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November 2022 General Assembly
Palm Sunday Bakaliaro Luncheon
Philoptochos Easter Bake Sale
Sunday School resumes sunday november 7
St. Demetrios Sunday School
We are excited to announce that Sunday School will resume Sunday November 7th under the leadership of our Parish Priest The Very Reverend Archimandrite Fr. Photios and instructed by our community member Kalliope (Kelly) Peters! As many of you will already know, Kalliope is a very active member in our community, engaging in philanthropic endeavours and leading by example. We are both privileged and pleased to have Kalliope serve our community once more in this crucial role!
Sunday school starts at 10:30 am and length will vary (depending on the ecclesiastical calendar), generally being approximately 45 minutes.
Welcome Fr. Photios Tsamis
Hamilton's first and oldest Greek Orthodox Parish welcomes our new priest
The Very Reverend Archimandrite Fr. Photios Tsamis was born in Cholargos of Attica in 1983. He was raised in Aigaleo, one of the western suburbs of Athens, where he attended elementary, middle and high school.
At the age of 18, he started his studies at the Faculty of Theology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, obtaining his Bachelor in Theology, and subsequently pursued Postgraduate Studies in Ecclesiastical History at the same University.
After completing National Military Service in 2011, Fr. Photos went to Besançon-France on a scholarship from the Vatican City-State, attending French language courses at the Centre of Applied Linguistics of the University of Franche-Compté. The same year he obtained the scholarship of the Orthodox Center of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Master studies in InterChristian Relations at the Institute of Postgraduate Studies in Orthodox Theology in Chambésy-Geneva. The Program consisted of profound studies in Orthodox Theology in Chambésy, basics of Protestant-Calvinist Theology at the University of Geneva and enriched studies in Roman-Catholic Theology at the University of Fribourg.
After obtaining his Master's degree, Fr. Photios was hired as Auxiliary Staff of the Orthodox Center of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, where he offered his services at the Panorthodox and InterOrthodox Preparatory Committees for the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church.
On February 28 2015, Fr. Photios was tonsured as a Monk by H.E. the Bishop Makarios of Lampsakos (now Metropolitan of Anea) and the next day, Sunday of Orthodoxy, he was ordained a Deacon in Chambésy-Geneva, by H.E. the Metropolitan Ieremias of Switzerland (now Metropolitan of Ankara).
As a Deacon, he served the Greek-Orthodox Parish of Geneva at St Paul's Patriarchal Stavropegion in Chambésy and the Secretariat of the Orthodox Center of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as well as the Secretariat of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies in Orthodox Theology. In 2017, he was ordained a Priest by the Metropolitan of Switzerland Ieremias and the same year was blessed to receive the title of Archimandrite of the Most Holy Archdiocese of Constantinople by the hands of HAH the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomaios, during the Golden Jubilee of the Orthodox Center.
Further pursuing theological studies, Fr. Photios commenced Doctoral studies at the University of Fribourg, returning to Greece in 2018 and was appointed at the parish of St Charalambos in Ilysia, of the Archdiocese of Athens.
In March 2020, with the blessings of HAH the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomaios and HE Archbishop Sotirios, Fr. Photios came to Canada to assume the Parish of Holy Cross in Laval. In March 2021 HE Archbishop Sotirios transferred Fr. Photios to the Parish of St Demetrios in Hamilton, there to continue his ministry.
Thank You Fr. Konstantinos Chialtas!
Our Parish Thanks Fr. Kostas For His Ministry
It is with mixed emotions that our Parish bids farewell to Fr. Konstantinos Chialtas, whose unflagging support and faithful service as our Parish Priest we enjoyed these many months.
From September 2020 to February 2021, in the midst of a global pandemic, Fr. Kostas dutifully and devoutly served our Parish, offering comfort and guidance to his flock in dark days of uncertainty as we bade farewell to members of our community who succumbed to illness, and was also present and officiated and shared the joys of baptism as we welcomed new members to our community.
Fr. Kostas concurrently served (and continues to serve) as the Secretary of His Eminence Arch Bishop Sotirios, and will be taking up the mantle of a new Parish soon to be built.
We again thank Fr. Kostas and Presvytera Vicki for their ministry, and offer our very best wishes in all of their endeavours.
Your new Parish will be very lucky and blessed to have you!
Fr. Konstantinos
important notice - appeal to our members and parishioners
Call to action - communique from the archdiocese
Dear parishioners and members, please see the below call to action:
Appeal of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada: COVID-19 and Personal Protective Equipment
Reverend Fathers, Honourable Presidents and Esteemed Members of the Boards of Directors, Members of the Philoptochos Societies, Teachers, Students and Youth Members of the Communities, and to the Entire Plenitude of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada
Beloved in the Lord,
“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)
We find ourselves in a public health emergency. As Christians, it is imperative that we help one another to overcome the societal challenges we face as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
There are many ways that our Greek Orthodox family across Canada can provide assistance. One of them is to provide the life-saving Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that are needed by our front-line health care professionals who are valiantly putting themselves in harm’s way to serve those affected by this pandemic.
If you or someone you know has access to the following PPE and other materials, we request in a spirit of love that you strongly consider donating them and thus follow the words of St. Paul to the Phlippians: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).
- Masks (including N95 and surgical masks)
- Face shields
- Protective gowns and gloves
- Eye protection
- Hand sanitizer
Individuals and organizations can contact Dr. George Oreopoulos directly to arrange for donations.
George Oreopoulos M.D., F.R.C.S.C
Assistant Professor
Vascular Surgery
University Health Network
T: (416) 340-3275
We find ourselves in Great Lent and this is particularly a time for each of us to work together. To help one another. To support and provide for those who are less fortunate and in need during these challenging times. To be a witness for and confessor of Christian self-sacrifice and agape (love).
Let us all do our part so that with the grace of God and the intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos and all the Saints we will overcome this pandemic.
With fatherly love and blessings,
ARCHBISHOP SOTIRIOS
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF CANADA
Ευλαβεστάτους Ιερατικώς Προϊσταμένους, Εντιμοτάτους Προέδρους και Αξιότιμα Μέλη των Δ.Σ., Φιλοπτώχους Αδελφότητες, Διδασκάλους, Διδασκάλισσες, Μαθητές και Μαθήτριες, Νεολαία των Κοινοτήτων και άπαν το ευλαβές πλήρωμα της Ελληνικής Ορθοδόξου Αρχιεπισκοπής Καναδά
Αγαπητοί εν Κυρίω,
«Μη τα εαυτών έκαστος σκοπείτω, αλλά και τα ετέρων έκαστος» (Φιλ. 2-4)
Βρισκόμαστε σε μια κρίση της δημόσιας υγείας. Ως χριστιανοί, είναι επιτακτικό να βοηθήσουμε ο ένας τον άλλο για να ξεπεράσουμε τις κοινωνικές προκλήσεις που αντιμετωπίζουμε, ως αποτέλεσμα της έξαρσης του COVID-19.
Υπάρχουν πολλοί τρόποι με τους οποίους η ελληνορθόδοξη οικογένειά μας σε όλο τον Καναδά μπορεί να δώσει βοήθεια. Ένας από αυτούς είναι να προμηθεύσει προσωπικό εξοπλισμό προστασίας που χρειάζεται από τους επαγγελματίες που βρίσκονται στην πρώτη γραμμή φροντίδας της υγείας και οι οποίοι τόσο γενναία διακινδυνεύουν υπηρετώντας όσους έχουν επηρεαστεί από την πανδημία.
Εάν εσείς ή κάποιος άλλος που γνωρίζετε έχει πρόσβαση στον ακόλουθο προσωπικό εξοπλισμό προστασίας, παρακαλούμε, με πνεύμα αγάπης να σκεφτείτε σοβαρά να κάνετε δωρεά, ακολουθώντας έτσι τα λόγια του Απ. Παύλου προς τους Φιλιππησίους:
«Μη τα εαυτών έκαστος σκοπείτω, αλλά και τα ετέρων έκαστος»(Φιλ. 2-4)
- Μάσκες (συμπεριλαμβανομένων Ν95 και χειρουργικών μασκών)
- Ασπίδες προσώπου
- Προστατευτικές στολές και γάντια
- Προστατευτικά γυαλιά
- Απολυμαντικά χεριών
Ιδιώτες και οργανισμοί μπορούν να επικοινωνήσουν απευθείας με τον Dr. Γεώργιο Ωραιόπουλο για να συνεννοηθούν για τις δωρεές.
Γεώργιος Ωραιόπουλος, M.D., F.R.C.S.C
Επίκουρος Καθηγητής
Αγγειοχειρουργικής
University Health Network
T: (416) 340-3275
Βρισκόμαστε στην Μεγάλη Τεσσαρακοστή και είναι ιδιαίτερα ο καιρός να δουλέψουμε όλοι μαζί. Να βοηθήσουμε ο ένας τον άλλο. Να στηρίξουμε και να δώσουμε σε αυτούς που είναι άποροι και σε αυτούς που βρίσκονται σε ανάγκη αυτή την περίοδο της δοκιμασίας. Να είμαστε μάρτυρες και ομολογητές της αυτοθυσίας και της αγάπης.
Όλοι ας κάνουμε το χρέος μας, ώστε με τη χάρη του Θεού και τις πρεσβείες της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου και όλων των αγίων να ξεπεράσουμε αυτήν την πανδημία.
Με πατρική αγάπη και θερμές ευχές
Ο ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ
Ο ΚΑΝΑΔΑ ΣΩΤΗΡΙΟΣ
covid- 19: encyclical from his eminence archbishop sotirios
Dear Parishioners and Members, please see the below encyclical communicated by the Archdiocese
Third Encyclical of Archbishop Sotirios (Coronavirus)
20 Μαρτίου 2020
Ευλαβεστάτους Ιερατικώς Προϊσταμένους, Εντιμοτάτους Προέδρους και Αξιότιμα Μέλη των Δ.Σ., Φιλοπτώχους Αδελφότητες, Διδασκάλους, Διδασκάλισσες, Μαθητές και Μαθήτριες, Νεολαία των Κοινοτήτων και άπαν το ευλαβές πλήρωμα της Ελληνικής Ορθοδόξου Αρχιεπισκοπής Καναδά
Αγαπητοί εν Κυρίω,
Στην από 13 Μαρτίου 2020 εγκύκλιο, σχετικά με τον κορονοϊό, έγραφα: «Η Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή μας και οι Κοινότητές της θ’ ακολουθήσουμε επακριβώς εντολές και οδηγίες των κυβερνήσεων του Καναδά».
Από μέρους των κυβερνήσεων του Καναδά δεν φαίνεται να έχει αλλάξει τίποτε. Έχουν, όμως, αλλάξει πολλά από εμάς και τους χριστιανούς μας. Η εντολή και οι οδηγίες των κυβερνήσεων του Καναδά είναι, άνθρωποι ηλικίας άνω των 65 ετών και με προβλήματα υγείας να μη βγαίνουν από τα σπίτια τους. Αυτό από τους ευλαβείς ηλικιωμένους χριστιανούς μας δεν τηρείται. Φαίνεται, επίσης, ότι δεν τηρείται η εντολή από τους Ιερείς και το Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο, να μην υπάρχουν στους Ιερούς Ναούς περισσότερα από πενήντα (50) άτομα. Για τους λόγους αυτούς αναγκαζόμαστε να πάμε στο τελευταίο μέτρο, το οποίο θα εφαρμοσθεί.
Από εδώ και πέρα στους Ιερούς μας Ναούς θα τελούνται όλες οι Ιερές Ακολουθίες και Θείες Λειτουργίες με μόνους τον ιερέα, τον ψάλτη και τον νεωκόρο και κεκλεισμένων των θυρών του Ιερού Ναού.
Δεν πρέπει να παραλείπεται καμία Ιερά Ακολουθία και Θεία Λειτουργία για δύο κυρίως λόγους.
α) Να υμνολογείται και να δοξολογείται ο Τρισάγιος Θεός και
β) οι Ιερές Ακολουθίες και οι Θείες Λειτουργίες να μεταδίδονται διά μέσω των κοινωνικών μέσων δικτύωσης, ώστε οι ευλαβείς χριστιανοί να δύνανται να τις παρακολουθούν και να προσεύχονται.
Μας δίδεται με τον τρόπο αυτό η ευκαιρία να κάνουμε το σπίτι μας και την οικογένειά μας «κατ’ οίκον εκκλησία», όπως μας λέγει ο Απόστολος Παύλος. Παρακαλώ, ας προσπαθήσουμε όλοι μας να κάνουμε στην ουσία το σπίτι μας «κατ’ οίκον εκκλησία».
Εύχομαι και προσεύχομαι ο Πανάγαθος Θεός να μας βοηθήσει σύντομα να απαλλαγούμε από την δοκιμασία αυτή. Εμείς με τη σειρά μας να προσπαθήσουμε όλοι μας να εφαρμόζουμε επακριβώς τις οδηγίες των κυβερνήσεών μας. Η ζωή μας από το πρωί μέχρι το βράδυ να είναι μία συνεχής και αδιάλειπτη προσευχή.
Με πατρική αγάπη και θερμές ευχές
Ο ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ
Ο ΚΑΝΑΔΑ ΣΩΤΗΡΙΟΣ
March 20, 2020
Reverend Fathers, Honourable Presidents and Esteemed Members of the Boards of Directors, Members of the Philoptochos Societies, Teachers, Students and Youth Members of the Communities, and to the Entire Plenitude of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada
Beloved in the Lord,
In my Encyclical dated March 13, 2020 on the issue of the coronavirus, I stated that: “Our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and its Communities will precisely observe the directives and instructions of the Canadian government authorities.”
Nothing seems to have changed on the part of the Canadian authorities. But our conduct and that of our Christians have changed. The Canadian authorities have directed seniors over 65 and persons with health problems not to leave their homes. This is not being respected by our pious elderly Christians. It also appears that the instruction for the Priests and the Community Councils to limit Church attendance to no more than fifty (50) persons is not being respected. For these reasons, we are forced to resort to the final measure, which will be enforced.
From this point forward, all of our Church Services and Divine Liturgies will be conducted in Church behind closed doors by the priest, the chanter and the sexton.
No Church Service or Divine Liturgy can be omitted for two main reasons:
a) In order to praise and glorify the Thrice-Holy God; and
b) For Church Services and Divine Liturgies to be streamed online through social media so that pious Christians can follow and pray along.
In this way, we are given the opportunity to make our home and our family a “church that is in our house,” as the Apostle Paul conveys. Please let us all try to truly make our home a “church that is in our house.”
I wish and pray that the Almighty God will soon help us overcome this ordeal. We, in turn, will all try to strictly apply the instructions of the government authorities. Our life, from morning to night, should be a continuous and uninterrupted prayer.
With fatherly love and blessings,
ARCHBISHOP SOTIRIOS
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF CANADA
ANNOUNCEMENT - JULY 10 2020
Retirement of our Parish Priest
Dear Parishioners, Community Members, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the coming retirement of our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Demetrios Gianniou, Protopresbyter after 36 years of faithful service to the church in Canada.
Fr. Dimitrios Gianniou was ordained into Priesthood by Metropolitan Sotirios on September 11, 1984. He received his Offikion of Economos in 1990 and his Offikion of Protopresbyter in May 2016.
Father Gianniou has served many communities across Canada, including the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Thunder Bay (1984-1989), Panagia Greek Orthodox Church in Hamilton (1989-1991), Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Laval, QC (1991-1997), St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Winnipeg (1997-2008) and St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Hamilton (2008-present).
Father Gianniou is a teacher of Byzantine music and taught at the Metropolis’ Theological Academy in Toronto for seven years (2008-2015). He has also taught Byzantine music in the Communities he has served across Canada (Holy Trinity in Thunder Bay, Panagia in Hamilton, Holy Cross in Laval, St. Demetrios in Winnipeg and St. Demetrios in Hamilton).
On behalf of the Community council, the parishioners, the community cultural organizations, and the volunteers of the Greek Orthodox community of St. Demetrios in Hamilton, we would like to wish Rev. Fr. Demetrios and Presvytera Asimina well in retirement, and thank them for their dutiful service to all of the communities, including our own, that they touched.
Fr. Demetrios Gianniou would like to thank all of the faithful in the communities he served, as well as the various cultural organizations who helped to spread and continue the good works of the church and for Greece.
Our new Parish Priest will be announced in the near future.
Farewell Dinner for Fr. Demetrios Gianniou hosted by Agia Triados Ladies Philoptochos.