Clergy Synaxis and Pan-Orthodox Celebration of the Transfiguration in Toronto

On August 5-6, 2017, His Eminence Metropolitan Sotirios presided over Great Vespers and the Divine Liturgy for the Great Feast of the Transfiguration (Metamorphosis) of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Before the Vespers service, His Eminence chaired a Clergy Synaxis; almost 30 priests from southern Ontario participated. Many items were on the agenda, which were discussed with excellent brotherly relations for the progress of our Metropolis as we soon begin a new Ecclesiastical Year.

The celebrating parish of Metamorphosis was standing room only, with many faithful parishioners downstairs in the parish hall watching on large screens, as well as outside during the holy service. During his homily, the Metropolitan spoke about the light and the Uncreated Light of Christ; he connected the Feast with receiving Holy Communion – the ultimate expression of the Light and Life of the God-man Christ.

The following morning, hundreds upon hundreds of pious Orthodox participated in the Divine Liturgy, which was con-celebrated by Metropolitan Sotirios and His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of the Serbian Orthodox Church. They were assisted by Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Michael, together with Frs. Athenagoras Ziliaskopoulos, Bohdan Hladio (Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada), and Jovan Marjanac (Serbian Orthodox Church). Abbess Alexia together with Sisters from the Holy Monastery of Patrokosmas in Bolton also participated.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated with great splendour with almost all faithful approaching to receive Holy Communion. In addition, as is tradition for the Feast of the Transfiguration, grapes were blessed and distributed to all of the faithful after the holy service.

Additionally, His Eminence tonsured Evangelos Tzoganakis, one of five siblings from a pious family in Kitchener-Waterloo, as a Reader. Axios!

The Community organized a luncheon in the parish hall, where the faithful again had the opportunity to wish Metropolitan Sotirios Happy Name Day! Eis Polla Eti Despota!