The feastday of the Three Hierarchs and the celebrations of Greek Orthodox education, along with the celebration of the Presentation of the Lord at the Temple (Ypapanti) was celebrated once again in British Columbia. As every year, these celebrations were attended by Archbishop Sotirios of Canada.
On January 29, the Archbishop presided at Great Vespers of the Three Hierarchs at Saint Nicholas and Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in East Vancouver, assisted by the clergy of Metro Vancouver. After the service, the celebration of Greek Orthodox education took place, with the students of the various Greek schools receiting their poems.
Together with the clergy, Archbishop Sotirios participated in the celebrations of the Greek Orthodox community of Ypapanti Victoria. Great Vespers was held on January 31, while Matins and Divine Liturgy were celebrated on February 1. This was done so that the faithful from Vancouver could attend the Divine services.
Archbishop Sotirios celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, February 2nd at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Vancouver, assisted by Fr. O. Drossos, Parish priest, Fr. G. Despotov, and Fr. D. Tryphonopoulos. Fr. D. Partsafas, former Parish priest of the cathedral, was in attendance and prayed at the service.
At every service and event, together with the Archbishop were: the Hon. Consul General of Greece in Vancouver, Mrs. E. Georgopoulos, and her family; Mrs. T. Berggren, honorary Consul General of Cyprus in Vancouver; Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; and Mrs. B. Stratidakis, 3rd Vice President of the National Philoptochos Society.
Source: G.O. Archdiocese of Canada