For many years now, the tradition in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada is to organize Philoptochos spiritual retreats during the period of Holy and Great Lent.
The first such retreat for the current Lenten period took place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Metamorphosis Tou Sotiros Church in Toronto, with the active participation of many ladies of the Philoptochos.
Each Philoptochos spiritual retreat begins with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy: Archbishop Sotirios presided over the Holy Sacrament, assisted by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Fanourios Pappas and clergy from the Greater Toronto Area.
Following the Liturgy, the Philoptochos members from the surrounding areas gathered in the parish hall where Archbishop Sotirios delivered fatherly remarks on this year’s Archdiocesan theme: Make full proof of thy ministry (2 Tim 4:5).
This was followed by a presentation by Fr. F. Pappas on the theme “Journey to Pascha” and discussion among participants. It was a Christ-centered spiritual gathering that uplifted and provided encouragement to the Philoptochos members.
Additional Philoptochos retreats are planned for later this month, in Montreal, Quebec on March 22nd, and in London, Ontario on March 29th.
