Archbishop Apostolos of Canada presided over his first Divine Liturgy as Archbishop of Canada on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Toronto, one day after his enthronement.
The Divine Liturgy marked the beginning of the new Archbishop’s liturgical and pastoral ministry following the formal ceremony held at the same cathedral on Saturday, September 19.
Archbishop Apostolos succeeds Archbishop Sotirios, whose long ministry he honored during his inaugural address, acknowledging his contribution to the development of the Greek Orthodox Church in Canada, particularly in the fields of education, youth ministry and clergy formation.
“I am not inheriting a small ark. I am inheriting a significant ecclesiastical work,” Archbishop Apostolos said following his enthronement, pledging to respect and continue the work entrusted to him.
Unity emerged as a central theme of the new Archbishop’s message to the Greek Orthodox faithful across Canada.
“If there is one word that I would like to define the new chapter of our Archdiocese, it is unity,” he stressed, explaining that unity should not be confused with uniformity.
Archbishop Apostolos also made clear that he regards his new position not as an assumption of secular authority or an honorary office, but as “taking up the Cross of the Lord.” A bishop, he stressed, is called to serve rather than exercise authority over the faithful.
The Archbishop placed particular emphasis on young people, education and the preservation of the Greek language and Orthodox identity.
“The Church is not afraid of questions,” he told the younger generation, encouraging young people to participate actively in the liturgical and community life of their parishes.
He called for stronger Sunday schools and youth programs, while describing the Greek language as “a living ark of memory, truth, and wisdom” and a bridge connecting generations.
Archbishop Apostolos also pledged continued support for monasteries in Canada as centers of prayer, repentance, spiritual renewal and hospitality.
Referring to Canada as “our new homeland,” he stressed that Greek Orthodox faithful can be simultaneously “a good Canadian, a conscious Greek and, above all, a faithful Orthodox Christian.”
The Archbishop also reaffirmed the Archdiocese’s relationship with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, describing it as a “sacred trust” that must be honored and protected.
Calling on the faithful to accompany him in his new ministry, Archbishop Apostolos urged the Archdiocese to move forward “with one heart, one faith, one hope, and one love,” with particular attention to the generations to come.
