1950
“But seek first the kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33). That is exactly what the original founders of St. George Antiochian church did.

With love for God, dedication to their faith, hard work and generosity these founding orthodox families established our church in 1951.

It was in this loving environment that our community worshiped and served liturgy.

1977
The grace of God was upon us as our Orthodox community continued to grow and the need for a larger building was evident. In August 1977, Ernest Younes, Earl Abraham and Michael Habash established a “Land Fund” and in 1985 the 4.5 acre site at 9116 Bayview Avenue was purchased.

1986
On June 6, 1986, His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP, the late Archbishop MICHAEL and Bishop ANTOUN officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony for the church with several distinguished Archdiocese Board Members in attendance, along with our faithful parishioners.

After much hard work and research, the architect Alfred Foty, under the guidance of the Very Rev. Father Joseph Rahal, designed the church in a truly byzantine fashion.

1988
Construction of the new church began in April 1988 and, on April 7, 1990 the first liturgy was held in our new church. The new building was also designed and built to incorporate items donated by the original founders in dedication to their families. In particular, all of the stained glass windows were removed fromthe old church and custom designed into the new church.

With a brand new building and beautiful stone walls, the parishioners set their goal on decorating the church with byzantine-style icons, traditional paintings that depict Christ and His disciples, in the style that has been handed down to us by St. Luke the evangelist.

The iconostasis was painted by Father Theodore Koufos who later went on to paint the pantocrator and ceiling icons.

1999
In 1999, after much hard work and fund raising, the church mortgage was paid off. Metropolitan Philip presided over the mortgage burning ceremony.

Out of it’s community, St George has produced 3 monastics (Mother Kharatina, Sister Elysia and Sister Sarah), 3 priests (Father Iskander, Father Semaan and Father Bassam), 1 deacon (Deacon Nabil), 2 sub-deacons (Sub-deacon Alex and Sub-deacon Nicolas) and 5 seminarians. There have also been two missions established. Of these two missions, the Waterloo mission went on to become a full-fledged parish.

The St. George Community
St George is a very dynamic parish. The different organizations are active and find many occasions to get involved in the community, spread the Word, and serve others.

We also have a truly Canadian ethnic base, attracting many different Orthodox Christians and many converts to our parish as well. Our parishioners are highly dedicated and involved, whether it is community events, such as our Walkathon, the annual golf tournament or the Christmas bazaar, or outreach programs such as the prison ministry, Angel Tree program or mission work. Our Sunday School program is well attended and consistently one of the most involved in the annual Diocese Creative Festivals.

The various organizations play an active and vital part in the life of the church. They all work together to make St. George a dynamic and active parish.