On March 9, 2025, Archbishop Sotirios of Canada, assisted by Parish Priest Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos and Fr. Triantafillos Porfiris, celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the Sunday of Orthodoxy at the Church of Prophet Elias in Mississauga, Ontario. Rev. Fr. Stavros Maniatis was also present, praying in the altar.
The parish, which is one of the largest and most active communities in the Archdiocese, was filled to capacity with pious Orthodox faithful, including many young families and youth, who came to celebrate the Triumph of Orthodoxy. An indoor procession led by the many Sunday School students, as well as the altar boys, took place with all parishioners holding up sacred icons.
In his homily, Archbishop Sotirios spoke about the current state of the world, including of the Orthodox Church, highlighting the need for repentance during Holy and Great Lent, with a focus on humility and obedience.
Saint Theodora, Queen of Arta (March 11), was also commemorated as one of the chapels at Prophet Elias is dedicated to her memory and includes her holy relics.
Following the Divine Liturgy, with the blessing of Archbishop Sotirios, a presentation on “Orthodoxy and the Ecumenical Patriarchate” was delivered in the parish hall.
Fr. Paraskevopoulos provided opening remarks and introduced Ecumenical Patriarchate Archons in Canada President Evagelos Sotiropoulos who spoke to the assembled parishioners.
The presentation provided an overview of the administrative structure of the Orthodox Church, with a particular focus on the history and primacy of the Mother Church of Constantinople. In addition, there was a detailed discussion about the person of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, together with his successful and historic ministry.
A question-and-answer session ensued, which provided an opportunity for attendees to engage with Fr. Paraskevopoulos and Archon Sotiropoulos. The presentation was a wonderful and informative event, particularly on the blessed day for Orthodoxy, allowing some of the faithful in Canada to learn more about the Patriarchate and our spiritual father in Christ, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
