In St. Catharine’s, near Niagara Falls, the Clergy Laity Assembly of the Holy Archdiocese of Canada took place from June 28 to July 3, 2024, at the Holiday Inn Hotel owned by the Nitsopoulos brothers. This was the first assembly in five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A total of 117 representatives from Greek Orthodox Communities, including priests, participated in the assembly. Additionally, 92 representatives from Philoptochos Chapters and 155 young individuals from MetYouth took part.
The assembly commenced and concluded with Holy Services, including four Divine Liturgies led by Archbishop Sotirios. The MetYouth Assembly was overseen by Fr. Timoleon Prattas and Fr. Nikodimos Kontogiorgakis.
Throughout the sessions, Archbishop Sotirios emphasized the importance of unity and family spirit within the Church. Various proposals, such as increasing priests’ salaries, were discussed and voted upon with unanimous agreement.
The theme of the assembly was “Faith is the substance of things hoped for,” with a message from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The meeting of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Archons in Canada was also successful.
Sincere appreciation was shown to the St. Catherine community for their support, including setting up a chapel in the hotel and organizing meals for attendees. Archbishop Sotirios expressed gratitude to all delegates and gave thanks to God for His blessings.
The assembly concluded with prayers and the chanting of the polychronion of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. It was a time of faith, unity, and gratitude for the Orthodox Greeks of Canada.