Ennismore, Ontario, Canada, July 1, 2026
Photo: antiochian.org
The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America is establishing its first monastery and retreat center in Canada, on a donated property in Ennismore, Ontario.
The new foundation, to be called Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Monastery, will sit on land with 750 feet of shoreline on Pigeon Lake. The retreat center associated with the project will be known as Bethany House, the Archdiocese reports.
His Eminence Metropolitan Saba visited the property on the morning of June 29. He was welcomed by Fr. Georges Mokbel, members of the project’s board of directors, chanters, and other guests who have taken part in developing the monastery. The site had been prepared for the visit with a sign displaying the monastery’s name and logo, along with icons placed along the road leading to the property’s existing cabins.
Photo: antiochian.org
The visit opened with the blessing of water inside the chapel, which has been set up in one of the cabins on the property. Met. Saba then walked the grounds, blessing the property with the holy water.
He also met with those involved in the project to discuss its progress and future direction, offering guidance for the steps ahead. The board presented its concept for the retreat center, along with plans for the existing cabins, which are expected to be replaced and could serve as temporary housing for monastics once they arrive, before permanent monastery buildings are completed.
Photo antiochian.org
Later in the day, Met. Saba visited the site chosen for the monastery itself, located on a hill overlooking Pigeon Lake.
In February 2025, OrthoChristian reported on an Antiochian monastery being established in Tennessee.
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