Our patron saint, St. George, is commemorated on April 23rd or Monday of Bright Week (Easter Monday) when it falls during Lent.
George, this truly great and glorious Martyr of Christ, was born of a father from Cappadocia and a mother from Palestine. Being a military tribune, or chiliarch (that is, a commander of a thousand troops), he was illustrious in battle and highly honoured for his courage. When he learned that the Emperor Diocletian was preparing a persecution of the Christians, Saint George presented himself publicly before the Emperor and denounced him. When threats and promises could not move him from his steadfast confession, he was put to unheard-of tortures, which he endured with great bravery, overcoming them by his faith and love towards Christ.
By the wondrous signs that took place in his contest, he guided many to the knowledge of the truth, including Queen Alexandra, wife of Diocletian, and was finally beheaded in 296 in Nicomedia.
His sacred remains were taken by his servant from Nicomedia to Palestine, to a town called Lydda, the homeland of his mother, and then they were finally transferred to the church which was raised-up in his name. (The translation of the Saint’s holy relics to the church in Lydda is commemorated on November 3rd, Saint Alexandra the Queen, on April 21st.)
Our Parish Priest
Father Seraphim Tzitzikas
My name is Father Seraphim Tzitzikas and I was born in Greece on May 24, 2000. I grew up in a village called Gerakarou which is near Thessaloniki. Since I was little I had the dream of becoming a priest and as I grew up in the church I realized that I wanted to become a celibate clergyman.
After the years of study in Greece passed I then learned about the Patriarchal Orthodox Theological Academy of Toronto. What I learned about it excited me and I immediately made the decision to come to Canada. All four years of my studies here in this Holy Archdiocese have been very fruitful. The support of the Holy Archdiocese and all the priests was special and has helped me a lot to be here today.
In May 2023 I graduated from the academy and at the end of the month on May 29th I was ordained a deacon at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Toronto. I then went to Greece to visit my parents and to have my second ordination as a priest in my village at the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin on June 27, 2023. Everything went wonderfully and I am very happy to be here to serve the Church in Canada. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you!
