Toronto, November 6, 2026
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada
Three of the most beloved modern saints of the Orthodox Church now have a special role in Canada.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada has designated St. Iakovos of Evia, St. Porphyrios the Kapsokalyvite, and St. Paisios the Athonite as its new patron saints, the Archdiocese reports.
The decision came at the first Clergy Synaxis held under Archbishop Apostolos of Canada. It was made at his proposal, which the clergy present accepted unanimously.
Every year on November 22, the day the Church commemorates St. Iakovos of Evia (Tsalikis), abbot of the Holy Monastery of Venerable David the Elder, the other two patrons, St. Porphyrios and St. Paisios, will be honored with special joy and reverence as well.
Archbishop Apostolos stressed the need to offer the new generation authentic models of faith, holiness, and Christian life: “Our children and young people need living models of faith and holiness. My wish is to give our children, especially those who were born and are growing up here in Canada, the chance to get to know these three great saints of our time.”
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada
“They’re people who lived among us, and through their prayer, humility, discernment, and selfless love for their fellow man, they showed with their lives what true devotion to Christ means. I believe that special honor for these three saints will be a new spiritual starting point for the youth of our Archdiocese and a valuable opportunity to get to know more deeply the living faith and sanctifying tradition of our Church.”
The Archbishop spoke with particular emotion about knowing St. Paisios personally, stressing that holiness isn’t only a trait of earlier eras but a lasting and living reality in the Church.
The Archdiocese also notes that it has the blessing of keeping the last epitrachelion (stole) of St. Iakovos of Evia as a precious relic. At the upcoming November 22 celebration, which will take place at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Toronto, the relic will be placed for the faithful to venerate.
Archbishop Apostolos also expressed the hope that a church dedicated to the three saints will be built in the future.
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