Metr. Saba Returns to Ontario, Visits Future Monastery Site

ONTARIO, CANADA — His Eminence Metr. Saba of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese returned to Ontario from June 27–30 for a pastoral visit that combined anniversary celebrations, parish meetings, liturgical services, and a landmark visit to the site of a future monastery.

The visit opened with a diamond jubilee celebration at St. George Church in Richmond Hill, marking the parish’s 75th anniversary. Metr. Saba met with parish youth and the parish council before presiding at Great Vespers and participating in a weekend of services that included Orthros and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. During his homily, he reflected on the witness of Sts. Peter and Paul, encouraging the faithful to remain steadfast in their confession of Christ. The celebration concluded with a reception attended by clergy, parishioners, and public officials, during which Metr. Saba spoke about new beginnings rooted in small acts of faith and community commitment.

In a separate major milestone, Metr. Saba visited the future site of Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Monastery in Ennismore, Peterborough County. The 150-acre property, which includes shoreline on Pigeon Lake, was blessed with prayer and holy water after a service in a chapel established within one of the existing cabins. Church leaders and project organizers presented plans for the future monastery and retreat center, which is envisioned as a spiritual center for the Antiochian Archdiocese in Canada.

Later in the visit, Metr. Saba presided at Great Vespers at St. Mary Church in Mississauga and met with parish leadership, youth ministries, and education coordinators. Discussions included the challenges of living an Orthodox Christian life in a secular environment, with the Metropolitan urging young people to place the Church at the center of their lives. He also shared a meal with parishioners and met with diocesan educators in preparation for an upcoming parish life conference.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Saba announced the first Youth and Young Adult Ministry Summit.