On Sunday, November 9, 2025, the Communities and Philoptochos Society chapters of the greater Montreal area, under the guidance of their priests, successfully organized a fundraising luncheon at the Palace Convention Centre to support the Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy. The luncheon was graciously offered by Nikolaos Tsatas, Archon Protonotarios of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and owner of the Palace Convention Centre.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee was Fr. Nikodimos Kontogiorgakis, with committee members Fr. Panagiotis Pavlakos, Fr. Christianos Sokosan, Fr. Athanasios Giokas, and Fr. Spyridon Voutos. Master of ceremonies for the event was also Fr. Nikodimos Kontogiorgakis.
Among the distinguished guests from City Hall and the Greek Consulate were M. Deros, City Councillor for Parc Extension; A. Revelakis, City Councillor for Chomedey; and Mr. Nikolaos Karalekas, Consul General of Montreal.
Also in attendance were the Sisters from the Monastery of the Parigoritissa, led by Abbess Thekla and ten sisters.
Speakers included Zoe Veroutis, President of the Archdiocesan Philoptochos Council of Canada; Vassilios Angelopoulos, President of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal; and Consul General Karalekas.
Archbishop Sotirios spoke at the conclusion about the Theological Academy and the important mission it fulfills in preparing priests to serve the communities across Canada. He conveyed the love and blessings of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Throughout the dinner, Mr. V. Galatis provided beautiful music with religious and patriotic songs, generously offering his musical talents free of charge for all events of the Theological Academy in Montreal.
The Archbishop expressed his heartfelt thanks to the attendees, donors, organizers, and to Archon N. Tsatas who offers this dinner every year free of charge in support of the Academy – and especially to the professors, giving glory to the Triune God for the great blessing of the Theological Academy.
The Patriarchal Orthodox Theological Academy of Toronto has been operating successfully for 27 years. It offers a four-year university-level program in Theological Studies and is affiliated with St. Paul’s University in Ottawa. Its degree is recognized by all theological schools and universities.
Sixty-four students have graduated from the Theological Academy; thirty-four of them have been ordained and serve the communities throughout Canada. The Holy Archdiocese of Canada has 78 parishes, 16 of which are missionary (meaning they do not have a permanent priest and are served by priests from nearby areas).
