Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Throne Delivers Homily: A Patriarch of Saints

Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and noted theologian and author, visited the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada between November 22 and 24, 2019.

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios, Fr. John delivered a special spiritual homily at the Church of St. Nicholas in Toronto titled: A Patriarch of Saints: Contemporary Orthodox Elders Recognized as Saints by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy and Sacred Synod.

Sponsored by the Archdiocese and the Ecumenical Patriarchate Archons in Canada, the homily brought together hundreds of faithful from across the Greater Toronto Area. Fr. John spoke with eloquence and great reverence for the holy and grace-filled lives of contemporary elders who have or will soon be entered into the official catalogue of Saints of the Orthodox Church. The faithful, who were truly moved by the words of Fr. John, listened attentively throughout the hour-long homily that was also live broadcast to viewers across Canada and throughout the world.

After the homily, the Community of St. Nicholas offered all attendees coffee and refreshments.

The following morning, Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis delivered the Gospel homily for the 13th Sunday of Luke on the Rich Young Man.

During his visit to the Archdiocese, Fr. John also went to the Holy Monastery of St. Kosmas Aitolos in Bolton.

The Archdiocese and Archons in Canada sincerely thank Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis for visiting Toronto during the Christmas Lenten period, and also congratulate Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Fanourios Pappas, St. Nicholas Community President A. Sotiropoulos, together with all of the Reverend Fathers – including the V. Rev. Fr. Alexander Salmas, Dean of the Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy and Rev. Fr. Peter Avgeropoulos, President of the Clergy Syndesmos – who supported and made the homily such a great success.

Archbishop Sotirios, who is currently a member of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, departed for Constantinople for meetings of the Synod and also for celebrations of the Patronal Feast of the Patriarchate for the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-called (November 30th).

The Archbishop will provide an update to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on this event, as well as on efforts of the Archdiocese and Archons in Canada to promote the Ecumenical Patriarchate and religious freedom for all.