From Saturday, November 1 to Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Archbishop Sotirios of Canada visited Alberta.
The first stop of Archbishop of Canada’s pastoral visit was the community of Edmonton. On Sunday, November 2, at the Church of St. George, he presided over the Divine Liturgy, assisted by the parish priest Fr. Seraphim Tzitzikas and Fr. Ronald Poworoznik. The church was filled with faithful who welcomed the Archbishop with emotion and love after many years.
After the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Sotirios elevated Fr. Ronald to the rank of Protopresbyter and Mr. Chrysostomos Makris to Archon Hymnographer of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a distinguished servant who has selflessly served the Church for many years.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a luncheon was offered for everyone in the church hall in honor of the Archbishop , Fr. Ronald Poworoznik, and Archon Chrysostomos Makris. The “Kyklos” Dance Group presented traditional dances from Epirus, adding joy and liveliness to the celebration.
In his address, Archbishop Sotirios spoke about the years he served as priest at St. George’s Church in Edmonton (1962–1965), recalling beloved people and moments from his ministry there. All present shared in the deep emotion and joy of a living memory that unites the past and present of the Edmonton community.
On Monday, November 3, Archbishop Sotirios visited Calgary, where he presided over an evening Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. Demetrios assisted by the parish priest Fr. Thomas Sandberg, the Rev. Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Taras Krochak, Fr. Dimitrios Rougas, Fr. Peter Rougas, Fr. Ioannis Kaoukakis (Saskatoon), Fr. Seraphim Tzitzikas (Edmonton), and clergy from the OCA and Antiochian Orthodox jurisdictions. The church was filled with faithful who came with reverence and love to worship together.
After the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence elevated Fr. Thomas Sandberg to the rank of Oikonomos and Mr. Konstantinos Giannoulis to Archon Skevophylax of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in recognition of his faithful service and dedication to the Church.
Following the service, a dinner was offered for all in the church hall, in honor of His Eminence, Fr. Thomas Sandberg, and Archon Konstantinos Giannoulis, graciously hosted by the Philoptochos Society.
Archbishop Sotirios expressed his joy and satisfaction with his visit to Alberta, noting the progress of the communities and the spirit of cooperation among all and he gave glory to God for His many blessings.
