|
Service: Every Sunday 8:30am – 11:45am
Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church Telephone: +1 905-238-9491 Toll Free: +1 888-299-1649 Facsimile: +1 905-238-5943 admin@prophetelias.ca |
[si-contact-form form=’1′] |
April 5, 2026- Palm Sunday![]()
![]()
On the Sunday five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: “Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel” (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord’s entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today.![]()
![]()
The branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ’s victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means “Save, I pray,” or “Save, now.” The foal of an ass, and Jesus’ sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel. ☦️🙏🏼
On Friday, April 3, 2026 Students from the Sunday School of Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church participated in a spiritually enriching retreat at the Holy Transfiguration Serbian Orthodox Monastery, with 66 students in attendance. The visit provided a meaningful opportunity for the youth to deepen their faith through prayer, education, and fellowship within the broader Orthodox Christian community.![]()
![]()
During the retreat, the students spent time in the monastery’s katholikon, visited the monastic cemetery, and explored the monastery’s library. A central component of the day included a lesson on environmental stewardship, emphasizing the Orthodox Christian teaching that creation is a gift from God, entrusted to humanity for responsible care and preservation. As part of this lesson, the students were also introduced to the ecological initiatives of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who is widely recognized as the “Green Patriarch” for his leadership in promoting environmental awareness and responsibility within the life of the Church.![]()
![]()
The group was also honored by the presence of His Eminence, Archbishop of Toronto and Metropolitan of Canada, Dr. Mitrofan, whose time and blessing added to the significance of the visit.![]()
![]()
The retreat concluded with a creative workshop, during which the students crafted icon light catchers—an activity that allowed them to reflect on the spiritual themes of the day in a tangible and memorable way.![]()
![]()
Opportunities such as this retreat play an important role in the spiritual formation of young people, fostering a deeper connection to the life of the Church and encouraging growth in faith, community, and stewardship.![]()
![]()
The parish of Prophet Elias extends its sincere gratitude to the Very Rev. Fr. Sava and the brotherhood of Holy Transfiguration Monastery for their warm hospitality and for offering such a meaningful and well-organized experience for the youth ☦️🙏🏼
April 4, 2026 - Lazarus Saturday![]()
![]()
Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary, the friends of the Lord Jesus, had given Him hospitality and served Him many times (Luke 10:38-4z; John 12:2-3). They were from Bethany, a village of Judea. This village is situated in the eastern parts by the foothills of the Mount of Olives, about two Roman miles from Jerusalem. When Lazarus - whose name is a Hellenized form of “Eleazar,” which means “God has helped,” became ill some days before the saving Passion, his sisters had this report taken to our Saviour, Who was then in Galilee. Nonetheless, He tarried yet two more days until Lazarus died; then He said to His disciples, “Let us go into Judea that I might awake My friend who sleepeth.” By this, of course, He meant the deep sleep of death. On arriving at Bethany, He consoled the sisters of Lazarus, who was already four days dead. Jesus groaned in spirit and was troubled at the death of His beloved friend. He asked, “Where have ye laid his body?” and He wept over him. When He drew nigh to the tomb, He commanded that they remove the stone, and He lifted up His eyes, and giving thanks to God the Father, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” And he that had been dead four days came forth immediately, bound hand and foot with the grave clothes, and Jesus said to those standing there, “Loose him, and let him go.” This is the supernatural wonder wrought by the Saviour that we celebrate on this day.![]()
![]()
According to an ancient tradition, it is said that Lazarus was thirty years old when the Lord raised him; then he lived another thirty years on Cyprus and there reposed in the Lord. It is furthermore related that after he was raised from the dead, he never laughed till the end of his life, but that once only, when he saw someone stealing a clay vessel, he smiled and said, “Clay stealing clay.” His grave is situated in the city of Kition, having the inscription: “Lazarus the four days dead and friend of Christ.” In 890 his sacred relics were transferred to Constantinople by Emperor Leo the Wise, at which time undoubtedly the Emperor composed his stichera for Vespers, “Wishing to behold the tomb of Lazarus . . .”
🚨SAVE THE DATE - Saturday, May 30, 2026!!🚨![]()
![]()
The Greek Community of Mississauga is VERY excited to be hosting a Greek Community Picnic, just like the good ol’ days! 😍![]()
![]()
This is open to everyone, so bring your friends and family from ALL areas of the GTA and beyond to this fun and FREE event! ![]()
![]()
More info to follow soon so stay tuned! 💙🇬🇷🎶
March 29, 2026: Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt![]()
![]()
The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing near, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be reminded by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.