Metropolitan Sotirios at the Winter Camps

Christmas dinner with the entire family of Fr. D. Partsafas

This year, our Holy Metropolis organized Winter Camps in Vancouver and in Montreal. Metropolitan Sotirios visited the winter camp in Vancouver and conducted the Agiasmo (Water Blessing), assisted by Fr. D. Partsafas, Fr. K. Tsiolas, Fr. E. Aravantinos and Fr. C. Economos, who led the camp’s organization. Sixty-seven boys and girls participated; the program was implemented successfully and included many Greek Orthodox educational themes.

The Montreal camp will take place between January 2-4, 2014, under the organizational leadership of Frs. Z. Nterekas and H. Tzintis.

Synaxis with the clergymen from the Vancouver area with Metropolitan Sotirios

Metropolitan Sotirios celebrated Christ’s Nativity in Western Canada this year. On Sunday, December 22nd, he presided over the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Constantine and Helen in Surrey, assisted by Fr. D. Tryfonopoulos and Fr. K. Tsiolas. After the Divine Liturgy, a fasting lunch was served to all the faithful in the community centre; the Metropolitan led the parishioners in Christmas carolling.

On Tuesday evening, December 24th, His Eminence celebrated the Christmas Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. George in Vancouver, assisted by Fr. D. Partsafas and Fr. D. Tryfonopoulos. It was a very emotional and moving Divine Liturgy with many pious Christians participating, not only in the Liturgy but also in Holy Communion.

On Christmas day, Metropolitan Sotirios had a festive dinner with the entire outstanding family of Fr. D. Partsafas. It was a wonderful atmosphere with  all members of the family, including children and grand-children. Together they sang Christmas songs and carols.

From the Vancouver winter camp

On December 26, Metropolitan Sotirios held a Synaxis with the five clergymen from the Vancouver area. A number of important issues were discussed, especially with regards to the education and participation of our youth in Church life.

On Sunday, December 29th, Metropolitan Sotirios presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. Nicholas in East Vancouver. After the Divine Liturgy, coffee and sweets offered for all parishioners and Metropolitan Sotirios led them to chanting Christmas hymns and carols. On Monday, the following day, he returned back to our Holy Metropolis.