Annual Meeting of the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Clergy

Picture from the Meeting of the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Clergy. 
In the first row, among others, Bishop Christoforos, Metropolitan Yurij, 
Metropolitan Soririos and Archbishop Matthias.

On Tuesday May 22^nd, the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Clergy of Greater Toronto was held at the Offices of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto, hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios of Toronto (Canada).  The following Hierarchs were also in attendance: His Eminence Metropolitan Yurij of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada;  His Eminence Archbishop Matthias of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Canada;  and His Grace Bishop Christoforos, Titular Bishop of Andida of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto.  Also in attendance were 38 Clergymen from both the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches. From the Eastern Orthodox Churches, Clergy from the following jurisdictions participated:

Greek Orthodox;  Ukrainian Orthodox; Russian Orthodox;  Romanian Orthodox;   Serbian Orthodox;  and Bulgarian Orthodox.  From the Oriental Orthodox Churches, Clergy from the Armenian, Coptic and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches participated. 

The meeting began with Paschal Matins according to the Greek Orthodox tradition in the Chapel of St. John the Theologian, with all Clergy in prayerful attendance.  The meeting was called to order and presided by His Eminence Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios.  The following topics were discussed:

1.       Challenges to our Youth from non-Christian religions and other secular and religious groups who attempt to steal our Youth away from the Church; 

2.      The Dangers of the Internet and Social Networking to our Youth and our Parishioners; 

3.      Speaking with one Voice before Canadian Government Officials; 

4.      Sharing Pastoral Resources for Marriage and Baptism Preparation Seminars, Youth Ministry and Ministry to the Elderly. 

It was also decided that the Annual Vespers Service would be hosted this year by St. Mary & St. Joseph Coptic Orthodox Church in Richmond Hill on Tuesday October 30^th at 7:30 p.m.  This Vespers is held annually, alternating between the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches.  This Vespers is served only by the Clergy of the host Church, while the other Clergy are in attendance and share fellowship with one another after the Service. 

The meeting ended with a Paschal Agape Meal hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios in the Reception Hall of the Holy Metropolis.

From the Offices of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada)  (May 23, 2012)