Victoria BC Presentation (Ypapanti) of Christ in the Temple Greek Orthodox Church 1974
Victoria, British Columbia, Presentation of Christ in the Temple Greek Orthodox Church, 1974
Victoria & Vancouver Island Greek Community Society, 1974
Prehistory
The first known Greek-speakers arrived in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (on Vancouver Island), and settled there in about the year 1900 ; and effectively, they founded the Greek Orthodox community in this city. However, their number was not large ; and during most of the 20th century, there were few services in Victoria itself. These were offered on occasions when a priest would travel to Victoria for particular reasons. The priests who served in Saint George’s Church in Vancouver, British Columbia, were the most likely to care for the spiritual needs of the Greek Orthodox in Victoria. Otherwise, the Greek Orthodox in Victoria would either travel to Vancouver, or to Seattle, Washington, USA. Other Orthodox Christian Churches began to develop in Victoria, and the Greek Orthodox would sometimes attend services there.
In addition to these facts, it has become understood that the navigator, Juan de Fuca of 1592 (after whom the Strait of Juan de Fuca is named) was in fact a Greek, whose actual name was Ioannes Phokas.
Founding the parish, 1974
By 1974, the number of Greek Orthodox believers in Victoria had increased sufficiently to establish an organised parish and community society. With this development, and the eventual construction of the Temple of the Presentation of our Lord (Ypapanti) and a community hall, the Greek community in Victoria began to expand.
Two years previously, the Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church in Vancouver had begun to help to establish a small mission of the Annunciation in 1972.
The Hellenic Community of Victoria is a non-profit organisation founded in 1974, which is focussed on preserving and promoting the Hellenic culture, language, history and the Orthodox Christian Faith on Vancouver Island. The community has a strong and dedicated membership. It is also home to the Greek Fest with the support of over 100 volunteers. Partial proceeds from every Greek Fest go towards the "Canadian Cancer Society" through "Cops for Cancer", and to the "Hot Lunch" programme which funds hot lunches for school children across Victoria. The Hellenic Community of Victoria also sponsors numerous community events such as bake/food sales, heritage festivals, sports programmes, Greek language school, Greek dancing classes, and a Greek cooking programme.
Canada Ninth District named a diocese, 1979
In 1979, following a re-structuring of the Archdiocese of North and South America, The Ninth District 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).
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.
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”.
Nanaimo nurture
In addition to this, the Greek Orthodox Community of Victoria and Vancouver Island began to nurture the development of a community in Nanaimo. The Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Community of Nanaimo is served periodically by the priest of the Ypapanti parish in Victoria, who also travels to other places on Vancouver Island from time to time in order to care for Greek Orthodox believers who live in such places.
Parish museum
The community in Victoria operates a museum. The museum personnel are currently working on an extensive genealogical project documenting the people and history of the community dating back to Juan de Fuca (Ioannis "John" Fokas). The project includes digitalisation of photos, and documents of the community’s history. Through “legacy.com”, they are creating a visual representation of the community’s “family tree” so that future generations may be able to trace back to their family roots.
Besides operating a Hellenic Community Centre, the community also has a Greek School.
Some parish clergy
Priest Constantinos Economos, 2012-2014
On 14 August, 2012, Priest Constantinos Economos was transferred, and he was assigned to serve as the Parish Priest of Ypapanti Greek Orthodox Church in Victoria, British Columbia. Father Constantinos and Presbytera Kristina served the Greek Orthodox Communities on Vancouver Island with love and enthusiasm, and they brought a special focus to the youth ministry there. Together, Father Constantinos and Presbytera Kristina revitalised the Sunday School programme ; they started and ran a bi-weekly playgroup for the toddlers ; they led the GOYA for the youth of the community ; and they taught a traditional Greek dance group, the "Nisiotes", who performed at food festivals and local events in Victoria.
On 1 December, 2014, Father Constantinos was assigned as Parish Priest of Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Vancouver.
Priest Evangelos Aravantinos
On 1 December, 2014, Priest Evangelos Aravantinos and his wife Ioanna Gounakis, began their service in Victoria.
Evangelos Aravantinos was born in Montréal, Québec, on 22 March, 1976, as the youngest of 3 siblings. Through the guidance of his spiritual father, Priest Nicholaos Papageorgiou, he entered the Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy, thus taking the first step toward his childhood dream to enter the priesthood. In May, 2003, he graduated and received his Theological degree.
After graduating, Evangelos accepted an invitation from Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios to become the Finance Director of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada). While working at the Metropolis, he also served as a cantor at the Academy's chapel of Saint John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church.
During that time, Evangelos met his wife Ioanna Gounakis from Windsor, Ontario. They were married on 4 June, 2005. Prior to his wedding, Evangelos resigned as the Finance Director of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada), since his ordination and assignment were to come soon thereafter.
On 16 July, 2005, Evangelos Aravantinos was ordained to the Diaconate in his home parish of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Montreal, Quebec. Then, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on 30 July, 2005, at Saints Nicholas and Demetrios Church in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he had served until 30 November, 2014.
Priest Kosta Kaltsidis
Priest Kosta Kaltsidis served the parish for a time.
Priest Demetrios Vickery
Priest Demetrios Vickery (who had served previously in the parish as deacon) was assigned to serve as parish priest.
Metropolitan Sotirios and clergy at the Service of the Breaking (blessing) of the Bread ("Artoklasia")
Elevation of the Metropolis of Toronto to Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, 2019
On 13 June, 2019, Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis) and the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople decided to elevate the Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) to become the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada. It was given the same status as the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America in the USA.
On 13 June, 2019, Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was elevated to the dignity of archbishop.
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 were conducted regularly with only the priest, the cantor and the sexton (caretaker) present. The worship services were streamed on social media.
As elsewhere, there was some controversy about the legal requirements.
Archpastoral visitations to Vancouver Island, Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland, 2022
First visitation, May, 2022
For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of Canada was able to make a ten-day archpastoral visit to Vancouver Island, Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland. He was present there 13-23 May, 2022.
The first 2 days were spent in Victoria, British Columbia.
On Friday, 13 May, Archbishop Sotirios arrived in Victoria, where a welcome luncheon was held by the Board of Directors of the Greek Community of Victoria and Vancouver Island. Archbishop Sotirios met also with others.
On Saturday, 14 May, Archbishop Sotirios served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Temple. He was assisted by Priest G Tolias and Priest Timoleon Prattas. On this occasion, Archbishop Sotirios ordained Deacon Demetrios Vickery to the Holy Priesthood.
Later on that day, Archbishop Sotirios travelled to Vancouver for the continuation of the visit.
Second visitation, September, 2022
From 15-19 September, 2022, Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) visited British Columbia a second time. Although Victoria was not a part of this particular visit, Priest Demetrios Vickery served together with the archbishop at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Friday, 16 September, at Saint George's Cathedral in Vancouver.
Archpastoral Visitation, 2023
On 26 January, 2023, Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) began an archpastoral visit to some Greek Orthodox parishes in British Columbia. First, he spent several days in meetings and services in the Greater Vancouver region.
On the Altar Feast-day of the parish, on 1-2 February, 2023, Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) visited the parish of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple (Ypapanti) in Victoria.
On 1 February, Great Vespers was served in the Temple, at which Archbishop Sotirios presided.
On 2 February, Festal Matins and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy were served. Archbishop Sotirios served together with the Priests Timoleon Prattas ; Georgi Despodov ; Nikolaos Sideras ; and Demetrios Vickery. Following the Divine Liturgy, a repast was offered, after which Archbishop Sotirios met with several persons.
On 3 February, Archbishop Sotirios returned to Toronto, Ontario.
By 2017, the parish had blossomed into a diverse family of mixed ethnic backgrounds, blending their collective traditions with each other in true Byzantine style, while keeping in mind that they are all first and foremost, “ethnically Orthodox”.
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).
The services are conducted in both Greek and English.
This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.
The Altar Feast-day of the Temple is the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple, 2 February.
In 2023, the pastor of the parish is Priest Demetrios Vickery.
Address :
Ypapanti (Presentation) Greek Orthodox Church
Victoria and Vancouver Island Greek Community Society
4648, Elk Lake Drive
Victoria, British Columbia
V8Z 5M1
Telephone : 250-479-9391
Web-site : https://www.victoriahellenicsociety.org/
E-mail : greek.community.victoria@outlook.com
Directions :
Victoria, British Columbia, is situated on Vancouver Island.
It is approached by air at Victoria International Airport.
It is approached by sea with BCFerries from Vancouver ; with FRS Clipper from Seattle, Washington, USA ; or with Black Ball Ferry from Port Angeles, Washington.
From north-easterly parts of Vancouver Island, Victoria is approached by road with the BC/Transcanada Highway #1 (between Nanaimo and Victoria) and BC Highway #19 (North of Nanaimo).
From westerly parts of Vancouver Island, Victoria is approached by the West Island (Sooke) Highway #14.
By bus :
Consult BC Transit. Take bus #70 from Douglas Street at Blanshard Street.
There is bus service on Elk Lake Drive.
By car :
From Victoria, drive straight out on Blanshard Street (Highway #17) towards the BC Ferries (Blanshard becomes the Patricia Bay Highway). Take Exit #11 for Royal Oak Avenue. Turn left on Royal Oak Avenue. After passing over the highway, turn right on Elk Lake Drive. The Temple and Community Centre are on the left.
From Sidney and Schwartz Bay, drive on Highway #17 towards Victoria. Elk Lake is visible on the right. Before Haliburton Road, take the Elk Lake Drive exit. After passing the Howard Johnson Hotel, the Temple is on the right.
There is ample parking available.
Telephone : 250-479-9391
E-mail :
References
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.
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).
Prokurat, Michael ; Golitzin, Alexander & Petersen, Michael, eds., “The A to Z of the Orthodox Church” (Lanham, MD : Scarecrow Press, 2010), pp. 143-145. ISBN : 978-0-8108-7602-6.
Stokoe, Mark and Kishkovsky, Leonid, “Christians in North America 1794-1994” (Chapter 3).
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 :
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada web-site
Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South 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
Uniform Community Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, 2021
Orthodox Church of Constantinople web-site
Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Constantinople
Patriarch Demetrios (Papadopoulos)
Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)
Archbishop Athenagoras (Kokkinakis)
Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)
Bishop Bartholomew (Mostratos) of Keramos
Bishop Athenagoras (Salmas) of Patara
Bishop Iakovos (Antonopoulos) of Zinoupolis
Orthodoxwiki list of Orthodox parishes in British Columbia
History of the Greek Archdiocese of Canada
Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church, Vancouver, British Columbia
Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, Vancouver, British Columbia
“Canada Archives Greek Immigration”
Canadian Encyclopedia article about Greek Canadians
Wikipedia article about Greek Canadians
Wikipedia article about the Greek diaspora
Article about the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Meeting of the Lord)
Toronto Mayor John Tory and Councillor Jim Karygiannis congratulate Archbishop Sotirios (7 July, 2019)
Metropolis of Toronto, Canada, elevated to Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada (13 June, 2019)
Three Vicar-Bishops received into the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada (2 August, 2020)
Archpastoral Visit of Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) to British Columbia (13-23 May, 2022)
Archpastoral Visit of Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of Canada to British Columbia (15-19 September, 2022)
Archpastoral Visit of Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of Canada to British Columbia (26 January-3 February, 2023)
‘Archdiocesan News : February, 2023, no. 387’ in “Orthodox Way” (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, February, 2023), pp. 5-7.
‘Archbishop of Canada : Pastoral Visit to British Columbia’ in “Orthodox Times” (26 January-3 February, 2023)