1998, and the academy operated in improvised surroundings in the older diocesan centre in Teddington Park near Yonge Street.

From that time, it was Bishop Christophoros (Rakintzakis) who served as the dean of the academy, where he lived in residence at the academy, and where he developed the life and curriculum of the academy under the direction of Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas), the diocesan bishop of the Metropolis of Toronto (Canada).

It is Metropolitan Sotirios himself who may be regarded as the main founder of the academy. It was he who discerned the need to have a local pastoral school within Canada, in order to supply the diocesan parishes with the needed priests. It had become more and more difficult simply to transfer experienced clergy from Greece and elsewhere in order to meet the needs of the parishes. It is Metropolitan Sotirios himself also, who searched for and secured the necessary donors who could and would support the operation of the academy, and especially at its beginning. It is Metropolitan Sotirios who organised with Sherbrooke University in Sherbrooke, Quebec, the academic accreditation of the Toronto academy. It is Metropolitan Sotirios who, when provincial regulations disallowed this particular academic arrangement, organised an agreement with Saint Paul’s University in Ottawa, Ontario which then provided academic accreditation.

Metropolitan Sotirios leading a lenten service in the chapel

Move to new quarters, 2001

In 2001, at the same time as the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) was itself transferred to its new, large, office-building structure, near Overlea Boulevard (near the Don Valley Parkway), the academy also moved to this building. Since that time, the academy has been located at the Canadian Archdiocesan headquarters at #1, Patriarch Bartholomew Way (near Overlea Boulevard), in Toronto.

Since that time, the Theological Academy became known as the Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy (PTOTA).

Structure and operation

Managed by a full board of directors, the activities of the academy are ever surrounded by an atmosphere of focus and gratitude. Beyond heading a school that provides priests to parishes in Canada and around the world, the academy also prepares both men and women who seek to work in various positions as youth directors, teachers, secretaries and choir directors.

Because the parishes served by the graduates are primarily Greek Orthodox, the academy ensures that the students are able to function in, and to communicate well in the Greek language.

The Greek Orthodox Theological Academy of Toronto is a baccalaureate professional school that operates under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada headed by Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas), Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Canada.

The Academy portion of the metropolis headquarters houses not only the beautiful church of Saint John the Theologian and the chapel of the Life-giving Font (Life-giving Spring), but also several faculty offices, classrooms, dormitory rooms, a refectory, and a spacious library with more than 10,000 volumes.

Library

The Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy is affiliated with Saint Paul’s University in Ottawa, Ontario, and it offers a four-year course in theological studies. A Bachelor of Theology degree is awarded from Saint Paul’s University upon completion of course requirements.

There is a particular academic factor that sets this institution apart from other religious seminaries and programmes. When students complete their courses at the academy with great success, they are also awarded a full bachelors degree from Saint Paul's Univeristy. Offering their studies in conjunction with a secular place of education makes the Toronto Theological Academy far more competitive in the sphere of vying for the patronage of eager students from around the world.

The Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy allows eager learners of the Orthodox Christian Faith and major theological principles to undertake a rigorous four-year course of study, in order to gain the knowledge necessary to meet the vast and varied spiritual needs of their local communities.

Being able to educate students in a very wide array of specialities requires dedicated teachers and the continual utilisation of daily prayer, both corporate and personal. Because the roster of students is quite small (about a dozen at any given time) efforts are made to foster a family feeling as students gather together at many points throughout the day to recite prayers, to participate in communal devotions, and to sing hymns of praise. These practices give them the perpetual synchronisation with the Holy Spirit in Christ that is desired and necessary to undertake such a hefty load of studies. Seeking divine inspiration from every source (be it community help or designated worship time) allows trainees to return to their respective homes and to help to foster dynamic parishes.

In general, in addition to the Orthodox Christian Faith, academies of theology provide information to their students about the major religious traditions from around the world, and from throughout history, since Canadian society in particular has a large number of representatives of these traditions. Inevitably, graduates of the academy will be required to communicate with these persons under various circumstances in daily life.

The academy is located within the heart of one of the most international cities in North America. This location allows theological students to learn first hand the influence of inter-faith interactions upon communities and how offering various religiously related services and general community service can benefit people from all walks of life.

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”.

Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)

Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) has been amongst the teachers of the theological students from the beginning of the history of the theological academy. As referred to previously, when he was yet Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Toronto (not yet Archbishop of Canada), it was he that worked for the foundation of this academy, and it was he who continued for decades thereafter to find financial support for it, and to ensure its stability. Indeed, his concern for providing for this crucial element in diocesan life is very much in harmony with the manner in which he had worked since 1974 to establish the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Canada on a firm foundation. It was later that the diocese developed into a metropolis, and then into an archdiocese.

Bishop Christophoros (Rakintzakis)

From 1998 until 2006, Bishop Christophoros (Rakintzakis) presided over the studies of the pupils. He served as the first dean, and he provided a significant source of spiritual supervision and inspiration to the faculty and the students alike. He also channelled the incoming donations of those parishioners and community members who seek to strengthen the academy on its holy mission in order to provide an enhanced learning environment for future religious leaders. Donations to the academy are not limited to financial offerings, but any form of energy and talent are also welcome and highly useful as the students of the academy are at this house of learning for the express purpose of learning how to interact effectively with all people. Bishop Christophoros, very much a spiritual father, continued to be active as a teacher and a consultant even after his retirement as dean in 2006, until he returned to Greece.

Bishop Christophoros (Rakintzaks)

Other academic programmes may not seek the spiritual support of community members, but for these devoted theological students, all help is absolutely vital and cherished. Being able to offer service from the very beginning of their courses puts them in a better position to minister to the sheep of their flock no matter what life situation they may encounter.

A common situation in which a priest may find himself is the offering of end-of-life support in a hospital or hospice setting. Since this is typically a time of crisis for associated friends and family, the spiritual leader must coordinate the focus and hopes of many people at different stages of grief, and additionally provide a strong spiritual comfort to those who are soon to depart this life. Because people cannot simply wait to die until a priest is more experienced, these students must be prepared to handle anything from the day they walk across the graduation platform.

2018 Graduation

Archimandrite Ignatios (Delis) 2006-2016

In 2006, Archimandrite Ignatios (Delis) as assigned to serve as dean of the academy, and he served in this capacity for the following decade.

Archimandrite Christodoulos (Papadeas) 2016

From 2016 to 2017, the dean of the academy was Archimandrite Christodoulos (Papadeas). He had been requested by Archbishop Sotirios from Metropolitan Isaiah (Chronopoulos) of Denver, Colorado, USA, to serve in this capacity for one academic year. Afterwards, he returned to the Denver Metropolis in order to lead the Missionary Monastery of Saint George.

Archimandrite Athenagoras (Ziliaskopoulos) 2017-2019

From 2017 until 2019, the dean of the academy was Archimandrite Athenagoras (Ziliaskopoulos). He was transferred in 2019 to the USA.

Archimandrite Athenagoras (Ziliaskopoulos)

Bishop Athenagoras (Salmas)

After his ordination to the Holy Episcopate in 2020, Bishop Athenagoras (Salmas) was given the responsibility to serve as Dean of the Toronto Theological Academy. He also gave archpastoral care to Greek Orthodox parishes in Ontario under the blessing of Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas).

Bishop Athenagoras (Salmas)

On Friday, 5 May, 2023, a graduation ceremony was held for that year's 3 graduates : Priest Evdokimos Mathioudakis, Mr. Chrysovalantis Mathioudakis, and Mr. Triantafyllos Tzitzikas (the valedictorian of the year, who spoke excellently in Greek and English). The main speaker was Archimandrite Christodoulos (Papadeas), former dean of the Theological Academy, who spoke humbly and spiritually.

Mission Statement

The Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy exists to serve the Church in Canada in her sacred mission and witness to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, through the advancement of Orthodox thought and life.

Since the priestly ministry is essential to the life of the Orthodox Church, the education of men who are called to be priests is one of the primary objectives of the Academy.

In the future, an equally important objective will be to provide specialised training for men or women who wish to serve the Church through the important lay ministries such as teachers, secretaries, youth directors and chanters or choir directors.

In all areas of study, the Academy seeks to provide sound theological reflection on the vital issues facing the Church.

Programme of Studies

Subjects include : Byzantine Music ; Dogmatics ; Liturgics ; Greek Language ; Old Testament ; New Testament ; Orthodox Spirituality ; Patrology ; Church History ; Pastoral Studies ; Ethics ; Parish Administration ; Evangelisation & Missions ; Orthodoxy in Canada and the World ; World Religions.

Deans of the academy :

 1998-2006	Bishop Christophoros (Rakintzakis) of Andida
 
 2006-2016	Archimandrite Ignatios (Delis)
 
 2016-2017	Archimandrite Christodoulos (Papadeas)
 
 2017-2019	Archimandrite Athenagoras Ziliaskopoulos)
 
 2020-____	Bishop Athenagoras (Salmas) of Pataras

Faculty of the academy

The faculty are clergy of the archdiocese, including Archbishop Sotirios, who give freely of their time (as pastors, a generally scarce commodity) in order to instruct and to form properly the future pastors, teachers, cantors, and workers in the Church. Indeed, all those who have been teaching at the academy from the beginning have done so with no remuneration for their offering, which has been given with love.

Seminary Churches :

Saint John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church

Lifegiving Font Greek Orthodox Chapel

Saint John the Theologian Seminary Church (in Great Lent)

Particular academy information

These chapels are 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).

These chapels follow the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

This academy is 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 academy follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-days of the Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy are the Feast of Saint John the Theologian, 8 May ; the Feast of the Lifegiving Font, 13 April, Bright Friday.

In 2023, the dean of the academy is Bishop Athenagoras (Salmas).

Entrance to the metropolis and to the academy

Address :

Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada

86, Overlea Boulevard (1 Patriarch Bartholomew Way)

Toronto, Ontario

M4H 1C6

Telephone : (416) 429-5757

Fax : (416) 429-4588

Web-site : https://goarchdiocese.ca

Directions :

The Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy is located in the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto at 1, Patriarch Bartholomew Way, which is near Overlea Boulevard in the Thorncliffe area of East York, Toronto. It is near the Don Valley Parkway.

By car :

From all 4 directions, take the Don Valley Parkway. Take the exit for Don Mills Road. Follow Don Mills Road northwards until Overlea Boulevard. Turn left on Overlea Boulevard. Drive westwards until William Morgan Drive. Follow William Morgan Drive to the right, and veer right onto Patriarch Bartholomew Way.

There is a parking facility to the left.

By bus :

Consult Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).

There are bus stops on Overlea Boulevard at William Morgan Drive. The eastbound stop #2987 and the westbound stop #2986 are served by buses #25, #100, #325, #403.

By rail or air :

Toronto is accessible from eastern or western Canada, and from the USA by VIARail.

Toronto is accessible from most places in the world by air, and the flights arrive at the Pearson International Airport in the northwest part of the Greater Toronto Area.

Some few flights arrive at the Toronto Island Billy Bishop Airport.

Bishop Athenagoras (Salmas)

c/o Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada)

86, Overlea Boulevard (1 Patriarch Bartholomew Way)

Toronto, Ontario

M4H 1C6