“Come unto Me all ye that labor”. These words encapsulate the spirit of Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Montreal. Since its founding in 1905, Saint George has been a spiritual home. It welcomes Orthodox Christians to receive guidance based on Orthodox Christian faith. Here, you can receive the Sacraments and heed the call of Christ.
Saint George traces its history back to the Apostolic times. It was a time where the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. This church is more than just a building. It is a vibrant community. It offers ministry and volunteer programs. These programs allow members to live fully in the life of the Church. They participate through worship, witness, service, and fellowship.
Originally, the community worshiped under the patronage of St. Nicholas. It mirrored the tradition in New York City. As the population grew, differences emerged. This led to the separation into two distinct parishes. One became “St. Nicholas Orthodox Church of Montreal” and the other “St. Nicholas Orthodox Church of Canada”. “St. Nicholas Orthodox Church of Montreal” was later renamed Saint George.
In 1936, Saint George built a new church on Jean Talon Street. It became the geographic heart of its community. This location symbolized the church’s central role in the lives of its parishioners.
The church building itself is a work of art. Joseph-Raoul Gariépy was the architect. Emmanuel Briffa was the interior designer. Constructed in 1939, it was built to serve Canada’s oldest Syro-Lebanese Orthodox community. Saint George is home to many community organizations. They are involved in humanitarian activities. This illustrates the continuity of a cultural tradition within a Canadian context.
Saint George Church was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1999. This recognition highlighted its significance. It stands as a symbol of the history and traditions of the Syro-Lebanese community in the country.
Saint George has played a vital role in integrating immigrants into Canadian society. Archpriest Anthony Gabriel, pastor of St. George’s since 1976, is known for his efforts. He helped more than 10,000 immigrants from the Middle East. These immigrants had various religious allegiances.
The church has also embraced modern media. In 1960, Archimandrite Michael Shaheen and Theodore Ziton celebrated the first nationally televised Orthodox Church service. It was almost entirely in English. This demonstrated a commitment to reaching a wider audience.
Today, Saint George continues to thrive. It offers regular services. Orthros takes place on Sunday at 9:30 am. The Divine Liturgy follows at 10:30 am. Vespers are held on Saturday at 5:00 pm. The church also sends out a weekly bulletin by email. It features news, liturgical texts, messages, and calendar information.
Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church stands as a testament to faith, community, and tradition. It welcomes all who seek to explore the depths of Orthodoxy. It connects its members to God, to each other, and to their rich heritage.