On the evening of Tuesday, February 18, 2025, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Toronto, presided over by Archbishop Sotirios, with the participation of Bishop Athenagoras of Patara and many clergymen from the surrounding area.
The cathedral’s lead chanter, Angelos Dimitrakopoulos, along with students from our Theological Academy, chanted with Byzantine grandeur.
In his homily, Archbishop Sotirios spoke on the theme, “God must be remembered more than one breathes.” He explained that, in essence, this means that our entire life should be devoted to God. He added that this was precisely how Saint Philothei lived; dedicating her life and fortune to her homeland and the people of God.
Despite the inclement weather, the faithful attended with great reverence. Member of Provincial Parliament, Mr. Aris Babikian, presented Archbishop Sotirios with the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal.
Among those present at the Divine Liturgy were Mrs. Zoe Veroutis, President of Philoptochos Canada, the presidents of the surrounding Philoptochos chapters, Ecumenical Patriarchate Archons in Canada, and Mrs. Betty Skoutakis, President of the Greek Community of Toronto.
A dinner was hosted for all attendees at the splendid Cultural Centre of our Holy Archdiocese, where everything was excellently organized by Mrs. A. Sotiropoulou, President of the Cathedral Community, along with her dedicated collaborators.
It is noteworthy that on February 19th, the feast day of Saint Philothei, Archbishop Sotirios celebrated his 89th birthday. He praised God for being in excellent health. The atmosphere throughout the evening was particularly festive, filled with hymns and songs.
Archbishop Sotirios also mentioned that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew celebrates his birthday on February 29th. He expressed profound admiration for the Patriarch, and the evening concluded with prayer and the chanting of the Polichronion (Many Years) in honor of His All-Holiness.
The Holy Archdiocese of Canada expresses its utmost satisfaction and gratitude to all Philoptochos chapters across Canada and to those responsible for organizing this wonderful event.
