View source for Surrey BC Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church 1990


[[File:Sts Constantine and Helen Surrey BC.jpg]]

'''Surrey, British Columbia, Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1990'''

'''Greek Orthodox Community of Surrey and the Fraser Valley, 1990'''


==Prehistory==

The earliest [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language  Greek-speakers] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Mainland Lower Mainland] region of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia British Columbia], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada], lived primarily in the cities of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver Vancouver], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnaby Burnaby], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Westminster New Westminster].  These [https://www.knowbc.com/limited/Books/Encyclopedia-of-BC/G/Greeks#:~:text=GREEKS%20began%20arriving%20in%20BC%20during%20the%201850s,in%20VICTORIA%2C%20where%20he%20married%20an%20aboriginal%20woman. very early arrivals came after 1850], following the prosperity of [https://wiederhold.org/individual.php?pid=I20893&ged=tree1 George Kapiotis].  [https://abitofgreeceinvancouver.wordpress.com/vancouver-greeks/ As the population began to increase] and these urban areas to expand, regions on the south shore of the [http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/fraser-river/ Fraser River] such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond,_British_Columbia Richmond] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whalley,_British_Columbia Whalley] (which became the centre part of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrey,_British_Columbia Surrey]) began to become larger urban centres.  

After [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II World War II] and after certain disasters abroad, many more Greek-speakers began to arrive.  

Because of the distance to western Vancouver to [[Vancouver BC Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1927 |Saint George’s Church]], or later even to the [[Vancouver BC Saints Nicholas and Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church 1978 |Church of Saints Nicholas and Dimitrios]] in eastern Vancouver, the desire developed to establish a Greek-speaking parish and community to the south of the Fraser River.  The focus was on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrey,_British_Columbia Surrey].

==Founding the parish and community, 1990==

In the 1980s, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada_(Greek) Greek Orthodox Church] of [https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2012/05/21/101452-equal-of-the-apostles-and-emperor-constantine-with-his-mother-he Saints Constantine and Helen] was established in order to meet the spiritual needs of the Greek Orthodox Faithful in the area.  At the same time, the [https://greeklanguage.ca/en/organization/greek-orthodox-community-of-surrey-and-fraser-valley-sts-constantine-and-helen-2/ Hellenic Community of Surrey and the Fraser Valley] was established in order to build and support the Temple, and to meet the cultural needs of the many Greek-speaking people who were now living south of the Fraser River.  The development of this parish and community encountered many obstacles and difficulties in the earlier years.  Nevertheless, with the help of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Jesus_Christ the Lord], the perseverance of the leaders enabled the establishment of a stable foundation for the parish and the community. 

The community’s fundraising events allow their guests and visitors to experience Greek hospitality, "Kefi" (creating merriment) and the promotion of multiculturalism through both the events and "partnerships".  The [https://greekorthodoxsurrey.com/ annual Food Festival] always features [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_cuisine Greek food], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_dances dances] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Greece music], but it also promotes various cultural group performances and participation as the community celebrates the local cultural mosaic. 

==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.

==New Temple, 2010==

In 2010 the present building was purchased in order to give more room to grow and develop both for the parish and for the community.  Immediately, renovations began.  The basement hall was renovated.  The grounds were paved and fenced.  A new carpet and pews were installed in the Temple.  

In May, 2012, the hand-carved [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconostasis iconostas], the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Cathedra bishop’s throne], the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Kliros chanters-stand] and the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Candle candle-stand] all arrived from [https://www.britannica.com/place/Greece Greece].  They were installed just in time for the annual festival of the Greek Orthodox Community of Surrey.  Further projects that were pending were replacing the existing lighting with new [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chandelier chandeliers] ; installing new [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography icons] ; constructing a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_tower belfry] ; making the building more accessible for those having difficulty managing the high stairs. 


[[File:Surrey Sts Constantine and Helen with new iconsostas.jpg]]  '''Metropolitan Sotirios and clergy before the new iconostas'''


[[File:Surrey BC Saints Constantine and Helen GO Church interior.jpg]] '''Interior of the Temple'''

==Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada and All the Arctic, 2019==

In 2019, the Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) was elevated to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Diocese Archdiocese].  Thus, the official title of the diocese became “Holy Archdiocese of Canada and All the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic Arctic]”, and alternatively, “[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”.

==Parish organisations==

'''“The Greek Orthodox Ladies '[https://www.philoptochos.org/about/ Philoptochos]' Society of Surrey & Fraser Valley, Saints Constanitine & Helen Chapter #68”'''

“Philoptochos” means “friends of the poor”, but not only in the sense of financial and material resources.  The [https://www.goarch.org/-/ladies-philoptochos-society Philoptochos society] also aids people who are poor in spirit, poor in health, poor in emotional stability, poor in companionship, and those poor in whatever is needed to lead a better life.  The Philoptochos is the “right arm” of the Orthodox Christian community, and it is always prepared to assist whatever and whenever needed. 

The “Philoptochos Society” was originally established when small groups of women in several [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_America Greek Orthodox] communities throughout the [https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States USA] were joined together by the then [[Patriarch Athenagoras (Spyrou)]], Archbishop of North and South America.  He was later to become the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarch_of_Constantinople Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople] and spiritual leader of world Orthodoxy.  

In 1974, the Philoptochos was expanded in Canada by [[Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) |Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)]].  The [http://www.gometropolis.org/metropolis/philoptochos/ Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society] is the women’s philanthropic society of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Metropolis_of_Toronto_(Canada) Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Canada].

The mission of the Society includes :
  To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, 
  the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to 
  offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fund raising efforts ; and, 
  to promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Canada, 
  through instructional programmes, presentations, lectures, seminars and other educational resources ; and,
  to preserve and perpetuate Greek Orthodox Christian concepts and the Greek Orthodox Christian Family, and 
  through them, to promote the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Greece Greek Orthodox Faith] and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons,
  discipline, divine worship, usages and customs ; and,
  to promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the co-operation of the 
  Presiding Priest and the Church Community Council.
  The charitable work of the Society shall be performed with discretion, courtesy and kindness.
  ‘Freely you have received, freely you give’ (Matthew 10:8). 
  ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20:35).
The projects which are both national and local obligations of the Philoptochos include :
  [http://www.philoptochos.org National Philoptochos Society] ; Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) ; 
  Disaster Relief ; Metamorphosis Greek Orthodox Summer Camp ; Completed Projects within the Church ; 
  Canadian Breast Cancer Society ; Surrey Memorial Hospital : NICU-Neonatal intensive Care Unit & Youth ;
  Mental Health ; Staples – School Supplies for Kids ; Social services ; Community Greek School ; Food Bank
Every woman in the parish can become a member of the Philoptochos society, and she can give her time and effort.   Every lady is encouraged to join. 

The Philoptochos society provides various services to the parish.  Two of the services include :
"[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koliva Koliva]" (boiled wheat), coffee and “[http://www.aglaiakremezi.com/paximadia-barley-biscuits-past-and-present/ paximadia]” (barley biscuits) after memorial services.

For “[https://www.frazerconsultants.com/2016/09/cultural-spotlight-greek-funeral-traditions/ Makaria]” (a meal following the interment after a funeral), the ladies can provide sandwiches, fruit trays, vegetable trays, “paximadia”, and coffee at a reasonable cost. 

'''Greek Food Festival'''

Since 1991, the Greek Community has organised an annual [https://www.facebook.com/SurreyGreek/ Greek Food Festival]. 

'''Sunday School'''

The parish of Saints Constantine and Helen offers Sunday school classes to children from pre-school to grade 6. 

The curriculum is based on the teachings of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Scripture Holy Bible] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Tradition Holy Traditions] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian Church].  The younger children learn mostly through a “hands-on”, craft-based teaching with plenty of stories.  The older grades (grades 3 and up) do various activities based on the Bible readings. Each year at Christmas, all the Sunday School students prepare and present a Christmas pageant near the time of the Feast of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Nativity Nativity of Christ].  

This parish’s programme has a very competent staff of volunteer teachers and assistants who volunteer every Sunday to teach and to create an inspiring learning environment for the children of the parish. 

One of the goals of the Sunday School is to help the children understand what it means to be a Christian, and the importance of helping others. 

'''“Feed the Homeless Initiative”'''

This community, in collaboration with “[https://nightshiftministries.org Night Shift Ministries]”, is working on implementing the teachings of the Orthodox Christian Faith by reaching out in support to those who need support, care and a warm meal.  Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, the community’s volunteers prepare meals at the community centre, and serve them at “Night Shift Ministries”.  They also prepare and freeze some meals for families that may be going through a challenging time, and our priest delivers them confidentially. 

'''“Zesti Gonia Seniors of Surrey Friendship Society”'''

The “[https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/corpreg/corpreg/soc1222soc0111 Zesti Gonia Seniors of Surrey Friendship Society]” was formed in 2012.

Initially, this was a very small group of senior people who had “a vision” about a mutual support and friendship group, and they did all the work necessary to bring the group into being.  

The membership now includes approximately 60 people, and more are welcomed. 

In their first year, the seniors’ group applied for and received a grant from the Province of British Columbia.  They spent that money to improve the kitchen, which is now completed.  “Zesti Gonia” made a generous donation to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia_Children%27s_Hospital Childrens’ Hospital] in Vancouver, and another donation to the “[http://the-centre.org Child Development Foundation of BC]” for children with disabilities.

The seniors operate “[https://greekcitytimes.com/2018/03/05/traditional-kafeneio-a-part-of-greek-history-culture/ The Kafenio]” (The Café) for 9 months of the year.  Their income from the “kafenio”, luncheons, and membership is donated to the church each year.

The women of the seniors’ group have formed a Bible Study group that meets every Tuesday in the community hall at noon, and everyone is welcome.

In 2014, the group organised a “field-trip” to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria,_British_Columbia Victoria] in order to attend the [[Victoria BC Presentation (Ypapanti) of Christ in the Temple Greek Orthodox Church 1974 |Ypapanti Greek Orthodox Church]] service, and to visit the [https://www.facebook.com/greekfestvictoria/https://www.facebook.com/greekfestvictoria/ Victoria Greek Food Festival]. 

The ladies also organise a social luncheon, and they meet in various Greek restaurants. 

'''Greek Dancing School'''

[https://www.facebook.com/diasporagreekdancegroup/ Diaspora Hellenic Dance Group]

Greece has many regions with distinct dialects, music, food and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_dances dances].  The [https://greekorthodoxsurrey.com/ Diaspora Greek Dance Group] demonstrates the struggles of the Greek people and the festive moments that are expressed through dance.  From the youngest dancers to the eldest, it fosters a connexion with one another, and it encourages all to take pride in being part of a community and experiencing history through dance.  

'''Replacement of roofing, 2017'''

All buildings require regular maintenance and repairs.  The Temple of Saints Constantine and Helen is no exception.  In July, 2017, needed roofing repairs were accomplished.


[[File:Surrey roof repairs 1.png]]  '''Attending to roofing repairs, 2017'''



==Priests who served in the parish==

'''Priest John Contoravdis'''

Priest John Contoravdis was the first priest to serve this parish and community.  He arrived in June, 1991, from the USA, and he served for almost 5 years.  


'''Protopresbyter Dorotheos Tryfonopoulos'''

Father Dorotheos Tryfonopoulos next briefly  served the community until the arrival of Archimandrite Nektarios from Greece. 


'''Archimandrite Damaskinos''' 

Next came Archimandrite Damaskinos, also from Greece.  


'''Priest Ioannis Kaoukakis'''

After him, the community was served by the Priest Ioannis Kaoukakis, a graduate of the [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Patriarchal_Toronto_Orthodox_Theological_Academy_1998   Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy].  He eventually went on to serve the [[Edmonton AB Saint George Greek Orthodox Church 1945 |Saint George Greek Orthodox Community]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton Edmonton], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta Alberta].  


'''Priest Foti Cici'''

The next priest, the Albanian-born Priest Foti Cici was on loan from the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America Orthodox Church in America] (OCA), and he served the community for about 2 years until he returned to his previous jurisdiction.  


'''Priest Kostadinos (Kosta) Kaltsidis'''

Born in Vancouver, Father Kostadinos Kaltsidis moved with his family to Surrey in the early 1990s.  He had served as an [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Acolyte acolyte] in this parish when he was young.  Later, he attended the [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Patriarchal_Toronto_Orthodox_Theological_Academy_1998 Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy], from which he graduated in 2002.  Two of his classmates served this parish before him.  He was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter Priesthood] in 2006, and he served as the pastor in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria,_British_Columbia Victoria], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia British Columbia], at the [[Victoria BC Presentation (Ypapanti) of Christ in the Temple Greek Orthodox Church 1974 |Presentation (Ypapanti) Church]] before he and his family were transferred to Surrey in 2012.  


'''Priest Georgi Despodov'''

Father Georgi Despodov was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 2007. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Theology in 2005 and Masters in 2007. In 2011 he successfully defended his PhD dissertation in Musicology.  

He likes science, music, nature and good literature.


'''Description and purpose'''

This parish of Saints Constantine and Helen, and the [https://greeklanguage.ca/en/organization/greek-orthodox-community-of-surrey-and-fraser-valley-sts-constantine-and-helen-2/ Greek Orthodox Community of Surrey and the Fraser Valley], are formed by and conform to the “Uniform Community Regulations of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Metropolis_of_Toronto_(Canada) Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada)]”. 

The Greek Orthodox Community of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrey,_British_Columbia Surrey] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraser_Valley Fraser Valley] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia British Columbia] is a [http://www.dictionary.com/browse/hellenic Hellenic] Community that focuses on the  [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian Faith], as well as the preservation and celebration of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Greece Greek heritage and culture].  

The community’s programmes, and inter-agency collaborations, reach out to the members of the Hellenic Community and also to the community of the Surrey region at large.  The community offers Greek language classes, seniors’ programmes, church services, youth programmes, and outreach services.

==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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revised_Julian_calendar New (Revised Julian) Calendar].

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast-day of the Saints [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Constantine_the_Great Constantine] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Helen Helen], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Saint_titles Equal-to-the-Apostles], 21 May.

In 2026, [https://greekorthodoxsurrey.com/ Father Georgi Despodov] is the rector of the parish. 



Address :

[https://greekorthodoxsurrey.com/ Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church]

Greek Orthodox Community of Surrey & Fraser Valley

13181-96 Avenue 

Surrey, British Columbia 

V3V 1Y2

Telephone : 604-496-5099

Fax : 604-498-8098

Web-site : http://greekorthodoxsurrey.com/

[https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Constantine-And-Helen-Greek-Orthodox-Church/256655894421527 Facebook]

Food Festival : http://www.surreygreekfoodfest.com 

The newspaper (on-line version "[http://www.patrides.com Patrides]") publishes the news of the parish and the community regularly, as well as news about the other communities. 




Directions :

The Temple and Community Centre are situated on the northwest corner of the intersection of 96 Avenue and 132 Street in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrey,_British_Columbia Surrey] (on the south side of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraser_River Fraser River]).  It is not far to the west from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_George_Boulevard King George Highway] (also called King George Boulevard).  

By car :

From [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver Vancouver] :

Drive eastwards on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia_Highway_1 Trans-Canada Highway] (Highway #1) (a toll on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Mann_Bridge Port Mann Bridge]), until exit #48.  Drive south on 152 Street to 96 Avenue.  Turn right.  The Temple is on the right at 132 Street.

Alternatively, drive across the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Fraser_Bridge Alex Fraser Bridge].  First follow BC Highways [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia_Highway_99 #99] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia_Highway_91 #91] eastwards and southwards.  Cross the bridge, and take exit #8 for [https://www.mapquest.com/ca/bc/surrey/v3w-1w1/12025-nordel-way-49.16237,-122.88889 Nordel Way] (which becomes 88 Avenue).  At 132 Street, turn left (north) and drive to 96 Avenue.  The Temple is at the northwest corner of the intersection.  

Alternatively, drive south across the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattullo_Bridge Patullo Bridge] from [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/new-westminster/ New Westminster].  Continue south on the King George Highway until 96 Avenue.  Turn right.  The Temple is on the right at 132 Street. 

From the east :

Drive on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway #1) until exit #50.  Drive south on 152 Street to 96 Avenue.  Turn right.  The Temple is on the right at 132 Street.


By bus :

There is bus service in Surrey near the Temple.  Routes 323 and 329 have a stop at 96 Avenue and 128 Street.  Route 314 has a stop nearby on 96 Avenue.  

It is possible to use the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SkyTrain_(Vancouver) SkyTrain] from Vancouver and transfer to a bus in Surrey.

Consult [https://www.translink.ca/schedules-and-maps.aspx this link] or [http://www.transitdb.ca this link] also.  


By rail :

Vancouver is accessible by rail (and hence this parish) by [https://www.viarail.ca/en VIARail] from points to the east in Canada.  It is accessible also by [https://www.amtrak.com/home.html Amtrak] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle Seattle], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_(state) Washington], and other connecting stations.  


[https://greekorthodoxsurrey.com/ Priest Georgi Despodov] 

Telephone : 604-496-5099

E-mail : fr.Georgi@despodov.com

==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).

[http://greekorthodoxsurrey.com/ Information on the community web-site] 

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).

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., “[https://archive.org/details/orthodoxamerica10000unse/page/n3/mode/2up 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 :'''

Vlassis, G D, “[https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM1298417&R=1298417 The Greeks in Canada]”, 1st edition (Ottawa, 1942)  

[http://www.gometropolis.org/parishes-and-monasteries/parishes/ Diocese listing] 

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

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_Canada Wikipedia article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada]   

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

[https://www.goarch.org/ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America web-site]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_America Wikipedia article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]   

[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://www.patriarchateofconstantinople.com/index.html Church of Constantinople web-site]   

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

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

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Alexander_(Demoglou) Archbishop Alexander (Demoglou)] 

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archbishop_Michael_of_America Archbishop Michael (Konstantinides)]  

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Athenagoras_(Spyrou) Metropolitan Athenagoras (Spyrou)]  

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Athenagoras_(Kokkinakis) Archbishop Athenagoras (Kokkinakis)]  

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Iakovos_(Coucouzis) Archbishop Iakovos (Coucouzis)]     

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Timotheos_(Haloftis) Bishop Timotheos (Haloftis)]   

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Theodosios_(Sideris) Bishop Theodosios (Sideris)]   

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

[https://orthodoxtimes.com/ordination-of-hierarch-nektarios-of-keramos/ Bishop Nektarios (Mostratos) of Keramos]   

[https://www.facebook.com/stnektariosbarrie/photos/a.1861228440777067/2804631186436783/?type=3 Bishop Alexandros (Salmas) of Patara]    

[https://orthodoxtimes.com/three-auxiliary-bishops-for-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-canada/ Father Dimitrios (Antonopoulos) of Zinoupolis]  

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

[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/greeks/ Canadian Encyclopaedia article about Greek Canadians]

[http://canada.greekreporter.com/2009/11/11/history-of-greek-immigration/ “History of Greek Immigration in Canada”]

[https://prezi.com/hfnuaal5y7ff/greek-canadian-culture/ "Greek-Canadian culture"]

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

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_North_and_South_America Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America]

[http://www.thenownewspaper.com/community/300347891.html?mobile=true “Surrey Now” article about the annual food festival]

[http://www.thenownewspaper.com/entertainment/381710931.html The “Now” newspaper article about the annual food festival]

[http://www.patrides.com/july012/enbc.htm “Patrides” newspaper article about the 2012 festival] 

[https://www.facebook.com/diasporahdg/?ref=page_internal Diaspora Greek Dance Group, Surrey, British Columbia]  

"[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)





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