The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Cathedral, known popularly by its Greek name of “Panagia”, was opened in 1961. It celebrates the two major Feast Days in honour of the Virgin Mary as its Patronal Feast days: the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (Evangelismos) on March 25th, together with Greek Independence Day; and the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (Koimisis) on August 15th.
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After a devastating fire in 2000, the Cathedral has been beautifully renovated according to the traditional Byzantine architectural plan of Orthodox Churches, with a grand Dome supported by eight columns, inspired by the Grand Cathedral of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople built by Justinian in 537 A.D. The exquisite Byzantine Icons in the Altar were written by the Master Iconographer Father Theodore Koufos, while the Baroque wooden Iconostasis, Altar Table, Cantor’s Stand and Bishop’s Throne were hand-carved by Master Wood Sculptor Stylianos Kavroulakis of Crete. The Cathedral holds over 850 seated worshippers. Located in the West end of Toronto, just east of High Park and the Roncesvalles Village neighbourhoods, the Cathedral serves parishioners from across the G.T.A. It is easily accessible by car from the Gardiner Expressway (a 5minute drive from the Jameson exit) and by TTC, a short distance from the West Dundas subway stop. All ceremonies are celebrated in both Greek and English.
The office hours are from 9am-5pm every Wednesday.
On Sundays and Feast days, the Schedule of Services is as follows:
Orthros-Matins 09.00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy 10.00 a.m. - 12.00 noon
The current Parish Priest of Panagia is Fr. Peter Avgeropoulos, who has served the Cathedral since the 1st of September 1996. Fr. Peter has the distinction of being the first Canadian-born Greek Orthodox Priest now serving in the Greek Orthodox Church of Canada. He is also a Professor of Patristics at the Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy, as well as the Director of Inter church Relations for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Canada.
He can be contacted at fatherpeter@sympatico.ca
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