On April 4, 2023, Michael D. Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, visited the Archdiocesan headquarters in Toronto and met with Archbishop Sotirios; also present were Bishop Athenagoras and Archon Evangelos Sotiropoulos.
Archbishop Sotirios warmly greeted Minister Ford and provided him with a tour of the first floor, including the Chapel of St. John the Theologian, and the nearly-completed site of the forthcoming Greek-Canadian Heritage Museum. While in the Chapel, the seminarians of the Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy chanted the Apolytikion of St. John and Panagia Torontoessa.
The Archbishop also provided a tour of the fourth floor, before gathering in the Archdiocesan boardroom for discussions. A number of issues were reviewed related to the Church in Canada and in Ontario; the Greek Diaspora in the Province; and, potential areas for future collaboration.
At the conclusion of the visit, Archbishop Sotirios presented a gift to Minister Ford — a custom-made icon of the Archangel Michael from the Holy Monastery of Patrokosmas in Bolton, Ontario.
The Archbishop thanked the Minister for visiting and wished him well as he continues to serve the public. Finally, Archbishop Sotirios asked that Minister Ford convey warm and sincere wishes to his good friend, the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford.
