View source for Montréal QC Saint Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church La Salle 1980



[[File:StDionysiosGOCLaSalle 2.png]]

'''Montréal, Québec : Saint Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church, La Salle, 1980'''


'''Greek Orthodox Community of the South-west Region of Montréal, LaSalle'''



==Prehistory==

The prehistory of the Saint Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaSalle,_Quebec Lasalle], is found in the history of the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Montréal_QC_Evangelismos-Annunciation_Greek_Orthodox_Church_1909-1931,_1975 Evangelismos], and [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Montréal_QC_†Holy_Trinity_Greek_Orthodox_Church_1925-1986 Holy Trinity] parishes of  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal Montréal],  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec Québec], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada Canada], as well as the other parishes that developed in the various parts of Greater Montréal after [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II World War II], and the subsequent substantial immigrations from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language Greek-speaking] lands thereafter.  The most recent predecessor was the parish community of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Montréal_QC_Saints_Constantine_and_Helen_Greek_Orthodox_Church_Dollard-Des_Ormeaux_1979 Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church] to the north of Montréal at [https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dollard-des-Ormeaux Dollard des-Ormeaux, Laval], which was in formation at about the same time (1979).

==Background of LaSalle, Québec==

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaSalle,_Quebec LaSalle, Québec], was (until it became a borough of the City of Montréal) known as Ville LaSalle until 2002.  Situated near the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lachine_Rapids Lachine Rapids] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Lawrence_River Saint Lawrence River], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrondissement borough] is named for the first [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seigneurial_system_of_New_France Seigneur] of the area, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ren%C3%A9-Robert_Cavelier,_Sieur_de_La_Salle René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle].  It is situated on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Island_of_Montreal Island of Montréal], to the southwest, in the most southerly part.  

==Ninth District becomes a Diocese, 1979==

In 1979, the Ninth District of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_North_and_South_America Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America] was elevated by the Patriarch of Constantinople to be the [https://goarchdiocese.ca/ Greek Orthodox Diocese of Toronto (Canada)], and [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)] of Constantia became Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto Toronto] ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada Canada]).

==Establishment of the community and parish==

In the context of the great increase in Greek-speaking population of the Montréal region, a group of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Church Greek Orthodox Christians] in the region of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaSalle,_Quebec Ville LaSalle], Montréal, met and decided to form a community, and then on the basis of this community to establish a Temple to the glory of God.   

The community was named and incorporated as the “[https://canada-listing.com/greekorthodoxcommunityofthesou Greek Orthodox Community of the South-west Region of Montréal, LaSalle]”.  

In 1980, the community established its Temple in LaSalle at the corner of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Des_Rapides_Park Boulevard LaSalle] and 7th Avenue.  This is across from the “[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Des_Rapides_Park Parc des Rapides]” and facing the Saint Lawrence River.  

The parish was named for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionysius_the_Areopagite  Saint Dionysius the Areopagite], first Bishop of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athens Athens] (at that time, in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman Empire], now in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece  Greece]). 


[[File:StDionysiusGOCLaSalleQC 1.png]]  '''Saint Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church'''


[[File:Church interior 2.jpg]]  '''Interior, Iconostas, of the Temple'''

==The Diocese of Canada becomes a Metropolis, 1996==

On 30 July, 1996, the Patriarchate of Constantinople divided the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_North_and_South_America Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America] into 4 parts : the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States USA], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada Canada], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_America Central America], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_America South America].  The Diocese of Canada was elevated to the status of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolis_(religious_jurisdiction) metropolitanate].  

At the same time, the Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) was detached from the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_America Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America], and placed directly under the authority of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople Patriarchal Throne in Constantinople]. 

On 24 September, 1996, [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)] was elevated to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop#Archbishops_and_Metropolitans metropolitan], and he was given the title and responsibility of Metropolitan Archbishop of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto Toronto] (Canada), and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exarch Exarch] of all Canada. 

==Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada and All the Arctic, 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 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic Arctic]”, “[https://goarchdiocese.ca/ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada]”. 

Thus, Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was elevated to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop#Archbishops_and_Metropolitans 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.


During all these years, the parish community, led by its assigned priests, continued to nurture the Orthodox Christian Faithful in the southern region of Montréal.  

Diligently, and prayerfully, the parish priests assigned to this Temple and community cared for the Lord’s rational sheep as they distributed to them the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Eucharist Spiritual Food] at the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy], and they consoled and nurtured them through the various [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Mysteries  Mysteries (Sacraments)].  

As do other Greek Orthodox parishes, this parish includes the following special interest groups and service groups :  

[https://goarchdiocese.ca/meeting-and-swearing-in-of-new-archdiocesan-philoptochos-council/  Ladies Philoptochos]

[https://saintgeorgemontreal.org/organizations/ Church School]

[https://saintgeorgemontreal.org/organizations/ Mixed Choir]

[https://www.schgoc.hi.goarch.org/our-ministries/chanters Chanters]

[https://www.instagram.com/p/Db1RNpRj3fO/ GOYA]'

[https://www.facebook.com/groups/Meandros168Montreal/posts/24864450233168902/ AHEPA]

[https://www.facebook.com/TheHCGM Greek Cultural Festival]

There is an annual three-day Greek cultural festival organised by the community and parish.

==Particular parish information ==

This parish is a part of the [https://goarchdiocese.ca/ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Canada], of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople].  The bishop is [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas)  Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)].  The Vicar-Bishop is [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Athenagoras_(Salmas) Bishop Athenagoras (Salmas)].  The patriarch is [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis) Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)]. 

This parish follows the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Revised_Julian_Calendar New (Revised Julian) Calendar].

The [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Altar#Altar_table Altar] [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Feast_day Feast-day] of this parish is the Feast of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionysius_the_Areopagite Saint Dionysius, Bishop of Athens], 3 October ; and the Thursday after the fifth Sunday after the Feast of the Holy Cross

[https://www.facebook.com/p/Greek-Orthodox-Community-of-the-South-West-Region-of-Montreal-LaSalle-100075925886923/ Greek Orthodox Community of the Southwest Region of Montreal]

In 2026, the pastor of the parish was  [https://www.st-dionysiosgoc.org/idx-home.php Priest Spiridon Voutos].



Address :

[https://www.st-dionysiosgoc.org/idx-home.php Saint Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church]

7707, LaSalle Boulevard

Ville LaSalle, Québec

H8P 1Y5

Telephone : 514-364-5442

[https://www.st-dionysiosgoc.org/idx-home.php Web-site]

E-mail : info@st-dionysiosgoc.org

[https://www.facebook.com/SaintDionysiosOrthodoxChurch/ Face-book]



Directions to the Temple :

By public transit :

Consult [https://www.stm.info/en/info/advice/visitors Société de transport de Montréal].  

From the west or east on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_Autoroute_20  Highway #20], take [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_Route_138 Highway #138] towards the south.  Take the exit towards Verdun on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaSalle_Boulevard Boulevard LaSalle].  Follow Boulevard LaSalle past [https://www.mapquest.com/ca/quebec/montreal/h8p/boulevard-bishop-power-45.42736,-73.60229 Boulevard Bishop-Power].  The Temple is on the left, at the corner of [https://www.waze.com/live-map/directions/ca/qc/montreal/boulevard-lasalle-and-7e-avenue?to=place.EjVCbHZkLiBMYVNhbGxlICYgN2UgQXZlLCBNb250csOpYWwsIFFDIEg4UCAxWTQsIENhbmFkYSJmImQKFAoSCQ15hhSnEclMEcIs9MaqUayWEhQKEgkNeYYUpxHJTBHCLPTGqlGslhoUChIJpVSNCSARyUwR3F9AzRLjDlYaFAoSCevxYxYJEclMETFjVUoPe5-aIgoNrecTGxX_dyLU 7e Avenue]. 


[https://www.st-dionysiosgoc.org/idx-home.php Priest Spiridon Voutos]

==References==

[https://www.st-dionysiosgoc.org/idx-home.php Parish web-site] 

[https://orthodox-world.org/en/i/10984/canada/quebec/ville-lasalle/church/saint-dionysios-orthodox-church Orthodox World reference to Saint Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church]


'''Additional information :'''

[https://quescren.concordia.ca/en/resource/8QW3Q2P9 “To Build the Dream” – The Story of the Early Greek Immigrants in Montréal]  (Montréal, Québec : Copyright 2000 Sophia Florakis-Petsalis). ISBN 10 : 0968747108 ; ISBN 13 : 978-0968747100.

[https://www.st-dionysiosgoc.org/idx-home.php Parish web-site] 

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaSalle,_Quebec Wikipedia article about LaSalle, Quebec] 

[https://hellenicpost.net/historical/ History of Greek Montréal]

[https://goarchdiocese.ca/ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada web-site]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada_(Greek) Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada]  

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_America Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[https://www.goarch.org/-/1996-special-regulations-and-uniform-parish-regulations-of-the-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-america 1996 Special Regulations and Uniform Parish Regulations Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[https://goarchdiocese.ca/uniform-community-regulations/ Uniform Community Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, 2021]

[https://patriarchateofconstantinople.com/index.html Patriarchate of Constantinople web-site]    

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Orthodoxwiki article about the Patriarchate of Constantinople]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Demetrios_I_(Papadopoulos) Patriarch Demetrios I (Papadopoulos)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis) Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Christophoros_(Rakintzakis) Bishop Christophoros (Rakintzakis)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Bartholomew_(Mostratos) Article about Bishop Bartholomew (Mostratos)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_Canada_1960 History of the Greek Orthodox Church in Canada]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/List_of_parishes_in_Quebec_(Canada) Orthodoxwiki list of Orthodox parishes in Québec]   

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Canadians Wikipedia article about Greek Canadians]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_diaspora Wikipedia article about Greek diaspora] 

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_Canada Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto, Canada, elevated to Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada] (13 June, 2019)    

[https://orthodoxtimes.com/three-auxiliary-bishops-for-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-canada/ Three Vicar-Bishops received into the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada] (2 August, 2020) 

[https://orthodoxtimes.com/unforgetable-event-to-honour-archbishop-of-canada-for-90-years-of-a-bright-journey/ Unforgettable event to honour Archbishop of Canada for “90 years of a bright journey”] (17 June, 2026)  

"[https://greektimes.ca/15620/ Archbishop Sotirios of Canada to step down after 52 years]" (24 June, 2026) 

[https://orthodoxtimes.com/metropolitan-apostolos-of-new-jersey-elected-as-the-new-archbishop-of-canada/ Orthodox Times : Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey elected as the new Archbishop of Canada] (22 July, 2026) 




[[Category :Parish Communities]]  [[Category:Quebec]]  [[Category:GODT]]  [[Category:EP]]