Archbishop Irénée Presides at Pan-Orthodox Vespers in Toronto

At the invitation of the Orthodox Clergy Fellowship of the Greater Toronto Area, His Eminence Archbishop Irénée presided at the annual Toronto Pan-Orthodox Vespers for the Feast of Orthodoxy.

The service was held on Sunday 25 February in the chapel of Trinity College at the University of Toronto, hosted by the Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College, a graduate theological school offering MTS and MDiv degrees to prepare clergy and lay people for service in the Orthodox Church in Canada.

Joining the school's co-director, the Very Rev Archpriest Geoffrey Ready, were 23 priests and two deacons from across the GTA. Four choirs — from the OCA, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the Serbian Orthodox Church and cantors from the Greek and Romanian traditions — sang the responses and contributed to a beautiful and prayerful service. More than 220 people were in attendance, filling the chapel to capacity.

Following the service, Fr Geoffrey spoke about the work of the Orthodox School of Theology, as well as Orthodox campus ministry and Orthodox Christian Fellowship at the University of Toronto. A collection was taken to support the work of OCF.

The Vespers service was followed by Lenten refreshments.

Photo credits: Masha Cavalier Photography