Protopresbyter Panagiotis (Peter), Presbytera Hara Avgeropoulos - Revision history

Vladyka Seraphim: /* 65th Anniversary of Panagia */

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65th Anniversary of Panagia

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	It was truly a familial celebration of the huge spiritual family of Panagia.		It was truly a familial celebration of the huge spiritual family of Panagia.

			==New bishop, new responsibility==

			At the beginning of July, 2026, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)] submitted to Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis) his request to retire from active service, and the retirement was accepted.

			On 22 July, 2026, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Apostolos_(Koufallakis)#Archbishop_of_Toronto_and_Canada Archbishop Apostolos (Koufallakis)] was elected by the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople to succeed him as Archbishop of Toronto and Canada.

			On 1 October, 2026, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada issued a press release, as follows :

			Archbishop Apostolos Appoints Rev. Protopresbyter Panagiotis Avgeropulos as General Vicar of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada

			(Toronto, Ontario) His Eminence Archbishop Apostolos of Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Protopresbyter Panagiotis
			Avgeropulos as General Vicar of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada.

			In this important capacity, Fr. Panagiotis will work closely with His Eminence in advancing the archpastoral ministry and mission of the Archdiocese and
			in serving its clergy, communities, institutions, and sacred monasteries throughout Canada.

			Fr. Panagiotis will continue his ministry as Dean of the Cathedral of Panagia in Toronto, while simultaneously undertaking his responsibilities as General
			Vicar of the Archdiocese.

			His Eminence Archbishop Apostolos stated:

			'I am sincerely grateful to Fr. Panagiotis for his longstanding dedication to the Church, his faithful priestly ministry, and his unwavering commitment to
			her sacred mission. Through many years of service, he has demonstrated a deep love for the Church and genuine pastoral concern for our faithful. I am
			especially thankful for his willingness to assume this important responsibility while continuing his ministry as Dean of the Cathedral of Panagia. I have
			every confidence that his experience, ecclesiastical ethos, and devotion will contribute meaningfully to the unity and continued growth of our
			Archdiocese'.

			The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada extends its best wishes to Fr. Panagiotis for strength and a fruitful ministry in his new responsibilities, with
			the blessing and grace of God. AXIOS!

	==Reflections==		==Reflections==

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Bereavement */

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Bereavement

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	This bereavement, and his mother’s consolation in the Lord in the Church brought Panagiotis closer to the Church, and he was very much helped by Priest Christos Kavadas. It was then that he invited Panagiotis to serve in the [https://orthdoxwiki.org/Altar Altar]. Later, he was taken to the parish choir, where he learned to sing.		This bereavement, and his mother’s consolation in the Lord in the Church brought Panagiotis closer to the Church, and he was very much helped by Priest Christos Kavadas. It was then that he invited Panagiotis to serve in the [https://orthdoxwiki.org/Altar Altar]. Later, he was taken to the parish choir, where he learned to sing.

	~~They~~ had moved to London in 1974, and Panagiotis began to be part of the spiritual and social life of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/London_ON_Holy_Trinity_Greek_Orthodox_Church_1936,_1952 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church] there.		Later, they had moved to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London,_Ontario London] in 1974, and Panagiotis began to be part of the spiritual and social life of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/London_ON_Holy_Trinity_Greek_Orthodox_Church_1936,_1952 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church] there.

	Panagiotis received his and his secondary and post-secondary education in London, Ontario.		Panagiotis received his and his secondary and post-secondary education in London, Ontario.

Vladyka Seraphim: /* References */

2026-09-10T15:52:17Z

References

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

			[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Apostolos_(Koufallakis) Archbishop Apostolos (Koufallakis)]

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

Vladyka Seraphim at 15:50, 10 September 2026

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	Upon his arrival, the parish council asked for the increase of English in services for the sake of the children. This process took time, and it bore fruit. He emphasised that language alone is not the concern. Rather, the primary concern is having a living and lively relationship with the Lord.		Upon his arrival, the parish council asked for the increase of English in services for the sake of the children. This process took time, and it bore fruit. He emphasised that language alone is not the concern. Rather, the primary concern is having a living and lively relationship with the Lord.
	~~Patriarch Bartholomew~~

	In 1998, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis) Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)] of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Constantinople] [https://www.upi.com/Archives/1998/05/26/Orthodox-patriarch-begins-Canada-visit/5517896155200/ made a pastoral visit for 8 days] to the Metropolis of Toronto (Canada), and he visited various Greek Orthodox and Ukrainian Orthodox communities in Canada. During this visit, Father Panagiotis had been given the obedience by Metropolitan Sotirios (~~Athanassopoulos~~) of Toronto to serve on the organising committee, and to translate most of the homilies and speeches of the patriarch from Greek into English, as well as other materials. This labour began 3 weeks before the visit, and continued while the visitation was in progress.		'''Patriarch Bartholomew'''

			In 1998, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis) Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)] of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Constantinople] [https://www.upi.com/Archives/1998/05/26/Orthodox-patriarch-begins-Canada-visit/5517896155200/ made a pastoral visit for 8 days] to the Metropolis of Toronto (Canada), and he visited various Greek Orthodox and Ukrainian Orthodox communities in Canada. During this visit, Father Panagiotis had been given the obedience by Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of Toronto to serve on the organising committee, and to translate most of the homilies and speeches of the patriarch from Greek into English, as well as other materials. This labour began 3 weeks before the visit, and continued while the visitation was in progress.

	For this, the patriarch awarded him the Patriarchal Cross.		For this, the patriarch awarded him the Patriarchal Cross.
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	==Bereavement==		==Bereavement==

	On 23 October, 2002, Ioannis Avgeropoulos, father of Father Panagiotis, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/71051919/ioannis-avgeropoulos fell asleep in the Lord] in London, Ontario.		On 23 October, 2002, Ioannis Avgeropoulos, father of Father Panagiotis, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/71051919/ioannis-avgeropoulos fell asleep in the Lord] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London,_Ontario London] Ontario.

	Following his repose, the body of Ioannis Avgeropoulos was taken to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in London for visitation, and the serving of the Trisagion Memorial Service.		Following his repose, the body of Ioannis Avgeropoulos was taken to [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/London_ON_Holy_Trinity_Greek_Orthodox_Church_1936,_1952 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church] in London for visitation, and the serving of the [http://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/content/litiya-trisagion-dead Trisagion Memorial Service].

	Then, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in London, the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Lay-person was offered.		Then, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in London, the [http://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/content/burial-services-over-orthodox-lay-persons Funeral Service for the Burial of a Lay-person] was offered.

	Following the funeral obsequies, his body was interred in the [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2160548/woodland-cemetery Woodland Cemetery] of London, Ontario.		Following the funeral obsequies, his body was interred in the [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2160548/woodland-cemetery Woodland Cemetery] of London, Ontario.
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	On Monday, 6 June, 2011, [https://www.legacy.com/ca/obituaries/thestar/name/georgia-avgeropoulos-obituary?id=44783763 Georgia (born Saites) Avgeropoulos], mother of Father Panagiotis, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/71051895/georgia-avgeropoulos fell asleep in the Lord] in Toronto, Ontario, where she lived in a seniors' residence.		On Monday, 6 June, 2011, [https://www.legacy.com/ca/obituaries/thestar/name/georgia-avgeropoulos-obituary?id=44783763 Georgia (born Saites) Avgeropoulos], mother of Father Panagiotis, [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/71051895/georgia-avgeropoulos fell asleep in the Lord] in Toronto, Ontario, where she lived in a seniors' residence.

	On Tuesday, 7 June, 2011, from 6-9 p.m., visitation was held at the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Cathedral (136, Sorauren Avenue, Toronto), including a Trisagion Memorial Service.		On Tuesday, 7 June, 2011, from 6-9 p.m., visitation was held at the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Annunciation_to_the_Theotokos_Greek_Orthodox_Cathedral_1961 (136, Sorauren Avenue, Toronto) Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Cathedral (136, Sorauren Avenue, Toronto)], including a [http://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/content/litiya-trisagion-dead Trisagion Memorial Service].

	On Wednesday, 8 June, 2011, from 6-9 p.m., at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, London, Ontario (133 Southdale Road West) the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Lay-person was chanted.		On Wednesday, 8 June, 2011, from 6-9 p.m., at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, London, Ontario (133 Southdale Road West) the [http://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/content/burial-services-over-orthodox-lay-persons Funeral Service for the Burial of a Lay-person] was chanted.

	Following the funeral obsequies, the body of Georgia Avgeropoulos was interred in the [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2160548/woodland-cemetery Woodland Cemetery] of London, Ontario.		Following the funeral obsequies, the body of Georgia Avgeropoulos was interred in the [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2160548/woodland-cemetery Woodland Cemetery] of London, Ontario.
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	==Covid-19 Pandemic==		==Covid-19 Pandemic==

	Father Panagiotis spoke in an interview about the difficulties associated with the closures resulting from the pandemic closures.		Father Panagiotis spoke in an interview about the difficulties associated with the closures resulting from the [https://en.wilipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19 Covid-19 pandemic] closures.

	Because of the resources available in this community, Panagia Cathedral was the first Greek Orthodox Parish to be able to offer live-streamed services, Bible-studies, youth-group communication, and others.		Because of the resources available in this community, Panagia Cathedral was the first Greek Orthodox Parish to be able to offer live-streamed liturgical services, as well as Bible-studies, youth-group communication, and others.

	It was during this time that the trust of people in the Lord was very much tested, and it required a great deal of pastoral patience to pass through this test (as was the case everywhere). He did his best by his example to show that there is no need to fear receiving Holy Communion, but to have confidence in the Lord and His life-giving Love.		It was during this time that the trust of people in the Lord was very much tested, and it required a great deal of pastoral patience to pass through this test (as was the case everywhere). He did his best by his example to show that there is no need to fear receiving [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Eucharist Holy Communion], but rather to have confidence in the Lord and His life-giving Love.

	'''Illnesses'''		'''Illnesses'''

	Especially from the 1990s, there were many particular challenges that faced Father Panagiotis and Presvytera Hara. Presvytera Hara, who had been very active in teaching children in the parish, and in many other activities, was discovered to be suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. In time, this required her to retire from teaching. Nevertheless, the Lord enabled her to persevere in hope.		Especially from the 1990s, there were many particular challenges that faced Father Panagiotis and Presvytera Hara. Presvytera Hara, who had been very active in teaching children in the parish, and in many other activities, was discovered to be suffering from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkinson%27s_disease Parkinson’s Disease]. In time, this required her to retire from teaching. Nevertheless, the Lord enabled her to persevere in hope.
	Father Panagiotis required surgeries to replace painful leg joints ; and then, later on, he encountered a life-threating infection (sepsis), during which he was hospitalised in intensive care for ~~some~~ time. His recovery, by God’s mercy, was complete, and he was enabled to return to his family and to his parishioners (his spiritual family).
			Father Panagiotis required surgeries to replace painful leg joints ; and then, later on, he encountered a life-threating infection ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepsis sepsis]), during which he was hospitalised in intensive care for a long time. His recovery, by God’s mercy, was complete, and he was enabled to return to his family and to his parishioners (his spiritual family).

	'''Presvytera Hara's activity'''		'''Presvytera Hara's activity'''
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	"Presvytera is a wonderful lady" wrote one person who knows her. She had met Presvytera in 1994, when she had organised the Orthodox Educators Seminar in Toronto. She noted that at that time, she and Father Peter were offering a Summer Camp for Orthodox Children.		"Presvytera is a wonderful lady" wrote one person who knows her. She had met Presvytera in 1994, when she had organised the Orthodox Educators Seminar in Toronto. She noted that at that time, she and Father Peter were offering a Summer Camp for Orthodox Children.

	Through the course of her own life-formation, and through her life with her husband, Presvytera Hara became well-grounded in the Orthodox Christian Faith and Theology. She was a professional teacher. She ~~coordinated~~ (and still coordinates) the Church School of the parish. She maintains contact with the teachers (there are 6 classes for the children and youth). She continues to post material suitable for the school-age students and their families).		Through the course of her own life-formation, and through her life with her husband, Presvytera Hara became well-grounded in the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian Faith] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theology Theology]. She was a professional teacher. She co-ordinated (and still coordinates) the Church School of the parish. She maintains contact with the teachers (there are 6 classes for the children and youth). She continues to post material suitable for the school-age students and their families).

	Presvytera Hara has organised the text for the Pageants for the Feast of the Nativity, and Church School Retreats. She works hard, and successfully, for the integration of the children and youth in the life of the Church.		Presvytera Hara has organised the text for the Pageants for the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Nativity Feast of the Nativity], and Church School Retreats. She works hard, and successfully, for the integration of the children and youth in the life of the Church. It is to be kept in mind that she continued lovingly to serve the parish family even though her health became weaker.


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	In the context of his very active pastoral service, Father Panatiotis has, for many years, offered every 2 weeks the "Orthodox Religious Education for Adults". This programme covers the Bible, the Feast Days, the life of the Saints, the Services and Christian life. During the Pandemics, Father Peter continued to offer this "class" by livestreaming, and he maintained the connection with the people, and those searching for the Faith.		In the context of his very active pastoral service, Father Panatiotis has, for many years, offered every 2 weeks the "Orthodox Religious Education for Adults". This programme covers the Bible, the Feast Days, the life of the Saints, the Services and Christian life. During the Pandemics, Father Peter continued to offer this "class" by livestreaming, and he maintained the connection with the people, and those searching for the Faith.

	In loving obedience, and as a servant of Christ, Father Panagiotis fulfilled many obediences given to him from time to time by [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Metropolitan (later Archbishop) Sotirios (~~Athanassopoloulos~~)].		In loving obedience, and as a servant of Christ, Father Panagiotis fulfilled many obediences given to him from time to time by [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Metropolitan (later Archbishop) Sotirios (Athanassoulas)].

	From 1990, Father Panagiotis served as the Director of Inter-Church Relations for the Greek Orthodox Church in Canada, serving as his Church’s representative to the Canadian Council of Churches since 1990.		From 1990, Father Panagiotis served as the Director of Inter-Church Relations for the Greek Orthodox Church in Canada, serving as his Church’s representative to the Canadian Council of Churches since 1990.
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	The archbishop's comments were followed by words from [https://www.greekcommunity.org/administration Betty Skoutakis], President of the Greek Community of Toronto ; by MP [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costas_Menegakis Costas Menegakis], who made various presentations on behalf of the government ; by Protopresbyter Panagiotis (Peter) Avgeropoulos, who acknowledged the many who had prepared the details of the event over the previous year.		The archbishop's comments were followed by words from [https://www.greekcommunity.org/administration Betty Skoutakis], President of the Greek Community of Toronto ; by MP [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costas_Menegakis Costas Menegakis], who made various presentations on behalf of the government ; by Protopresbyter Panagiotis (Peter) Avgeropoulos, who acknowledged the many who had prepared the details of the event over the previous year.

	Then he introduced the project to undertake the fresco-iconography of the dome of the cathedral, using historical slide-photos to illustrate the blank present, and the proposed iconography when finished.		Then he introduced the project to undertake the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresco fresco]-[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography iconography] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dome dome] of the cathedral, using historical slide-photos to illustrate the blank present, and the proposed iconography when finished.

Vladyka Seraphim at 15:26, 10 September 2026

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	==Early life of ~~Panatiotis~~ Avgeropoulos==		==Early life of Panagiotis Avgeropoulos==

	In 1959, Panagiotis (Peter) Ioanou Avgeropoulos was born in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Arthur,_Ontario Port Arthur] ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunder_Bay Thunder Bay]), [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada Canada], to [https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/greeks Greek immigrant] parents John and Georgia (born Saitis) Avgeropoulos.		In 1959, Panagiotis (Peter) Ioanou Avgeropoulos was born in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Arthur,_Ontario Port Arthur] ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunder_Bay Thunder Bay]), [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada Canada], to [https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/greeks Greek immigrant] parents John and Georgia (born Saitis) Avgeropoulos.
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	When he arrived in Canada, Demetrios had left his wife Demetroula (with 3 daughters and a yet-unborn child) in Greece, and he was never able to return because of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression Great Depression] (1929-1939), [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II World War II] (1939-1945), and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Civil_War Greek Civil War] 1946-1949). Of course, he sent funds to his family in Greece for their support, and he funded their travel to Canada when it became possible.		When he arrived in Canada, Demetrios had left his wife Demetroula (with 3 daughters and a yet-unborn child) in Greece, and he was never able to return because of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression Great Depression] (1929-1939), [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II World War II] (1939-1945), and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Civil_War Greek Civil War] 1946-1949). Of course, he sent funds to his family in Greece for their support, and he funded their travel to Canada when it became possible.

	After the civil war, his wife emigrated with 2 unmarried daughters~~, as yet unmarried~~. Her eldest daughter had been killed (with others) by the communist rebels in 1948). Her husband had paid for the cost of their travel. Their second daughter, Georgia, had been already married, and her family could not emigrate until later.		After the civil war, his wife emigrated with 2 unmarried daughters. Her eldest daughter had been killed (with others) by the [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Communist-Party-of-Greece communist rebels] in 1948). Her husband had paid for the cost of their travel. Their second daughter, Georgia, had been already married, and her family could not emigrate until later.

	Demetrios Avgeropoulos reposed in the Lord in 1958. Demetroula Avgeropoulos reposed in the Lord in 1966.		Demetrios Avgeropoulos reposed in the Lord in 1958. Demetroula Avgeropoulos reposed in the Lord in 1966.
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	At its establishment (1918), this parish had become the third-oldest Greek Orthodox parish in Canada.		At its establishment (1918), this parish had become the third-oldest Greek Orthodox parish in Canada.

	All the family’s social life was focussed on the spiritual life of the parish. The parishioners were to one another like extended family. The Greek-speakers of the Port Arthur-Fort William area naturally celebrated important feast-days and Greek national occasions all together, as they would in their villages in Greece.		All the family’s social life was focussed on the spiritual life of the parish. The parishioners were to one another like extended family. The [https://en.wikipedialorg/wiki/Greek_language Greek-speakers] of the Port Arthur-Fort William area naturally celebrated important feast-days and Greek national occasions all together, as they would in their villages in Greece.

	Panagiotis received his primary education in Port Arthur.		Panagiotis received his primary education in Port Arthur.
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	==Bereavement==		==Bereavement==

	In 1968, the brother of Panagiotis, Avgeros, reposed suddenly in the Lord at age 18.		In 1968, the brother of Panagiotis, Avgeros Avgeropoulos, reposed suddenly in the Lord at age 18.

	This bereavement, and his mother’s consolation in the Lord in the Church brought Panagiotis closer to the Church, and he was very much helped by Priest Christos Kavadas. It was then that he invited Panagiotis to serve in the Altar. Later, he was taken to the parish choir, where he learned to sing.		This bereavement, and his mother’s consolation in the Lord in the Church brought Panagiotis closer to the Church, and he was very much helped by Priest Christos Kavadas. It was then that he invited Panagiotis to serve in the [https://orthdoxwiki.org/Altar Altar]. Later, he was taken to the parish choir, where he learned to sing.

	They had moved to London in 1974, and ~~Paagiotis~~ began to be part of the spiritual and social life of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/London_ON_Holy_Trinity_Greek_Orthodox_Church_1936,_1952 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church] there.		They had moved to London in 1974, and Panagiotis began to be part of the spiritual and social life of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/London_ON_Holy_Trinity_Greek_Orthodox_Church_1936,_1952 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church] there.

	~~Panatiotis~~ received his and his secondary and post-secondary education in London, Ontario.		Panagiotis received his and his secondary and post-secondary education in London, Ontario.
	It was at this time that Panagiotis began playing key-board in a Greek band. He had already been playing the accordion, and he had learnt to play many Greek folk-melodies, especially from his father’s home region. He played in this band for 10 years, and his colleagues in the band were all honourable young men. The group played at special occasions in various places between Windsor and Toronto.
			It was at this time that Panagiotis began playing key-board in a Greek band. He had already been playing the accordion, and he had learnt to play many Greek folk-melodies, especially from his father’s home region. He played in this band for 10 years, and his colleagues in the band were all honourable young men. The group played at special occasions in various places between [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsor,_Ontario Windsor] and Toronto.

	==Higher education==		==Higher education==

	He attended the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Western_Ontario University of Western Ontario], where he graduated with a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bachelor_of_Arts Bachelor of Arts degree] (Honours History). He had taken courses in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History history], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy philosophy], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_antiquity classical history], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_studies Byzantine studies], as he reflected on the meaning of life.		He attended the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Western_Ontario University of Western Ontario], where he graduated with a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bachelor_of_Arts Bachelor of Arts degree] (Honours in History). He had taken courses in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History history], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy philosophy], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_antiquity classical history], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_studies Byzantine studies], as he reflected on the meaning of life.

	He later commented that one influential person in his future life had been [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/William_S_Bush Professor William (Vasilios) Bush]. Professor Bush introduced him also to [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Dimitry_Vladimirovich_Pospielovsky Professor Dmitry Pospielovsky].		He later commented that one influential person in his future life had been [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/William_S_Bush Professor William (Vasilios) Bush]. Professor Bush introduced him also to [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Dimitry_Vladimirovich_Pospielovsky Professor Dmitry Pospielovsky].
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	==Marriage==		==Marriage==

	In 1988, Panagiotis I ~~Avgeropoloulos~~ was married to his now good friend Hara at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in London, Ontario.		In 1988, Panagiotis I Avgeropoulos was married to his now good friend Hara at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in London, Ontario.

	In time, Father Panagiotis and Presvytera Hara received by the mercy of the Lord, 3 sons, John, Gregory, and Theodore.		In time, Father Panagiotis and Presvytera Hara received by the mercy of the Lord, 3 sons, John, Gregory, and Theodore.
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	In 1989, on the Feast of Pentecost, his life-long hope to serve the Church was realised when he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate.		In 1989, on the Feast of Pentecost, his life-long hope to serve the Church was realised when he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate.

	On 25 July, 1989, Deacon Panagiotis ~~Averopoloulos~~ was ordained to the Holy Priesthood (on the Feast of the Dormition of Saint Anna) in the Greek Orthodox Church of Canada.		On 25 July, 1989, Deacon Panagiotis Avgeropoulos was ordained to the Holy Priesthood (on the Feast of the Dormition of Saint Anna) in the Greek Orthodox Church of Canada.

	He has the distinction of being the first Canadian-born priest to have remained in and to serve in the Greek Orthodox Metropolitanate (now Archdiocese) of Toronto (Canada) (any other Canadian-born priests left to serve elsewhere).		He has the distinction of being the first Canadian-born priest to have remained in and to serve in the Greek Orthodox Metropolitanate (now Archdiocese) of Toronto (Canada) (any other Canadian-born priests left to serve elsewhere).

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Reflections */

2026-09-03T15:55:47Z

Reflections

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	Father Peter has worked very hard in his pastoral service, but he has avoided calling attention to himself. He considers himself simply to be a servant of the Lord, and he constantly refers to the Lord and to the Theotokos with gratitude and love. As a servant of the King of Kings, he takes seriously his responsibility to nourish the Lord's flock of Rational Sheep (human beings) with the substantial spiritual food of the Orthodox Christian Faith.		Father Peter has worked very hard in his pastoral service, but he has avoided calling attention to himself. He considers himself simply to be a servant of the Lord, and he constantly refers to the Lord and to the Theotokos with gratitude and love. As a servant of the King of Kings, he takes seriously his responsibility to nourish the Lord's flock of Rational Sheep (human beings) with the substantial spiritual food of the Orthodox Christian Faith.

			==Writings==


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

	==References==		==References==

Vladyka Seraphim: /* References */

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References

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

	Video : "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GLZYeFH19s Rising From The Ashes : The Restoration of the Church of Panagia]"		Video : "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GLZYeFH19s Rising From The Ashes : The Restoration of the Church of Panagia]" (3 April, 2000)

			Video : [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Apntq5D3X0 The 65th Anniversary of the Panagia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toronto, Ontario] (5 June, 2026)

Vladyka Seraphim: /* 65th Anniversary of Panagia */

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65th Anniversary of Panagia

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	Then he introduced the project to undertake the fresco-iconography of the dome of the cathedral, using historical slide-photos to illustrate the blank present, and the proposed iconography when finished.		Then he introduced the project to undertake the fresco-iconography of the dome of the cathedral, using historical slide-photos to illustrate the blank present, and the proposed iconography when finished.


	'''Photos of some slides showing the existing, plain dome, and some of the icons proposed :'''		'''Photos of some slides showing the existing, plain dome, and some of the icons proposed :'''

Vladyka Seraphim: /* 65th Anniversary of Panagia */

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65th Anniversary of Panagia

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	~~The project was so well received that, before the end of the festivities, the great majority of the needed funds had already been provided by those attending.~~ There was a festal anniversary cake presented and shared to sweeten the occasion further. He, Father Panagiotis, and Betty Skotakis cut the anniversary cake.		There was a festal anniversary cake presented and shared to sweeten the occasion further. He, Father Panagiotis, and Betty Skotakis cut the anniversary cake.


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	Bishop Athenagoras offered the closing prayer of thanksgiving, and his own words of gratitude. There followed a series of declared donations towards the iconographic project.		Bishop Athenagoras offered the closing prayer of thanksgiving, and his own words of gratitude. There followed a series of declared donations towards the iconographic project. The project was so well received that, before the end of the festivities, the great majority of the needed funds had already been provided by those attending.

	Then a 30th anniversary cake was presented to Father Avgeropoulos, which marked his 30 years of service as the pastor of this parish (and 34 years of priesthood).		Then a 30th anniversary cake was presented to Father Avgeropoulos, which marked his 30 years of service as the pastor of this parish (and 34 years of priesthood).

Vladyka Seraphim: /* 65th Anniversary of Panagia */

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65th Anniversary of Panagia

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	Then he introduced the project to undertake the fresco-iconography of the dome of the cathedral, using historical slide-photos to illustrate the blank present, and the proposed iconography when finished.		Then he introduced the project to undertake the fresco-iconography of the dome of the cathedral, using historical slide-photos to illustrate the blank present, and the proposed iconography when finished.

	'''Photos of some slides showing the existing, plain dome, and the icons proposed :'''		'''Photos of some slides showing the existing, plain dome, and some of the icons proposed :'''