Archangels Michael and Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church

In 1966, a determined group of Montrealers dreamt of “Our Very Own” parish. This dream blossomed into the Archangels Michael and Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church. They envisioned a spiritual home in Ahuntsic-Cartierville. Many in the group were first-generation Montrealers of Hellenic descent. They were primarily English-speaking. Their goal was to establish a place where their Orthodox faith and Hellenic culture could flourish. This led them to petition the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America in 1967. Their petition was to officially establish their parish. They affectionately named it St. Michael’s Parish in memory of their beloved Greek schoolteacher, Michael Stavrides. The Archdiocese granted their request. This marked the official beginning of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church. In January 1969, the cornerstone of this dream was laid. Land was purchased on Élie-Blanchard Avenue in Cartierville. The groundbreaking ceremony, presided over by Archbishop Iakovos, symbolized the community’s dedication. Construction of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church began soon after. The community continued to grow, attracting new families. In 1974, recognizing the importance of preserving their heritage, they established the Saturday Greek School of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. This ensured that future generations would remain connected to their language and culture. The church became a hub. It wasn’t just for religious services but for educational programs, youth activities, social gatherings, and charitable works. The Archangels Michael and Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church stands as a testament to the vision and perseverance of its founders. It continues to serve as a beacon of faith and community for generations of Greek Orthodox faithful in Montreal.