New Wing at the Metamorphosis Greek Orthodox School

On October 18, 2017, the Ribbon-Cutting of the new wing of the Metamorphosis Greek Orthodox School took place.

While it had only 16 students during its first year of operations, it is now home to more than 300 students, with 60 students on the waiting list.

The new wing is comprised of 10 classrooms, which hold up to 200 students, since the law in the Province of Ontario specifies that no more than 20 students should be in each classroom.

The new wing will cost $1,700,000. Our Holy Metropolis donated $1,000,000 for this project, while the remaining $700,000 will be gathered by fundraising efforts which have already commenced.

Present at the Ribbon-Cutting ceremony were: all the school’s students; many of their parents and guardians; Mrs. Toula Reppas, founder of our School, together with her husband; the Hon. A. Ioannidis, Consul General of Greece in Toronto; Mrs. A. Saradidis, Principal; along with Archon Maestor J. Dagonas, the individual responsible of all the building projects of our Holy Metropolis (which, thus far, has built about 20 buildings). Mr. J. Dagonas is a successful businessman, having built the new airport in Toronto, and now works to oversee the building projects of our Holy Metropolis on a volunteer basis.

The Blessing of the Waters (Agiasmos) service was presided by Metropolitan Sotirios, assisted by five priests.

Following the service, speakers included: Anna Saradidis, Principal of the School; the Hon. A. Ioannidis, Consul General; Toula Reppas, President of the School; and, Metropolitan Sotirios.

Everyone spoke highly of the work that is being done at the Metamorphosis Greek Orthodox School, along with the work being accomplished at all the other projects of the Holy Metropolis, including churches, schools, community centres, monasteries, and camps, among others.

Metropolitan Sotirios said that, while we are involved with building projects, spiritual work is taking place inside their walls. There is no greater spiritual work than the education of our children in a Greek Orthodox school – a school no child wants to leave from. His Eminence congratulated all of the students, parents and guardians of the children, the Principal, the teachers, the Consul General, Mr. J. Dagonas and, of course, Mrs. Toula Reppas, who initially provided $500,000 for the school to begin – and she continues to give generous donations throughout the years – along with all the other donors.

In one month, the new wing of the day school will be open for the first students to use.

Thanksgiving is given to the Thrice-Holy Triune God for this wonderful work, both the building and the spiritual work that is happening in it.

The day’s events finished with the National Anthems of Greece and Canada, along with the chanting of the hymn of the Transfiguration, since the name of the school is Metamorphosis.