Metropolitan Sotirios Visits the Hellenic Home for the Aged

Sts. Cyril and Methodios, Enlighteners of the Slavs – Patron Saints of the Hellenic Home for the Aged in Toronto

The Hellenic Home for the Aged in Toronto has two locations, one in west Toronto and the other in east end of the city. The parish in east Toronto, located inside the nursing home, is dedicated to Sts. Cyril and Methodios, Enlighteners of the Slavs.

On May 10th, the eve of the feast of Sts. Cyril and Methodios, a Hierarchical Great Vespers was held there. Great Vespers was presided by His Eminence Metropolitan Sotirios, assisted by Fr. G. Nikiforakis (Parish Priest), Fr. C. Socosan (Parish Priest of the Holy Unmercenaries Church at the other Hellenic Home location), along with other clergymen.

Since the feast is during the Paschal period, just as every year, Metropolitan Sotirios visited everyone in their rooms and cracked Paschal eggs with them. It is impossible for people to understand the joy that the residents of the Hellenic Home had during His Eminence’s visit.

On the Feast Day, a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Metropolitan Sotirios, assisted by Fr. G. Nikiforakis, Fr. P. Philippou, Fr. H. Sarris, and Fr. C. Socosan.

Many pious faithful came to the Divine Liturgy, along with most of the residents in their wheelchairs.

Metropolitan Sotirios spoke in his homily about what Holy Communion is. He emphasized that we should all have Christ living within us. He encouraged everyone to participate in the Divine Mysteries of Repentance and Confession, and Holy Communion.

It was truly moving to see all parishioners receive the Holy Mysteries. His Eminence and the priests moved towards the elderly in their wheelchairs to commune them.

Together with all the pious Christians, participating in the Divine Liturgy and receiving Holy Communion were: K. Kostouros, Chief Executive Officer of the Hellenic Home; and Mrs. I. Dotsikas, Ladies Auxiliary President, in charge of volunteering and philanthropy.

It is well known that the Hellenic Home offers amazing services at both their locations. The Seniors Housing section, made up of elderly persons that can take care of themselves, has 225 apartments. The Supportive Housing section, with seniors needing some help in their daily living, has 230 beds.

The Vespers service and Divine Liturgy were a true feast and the people were emotional and joyful.