Greek Canadians Honor the Dormition of the Theotokos in Montreal

MONTREAL – Thousands of faithful from Montreal and its surrounding suburbs gathered to celebrate the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos with solemn services and a procession of the sacred icon at the Church of the Dormition.

Archbishop Sotirios of Canada presided over the celebration, returning to the parish where, as presiding priest in 1968, he helped secure the purchase of the church that has since become a revered pilgrimage site.

Clergy from across Montreal, together with community leaders and dignitaries, joined the procession. Among them were parish priest Fr. Nikolaos Papageorgiou, Consul General Katerina Varvarigou – recently appointed Ambassador of Greece to Saudi Arabia – Community President Vassilios Angelopoulos, former presidents N. Pagonis and A. Krilis, and City Councilor M. Derou.

The icon of the Dormition was carried by young men of the community dressed in traditional Greek attire, a stirring symbol of faith and heritage that drew thousands of worshippers to follow in reverence.

Upon the procession’s return to the church, Archbishop Sotirios delivered a heartfelt address, offering praise to the Virgin Mary and words of consolation to the faithful. He expressed his gratitude for the community’s devout participation in one of the Church’s greatest feasts, the Dormition and Assumption of the Theotokos.

The celebration highlighted both the deep devotion and the vibrant traditions of Montreal’s Greek Orthodox community.

Source: THE NATIONAL HERALD

FOTO: Archbishop Sotirios of Canada leads the grand procession of the sacred icon of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Montreal. Photo: Archdiocese of Canada