Abp. Apostolos Makes First Visit to St. Kosmas Aitolos Monastery in Canada

BOLTON, ONTARIO — Abp. Apostolos of Canada made his first visit to the Holy Monastery of St. Kosmas Aitolos on October 10, 2026. He was welcomed by Abbess Alexia, the monastic sisterhood, and a large gathering of faithful. The visit highlighted the monastery’s important role in the spiritual life of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada.

Founded in 1993 with the blessing of the late Elder Ephraim of Arizona, the monastery has served as a center of prayer, asceticism, and monastic service for more than three decades. Following a service of doxology, Abbess Alexia expressed the sisterhood’s gratitude for the Archbishop’s visit and reflected on the missionary example of St. Kosmas Aitolos and the spiritual legacy of Elder Ephraim.

Abp. Apostolos recalled Elder Ephraim’s contribution to the growth of Orthodox monasticism throughout North America and emphasized the essential place of monastic life in the Church. “The Church cannot exist without monasticism. There can be no Diocese, Metropolis, or Archdiocese without monasticism,” he declared, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the Archdiocese’s monastic communities.

The Archbishop also pledged to stand alongside the monasteries as a “fellow pilgrim, collaborator, and supporter,” expressing his hope that they would grow together as “a very strong spiritual Orthodox family.” During an exchange of gifts, Abbess Alexia presented him with an icon of Jesus Christ, while Abp. Apostolos offered his hierarchical mandeia to the monastery as a gesture of love and spiritual unity.

The visit continued with Great Vespers, attended by a large congregation. After the service, Abp. Apostolos greeted the faithful and distributed small icons of St. Kosmas Aitolos as blessings. The occasion reaffirmed the close relationship between the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada and its monastic communities.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Theodore congratulated newly elected Abp. Apostolos of Canada.