View source for Halifax NS Saint Antonios Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church 1980


[[File:20180521 EntranceFromNorthWest - S.jpg]]

'''Halifax, Nova Scotia, Saint Antonios Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 1980'''


==Prehistory and background==

Lebanese and Syrian emigration to [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada  Canada] from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant region] (now [https://www.britannica.com/place/Lebanon Lebanon] and [https://www.britannica.com/place/Syria Syria]) began well before 1900, but those who remained in Canada (most continued on to the USA) settled in the area of [http://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/montreal/ Montréal], [http://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/quebec-city/ Québec].  Those who settled in [http://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/halifax/ Halifax], [http://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/nova-scotia/ Nova Scotia], were few, and they would attend [[Halifax NS Saint George Greek Orthodox Church 1932 |Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church]].  It seems that those who emigrated to Canada from other countries in the [https://www.britannica.com/place/Middle-East Middle-East] did not settle on the east coast, but rather they settled in Montréal and in [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/toronto/ Toronto], [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/search/?keyword=ontario Ontario].  This was largely because of better employment and business opportunities.  

Once again, during the 1970s, numerous [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox Christians] fled the sectarian and geopolitical tensions in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant] (the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Mediterranean eastern Mediterranean] region), emigrated to Canada, and settled in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/nova-scotia Nova Scotia].  Sadly, a generation later, the "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria fundamentalism]" that developed in Syria, [https://www.britannica.com/place/Iraq Iraq], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Turkey Turkey], and [https://www.britannica.com/place/Egypt Egypt] again forced minority groups (e.g., the [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Coptic-Orthodox-Church-of-Alexandria Copts] of Egypt, the Christians of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Land Holy Land] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanon Lebanon]) to leave the region of the Middle-East.  

==Forming the community==

The first wave of Orthodox immigrants to Canada from the Levant attended [http://www.halifaxgreeks.ca Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church] in Halifax.  However, there was a significant difficulty about language, since in this parish the language used was [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language Greek].  The newcomers spoke primarily [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabic Arabic], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language French], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language English].  

Soon, it began to be hoped that another distinct parish could be developed, in which the priest would be able to use the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabic Arabic language] during the regular [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy] and other services, such as weddings, funerals, and baptisms, and other needs.  Inquiries began to be made, and requests for possible help were extended by those who took the initiative together.

==Establishing the community, 1980==

During the first half of 1980, the community was visited by members of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Antioch Antiochian Orthodox Church] (e.g., [http://araborthodoxy.blogspot.ca/2017/04/the-repose-of-metropolitan-elia-saliba.html Archbishop Elia (Saliba)] (✝2017), and Ernest Saykaly.  In a letter of 20 May, 1980, positive news was received from [[Metropolitan Philip (Saliba)]] (✝2014) at the head office of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Antiochian_Orthodox_Christian_Archdiocese_of_North_America Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America] in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Englewood-New-Jersey Englewood], [https://www.britannica.com/place/New-Jersey New Jersey].  He indicated that he had given the blessing that the community be a mission under the patronage of [https://oca.org/saints/lives/2015/01/17/100216-venerable-and-god-bearing-father-anthony-the-great Saint Anthony the Great].  The chosen name of the parish was in honour of the patron saint of Antonious Nahas, father of Bassam Nahas.    

The founding Mission Council consisted of the following persons :  
  The Priest George Esber ; Bassam Nahas ; Moufeed Khoury ; Latify Boudreau ; Toufic Tannous ; 
  George Abouhaidar ; Michael Al-Khouri ; Sassyne Amyoony ; Bechare Habib ; Issam Ayoub ; Ramez Haddad ; 
  Michael Karma ; Dr. Joseph Lawen.  

Later in that year, [http://araborthodoxy.blogspot.ca/2017/04/the-repose-of-metropolitan-elia-saliba.html Archbishop Elia (Saliba)] visited [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/halifax Halifax], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/nova-scotia Nova Scotia], in order to evaluate the community’s desire to establish an [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Antiochian_Orthodox_Christian_Archdiocese_of_North_America Antiochian Orthodox] parish in Halifax, and the viability of the proposal. 


[[File:Archbishop Elia Saliba visits.jpg]]  '''Archbishop Elia visits'''

==Purchasing the First Temple, 1980==

As a result of that visit, the community decided to proceed, and to purchase a pre-existing building.  It is perhaps surprising that a church-building was purchased without the leadership of a priest, however, that act conveyed the community's determination.  That determination stemmed in part from immigrants who sought solace in their [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian Faith], and as well the Church’s links to their past, their traditions, and their culture (that is, their Orthodox Christian way of life).  

The new parish community of Saint Antonios purchased the church building of the former Saint Matthias Anglican parish in 1980, and there the parish began steadily to grow.  The development of the Orthodox parish showed similar patterns of challenge during its growth as did the previous Anglican one.  However, in the Orthodox case, a substantial influx of new people from abroad was for a time a major factor in the increase.    

==History of the purchased building==

The [https://saintantonios.ca/files/historicdocs/st-matthias.pdf Saint Matthias Anglican parish] had its beginning in approximately 1878, followed by the construction of the first church building in 1882, and it had a long and prestigious history.  This building had survived the [http://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/halifax-explosion/ Halifax Explosion] of 1917, and there were parishioners who had fought (and some died) in [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/first-world-war-wwi/ World War I] and [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/second-world-war-wwii/ World War II].  

Saint Matthias [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglican_Church_of_Canada Anglican Church] was originally a mission which had developed from both [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Paul%27s_Church_(Halifax) Saint Paul’s] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._George%27s_(Round)_Church,_Halifax,_Nova_Scotia Saint George’s] Anglican Churches.   Saint Paul’s is the well-known church located in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Parade_(Halifax) Parade Square] (downtown Halifax), and was amongst the first Anglican churches in Canada.  It is also the oldest surviving Protestant church in Canada (1750) and it is the oldest building in Halifax.  Saint George’s is the second Anglican parish in Halifax (1800/1827), and noted for its unique round architecture.  

The original Anglican mission of Saint Matthias [http://saintantonios.ca/files/historicdocs/st-matthias.pdf developed into a parish], and a building was constructed on Windsor Street in 1882.  It was this building of Saint Matthias which was constructed under the episcopal leadership of the Anglican [http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/binney_hibbert_11E.html Bishop Hibbert Binney].  (It was Bishop Binney who was likewise instrumental in renovating [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._John%27s_Anglican_Church_(Lunenburg) Saint John's Anglican Church] in [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/lunenburg/ Lunenburg].)  It was from this first building that the Anglican congregation had moved in 1914, when the new, second building across the street had been sufficiently completed.  This land had previously been donated to the parish by Bishop Binney.  In 1915, that building had been renovated to meet the needs of the Sunday school and other parish activities. 


[[File:2nd Saint Matthias church.jpg]]  '''Second Saint Matthias, second Saint Antonios'''


The second church building had been constructed in 1914.  This new building had been designed by a young man, [http://dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org/node/2172 James Harris] (his uncle was associated with the [http://stjamesmb.vpweb.ca Saint James Anglican Church] in [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/mahone-bay/ Mahone Bay]).  James was less than 30 years old when he designed this building.  It survived the 1917 explosion, as did the first, although the windows were for a time boarded over.  The parish hall was constructed next to the existing church building.  However, in time, despite many blessed and productive years, the parish of Saint Matthias was merged with another parish in 1978 in order to establish a new one farther to the west.  In the first decade of the 21st century, the structure of the venerable building was suffering, and it faced potential demolition.  Those desiring to learn more about the history of the Saint Matthias Parish will find the following document pertinent : “[http://saintantonios.ca/files/historicdocs/st-matthias.pdf  Saint Matthias Parish History 1878-1978]”.  

==First Temple, 1980==

At its establishment in 1980, the parish of [https://saintantonios.ca/calSaint Antonios] purchased the original building of Saint Mathias Anglican Church on Windsor Street.

They subsequently invited [http://ww1.antiochian.org/memory-eternal-his-eminence-metropolitan-elia-saliba Archbishop Elia (Saliba)] to return to Halifax and to bless the Temple.  


[[File:Metropolitan Elia and parishioners at 1st service.jpg]]  '''Sayedna Elia with parishioners after the first service'''


At the first Sunday Divine Liturgy for the Saint Antonios parish, the nave was packed.  In addition, Linda and Bassam Nahas had decided to mark the special occasion by getting married that day (7 September, 1980). 


[[File:Saint Antonios 1980.jpg]] '''Saint Antonius 1980 First Temple'''
 

The [https://stanthonyorthodoxchurch.com/very-rev-fr-elia-shaloub-pastor-of-st-anthonys/ Priest Elia Shalhoub], who was born in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Lebanon Lebanon], arrived several days later with his Khouria Odette.  He had been assigned by Metropolitan Philip (Saliba) to nurture this new parish.  He served the community for 11 years, until 1991, when he was transferred and assigned to the important task of helping build a new Temple ([http://www.stgeorgeto.org Saint George Antiochian]) in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/toronto Toronto], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ontario Ontario].  


[[File:Saint Antonis Old Interior CS.jpg]] '''First Saint Antonius interior'''


In this Temple (perhaps it could be called a “nest”), the parish grew steadily.  The original Temple accommodated 150 parishioners, and it was not long before the space was rather small for the number of regular worshippers.  


[[File:Fr Elia, Odette Shalhoub S.jpg]]  '''Father Elia, Khouriya Odette Shalhoub, et al'''


In 1991, the [http://saintantonios.ca/clergy.html Priest Maximos and Khouriya Rita Saikali] were assigned to shepherd the flock of Saint Antonios.  They arrived with 2 young children (Milad and Maria), and they established their family in the midst of this parish in Halifax.  They later had 3 more children (Anthony, Stephanie, and Elianna).  Under his pastorship, the parish family continued steadily and quickly to grow.

==Second Temple, 2012==

By 2010, after 30 years, the community had grown to exceed 300 families.  A decision had to be taken, since the parish had simply outgrown the existing structure.  Therefore, the Parish of Saint Antonios decided to move into a new and larger building. 


[[File:20180522 OldStAntonios CB S.jpg]] '''Saint Antonios, first Temple, before the move'''

==Transformation of the new building to be the Second Temple==

After considerable debate, by 2012, the parishioners of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian parish of Saint Antonios decided to [https://saintantonios.ca/newchurch_a.html purchase and renovate] the existing Saint Matthias Anglican Church across the street.  It was near to their other properties.  Since it was in a convenient and familiar part of the city, it was both logical and appropriate to keep the existing building as a place of worship, and to renovate it.  During the course of these renovations, the parish would use its small Temple to some extent.  It had already begun to use the larger building on some occasions.  The $6 million renovation began in earnest in May, 2013.  

A by-product of that decision would be the preservation of Saint Matthias’ spiritual legacy in the city, and it would allow the building’s service to the people and to the city to span from the late 19th into the 21st century (more than 130 years).  Because the parishioners of Saint Antonios were sensitive to the long history of this place of worship, and to the service of the Christians who had worshipped there, they determined also to maintain the memory of those former parishioners who had served and suffered during both world wars.  In keeping with this history, and since Saint Matthias is a part of the spiritual history of both communities, it was deemed fitting that [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Anthony_the_Great Saint Antonios] and [https://oca.org/saints/lives/2018/08/09/102243-apostle-matthias-of-the-seventy Saint Matthias] both be the [https://saintantonios.ca/patronsaint.html "patron saints"] of the new Temple.  

The greatest change that took place in the reconstruction was the move of the entrance to the Temple from Chebucto Road to Windsor Street.  Now, when parishioners worship, they are facing the east, as is traditional for Orthodox Christians.  That the entry moved to the west end made a significant reduction in traffic difficulties that had been developing on Chebucto Road.  Many more cars now used this road as a matter of course, and there were many more people now driving in order to attend services in this Temple.  


[[File:20180521 Hall Altar SouthWall CS.jpg]]  '''New and traditional orientation of the building'''


[[File:St Antonios domes.png]]  '''Raising the new domes into place at the west end, May, 2014 '''


As a result of this reconstruction, the visible Christian testimony of this Temple at this corner perpetuates that of the building in its former shape and use for the coming 21st century.  The reconstruction came to a sufficient conclusion to begin using the new Temple by the Feast of the Nativity of Christ in December, 2015.  

There is a further element to the sensibility of the parishioners about what they were inheriting and for which they were taking responsibility.  This is their decision to retain and use the stained-glass windows which had been long in use in Saint Matthias’ parish.  These windows have both historical and sentimental value to many [http://www.dictionary.com/browse/haligonian Haligonians].  The names of the donors are usually indicated at the bottom.  Certain panes were prepared by the prestigious [http://www.eternalglass.com Robert McCausland Limited] of Toronto, which is one of the oldest surviving stained-glass studios in the Western Hemisphere.  Of particular interest to the parishioners is the window of the [https://oca.org/saints/lives/2018/06/29/101840-the-holy-glorious-and-all-praised-leaders-of-the-apostles-peter Apostles Peter and Paul].  


[[File:Pre-opening new Temple S.jpg]]  '''Interior renovations near completion'''


[[File:Saint Antonios Interior C S.jpg]]  '''The new interior with iconostas and murals'''


There had been a house next to the first Temple, which the parish eventually bought.  The house was then demolished and a parking-lot was organised.  Once the new Temple was constructed, the move had been completed, and the fixtures of the old Temple had been removed, the old Temple was demolished, and it was replaced by a parking-lot which expanded the previous lot.

==Iconostas==

The new [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconostasis iconostas] at Saint Antonios Church was constructed by monks and artists from the [http://www.hamatoura.com Hamatoura Monastery] near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kousba Kousba] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Governorate North Lebanon], with knowledge and inspiration drawn from persons at [https://www.britannica.com/place/Mount-Athos Mount Athos] in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Greece Greece], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Ohrid Ohrid] in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Macedonia Macedonia] (known as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans” for its many well-preserved Byzantine era Temples), and elsewhere.  The wood used was [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oak oak] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walnut walnut].  This effort gave also needed support to the Hamatoura Monastery, and the ongoing Christian work and charity they undertake.  

==Mural iconography==

The parish commissioned [https://saintantonios.ca/icons.html mural iconography] for the Temple from the famed 10th century Byzantine [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Panachrantos_Monastery_(Andros,_Greece) Monastery of Panachrantou], which is within the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Metropolis_of_Syros,_Tinos,_Andros,_Kea,_and_Milos Metropolis of Syros], and located on the Greek island of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andros Andros] in the [https://www.britannica.com/place/Aegean-Sea Aegean Sea].  Then nuns from this monastery came to Halifax to help Father Maximos Saikali to assemble and integrate the new iconography into the Temple. 


[[File:Platytera and Ascension Fresco.jpg]] '''"[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Panagia_Platytera Platytera]" and Ascension murals'''


[[File:Proskomedia and wall.jpg]]  '''"[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Proskomedia Prothesis]", window and mural'''

==Parish Council==
 
The parish council represents the whole of the parish’s membership in the administration of its properties and its affairs.  The council is formed by mature members of the community who are elected by the general membership.  The parish priest also sits on the parish council.   The members of the parish council are those who frequently partake in the sacraments, participate in social and fundraising projects, and can serve as an example to fellow parishioners. 

The Saint Antonios parish community has been particularly blessed in that their presidents have brought significant and diverse expertise to bear in their leadership.  It is likewise a joy that former Teen SOYO or Fellowship members have (years later) contributed by becoming a parish president.  

The year 2015 marked a special year in this parish, since in that year the first female president of the parish council was elected.  This was Mme. Affaf el-Jakl. 

[https://saintantonios.ca/public/sv/picasa.php?userid=108979219261357351600&album=ParishPresidents Presidents] of the parish council include :
  Bassam Nahas 			1980-1982
  Ghassan Haddad			1982-1985
  Bassam Nahas			1985-1987
  Rafat Nasrallah	 	1988-1993
  Dr. Joseph Lawen	 	1999-1996
  Abraham Salloum		1996-1997
  Dr. Joseph Lawen		1997-1998
  Mounir Haddad			1988-2000
  Rafat Nasrallah		2000-2002
  Elie Hage			2002-2003
  Ghassan Haddad 		2003-2004
  Abraham Salloum		2004-2005
  A Mansour			2005-2006
  Dr. Joseph Lawen		2006-2008
  Besim Halef			2008-2011
  John Lawen			2011-2014
  Affaf El-Jakl			2015-2016
  Michael Haddad			2016-

==Lebanese Cultural and Festival Centre==

The community centre at 6141, Chebucto Road (just to the south of the Temple) has been a landmark and a known meeting-place of the Halifax region for generations.  Constructed by the previous Anglican owners of the church and hall during the previous century, and particularly in the early 1950s, the aged facility was rescued from demolition by the Antiochian parish.  However, the structure required major renovations, as did the Temple.   

The new establishment (i.e., the [https://saintantonios.ca/culturalcentre.html Lebanese Culture and Festival Centre]) includes a gymnasium and kitchen upstairs, and 10 classrooms downstairs which can be used by schools.  Besides fulfilling the needs of the parish, the centre is available to the general public for rental, just as it has been for many decades.  


[[File:20180521 ParishHall2 S.jpg]]  '''Lebanese Cultural and Festival Centre (parish hall)'''

==Parish Organisations==

'''Antiochian Women''' 

The [http://ww1.antiochian.org/women Antiochian Women] are considered to be the foundation of the parish.  They are extremely active, and they are involved in numerous spiritual and fundraising activities which benefit the broader community.  

'''Teen SOYO''' 

[http://ww1.antiochian.org/soyo SOYO] is the acronym for the “Society of Orthodox Youth Organisations”.  The Teen SOYO is amongst the most active organisations in the parish.  The society is involved in all aspects of Church life, which includes spiritual, social, and charitable activities.  They excel at having fun while serving Christ's Church.  

'''Fellowship of Saint John the Divine'''  

This fellowship consists of young adults who aim to follow the example of their patron [https://oca.org/saints/lives/1999/09/26/102731-repose-of-the-holy-apostle-and-evangelist-john-the-theologian Saint John the Divine], who was the youngest apostle and among the closest to Jesus.  Members of the fellowship are involved in spiritual, social, and charitable activities.  

'''Doors Open Committee''' 

[https://doorsopenhalifax.com/ Doors Open Halifax] is an event which aims to enhance the public’s knowledge of the local heritage through free access to buildings of historical, contemporary or architectural significance.  This is done also to generate interest in the architectural environment of Halifax.  In 2014, the Saint Antonios parish joined the effort and opened its doors during the weekend of 7 June.  On that occasion, approximately 650 people visited the site, and there was a good turnout by former Anglican members of Saint Matthias, whose enthusiasm was contagious. 

'''Lebanese Festival'''   

Since 2001, the annual Halifax [http://lebanesefestival.ca/ Lebanese Festival] has been rated as one of the most successful and vibrant summer events in the city of Halifax.  Held at the [http://www.olympichall.com/ Olympic Community Centre] on Hunter Street (1 block from the Temple), the festival (supported by many active volunteers) offers a famously delicious array of authentic Lebanese food, live entertainment, performances, and various activities for the whole family to enjoy.  The Olympic Hall is owned by the parish community.  


[[File:20180521 OlympicCommunityHall CS.jpg]]  '''Olympic Community Centre'''


'''Altar Boys''' 

The altar boys ([https://orthodoxwiki.org/Acolyte acolytes]) assist the priest by serving at the altar during the worship services, and particularly at the Sunday Divine Liturgy.  

[http://ww1.antiochian.org/christianeducation Sunday School] 

The parish’s Sunday school helps to convey the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/What_is_Orthodoxy Orthodox Christian Faith] to the young people in the parish.  The teachers are volunteers, and there is no fee associated with attendance and participation.

==Other parish events==

'''Diocesan Parish Life Conference, 2018'''

From 28 June to 1 July, 2018, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the annual Parish Life Conference of the Diocese of Ottawa, Eastern Canada and Upstate New York was convened at Saint Antonios' Church.  

The parish welcomed all who attended with warm Orthodox Christian and Halifax hospitality.  

On 29 June, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, after the Divine Liturgy, there were several simultaneous meetings.  Two guest speakers joined the SOYO & Antiochian Women.  Dr. Emad Massoud spoke to the SOYO teens during their meeting about on addiction as it related to social medial and technology in today's world.  Archimandrite Father Luc (Bonnell), the Abbot of the Hermitage of the Annunciation in New Germany spoke with the Antiochian Women. 

In addition to these meetings, the clergy had a meeting with [http://ww1.antiochian.org/BishopJohn Bishop John (Abdalah)], the Young Adult Ministry held their own meeting which Bishop John also attended.  Bishop John was present in the stead of Bishop Alexander (Muffarij), who was ill at that time.  The Order of Saint Ignatius gave a presentation during the Saturday night Dinner and Hafli. 

The Diocesan Council Meeting also took place during the sessions of the conference.  Each organisation provided a report about their activities to the council.  Other reports were provided from Camp Transfiguration, Christian Education, Creative Arts Festival, Sacred Music, Fall Retreat, and from the organising committee for the 2019 conference.  

In addition to the meetings, on 29 June, the participants were able to take in the sights of the Halifax Harbour aboard the Harbour Queen and were treated to fun, music, snacks and water views of our beautiful city.  On 30 June, they were taken to one of Nova Scotia's scenic treasures, Peggy's Cove.  Everyone received a picnic lunch as well as a tutorial about the famous site, the most visited and photographed site in Nova Scotia. 


[[File:Parish Life Conference season 2018 2.png]]  '''Conference participants at Peggy's Cove'''


[[File:Diocese of Ottawa PLC June 2018 2.png]]  '''Bishop John and co-serving clergy'''

==Parish clergy==

'''Archpriest Elia Shalhoub, 1980-1995'''

The first rector of the parish was the Priest [https://stanthonyorthodoxchurch.com/very-rev-fr-elia-shaloub-pastor-of-st-anthonys/ Elia Shalhoub].  

Father Elia was born in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douma,_Lebanon Douma], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Lebanon Lebanon], on 13 November, 1953, to Wadih and & Bahije Shalhoub.  He attended the [http://www.educalys.edu.lb/contactus/contactus.php?wsid=bac Annunciation School] in  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achrafieh Ashrafiyeh], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beirut Beirut] ; Douma Public School ; Balamand Junior High School, and [https://www.facebook.com/LADY.BALAMAND.HIGH.SCHOOL/ Our Lady of Balamand High School].  He completed his second [https://www.hrce.ca/about-our-schools/students/international-baccalaureate baccalaureate], with majors in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy Philosophy] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychology Psychology].  In 1976, he entered the [https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/st-john-of-damascus-institute-of-theology/98/ Saint John of Damascus School of Theology at Balamand], and went to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristotle_University_of_Thessaloniki University of Thessaloniki] in Greece for 1 year to study the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Greek Modern Greek language].  In 1977, entered [https://orthodoxwiki.org/St._Vladimir%27s_Orthodox_Theological_Seminary_(Crestwood,_New_York) Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary] in New York for the Master of Divinity programme in Orthodox Theology, and he graduated in May of 1980.  On 7 January, 1980, he married Odette Rahbani in Lebanon, and on 20 January of the same year, he was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Diaconate] by [https://orthodoxwiki.org/George_(Khodr)_of_Mount_Lebanon Metropolitan George Khoder] of the [https://www.facebook.com/OrthodoxMountLebanon/ Mount Lebanon Archdiocese].  On 13 April, 1980, he was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter Priesthood] at the [https://www.stgeorgeofboston.org/ Saint George Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston Boston], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts  Massachusetts], [https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States USA],by [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Philip_(Saliba) Metropolitan Philip (Saliba)].  

Immediately after his graduation, he was assigned as an interim pastor of [https://www.stmaryschurchwpb.org/  Saint Mary’s Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Palm_Beach,_Florida West Palm Beach], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Palm_Beach,_Florida Florida], for several months.  Then, on 1 September, 1980, he was assigned to his first parish, [http://ww1.antiochian.org/parish/34898 Saint Antonios], in Halifax, which he served faithfully for 11 years.  While he was in Halifax, he established the mission of [https://sspeterpaul.weebly.com/ Saints Peter and Paul] in [http://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/prince-edward-island/ Prince Edward Island], and served them also.  In July, 1988, Metropolitan Philip (Saliba) elevated him to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archpriest archpriest] during the CAN-AM Parish Life Conference in Halifax, which this parish hosted for the first time.  In 1991, he was transferred to the [https://www.orthodoxchurchtoronto.ca/church/st-georges-antiochian-orthodox-church parish of Saint George] in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/toronto Toronto], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario], where he served for 4 years.  During this time, he led the completion of the building project of the Temple, and he initiated 3 missions : in [http://ww1.antiochian.org/parish/35038 Saint Mary's] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississauga Mississauga], [https://www.xcsaviour.com/our-parish/antiochian-archdiocese/ Christ the Saviour] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchener,_Ontario Kitchener-Waterloo], and [https://www.facebook.com/OrthodoxNiagara.ca/ Saint Ignatius] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Catharines Saint Catharines].  

In 1995, was assigned to [http://ww1.antiochian.org/community-st-george-cathedral-celebrates-50-years-gables  Saint George's Cathedral] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_Gables,_Florida Coral Gables], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida Florida], where he helped to rebuild the new Cathedral, a landmark in Coral Gables.  In July, 2004, he was transferred back to Saint Mary’s Church, West Palm Beach, Florida, where he served faithfully for 7 years.  While he was in Miami and West Palm Beach, he helped to establish the [https://stpaulnaples.org/ Saint Paul Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naples,_Florida Naples], the [http://ww1.antiochian.org/parish/34904 Saint Anthony Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne,_Florida Melbourne], and the [http://ww1.antiochian.org/parish/35082 Saint Peter Mission] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Myers,_Florida Fort Myers].  On 1 January, 2012, he was assigned to be the pastor of the [http://ww1.antiochian.org/parish/35085 Saint Philip Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davie,_Florida Davie], Florida, and on 1 July, 2015, he was assigned to be the pastor of the Saint Anthony Church in Melbourne, Florida.  On 7 May, 2016, the new Saint Anthony Church on Aurora Road, Melbourne, was sanctified, and Father Elia was elevated to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Clergy_awards Great Economos].  In all the parishes he served, in addition to his pastoral service, he functioned as a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Chaplain chaplain] in various hospitals, especially in Toronto and in Halifax. 

'''Archpriest Maximos Saikali, 1995'''

The second rector of the Saint Antonios parish has been the [https://saintantonios.ca/clergy Archpriest Maximos Saikali].  Father Maximos graduated from the well-known [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Balamand Balamand University]-[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balamand_Monastery Monastery], where he encountered his classmate and future wife Rita Addoul.  Balamand Monastery has existed in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Governorate Northern Lebanon] for nearly a millennium, since monks built the Balamand Abbey in 1157 AD.  In concert with a life of prayer, the monks cultivated the soil, wrote and copied manuscripts, and hosted guests who sought refuge.  Today, the Balamand is a distinguished seminary.  Maximos Saikali was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter Priesthood] by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_Papastephanou Metropolitan Constantine (Papastephanou)].  

From his arrival, Father Maximos continued to support the development of the Mission of [https://sspeterpaul.weebly.com Saints Peter and Paul, Charlottetown] into a parish.  He also actively supported the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/hermitage-holy-annunciation-watford-ns Holy Annunciation Hermitage] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Germany,_Nova_Scotia New Germany], and the [[Halifax NS Saint Basil of Ostrog Serbian Orthodox Church 2001 |Serbian Parish of Saint Basil of Ostrog]].  He has also developed a fraternal relationship with the [https://sites.google.com/site/saintmenahalifax/ Saint Mena Coptic Orthodox Church] in Halifax.  

Father Maximos has also played a role in mentoring the next generation of clergy.  For instance, [https://stnicholasmtl.com/pastor/ Mark Wyatt] of Halifax sought guidance from Father Maximos, who received him into the Orthodox Church.  Father Maximos encouraged Mark to consider pursuing his education overseas.  Mark attended the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology, at Balamand Monastery.  There, he also met and married his wife, Rola.  In 2004, he was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Diaconate] and to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter Priesthood] by [[Bishop Antoun (Khouri)]].  

The Priest Mark-Arsenios Wyatt was then assigned to serve as Second Priest at the [https://steliascathedral.com/ Saint Elias Cathedral] in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ottawa-ont Ottawa], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ontario Ontario].  In September, 2007, the Priest Mark-Arsenios Wyatt was assigned to be the Pastor of the [https://stnicholasmtl.com/ Saint Nicholas Church] in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/montreal Montréal], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/quebec Québec]. 


[[File:Father Maximos and family.jpg]]  '''Archpriest Maximos Saikali and family'''


'''Metropolitan Ephraim (Kyriakos)'''

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_Ephraim_Kyriakos Metropolitan Ephraim (Kyriakos)], the Metropolitan Archbishop of the [https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/tripoli-al-koura-and-dependencies/81/ Archdiocese of Tripoli, al-Koura and Dependencies] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Antioch Eastern Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East], has been a fervent supporter of the parish of Saint Antonios.  He travelled from Lebanon to celebrate the new Temple’s official opening ceremony.  He was born in Beirut, Lebanon (1943).  His initial studies focused on telecommunications, and he later taught at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph_University Saint Joseph University].  In 1972, Ephraim left his secular career and entered the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Balamand University of Balamand].  He was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Diaconate] in 1974, and then to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter Priesthood] in 1978.  The Priest Ephraim then entered the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/St._Paul%27s_Monastery_(Athos) Monastery of Saint Paul] on [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Mount_Athos Mount Athos] in 1983.  When he was [https://orthochristian.com/101607.html tonsured] to be a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monk monk], he received the name “Ephraim”, in honour of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ephrem_the_Syrian Saint Ephraim the Syrian].  He then served as a monk in the Metropolis of Tripoli, North Lebanon.  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hieromonk Hieromonk] Ephraim (Kyriakos) was elevated to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archimandrite archimandrite] in 1991.  He subsequently was the founder and abbot of the Holy Monastery of the Archangel Michael in Biq’aata, Lebanon.  In fact, he had restored this monastery which had been previously abandoned.  Hieromonk Ephraim (Kyriakos) was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Episcopate Episcopate] in 2009, when he became a [https://www.orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop#Archbishops_and_Metropolitans metropolitan archbishop].  In the course of his formation, it is said that he was influenced not only by Elder Parthenios, but also by Archimandrite Panteleimon of [https://www.facebook.com/HamatouraMonastery Hamatoura Monastery] at [https://www.explorelebanontours.com/blog/hamatoura-monastery-deir-kousba-lebanon Kousba, Lebanon].  

'''Archpriest Ronald Parsons (1927-2005)'''

As a very young man, [https://www.ancestry.ca/genealogy/records/rev-ronald-parsons-24-hgw9kh Ronald Parsons] fought in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II World War II] overseas with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Armed_Forces Canadian Army] (1943-1945).   He was in time married to Rosina Anne Mills, and they received from the Lord 7 children.  After leaving the military, he served as a priest in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglican_Church_of_Canada Anglican Church] for 35 years.  He lived and served in various locations in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alberta Alberta], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/prince-edward-island Prince Edward Island] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nova_Scotia Nova Scotia].  During a portion of this time, he also worked as a field officer for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretary_of_State_for_Canada Canadian Secretary of State Department].  In 1990, he was ordained to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter Holy Priesthood] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox Christian Church], and he served as such until his repose in 2005.  He was predeceased by his wife.  He was a much-loved spiritual leader of the parish of Saint Antonio in Halifax.  In addition, from 1994, he was assigned to enable the beginning of the [https://sspeterpaul.weebly.com Saints Peter and Paul parish] in [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/charlottetown/ Charlottetown], [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/prince-edward-island/ Prince Edward Island] (PEI).  He was an active supporter of this mission, which became a parish.  He was also an active supporter of worker rights, most notably as spokesperson [https://inequalitygaps.org/first-takes/first-takesclass/canso-a-historic-fishing-villages-struggle-for-workers-rights/ in the early 1970s for the striking fishers] in [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canso/ Canso].  His commitment to social justice remained throughout his lifetime.  


[[File:Father Maximos Saikali and Father Ron Parsons.jpg]]  '''Father Maximos and Father Ronald'''


Those desiring to learn more about the history of the Saint Antonios Parish may find the following documents pertinent : the 1988 booklet celebrating the mortgage burning ; the 1984 consecration booklet. 


[[File:20180521 Office CS.jpg]] '''The parish office at the northwest of the Temple''' 


[[File:Bishop Alexander and clergy at Saint Antonios 2.png]]  

'''Bishop Alexander (Mufarrij) and Halifax clergy at Saint Antonios Temple, 2014'''

==2020-2021 Coronavirus-19 virus restrictions on parishes==

In early 2020, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19 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.  

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

==Particular parish information ==

This parish is a part of the [http://ww1.antiochian.org/ottawa  Antiochian Orthodox Diocese of Ottawa, Eastern Canada and Upstate New York], of the [http://www.antiochian.org/home/ Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America], of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Antioch Antiochian Orthodox Church].   The bishop is [[Bishop Alexander (Mufarrij)]].

This parish follows the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revised_Julian_calendar New (Revised Julian) Calendar].

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of [https://oca.org/saints/lives/2015/01/17/100216-venerable-and-god-bearing-father-anthony-the-great Saint Anthony the Great], 17 January.  The second major Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the [https://oca.org/saints/lives/2015/08/09/102243-apostle-matthias-of-the-seventy Holy Apostle Matthias], 9 August. 

In 2022, the pastor of this parish is the [https://saintantonios.ca/clergy.html Archpriest Maximos Saikali].


[[File:P1010067 S.jpg]]  '''Entrance to the Temple'''


Address : 

[http://ww1.antiochian.org/parish/34898 Saint Antonios Antiochian Orthodox Church]

2480, Windsor Street

Halifax, Nova Scotia 

B3K 5B9

Telephone : (902) 422-5056

Fax : (902) 423-0933 

E-mail : info@saintantonios.ca 

Web-site : http://saintantonios.ca/cal.html

[https://www.facebook.com/stantonios/ Facebook]

Cultural Centre web-site : https://saintantonios.ca/culturalcentre.html 


Directions : 

By car :

From the north :

From [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amherst,_Nova_Scotia Amherst] in the north of Nova Scotia, drive southwards on Highway #102.  Continue straight on towards the city when Highway #103 merges with this highway.  It becomes Highway #102, Bayers Road. Turn right onto Connaught Avenue.  At Chebucto Road, turn left.  Drive on Chebucto Road, keeping to the right, until the junction with Windsor Street.  The Temple is on the corner at the left.

From the south : 

From [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yarmouth,_Nova_Scotia Yarmouth] in the southwest of Nova Scotia, drive northwards on Highway #103.  Continue straight on at the junction with Highway #102.  It becomes Highway #102, Bayers Road.  Turn right onto Connaught Avenue.  Drive on Chebucto Road, keeping to the right, until the junction with Windsor Street.  The Temple is on the corner at the left.

From Dartmouth :
 
From [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dartmouth,_Nova_Scotia Dartmouth] (across the "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwest_Arm Northwest Arm]"), drive southwards across the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angus_L._Macdonald_Bridge Angus L MacDonald Bridge], and continue along North Street to Windsor Street.  Turn left on Windsor Street and drive eastwards along Windsor Street until the junction with Chebucto Road.  The Temple is on the right.

By bus :

Consult [https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/halifax-transit Halifax Transit].  There are many bus routes which pass along both Windsor Street and Chebucto Road.   


[It is often been the case in the Middle-East, an Islamic mosque is deliberately located near an Orthodox Christian Temple.  Although in Halifax this did not come to be through a deliberate plan, it is nevertheless the case that Saint Antonios Orthodox Christian Church is situated one street away from the [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ummah_Mosque_in_Halifax,_Nova_Scotia_(2018)_(42805072910).jpg Ummah Masjid Mosque and Islamic School] on Saint Matthias Street.]


[https://saintantonios.ca/clergy.html Archpriest Maximos Saikali] 

Telephone : (902) 422-5056 (office)

==References==

[http://saintantonios.ca/parishhistory.html Original article]


'''Additional information :'''

[http://lebanesefestival.ca/ Lebanese Festival web-site]

[https://saintantonios.ca/culturalcentre.html Cultural and Festival Centre]

[http://www.olympichall.com/ Olympic Hall Community Centre]

[http://saintantonios.ca/cal.html Web-site]

[https://www.facebook.com/stantonios/ Facebook]

[http://saintantonios.ca/clergy.html Archpriest Maximos Saikali]

[https://saintantonios.ca/photos.html Parish photos] 

[https://saintantonios.ca/organizations1.html Parish organisations]

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Antioch Orthodoxwiki article about the Antiochian Orthodox Church]

[http://www.antiochian.org/home Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America web-site]  

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Antiochian_Orthodox_Christian_Archdiocese_of_North_America Orthodoxwiki article about the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America]    

[http://ww1.antiochian.org/ottawa Antiochian Orthodox Diocese of Ottawa, Eastern Canada and Upstate New York] 

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Philip_(Saliba) Metropolitan Philip (Saliba)]  

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Joseph_(Al-Zehlaoui) Metropolitan Joseph (Al-Zehlaoui)]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephraim_Kyriakos Metropolitan Ephraim (Kyriakos)]  
 
[http://ww1.antiochian.org/memory-eternal-his-eminence-metropolitan-elia-saliba Archbishop Elia (Saliba)]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Saba_(Esber) Metropolitan Sava (Esber)] 

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Antoun_(Khouri) Bishop Antoun (Khouri)]   

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Alexander_(Mufarrij) Bishop Alexander (Mufarrij)]  

[https://www.lebaneseconsulatehalifax.com/ Honourary Consulate of Lebanon in Halifax web-site]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3s6hfrKBjU Video : "Cedars Strong and Free : Halifax's Lebanese Community"] (video in which the Orthodox community is briefly mentioned) 
  
[https://sspeterpaul.weebly.com Saints Peter and Paul, PEI parish web-site] 

[http://ww1.antiochian.org/sites/default/files/may_2017_word_for_archdiocese.pdf Memorial article : ‘His Eminence Metropolitan ELIA (Saliba)’ in “The Word”], p. 31.   (May, 2017)

[http://ngb.chebucto.org/Newspaper-Obits/halifax-herald-2005-oct.shtml Obituary Archpriest Ronald Parsons] (October, 2005)

[https://saintantonios.ca/newchurch_a.html Parish article : "Moving to a new church"]  

[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/saint-antonios-orthodox-church-opens-1.3320050 CBC article with photos about Saint Antonios and Doors Open, 2015] [7 photos]

[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/saint-antonios-antiochian-orthodox-church-to-open-in-2015-1.2872897 Another CBC article with photos about Saint Antonios and Doors Open, 2015]

[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/saint-matthias-anglican-saint-antonios-orthodox-1.3321730 CBC article “Saint Matthias Anglican Church becomes Saint Antonios Orthodox Church”] 

[http://saintantonios.ca/files/historicdocs/st-matthias.pdf History of Saint Matthias parish]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrian_Canadians Wikipedia article about Syrian Canadians]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanese_Canadians Wikipedia article about Lebanese Canadians]

[http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/arabs/ Canadian Encylopaedia article about Syrian and Lebanese immigration to Canada] 







[[Category:Parish Communities]] [[Category:Nova Scotia]] [[Category:AOCA]] [[Category:AOCADO]] [[Category:AP]]