The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Cathedral, known popularly by its Greek name of “Panagia”, was opened in 1961. It celebrates the two major Feast Days in honour of the Virgin Mary as its Patronal Feastdays: the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (Evangelismos) on March 25th, together with Greek Independence Day: and the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (Koimisis) on August 15th.
After a devastating fire in 2000, the Cathedral has been beautifully restored according to the traditional Byzantine architectural plan of Orthodox Churches, with a grand Dome supported by eight columns, inspired by the Grand Cathedral of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople built by Justinian in 537 A.D.. The Architectural plans were drawn up by Master Architect and Archon Christ J. Kamages of CJK Design Group of San Rafael, California. The exquisite Byzantine Icons in the Altar were written by the Master Iconographer Father Theodore Koufos of Toronto, while the Baroque wooden Iconstasis, Altar Table, Cantor’s Stand and Bishop’s Throne were hand carved by Master Wood Sculptor Stylianos Kavroulakis of Hania Crete. The Cathedral holds over 850 seated worshippers, and has parking facilities for 50 cars. Located in the west end of Toronto, just east of High Park and the Roncesvalles Village neighborhoods, the Cathedral serves parishioners from across the G.T.A.