Toronto ON Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church of Toronto 1909

Toronto, Ontario, Greek Orthodox Church in the Name of the Great Martyr George, 1909

Prehistory of the parish

Although Greek-speakers had begun to arrive in Canada in the latter part of the 19th century, they were very few at first, and most remained in Québec City, or Montréal, Québec, Canada.

In 1901, 213 Greek-speaking immigrants lived in Canada. At that time, the majority lived in Montréal or Québec City. By 1909, there were enough people living in Toronto, and Montréal, to establish a small parish in each. By 1911, the number in Canada had risen to 2,640.

As was generally the case with people immigrating from other cultures at the time, most were looking for employment in factories, mines, and businesses, or they were looking for land to farm.

Founding of the parish, 1909

Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church is known as the “mother church” of the Greek “diaspora” in Toronto and in Ontario, Canada.

Founded in 1909 by Toronto’s early Greek immigrant pioneers, Saint George's Church is the oldest Orthodox Christian Church in the city of Toronto. Saint George's is also the oldest Greek Orthodox community in Canada ; and, up until 1961, it was the only Greek Orthodox church in the city of Toronto.

As was the case with other Orthodox Christian communities in Canada, this parish was first served and administered by the Diocese of New York and the Aleutians (the "Russian Mission in North America") of the Church of Russia until the establishment in 1922 of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America.

Greek Community of Toronto

Also founded in 1909 was the "Greek Community of Toronto", a fraternal organisation ("communal institution"), whose purpose was to support the development of Greek Orthodox Churches, and other social organisations to promote the welfare of the Greek immigrants to Toronto. It served at first as a sort of parish council for this parish as it developed. Later, the parish established its own particular parish council.

It may be useful to understand that 1909 was the very year in which the first Greek Orthodox parish was established in Montréal, Québec. This was the Holy Annunciation (Evangelismos) Greek Orthodox Church.

Throughout its development, this parish remained the focus of Greek Orthodox Christians in Toronto for more than 50 years.

As Greek-speaking immigrants to Canada settled in Toronto, they were not always well-accepted. For instance, in August, 1918, there was an anti-Greek riot in Toronto, which was based on both prejudice and incorrect information (based on rumours that Greeks were not fighting in World War I), and that they favoured Germany.

Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church is known as the “mother church” of the Greek “diaspora” in Toronto and in Ontario, Canada.

Another Greek Orthodox Church was not established in Toronto until 1961. This parish, its first "offspring", was the Holy Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (Cathedral) (Panagia).

Purchase of a new building, 1936 ; prehistory of the new building, 1887-1936

In 1936, the parish of Saint George in Toronto was able to purchase a building for sale on Bond Street, which was to become its permanent home.

Prehistory of the new building

This building had previously served (since 15 September, 1887) as "Holy Blossom Temple". By 1936, the congregation of this synagogue had outgrown the building, and the congregation moved elsewhere.

The architecture of this building had been executed in the Neo-Byzantine style, also called Romanesque Revival style. This fact helped greatly, since renovations are always required in such cases in order to make the transition into an Orthodox Christian Temple.

Thus, the Greek Orthodox parish of Saint George came to have as its spiritual centre this beautiful and historical church building, located in the heart of the city of Toronto, alongside other historical parishes.

Sanctification of the Temple, 1938

The Greek Orthodox Temple of Saint George was sanctified on 19 June, 1938, by Archbishop Athenagoras (Spyrou) (who later became Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople). At that time, he was the Archbishop of North and South America.

This building was conveniently constructed so that the entrance is to the west, and the Altar area faces to the east.

Establishment of a Canadian Pastoral District (Ninth Region), 1960

In 1960, it was decided by Patriarch Athenagoras (Syprou) to establish an episcopal region for Canada, of which the assigned bishop would be "Episcopal Commissioner" for Canada. The region was a preparation for a future diocese ; the "episcopal commissioner" was the preparation for a future ruling bishop.

The Temple declared to be a Heritage Property, 1976

On 10 November, 1976, the Temple was declared to be a Heritage Property of the City of Toronto.

Interior from the rear gallery

Canada Ninth District named a diocese, 1979

In 1979, following a re-structuring of the Archdiocese of North and South America, 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), and Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of Constantia became Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of Toronto (Canada).

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

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.

Beautification 1987-1992

The beautification of the Temple came about over the years 1987-1992. As a result of the labours of the leadership of the parish, the Temple’s interior became unique in being the only one outside of Greece to have been painted in its entirety by the Pachomaioi monks, Theophilos and Chrysostomos, master icon painters from Mount Athos, Greece.

Central to the parish’s mission of promoting Orthodox Christianity is the Byzantine-style iconography in the Temple, and its frescoed interior, unique in the harmony of its decorative programme. The parish offers tours, lectures and publications which help worshipping parishioners and visitors to enter into a prayerful spiritual and intellectual relationship with these holy images.

Iconostas and Altar at the east end

Royal Doors, Holy Table, High Place

The Platytera fresco above the iconostas

The Pantokrator fresco in the dome

View from the Altar towards the entrance at the west end

The Temple of Saint George, Bond Street, has been featured in several documentaries which are available to the public. “Toronto’s Houses of Worship”, a programme co-produced by Rogers Television and WNED/PBS Buffalo, includes extended coverage of the Temple amongst Toronto’s major religious monuments. Also, Toronto’s acclaimed architectural programme “Structures” presented the Temple in its “Bond Street/Estates of Sunnybrook” segment. Omni Television featured Saint George’s (along with other Greek Orthodox Temples of Toronto) in its series “Building Faith” (Episode 5) which focuses on Greek Orthodox architecture.

During the years 2004-2013, the Temple participated in the annual Doors Open Toronto event, held annually in late May. On this weekend, the doors were open to the public, and there were thousands of visitors during those years.

100 years, 2009

In 2009, Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Centennial banner

At Saint George’s Church, the Divine Liturgy is served every Sunday, and on special holy days.

The parish welcomes and encourages all who are interested in becoming involved in the community of Saint George, its heritage and the Orthodox Christian Faith.

The parish of Saint George is located in "downtown" Toronto. There, the Temple is a haven of peace and tranquillity, and a visible sign of the Orthodox presence in Toronto. The community holds historical prominence in the Greek “diaspora” and is committed to promoting and cultivating the Orthodox faith. As such, the parish strives to continue the rich "Byzantine" liturgical and spiritual traditions of Orthodox Christianity in the Greek manner. The members of the parish community are fervently committed to bearing witness to the Holy Orthodox Christian Faith.

The parish has an active Altar-boy group composed of boys from the ages of 8-18.

From October to May, the Sunday school offers an enjoyable learning experience for children between the ages of 6-12. It is hoped to accomplish this through age-appropriate crafts, songs, discussion and group activities, and attending the Divine Liturgy.

The parish is administered by a board of directors, who volunteer their time and energy in order to keep the community running smoothly. In addition, the women’s auxiliary, the “Philoptochos” (lovers of the poor) society, actively organises numerous church functions. It also provides help to members of the community in need.

Throughout the year, the parish offers various community events and functions, including luncheons and lectures.

Front entry

Elevation of the Metropolis of Toronto to the Archdiocese of Canada, 2019

On 13 June, 2019, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in its meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis) presiding, elevated the Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) to be the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, and of the Arctic”, “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”.

He was also made the Patriarchal Exarch of the Archdiocese of Canada.

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 Apostolos (Koufallakis). 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 this parish is the Feast of the Great-martyr George the Victory-bearer, 23 April.

In 2026, the Priest Philip Philippou was the parish pastor.

Address :

Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church of Toronto

115, Bond Street

Toronto, Ontario

M5B 1Y2

Telephone : 416-977-3342

Web-site : http://www.stgeorgestoronto.org

E-mail : office@stgeorgestoronto.org

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Approach to the Temple along Bond Street

Directions :

The Temple is located in the Garden District of Downtown Toronto. It is situated at 115, Bond Street, a block north of the intersection of Dundas Street East and Bond Street. It is just west of Street, and just east of Yonge Street.

By car :

Approach to the Temple is by Dundas Street East. Turn onto this street either from Yonge Street or Church Street. Bond Street is 1 block west of Church Street, or 3 blocks west of Yonge Street. Turn north on Bond Street. The Temple is on the right.

Parking is very difficult to find.

By bus/tram/subway :

Consult the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). There is TTC surface transportation along Dundas Street East. The Yonge Street line of the underground has stops at College Street and Queen Street.

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.

Priest Philip Philippou

E-mail : office@stgeorgestoronto.org

References

Avgeropoulos, Protopresbyter Panagiotis, “A Brief History of the Greek Orthodox Church in Canada” (Toronto : 2 July, 2024)

Efthimiou, Miltiades B and George A Christopoulos, eds., “History of the Greek Orthodox Church in America” (New York : Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America, 1984). ASIN ‏: B001AD93BI.

History of Saint George's Greek Orthodox Church of Toronto, Ontario

Jeffreys, Dr. Peter, “Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church: An Architectural and Iconographic Guide” (Toronto, ON : St George's Greek Orthodox Church, 2000).

Kitroeff, Alexander, “The Greek Orthodox Church in America : a modern History” (Ithaca, New York : Cornell University Press, 2020).

Pappaioannou, Priest George, ‘The Historical Development of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America’ in “A Companion to the Greek Orthodox Church”, ed. Litsas, F K (New York, NY : Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America, 1984).

“St George’s Greek Orthodox Community of Toronto : 1909-2009 : 100th anniversary commemorative book” (Toronto, ON : St George’s Greek Orthodox Church, 2009) (available at the Toronto Reference Library).

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., "Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America" (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.

Additional information :

Parish web-site

Archdiocese listing

Brief History of the Greek Archdiocese

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada web-site

Wikipedia article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada

Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada

Hellenic Community of Toronto web-site

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America web-site

OrthodoxWiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America

Wikipedia article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

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