The Ecumenical Patriarchate Archons in Canada (EPAC) Board of Directors held its summer meeting on Saturday, July 5, 2025.
Board members discussed milestones achieved and progress made during the first half of the year, including informative Zoom sessions with Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea and Exarch of Japan, as well as the distinguished Professor Elizabeth Prodromou; the recently completed and successful colouring contest for youth across Canada to celebrate the Name Day of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew; and, the fundraising efforts for the God-pleasing works of the Holy Metropolis of Imbros and Tenedos, the birthplace of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
The Board also discussed a number of forward-looking initiatives, including a planned symposium in the fall to further bring awareness to and support the Mother Church of Constantinople.
Finally, the Board issued the following statement regarding religious freedom and the need to bring attention to the plight of persecuted Christians:
The Ecumenical Patriarchate Archons in Canada (EPAC), which is dedicated to promoting human rights and religious freedom, particularly for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, calls upon the new federal government to restore the position of Ambassador for Religious Freedom at this crucial time for all people of faith around the world.
According to Open Doors International, there are 380 million Christians who are discriminated against and suffer persecution because of their faith.
On June 22, 2025, the world witnessed with horror the heinous attack on the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elijah in Damascus and the murder of more than twenty people because of their faith in Jesus Christ. This is a stark reminder that the ancient Christian communities in the Middle East and Asia Minor are under constant threat.
This type of behaviour is unfortunately also present in Canada: since 2021, for example, at least 33 churches have been burned to the ground across the country, with dozens more set ablaze.
Promoting freedom of religion should be a cornerstone of Canada’s domestic and foreign policy. It aligns with our shared principles and values, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that guarantees fundamental freedoms including of conscience and religion.
The federal government was once building this capacity within Global Affairs Canada when Andrew Bennett served with distinction as the first (and to date only) Ambassador for Religious Freedom between 2013 and 2016. A renewed Office of Religious Freedom should be reinstated, one that works to protect people of all faiths.
A restored role of Ambassador for Religious Freedom can advance Canada’s strategic foreign policy goals, as well as serve as a peacemaker who brings people together: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:9-10).
As we celebrated Canada Day this past week and enjoy our freedoms and democratic rights, including of peaceful assembly and association, the Ecumenical Patriarchate Archons in Canada call on the federal government to prioritize international human rights and freedom of religion for all people by restoring the Office of Religious Freedom in Canada and work to protect persecuted Christians.
