Quebec QC Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church 1959

Québec, Québec, Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church, 1959

Prehistory

Although many Greek-speakers may have arrived as immigrants in Québec City, Québec, Canada, in the first part of the 20th century, none seem to have remained in this city. Rather, they moved westwards after their arrival at the Port of Québec, towards Montréal, Québec, and Toronto, Ontario. This includes both those who arrived there before World War I (1914-1918), and those who arrived after the 1923 catastrophe that came after the Greco-Turkish War.

However, it seems that some Greek-speakers began to settle in the region following World War II (1939-1945). This coincided with the arrival of some Russian-speakers, who settled in the region as well.

In 1950, the Mission of the Holy Trinity was established for the Russian-speakers. It developed slowly, and the community was lacking in economic resources.

Foundation of the community, purchase of a building, 1959

Shortly before 1959, those Greek-speakers who lived in and around Québec City had organised themselves into a community (that is, a foundational ethnic-social community, which intended to provide as well a place of worship for the Greek Orthodox Faithful).

In 1959, the Greek Orthodox Community of Québec City acquired a building which served for a place of worship. A “bourgeois” house was purchased on René-Lévesque Boulevard West, near Cartier Street in the city.

With the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Athens in mind, the new place of worship in Québec was dedicated to The Annunciation to the Virgin (in Greek, Evangelismos), which celebrates the visit that the angel Gabriel made to Mary to announce to her the miraculous conception of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).

Until the present, the Greek Orthodox community has not grown in sufficient numbers to be able to support a full-time resident priest.

Therefore, from that time, services have been offered on a regular schedule by clergy who are sent under the archbishop’s blessing to provide for the spiritual needs of the community. Meanwhile, the Greek Orthodox Community offers various Greek language and cultural opportunities.

Establishment of a Canadian Pastoral District (Ninth Region), 1960

In 1960, it was decided by Patriarch Athenagoras (Syprou) to establish an episcopal region for Canada, of which the assigned bishop would be "Episcopal Commissioner" for Canada. The region was a preparation for a future diocese ; the "episcopal commissioner" was the preparation for a future ruling bishop.

Canada Ninth District named a diocese, 1979

In 1979, following a re-structuring of the Archdiocese of North and South America, the Ninth District of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America was elevated by the Patriarch of Constantinople to be the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Toronto (Canada), and Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of Constantia became Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of Toronto (Canada).

In 1979, Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) of Constantia was elevated to be the Bishop of Toronto (Canada), in Ontario.

The Diocese of Canada becomes a Metropolis, 1996

On 30 July, 1996, the Patriarchate of Constantinople divided the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America into 4 parts : the USA, Canada, Central America, and South America. The Diocese of Canada was elevated to the status of a metropolitanate.

At the same time, the Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) was detached from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and placed directly under the authority of the Patriarchal Throne in Constantinople.

On 24 September, 1996, Bishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was elevated to the dignity of metropolitan, and he was given the title and responsibility of Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto (Canada), and Exarch of all Canada.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada and All the Arctic, 2019

In 2019, the Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) was elevated to the dignity of Archdiocese. Thus, the official title of the diocese became “Holy Archdiocese of Canada and All the Arctic”, and alternatively, “Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Canada”.

Thus, Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was elevated to the dignity of Archbishop, with the title “Archbishop of Canada and All the Arctic”, and alternatively, “Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada”.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada and All the Arctic, 2019

In 2019, the Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) was elevated to the dignity of Archdiocese. Thus, the official title of the diocese became “Holy Archdiocese of Canada and All the Arctic”, and alternatively, “Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada”.

Thus, Metropolitan Sotirios (Athanassoulas) was elevated to the dignity of Archbishop, with the title “Archbishop of Canada and All the Arctic”, and alternatively, “Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Canada”.

Particular parish information

This parish is a part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Canada, of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople. The bishop is Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas). The Vicar-Bishop is Bishop Athenagoras (Salmas). The patriarch is Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis).

This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of the parish is the Feast of the Annunciation to the Theotokos, 25 March.

In 2026, the pastor who cares for this community was Archpriest Alexei Milyutin.

Address :

Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church

17, Boulevard René-Lévesque Est,

Québec, Québec

G1R 2A9

Telephone : 418-523-8564

Web-site

Facebook

Directions :

From central Québec City, drive on Route #136/Quai Saint-André. At Rue Saint-Nicolas, turn left, and drive on Rue Saint-Nicolas. Then (with l'Îlot de Palais on the right), turn right onto Côte de la Potasse. Use the right lane to turn left onto Avenue Honoré-Mercier. At the round-about, use the right lane to turn right onto Boulevard René-Lévesque Est. The Temple/Community-centre is on the right.

To walk from downtown Québec City takes about 25 minutes.

https://goarchdiocese.ca/parishes/ Archpriest Alexei Milyutin]