Toronto ON Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Mission 2016 - Revision history

Vladyka Seraphim: /* The Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College, 2006 */

2026-02-27T22:10:51Z

The Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College, 2006

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:10, 27 February 2026
Line 20:		Line 20:
	==The Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College, 2006==		==The Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College, 2006==

	The Orthodox School of Theology began in 2006 as the Orthodox and Eastern Christian Studies programme at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_College,_Toronto Trinity College]. [http://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/UserFiles/Document/Divinity/Brochure%20Certificate%20in%20Orthodox%20Studies%20June%202011.pdf It offered 14 courses] (15 credits) leading to a Certificate or Diploma or, with further credits, a [https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/study-theology/general-theological-education/master-of-theological-studies/ Master of Theological Studies] (MTS) degree.		The [https://www.old.trinityorthodox.ca/ Orthodox School of Theology] began in 2006 as the Orthodox and Eastern Christian Studies programme at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_College,_Toronto Trinity College]. [http://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/UserFiles/Document/Divinity/Brochure%20Certificate%20in%20Orthodox%20Studies%20June%202011.pdf It offered 14 courses] (15 credits) leading to a Certificate or Diploma or, with further credits, a [https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/study-theology/general-theological-education/master-of-theological-studies/ Master of Theological Studies] (MTS) degree.

	In 2015, this programme was extended to include a [https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/study-theology/professional-theological-education/master-of-divinity/ Master of Divinity] (MDiv) degree, and the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/orthodox-~~school~~-~~theology~~-trinity-college Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College] was created.		In 2015, this programme was extended to include a [https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/study-theology/professional-theological-education/master-of-divinity/ Master of Divinity] (MDiv) degree, and the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/orthodox-christian-studies-trinity-college Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College] was created.

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Particular parish information */

2025-09-02T02:15:55Z

Particular parish information

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:15, 2 September 2025
Line 139:		Line 139:
	The Altar Feast-day of the parish is the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sunday_of_Myrrh-bearing_Women Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women], the Third Sunday of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Pascha Feast of Pascha].		The Altar Feast-day of the parish is the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sunday_of_Myrrh-bearing_Women Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women], the Third Sunday of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Pascha Feast of Pascha].

	In 2025, the pastor of the mission is the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/ready-archpriest-geoffrey Archpriest Geoffrey Ready], the Priest-in-charge. ~~The deacon of the parish is [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/voulgaris-deacon-christos Deacon Christos Voulgaris].~~		In 2025, the pastor of the mission is the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/ready-archpriest-geoffrey Archpriest Geoffrey Ready], the Priest-in-charge.

Vladyka Seraphim at 03:26, 1 September 2025

2025-09-01T03:26:28Z

Show changes

Vladyka Seraphim: /* 2020 Coronavirus-19 closure of parishes */

2025-08-06T22:09:36Z

2020 Coronavirus-19 closure of parishes

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:09, 6 August 2025
Line 110:		Line 110:

	Once the university re-opened, the Myrrh-bearing Women parish returned to the university, where the community resumed its regular cycle of services.		Once the university re-opened, the Myrrh-bearing Women parish returned to the university, where the community resumed its regular cycle of services.


	'''Annual Altar-feast Day Exchange'''		'''Annual Altar-feast Day Exchange'''

	It became the custom that every year, on the Feast-day of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Maria_(Skobtsova) Saint Maria of Paris], that the Parish of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrrhbearers Myrrh-bearing Women] travels to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton,_Ontario Hamilton], to the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/st-maria-paris-orthodox-church-hamilton-ontario Parish of Saint Maria of Paris], its "daughter" parish, for its Altar-Feast Day (parish [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Name_day name-day]). That parish returns the favour on the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sunday_of_Myrrh-bearing_Women Feast-Day of Holy Myrhh-bearing Women], the Third Sunday of Pascha, for its Altar-Feast Day (parish [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Name_day name-day]).		It became the custom that every year, on the Feast-day of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Maria_(Skobtsova) Saint Maria of Paris], that the Parish of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrrhbearers Myrrh-bearing Women] travels to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton,_Ontario Hamilton], to the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/st-maria-paris-orthodox-church-hamilton-ontario Parish of Saint Maria of Paris], its "daughter" parish, for its Altar-Feast Day (parish [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Name_day name-day]). That parish returns the favour on the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sunday_of_Myrrh-bearing_Women Feast-Day of Holy Myrhh-bearing Women], the Third Sunday of Pascha, for its Altar-Feast Day (parish [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Name_day name-day]).

			==Vladyka Irénée Visits Holy Myrrh-bearers, Toronto, 2025===

			On Saturday, 17 May, and Sunday, 18, May, 2025, Archbishop Irénée (Rochon_ visited the Holy Myrrh-bearers Orthodox Mission, at its place of worship in the chapel of Trinity College, University of Toronto, Ontario. He presided at the Vigil service on Saturday evening, and at the Hierarchical Festal Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning. This service was one of the annual services combined with the parish of Saint Maria of Paris in Hamilton, Ontario.


			[[File:VigilGospel 2.jpg]] '''Vigil Gospel reading'''


			[[File:31-img 7868 2.jpg]] '''Gospel Entrance, Divine Liturgy'''


			[[File:HolyMyrrhbearers 2025 3.png]] '''On the Feast-day'''

	==Particular parish information ==		==Particular parish information ==

Vladyka Seraphim: /* 2020 Coronavirus-19 closure of parishes */

2025-07-26T02:20:54Z

2020 Coronavirus-19 closure of parishes

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:20, 26 July 2025
Line 114:		Line 114:
	'''Annual Altar-feast Day Exchange'''		'''Annual Altar-feast Day Exchange'''

	It became the custom that every year, on the Feast-day of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Maria_(Skobtsova) Saint Maria of Paris], that the Parish of the Myrrh-bearing Women travels to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton,_Ontario Hamilton], to the Parish of Saint Maria of Paris, its "daughter" parish, for its Altar-Feast Day (parish [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Name_day name-day]). That parish returns the favour on the Feast-Day of ~~Saint Maria in Hamilton~~ for its Altar-Feast Day (parish [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Name_day name-day]).		It became the custom that every year, on the Feast-day of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Maria_(Skobtsova) Saint Maria of Paris], that the Parish of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrrhbearers Myrrh-bearing Women] travels to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton,_Ontario Hamilton], to the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/st-maria-paris-orthodox-church-hamilton-ontario Parish of Saint Maria of Paris], its "daughter" parish, for its Altar-Feast Day (parish [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Name_day name-day]). That parish returns the favour on the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sunday_of_Myrrh-bearing_Women Feast-Day of Holy Myrhh-bearing Women], the Third Sunday of Pascha, for its Altar-Feast Day (parish [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Name_day name-day]).

	==Particular parish information ==		==Particular parish information ==

Vladyka Seraphim at 01:59, 26 July 2025

2025-07-26T01:59:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:59, 26 July 2025
Line 112:		Line 112:


	~~Schedule of services :~~		'''Annual Altar-feast Day Exchange'''

	~~Sundays : 9:00 a.m. Mattins ; 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.~~

	~~Thursdays : 6:15 pm. Daily Vespers~~

	~~Homilies are published~~ on the parish's [https://~~www~~.~~facebook~~.~~com~~/~~myrrhbearers~~/~~?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf Facebook page~~]		It became the custom that every year, on the Feast-day of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Maria_(Skobtsova) Saint Maria of Paris], that the Parish of the Myrrh-bearing Women travels to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton,_Ontario Hamilton], to the Parish of Saint Maria of Paris, its "daughter" parish, for its Altar-Feast Day (parish [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Name_day name-day]). That parish returns the favour on the Feast-Day of Saint Maria in Hamilton for its Altar-Feast Day (parish [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Name_day name-day]).

	==Particular parish information ==		==Particular parish information ==
Line 128:		Line 124:
	The Altar Feast-day of the parish is the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sunday_of_Myrrh-bearing_Women Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women], the Third Sunday of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Pascha Feast of Pascha].		The Altar Feast-day of the parish is the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sunday_of_Myrrh-bearing_Women Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women], the Third Sunday of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Pascha Feast of Pascha].

	In ~~2023~~, the pastor of the mission is the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/ready-archpriest-geoffrey Archpriest Geoffrey Ready], the Priest-in-charge. The deacon of the parish is [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/voulgaris-deacon-christos Deacon Christos Voulgaris].		In 2025, the pastor of the mission is the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/ready-archpriest-geoffrey Archpriest Geoffrey Ready], the Priest-in-charge. The deacon of the parish is [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/voulgaris-deacon-christos Deacon Christos Voulgaris].


Line 136:		Line 132:
	Place of worship :		Place of worship :

	[https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/holy-myrrhbearers-orthodox-mission-toronto Holy ~~Myrrhbearers~~ Orthodox Mission]		[https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/holy-myrrhbearers-orthodox-mission-toronto Holy Myrrh-bearers Orthodox Mission]

	Chapel of Trinity College, University of Toronto		Chapel of Trinity College, University of Toronto
Line 152:		Line 148:
	Web-site : https://www.myrrhbearers.ca		Web-site : https://www.myrrhbearers.ca

	[https://www.facebook.com/myrrhbearers/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf Facebook]		[https://www.facebook.com/myrrhbearers/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf Facebook]


			Schedule of services :

			Sundays : 9:00 a.m. Mattins ; 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.

			Thursdays : 6:15 pm. Daily Vespers

			Homilies are published on the parish's [https://www.facebook.com/myrrhbearers/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf Facebook page]

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Holy Myrrh-bearers Orthodox Mission, 2016 */

2025-07-21T13:01:39Z

Holy Myrrh-bearers Orthodox Mission, 2016

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:01, 21 July 2025
Line 78:		Line 78:


	[[File:Sunday of Orthodoxy Myrrhbearers TorontoS.jpg]] '''Sunday of Orthodoxy Divine Liturgy 2018'''		[[File:Sunday of Orthodoxy Myrrhbearers TorontoS.jpg]]


			[[File:Holy Myrrhbearers TorontoS.jpg]]

			'''Sunday of Orthodoxy Divine Liturgy 2018'''

Vladyka Seraphim at 13:00, 21 July 2025

2025-07-21T13:00:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:00, 21 July 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:

	[[File:~~Holy Myrrhbearers TorontoS~~.~~jpg~~]]		[[File:AeriaVviewTrinityCollegeT.O. 3.png]]

	'''Toronto, Ontario, Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Mission, 2016'''		'''Toronto, Ontario, Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Mission, 2016'''

Vladyka Seraphim at 11:52, 2 July 2024

2024-07-02T11:52:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:52, 2 July 2024
Line 2:		Line 2:
	[[File:Holy Myrrhbearers TorontoS.jpg]]		[[File:Holy Myrrhbearers TorontoS.jpg]]

	'''Toronto, ON, Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Mission, 2016'''		'''Toronto, Ontario, Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Mission, 2016'''

	'''Toronto, ON, Master of Arts in Orthodox Studies, U of T, 2000'''		'''Toronto, Ontario, Master of Arts in Orthodox Studies, U of T, 2000'''

	'''Toronto, ON, The Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College, 2006'''		'''Toronto, Ontario, The Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College, 2006'''


Line 256:		Line 256:


	~~Please send your suggestions, additions, corrections or contributions to this address :~~

	~~info@orthodoxcanada.ca~~

	[[Category:Parish Communities]] [[Category:Ontario]] [[Category:ADOCA]] [[Category:OCA]]		[[Category:Parish Communities]] [[Category:Ontario]] [[Category:ADOCA]] [[Category:OCA]]

Vladyka Seraphim: /* References */

2023-07-13T23:41:41Z

References

New page

[[File:Holy Myrrhbearers TorontoS.jpg]]

'''Toronto, ON, Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Mission, 2016'''

'''Toronto, ON, Master of Arts in Orthodox Studies, U of T, 2000'''

'''Toronto, ON, The Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College, 2006'''

==Prehistory of the faculty of theology==

Up until 2000, the first attempts had been made (most particularly by [https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/discover/news/item/in-memoriam-richard-schneider/ Professor Richard Schneider]) to develop in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/toronto/ Toronto], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ontario/ Ontario], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada], a programme for educating Orthodox Christian students in Canada at a higher level. The purpose was two-fold : first, to provide accessible education about the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian Faith] in the largest metropolitan region in Canada ; second to provide some alternative means by which Canadians might receive sufficient education towards potential pastoral service, should they be ordained.

In 2000, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_School_of_Theology Toronto School of Theology] at the [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/university-of-toronto/ University of Toronto] began to offer a [https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/study-theology/advanced-graduate-degrees/master-of-arts/ Master of Arts Degree in Orthodox Studies]. The development of the offering of courses and of the teaching staff continued over the succeeding years.

==The Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College, 2006==

The Orthodox School of Theology began in 2006 as the Orthodox and Eastern Christian Studies programme at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_College,_Toronto Trinity College]. [http://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/UserFiles/Document/Divinity/Brochure%20Certificate%20in%20Orthodox%20Studies%20June%202011.pdf It offered 14 courses] (15 credits) leading to a Certificate or Diploma or, with further credits, a [https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/study-theology/general-theological-education/master-of-theological-studies/ Master of Theological Studies] (MTS) degree.

In 2015, this programme was extended to include a [https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/study-theology/professional-theological-education/master-of-divinity/ Master of Divinity] (MDiv) degree, and the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/orthodox-school-theology-trinity-college Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College] was created.

[[File:Ariel-view-of-the-Trinity-College-campus 2.png]] '''Aerial view of Trinity College'''

==Prehistory of the Holy Myrrh-bearers Orthodox Mission==

Nowhere in Canada has it been either quick or easy to establish an English-language or French-language Orthodox Christian Mission.

Toronto was long in need of an Orthodox Christian parish which worships in the English language. Serious attempts did not begin before the 1980s. Many attempts were subsequently made, and these include :
the [https://harthouse.ca/about/history Hart House Missionary Chaplaincy] (1981-1985) ;
the University of Toronto University [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Chaplain Chaplaincy] of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archangel_Gabriel Saint Gabriel] (2003-2005) ;
the Mission of [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saint_Innocent_(Veniaminov) Saint Innocent] (in more than 1 language 2003-2005, 2013-2015) ;
the Mission of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Nicholas_of_Myra Saint Nicholas of Myra] (2006-2013).
Until 2016, Only 2 communities had each been able to establish a small but stable English-language witness in Toronto.

The first was the Parish of [https://stjoseph.ws/parish-history/ Saint Joseph of Arimathea] (1985), which grew out of the Hart House Chaplaincy and began a parish under the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Russian_Orthodox_Church_Outside_Russia Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia]. In 1989, it entered the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_the_Genuine_Orthodox_Christians_of_Greece Genuine Orthodox Church of Greece], a splinter from the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Greece canonical Greek Orthodox Church].

The second was the [http://stjohnsmission.org Mission to the Poor of Saint John the Compassionate] (Saint John the Compassionate Mission), which was established in 1987 within the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/American_Carpatho-Russian_Orthodox_Diocese American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese] (under the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Patriarchate of Constantinople]), and it has continued faithfully in its witness ever since.

==Holy Myrrh-bearers Orthodox Mission, 2016==

'''Formation of the community, 2014-2016'''

For 2 years from about 2014, another English-language community began to form at [[Toronto ON Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Sobor 1915 |Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Sobor]] in Toronto under the leadership of the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/ready-archpriest-geoffrey Priest Geoffrey Ready], who had recently returned to Canada from [https://www.britannica.com/place/Northern-Ireland Northern Ireland], where he had been serving as an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodoxy_in_the_Republic_of_Ireland Orthodox Christian missionary pastor]. The services quickly became quite popular amongst English- and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_language Russian]-speakers alike, and the sermons of Father Geoffrey were especially appreciated for their content and presentation.

'''Establishment of the mission, 2016'''

Then, in May, 2016, the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/holy-myrrhbearers-orthodox-mission-toronto Holy Myrrh-bearers Orthodox Mission] was established at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Toronto University of Toronto], where it has continued to offer services in the chapel of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_College,_Toronto Trinity College]. As frequently is the case in missionary situations, at every service, adjustments are made which facilitate the serving of Orthodox Christian worship services. Afterwards, the chapel is returned to its Anglican format.

[[File:Trinity College Toronto Chapel 2.png]] '''Trinity College Anglican Chapel'''

From that time, the mission has been integrated with the “[https://www.trinityorthodox.ca Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College]”. This school of theology is the only institution in Canada which provides Orthodox Christian theological programmes that are accredited by the [https://www.ats.edu/ Association of Theological Schools] (ATS). This accreditation includes the MTS and MDiv degrees which prepare clergy and lay leaders for the Church.

The [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sunday_of_Myrrh-bearing_Women Myrrh-bearers] Mission is a vibrant and apostolic community, which warmly welcomes [https://orthodoxwiki.org/What_is_Orthodoxy Orthodox Christians] and enquirers from all backgrounds to join in the services and activities. Their mission is pan-Orthodox in scope, and the community seeks to support and further the work of all Orthodox parishes in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Toronto_Area Greater Toronto Area]. Their desire is to help to equip the people of God for apostolic labour and the service of His Kingdom. The community has plans for many outreach projects, and the prayerful support and commitment of all is greatly appreciated.

'''Visit of Bishop Ilia (Katre), 2017'''

On 18 June, 2017, [https://www.goarch.org/-/passing-of-metropolitan-ilia-philomelion Bishop Ilia (Katre)] [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/his-grace-bishop-ilia-visits-holy-myrrhbearers-mission visited the Holy Myrrh-bearers Mission]. Bishop Ilia was the presiding bishop of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Albanian_Orthodox_Diocese_of_America Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese of America] within the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Ecumenical Patriarchate] in [https://www.britannica.com/place/North-America North America]. He was a member of the Episcopal Assemblies in both the USA and Canada, and he was in Toronto for the annual meeting of Canadian bishops (hosted by [[Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) |Metropolitan-Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)]] on Thursday, 15 June).

In both the USA and Canada, Bishop Ilia had been given the task of chairing the theological education committees of the Episcopal Assemblies, so he made use of his time in Toronto to visit the Holy Myrrh-bearers Mission, which is integrated with the [https://www.trinityorthodox.ca/ Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College], and part of the [https://www.tst.edu/ Toronto School of Theology] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Toronto University of Toronto].

In a talk after the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Ilia (Katre) emphasised the importance of having an Orthodox theological school at the university, which engages with the world in both mind and heart through teaching and worship. Bishop Ilia was a theologian and scholar, and a long-time participant in bilateral theological dialogues including the worldwide [https://orthodoxtimes.com/the-international-commission-for-the-theological-dialogue-between-the-anglicans-and-the-orthodox-met-in-athens/ Anglican-Orthodox dialogue].

After the service, Bishop Ilia met with the parishioners of Holy Myrrh-bearers Mission, and he also took the opportunity to speak with several of the teaching faculty of the Orthodox School of Theology.

'''Visit of Archpriest (Professor) John Behr, 2017'''

On Sunday 10 December, 2017, the renowned theologian and patristics professor from [https://orthodoxwiki.org/St._Vladimir%27s_Orthodox_Theological_Seminary_(Crestwood,_New_York) Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Behr Archpriest John Behr], [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/fr-john-behr-visits-holy-myrrhbearers-mission-toronto visited Holy Myrrh-bearers Orthodox Mission] in Toronto. He concelebrated the services of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Matins Mattins] and the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy] with the mission's rector, the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/ready-archpriest-geoffrey Archpriest Geoffrey Ready], and he also delivered the homily. Afterwards, he enjoyed fellowship with the faithful of the mission.

On the previous day, he had been the main speaker (with several others) at a day-long theological conference on “[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Athanasius_of_Alexandria St Athanasius] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Incarnation the Incarnation]”, which had attracted nearly 120 people to the [http://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/visit/bookings/git/git.html George Ignatieff Theatre] at Trinity College (named for [[George Pavlovich Ignatieff]] (former [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provost_(education) Provost] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_College,_Toronto University of Trinity College], and former President of the University of Toronto). The conference had been organised by the Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College and [http://www.smofonline.org/ Saint Mark’s Orthodox Fellowship].

'''Archpastoral visit of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), Sunday of Orthodoxy, 2018'''

On 25 February, 2018, [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Ir%C3%A9n%C3%A9e_(Rochon ) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)] [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/archbishop-irenee-celebrates-sunday-orthodoxy-holy-myrrhbearers-mission-toronto visited the Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Mission] in Toronto for the First Sunday of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Great_Lent Great Lent], also called “[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sunday_of_Orthodoxy Sunday of Orthodoxy”]. The Archpriest Geoffrey Ready concelebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with Vladyka Irénée, and with the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/liabotis-archpriest-stelian Archpriest Stelian Liabotis], who was visiting from the [[Ottawa ON Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral 1955 |cathedral]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa Ottawa], Ontario. His Matushka Elena joined the choir for the day, and his son Nicholas served in the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Altar Altar]. Following the Divine Liturgy, a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procession procession] of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Iconography Holy Icons] took place around the chapel. It stopped at each of the 4 corners of the chapel to pray for the Church, for the world, for the departed faithful, and to read the [http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2010/02/synodicon-of-orthodoxy.html Synodikon of Orthodoxy].

[[File:Sunday of Orthodoxy Myrrhbearers TorontoS.jpg]] '''Sunday of Orthodoxy Divine Liturgy 2018'''

In the evening, at the invitation of the Orthodox Clergy Fellowship of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) presided at the annual Toronto [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/archbishop-irenee-celebrates-sunday-orthodoxy-holy-myrrhbearers-mission-toronto Pan-Orthodox Vespers for the Feast of Orthodoxy] in the chapel of Trinity College at the University of Toronto. It was hosted this year by the Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College.

Joining the school's co-director, the Archpriest Geoffrey Ready, were 23 priests and 2 deacons from across the GTA. Four choirs (from the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America Orthodox Church in America] (OCA), the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbian_Orthodox_Eparchy_of_Canada Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Canada] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Cantor cantors] from the [https://goarchdiocese.ca/ Greek] and [http://www.romanianchurchtoronto.com/index_e.htm Romanian] Orthodox Churches) sang the responses. More than 220 people were in attendance, and the chapel was filled to capacity.

Following the service, Father Geoffrey spoke about the work of the Orthodox School of Theology, as well as Orthodox campus ministry and [https://www.orthodoxchurchtoronto.ca/service/orthodox-christian-fellowship-university-toronto Orthodox Christian Fellowship at the University of Toronto]. A collection was taken to support the work of the Toronto [https://www.archdiocese.ca/orthodox-christian-fellowships Orthodox Christian Fellowship] (OCF).

[[File:Sunday of Orthodoxy-2018 S.png]] '''Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers 2018'''

'''Visit of Archpriest (Professor) Andrew Louth, 2018'''

On Sunday, 6 May, 2018, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Louth Archpriest Andrew Louth], the distinguished patristics scholar and Orthodox theologian, [https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/fr-andrew-louth-visits-holy-myrrhbearers-orthodox-mission-toronto visited the Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Mission] in Toronto. There, he concelebrated and preached at the Divine Liturgy. A presbyter of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Diocese_of_Sourozh Russian Orthodox Patriarchal Diocese of Sourozh] in the [https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Kingdom United Kingdom], the Archpriest Andrew Louth serves the [http://www.durhamorthodox.church/ parish of Saint Cuthbert and Saint Bede] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durham,_England Durham], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England England]. He has been Professor of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patristics Patristic] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_studies Byzantine Studies] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durham_University Durham University] since 1996. The parishioners and visitors enjoyed the opportunity to speak with him after the Divine Liturgy. Archpriest Andrew Louth spoke also at the Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College on Wednesday, 9 May.

[[File:Priest Andrew Louth CS.jpg]] '''Archpriest (Professor) Andrew Louth'''

==2020 Coronavirus-19 closure of parishes==

Very early in 2020, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic Covid-19] virus epidemic was declared to be a pandemic. Because of the rules governing gatherings that were laid down by the provincial and city governments, the mission stopped any further services after 8 March, 2020. Including the rules regarding social distancing, the decreasing numbers permitted for any gathering, the considerations regarding the health of all concerned, and the directions of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) that the civilian rules be obeyed, this parish was unable to have any more of the usual services in the Temple until the lifting of the restrictions. These measures are similar to those that were taken in the past, in various parts of the Orthodox world, during the time of a plague.

During the time that the University of Toronto and Trinity College were closed to public assembly in the context of the pandemic, the Myrrhbearers Mission returned to Christ the Saviour Sobor, where the community led the English-speaking Divine Liturgy on Sundays at 8:00 a.m. as previously.

Once the university re-opened, the Myrrh-bearing Women parish returned to the university, where the community resumed its regular cycle of services.

Schedule of services :

Sundays : 9:00 a.m. Mattins ; 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.

Thursdays : 6:15 pm. Daily Vespers

Homilies are published on the parish's [https://www.facebook.com/myrrhbearers/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf Facebook page]

==Particular parish information ==

This mission is a part of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada], of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America]. The dean is the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/korz-archpriest-geoffrey Archpriest Geoffrey Korz]. The bishop is [[Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]]

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

The Altar Feast-day of the parish is the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sunday_of_Myrrh-bearing_Women Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women], the Third Sunday of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Pascha Feast of Pascha].

In 2023, the pastor of the mission is the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/ready-archpriest-geoffrey Archpriest Geoffrey Ready], the Priest-in-charge. The deacon of the parish is [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/voulgaris-deacon-christos Deacon Christos Voulgaris].

[[File:Trinity College Toronto.png]] '''Trinity College'''

Place of worship :

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/holy-myrrhbearers-orthodox-mission-toronto Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Mission]

Chapel of Trinity College, University of Toronto

6, Hoskin Avenue

Toronto, Ontario

M5S 1H8

E-mail : frgeoffrey@myrrhbearers.ca

Telephone : 647-567-8955

Web-site : https://www.myrrhbearers.ca

[https://www.facebook.com/myrrhbearers/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf Facebook]

Directions :

The Myrrhbearers Orthodox Mission meets at the [https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/discover/about/chapel/ Chapel of Trinity College] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Toronto University of Toronto]. The college is situated on the north side of [https://www.mapquest.com/ca/on/toronto/m5s-1h8/6-hoskin-ave-43.66492,-79.39518 Hoskin Avenue], between St George's Street and Queen's Park Crescent East ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_Avenue_(Toronto) University Avenue]).

From the exterior, the chapel is visible to the left of the main entrance. To find the chapel, enter the main entrance at the front of Trinity College ; and then turn left, and walk to the end of the corridor. If the main doors are locked, then enter by the Porter’s Lodge door to the left of the main entrance.

By car :

Trinity College is found on the north side of [https://www.mapquest.com/ca/on/toronto/m5s-1h8/6-hoskin-ave-43.66492,-79.39518 Hoskin Avenue], just west of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen%27s_Park_(Toronto) Queen’s Park Crescent] West. Queen’s Park Crescent is south of the junction of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloor_Street Bloor Street] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenue_Road Avenue Road]. Just to the west of the college is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Street,_Toronto Saint George Street], which also intersects with Bloor Street.

Both Hoskin Avenue and Devonshire Place both offer street parking. There are parking metres, but they only function after 1 p.m. on Sundays.

By public transit :

Consult the [http://www.ttc.ca/ Toronto Transit Commission] (TTC).

Trinity College is easily accessible by the TTC. There are 3 subway stations within a 5-10 minute walk of the college : Saint George, Museum, Queen’s Park. There is also bus service on Bloor Street, on Avenue Road, on Hoskin Avenue, and on Spadina Avenue.

By rail or air :

Toronto is accessible from eastern or western Canada, and from the USA by [https://www.viarail.ca/en VIARail].

Toronto is accessible from most places in the world by air, and the flights arrive at the [https://www.torontopearson.com/ Pearson International Airport in the northwest part of the Greater Toronto Area].

Some few flights arrive at the Toronto Island [https://www.billybishopairport.com Billy Bishop Airport].

Mailing address :

Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Mission

c/o Father Geoffrey Ready

348, Deloraine Avenue

Toronto, Ontario

M5M 2B6

E-mail : frgeoffrey@myrrhbearers.ca

Telephone : 647-567-8955

==References==

[https://www.myrrhbearers.ca/#about Parish history]

[https://www.trinityorthodox.ca Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College web-site]

'''Additional information :'''

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/holy-myrrhbearers-orthodox-mission-toronto Archdiocese listing]

[https://www.archdiocese.ca Archdiocese of Canada web-site]

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada]

[https://oca.org/parishes/oca-ca-tormyr OCA listing]

[https://www.oca.org/ Orthodox Church in America web-site]

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church in America]

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Tikhon_(Mollard) Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard)]

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Irénée_(Rochon) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Ilia_(Katre) Bishop Ilia (Katre)]

[https://utoronto.academia.edu/GeoffreyReady Archpriest Geoffrey Ready]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Louth Archpriest Andrew Louth]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Behr Archpriest John Behr]

[https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/discover/news/item/in-memoriam-richard-schneider/ Professor Richard Schneider]

[http://www.trinity.utoronto.ca Trinity College Toronto web-site]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_College,_Toronto Wikipedia article about Trinity College]

[https://www.trinityorthodox.ca/faculty Faculty of Divinity at Trinity College]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Eastern_Orthodox_churches_in_Toronto Wikipedia List of Orthodox Christian Parishes in Toronto, Ontario]

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/his-grace-bishop-ilia-visits-holy-myrrhbearers-mission Visit of Bishop Ilia Katre to the Mission] (18 June, 2017)

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/fr-john-behr-speak-conference-orthodox-school-theology-trinity-college-toronto Presentation by Archpriest John Behr at the University] (9 December, 2017)

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/fr-john-behr-visits-holy-myrrhbearers-mission-toronto Visit to the Mission by Archpriest John Behr] (19 December, 2017)

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/archbishop-irenee-celebrates-sunday-orthodoxy-holy-myrrhbearers-mission-toronto Archbishop Irénée celebrates Sunday of Orthodoxy at Holy Myrrhbearers Mission, Toronto] (25 February, 2018)

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/archbishop-irenee-presides-pan-orthodox-vespers-toronto Archbishop Irénée presides at Pan-Orthodox Vespers in Toronto] (25 February, 2018)

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/fr-andrew-louth-visits-holy-myrrhbearers-orthodox-mission-toronto Father Andrew Louth visits Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Mission in Toronto] (6 March, 2018)

[https://www.facebook.com/uoft.ocf/ University of Toronto Orthodox Christian Fellowship Facebook]

[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz2AV4nRQ9-Owp_RR5we5_Q Videos of Homilies by Father Geoffrey Ready]

Please send your suggestions, additions, corrections or contributions to this address :

info@orthodoxcanada.ca

[[Category:Parish Communities]] [[Category:Ontario]] [[Category:ADOCA]] [[Category:OCA]]