St. George Macedono Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church
17 Regent Street M5A 3N4 Toronto, ON, Canada

Here's how Toronto's return to "lockdown" status impacts St. George's: 1. Churches will remain open during the lockdown. 2. Only 10 worshippers may be in the church at one time. 3. You MUST wear a mask.... 4. There will be no coffee after church until further notice. These steps take effect tomorrow, November 22nd at our church and will remain in effect the following four weeks. The lockdown in Toronto ends on December 21st. While it seems like a long time now, with a little more patience and by taking appropriate precautions, we will make it through this pandemic safely.

November 7th is MEMORIAL SATURDAY (ZADUSHNITSA) This is the day which the Church has set aside for the commemoration of faithful Orthodox Christians departed this life in the hope of resurrection to eternal life. Divine Liturgy with Father Anton Filchak begins at 10 a.m.

We return to standard time on Sunday, November 1st. You'll be well-rested after turning your clock back and getting an extra hour of sleep. Why not come to church and join Father Anton Filchak for Divine Liturgy? 10 am Standard Time. Please wear a mask, and bring a spoon if you are taking communion.

It's Thanksgiving weekend. Remember, everyone is welcome to come join us for Divine Liturgy at St. George's.

THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS Monday, September 14th -- STRICT FAST --... The Feast of the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross is celebrated each year on September 14th. The Feast commemorates the finding of the True Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by Saint Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine. The holy day of the Elevation of the Cross has a place of great significance in the Church today. It remains with us as a day of fasting and prayer, a day when we recall that the Cross is the only sign worthy of our total allegiance and that our salvation comes not by victories of any earthly sort, but by the only true and lasting victory of the crucifixion. Please join Father Anton Filchak for Divine Liturgy at 10 am.

The Feast of the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary is celebrated on September 8th each year. The Feast commemorates the birth of the mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Please join Father Anton Filchak for Divine Liturgy at 10 am this Tuesday.

There will be no Divine Liturgy this Sunday, September 6th, but the church will be open for those who wish to light a candle and pray.

It's the last Sunday of August, the weather should be fine. How about putting your mask on and joining Father Filchak for Divine Liturgy at 10 am? And in the Bulgarian church, it's the feast day of Alexander Nevsky.

If for any reason you are unable to currently worship at your usual Eastern Orthodox Church, know that you are welcome to join us at St. George. This is a time for us to stick together.

COMMUNION UPDATE In these complicated times of Covid-19, we are trying to find the best and safest ways to carry on with our normal religious activities. Communion is, of course, a concern. For the time being Father Anton and the Church Board have decided that a fresh spoon will be used for each person taking communion.... You may bring your own spoon from home (no plastic please) if you prefer, or the church will provide you with a fresh clean spoon that will be used for your communion only. We hope that everyone is comfortable with this modification.

We haven’t been sitting idle during these days of isolation. Our church hall has had a facelift. Freshly painted, with refinished floors and new window treatments, it’s now available for rental.

The Feast of the Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary is celebrated on August 15th each year. The feast commemorates the repose (dormition or "falling asleep"] of the Mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord. The Feast also venerates the assumption into heaven of the body of the Theotokos. Please join Father Anton Filchak for Divine Liturgy at 10 am this Saturday morning.

TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD - THURSDAY AUGUST 6TH The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on August 6th. The feast commemorates the transfiguration or metamorphosis of Christ on Mount Tabor when our Lord appeared in His Divine Glory before the Apostles Peter, James, and John. If you are able, please join Father Anton Filchak for Divine Liturgy at 10 am on Thursday, July 6th.

Communion in the days of Covid-19. To accommodate current safety requirements, it will be necessary to reserve a time to receive Holy Communion. Please leave a message on the church telephone (416-366-1810) indicating the date you prefer. You will receive a response on the same day confirming your reservation. If that date is unavailable you will be offered an alternate date. We thank you for your understanding as we navigate this difficult and complicated time.

This coming week there are two special services: On Monday, June 29th we mark the feast of Peter & Paul and the Apostles. Please come and join Father Anton for Divine Liturgy. NOTE THIS SERVICE WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM.... On Tuesday, June 30th we mark the Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles. Prayers will begin at the regular time of 10 am. Our church is open again. Let's take advantage of it.

Now that we have reached Phase 2, St. George's Hall is again available for rental. Under the rules of Phase 2, the capacity is 65 people. While the church has been closed the hall has been redecorated. The floor was beautifully refinished, it's freshly painted, and there are new chairs. Don't forget there is adjacent parking.... Please leave a message on the church voice mail to reserve your date. (416) 366-1810

The Nativity of the Forerunner John the Baptist is celebrated on June 24th. Please join Father Anton Filchak for Divine Liturgy at 10 am this Wednesday. (The safety measures continue - masks and gloves, social distancing, etc.)