Abp. Sotirios Celebrates Final Sunday Liturgy as Archbishop

TORONTO — Abp. Sotirios celebrated his final Sunday Divine Liturgy as Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada on July 19 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, bringing to a close more than 50 years of episcopal ministry in the country. Clergy, faithful, civic leaders, and representatives of Greek Orthodox organizations gathered to honor his decades of service and offer prayers for the future of the archdiocese.

Concelebrating the Divine Liturgy with the Archbishop were parish priest Fr. Evangelos Athanassoulas and newly ordained Fr. Iakovos Kerr. During the service, Abp. Sotirios tonsured four altar boys as Readers, marking a joyful milestone for the cathedral community. Among those in attendance were Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Canada, National Philoptochos President Zoe Veroutis, Greek Community of Toronto President Betty Skoutakis, Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament Aris Babikian, Toronto City Councillor Nick Mantas, and mayoral candidate Brad Bradford, who presented the Archbishop with a commemorative scroll recognizing his historic tenure.

In his concluding remarks, Abp. Sotirios reflected on his childhood, his decades of ministry building and strengthening the Orthodox Church in Canada, and the importance of remaining steadfast in Christ. He also urged the faithful to pray for and support his successor so that the Church and the Greek Orthodox community would continue to flourish.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the congregation gathered at the Metropolitan Cultural Centre for a luncheon hosted by the cathedral parish under the leadership of President Anastasia Sotiropoulos. Addressing those assembled, she offered an emotional tribute to the retiring hierarch, capping a day marked by gratitude, celebration, and thanksgiving for Abp. Sotirios' enduring legacy.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Sotirios is stepping down after 52 years.