The annual graduation dinner for the Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy (PTOTA) was held with great joy and splendor at the Archdiocesan Metropolitan Cultural Centre in Toronto.
Close to five hundred and fifty (550) people attended, including many dignitaries, elected officials, and community leaders from across the Greater Toronto Area.
The dinner featured many traditional aspects, including the singing of the Greek and Canadian national anthems, as well as a musical interlude by the students, graduates, and clergymen led by Rev. Fr. Elias Drossos.
This year’s master of ceremonies was Ms. Vicky Topos, daughter of Archon Frank Topos of blessed memory, who did a wonderful job throughout the evening.
The main speaker was Bishop Athenagoras of Patara, Dean of the Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy, on the theme, “The Theological Academy in the Life of the Orthodox Church in Canada.” The words of Bishop Athenagoras were outstanding, as was his emphasis on the lasting impact of our Theological Academy on the life of the Church in Canada.
Greetings from the Consul General of Greece in Toronto, the Hon. Ioannis Chatzantonakis, were delivered to the assembled guests before the joint valedictorian address by the two graduates: Jerry Haron and Nikolaos Panteas.
The graduates spoke in Greek and English, highlighting their time in the seminary, lessons learned, including from the Academy’s Patron, St. John the Theologian, as well as living an authentic spiritual life in Jesus Christ, now and always. They are Worthy!
Archbishop Sotirios delivered paternal remarks. Archbishop Sotirios invited Mr. Haron, grandfather of graduate Jerry Haron, and Fr. Nikolaos Panteas, father of graduate Nikos Panteas, who handed the degrees to the two graduates. His Eminence provided that opportunity to Mr. Haron and Fr. Nikolaos Panteas, which was well received by the people. Abbess Alexia from the Holy Monastery of St. Kosmas Aitolos and Mrs. Anastasia Sotiropoulos, President of the St. Nicholas Cathedral Community, handed the traditional icon of St. John the Theologian to the graduates.
All members of Jerry Haron’s family participated, as did members of Nikos Panteas family, including his father, Fr. Nikolaos Panteas, his mother, Presbytera Maria-Ioanna, and his brother, Fr. Andreas Panteas, who is also a graduate of the PTOTA and currently serving as a priest in Greece.
The PTOTA is affiliated with Saint Paul University in Ottawa; the degrees of the graduates are recognized by all universities and theological schools around the world.
In Canada, there are 78 parishes served by 55 full-time priests, 41 of whom are graduates of our Theological Academy. This success and legacy speak loudly about the importance of the Theological Academy for Orthodoxy in Canada.
It was truly a memorable evening, held in a Christian environment full of joy and thanksgiving. At its conclusion, Archbishop Sotirios led the guests in chanting the fimi of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Apolytikion of St. Nicholas, as well as “Xristos Anesti!”
