In the 1980s, York Region experienced a large
influx of Greek Orthodox Christians in the region, and the need was felt for a
church here.
With the blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan
Sotirios, the first Greek Orthodox Church was founded in Markham, at 27
Mintleaf Gate in December of 1989. A portable building was converted into a
fully functional Orthodox Church, with the warmth and charm of a Greek village
church. On December 8th, the Eve of the Conception of the Theotokos by St.
Anna, the first services were held in this new church.
The congregation soon outgrew the property and
a new location was needed. In 1992, the Mintleaf property was sold and church
services were held temporarily at the Markham Museum.
The parish purchased the property at its present
location on 11359 Warden Avenue in April of 1994, and the portable church was
transferred there. The modest facilities had serviced the congregation well,
both as a place of worship, and with a second portable that functioned as a
place of fellowship. With the Grace of God, the parish had once again outgrown
its facilities and there was a great need to build and expand to a much larger
as well as permanent home on our current 13.5 acre property. This is where we
stand today.
The Church is Byzantine in style, Domed
Basilica, with a seating capacity of 1,000, built on the south-western corner
of the Church property, with plenty of parking available. In the lower level of
the building is our Community Hall for fellowship; The upper level of our
church which includes the mezzanine consists of classrooms where our Greek
School and Sunday School classes are held.
The second phase of the construction is
completing the interior of the church- working on completing our Iconography
covering all the walls as well as the dome area above.
The pace of the construction and completion of
the Church depends upon the prayers and also the financial support of all.
Our Orthodox Christian life is shaped by our
worship in the church- in its services, especially the Divine Liturgy, and in
participation in its sacramental life. Our Church is our spiritual home, and it
is needed to minister effectively the children, youth, adults, elders- to all
of those whose lives are enriched by our Christian faith.
We must pull together as Orthodox Christians to
ensure that our children and their children, for generations to come, have a
place of worship; to receive the grace of God through the sacraments and to
hear the Truth of the Gospel. This holy undertaking requires the help of each
and every one of us.
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