Archdiocese of Canada and Ecumenical Patriarchate Archons in Canada Organize Virtual Meeting to Celebrate Patronal Feast of the First Throne of Orthodoxy

 

On Monday, November 30, 2020, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, together with the Ecumenical Patriarchate Archons in Canada, organized a virtual meeting to discuss the current state of the First Throne of Orthodoxy. The meeting coincided with the celebration of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called and Patronal Feast of the Patriarchate. The theme of the virtual gathering was “Challenges and Opportunities of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”

 

Those partaking in the event were led by His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios. The three auxiliary bishops of our Holy Archdiocese, Their Graces Bartholomew of Keramos, Athenagoras of Patara, and Iakovos of Zinoupolis, were also in attendance. Other participants included Reverend Fathers of our Archdiocese from across the country, numerous Archons, many of our parish community leaders, and the students of the Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy.

 

The meeting was opened by reciting the Lord’s Prayer led by the Archbishop, followed by welcoming remarks by Bishop Iakovos and by Archon E. Sotiropoulos. The special guest and main speaker of the virtual meeting was the distinguished professor and scholar Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou, a leading academic and researcher on issues related to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and of religious freedom more broadly, among many others. Prof. Prodromou offered informative and insightful commentary before the question and answer session with all participants commenced.

 

The engaging and enlightening conversation covered many issues and allowed those in attendance to understand and learn more about the challenges and opportunities of the Patriarchate, as well as to discuss possible initiatives that the Church in Canada could implement to support the First Throne of the Orthodox Church.

 

The extensive discussions concluded with remarks by Archon Chrisostomos Perentes, President of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Archons in Canada, as well as by Archbishop Sotirios who emphasized the importance of the Mother Church to all Orthodox in Canada, to Christendom, and indeed to the entire oecumene. His Eminence also conveyed the love and blessings of His All-Holiness, before wishing all a joyous and Merry Christmas and leading participants in the chanting of the Polychronion for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

 

It was truly a blessed and spiritually uplifting event. The organizers expressed their appreciation and gratitude to all participants, but especially to Prof. Prodromou who was gracious with her time and discerning with her commentary, helping every person be conscious of the current situation of the venerable Ecumenical Patriarchate.