Twelve Families in Canada Keep Church Doors Open

Metropolitan Sotirios, accompanied by Fr. S. Vandoros, Fr. J. Kaoukakis and Head Chanter, Mr. A. Christodouloulis, visited the four communities in the province of Saskatchewan.

On Sunday, September 17, 2017, they celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Community in Saskatoon. They had a meeting with the Community Council and talked about the construction of the new church and community centre.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a discussion took place in the hall of the church with all parishioners, and a luncheon was offered to all.

On Monday evening, they celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Community in Yorkton. This small community has only 12 families, yet they maintain their church beautifully and Fr. Vandoros visits them once a month to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. Congratulations to them all!

On Tuesday evening, they celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Community in Regina. After the Divine Liturgy, the Blessing of the Waters(Agiasmos) service was held for the beginning of the new Greek School year.

The church was filled to capacity with faithful Christians and many children, all who approached to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Following the Liturgy and the Blessing of the Waters, everyone went to the hall of the church and had dinner. The president of the Community, Archon Perentes, addressed the participants; amongst those attending the service and dinner was Senator Pana Merchant.

Metropolitan Sotirios spoke at the end of the evening, and everyone chanted church hymns and Christian songs together.

On Wednesday evening, they visited and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the small but miraculous Community of Swift Current, which also has 12 families and yet maintains a church. After the Divine Liturgy, all participants had dinner together.

All the pious Orthodox Christians of Saskatchewan were enthused by the visit of the Metropolitan and the clergy. At the same time, the Metropolitan was enthused with and congratulated all the faithful for their continued hard work.

Hymns of praise and thanksgiving are sent to the Thrice-Holy God for both the pious faithful Christians and for our wonderful priests, who are working in such a wonderful manner in the province of Saskatchewan, which is five times larger than Greece.