On Thursday, October 1, 2026, the Feast of the Holy Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, Archbishop Apostolos of Canada ordained seminarian Christos Bourolias to the Holy Diaconate at the historic Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toronto.
The occasion held particular significance, as it marked the first ordination celebrated by Archbishop Apostolos following his enthronement as Archbishop of Canada. Bishop Athenagoras of Patara, Dean of the Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy, was present, together with clergy, the family and friends of the newly ordained Deacon, and a large gathering of faithful.
In his address, the newly ordained Deacon, Fr. Christos Bourolias, expressed his profound gratitude to the Triune God for his calling to the Holy Priesthood and spoke with emotion of his parents; his spiritual father, Protopresbyter Fr. Panagiotis Avgeropoulos; his wife, Zoe; their two children, Chrysi and Stamatina; and his siblings, thanking them for their love and support.
“Your Eminence, I look forward to your prudent guidance as I enter this new journey, experiencing today my personal Pentecost through your honourable hands in the Holy Spirit.”
In his paternal address, Archbishop Apostolos spoke about the Mystery of the Holy Priesthood and Apostolic Succession, emphasizing that “the family is the first Church.” He also expressed his particular emotion that the first ordination of his archpastoral ministry in Canada was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Panagia on the Feast of her Holy Protection. His Eminence called upon the new Deacon to remain steadfast in the Faith, faithful to the tradition of the Church, devoted to his family, and obedient to his Chief Shepherd.
“People may betray you, but I want you to know that Christ will never betray you,” Archbishop Apostolos emphasized, assuring him of his paternal support for him, his family, and his ministry.
Before the dismissal, Archbishop Apostolos presented the newly ordained Deacon, Fr. Christos Bourolias, with the Ieratikon, bearing a personal inscription, and prayed that God, through the intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos, would strengthen him and preserve him steadfast in the Faith and traditions of the Church. Archbishop Apostolos encouraged him to continue supporting the Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and wished him to become a worthy Deacon and Apostle of Christ.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a celebratory meal was offered to the clergy, the family of the newly ordained Deacon, and the faithful, in an atmosphere of joy and Christian fellowship.
