Archbishop Sotirios visits British Columbia

 

From September 15 to 19, 2022, His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios visited the Greek Orthodox Communities of Vancouver.

On September 15 in the evening, Clergy and Presidents of Vancouver met His Eminence for a dinner, as they discussed the future of the Church in Canada and various pastoral issues – all for the glory of God and the progress of our Communities.

On Friday, September 16, Archbishop Sotirios and the Vancouver area clergy visited Fr. Demetrios and Presbytera Irene Partsafas, followed by a luncheon meeting to constructively discuss pastoral concerns and questions. In the evening, His Eminence ordained Deacon Christian Vela to the Holy Priesthood at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Vancouver. It was attended by all the Reverend Clergy of Metro Vancouver, along with Fr. Peter Avgeropoulos, President of the Clergy Syndesmos of our Archdiocese. After the service, a reception was held for all. Axios!

On Saturday, Saturday 17, Archbishop Sotirios celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Nicholas and Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Community of East Vancouver. At the end of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence held the Agiasmos service for the new Greek and Sunday School Year, along with the elevation of Fr. Timoleon Prattas, Parish Priest, to the office of Economos. The service was attended by the Reverend Clergy of Metro Vancouver and Victoria, and Fr. Peter Avgeropoulos. A reception was held after the service.

On Sunday, September 18, a Divine Liturgy at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Surrey was celebrated by His Eminence, assisted by: Fr. Georgi Despotov, Parish Priest; Fr. Christian Vela; and Fr. Dorotheos Tryphonopoulos. A reception was held after service.

Many thanks to all the Communities for their gracious hospitality.

That evening, the Hon. Consul General of Greece in Vancouver, Mrs. Eleni Georgopoulou and her husband, held a dinner in honour of His Eminence at Minoas Restaurant. The Consul General and her wonderful family are examples of piety, along with their dedication and love to the Church and Greece. They participated in all three Divine Liturgies. May God grant them many years, filled with blessings!

As His Eminence left on Monday, September 19 for Montreal, he stated: “It is a blessing to be back in Vancouver to hold all these services, along with seeing our people back in our Churches. Make sure to invest and support our programs, especially those with the youth, and our Theological Academy. In this way, we will have a bright future as Greek Orthodox faithful in Canada.”