Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) Greek Orthodox Cathedral

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 renovated 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 exquisite Byzantine Icons in the Altar were written by the Master Iconographer Father Theodore Koufos, while the Baroque wooden Iconostasis, Altar Table, Cantor’s Stand and Bishop’s Throne were hand-carved by Master Wood Sculptor Stylianos Kavroulakis of 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 neighbourhoods, the Cathedral serves parishioners from across the GTA. It is easily accessible by car from the Gardiner Expressway (a 5 minute drive from the Jameson exit) and by TTC, a short distance from the West Dundas subway stop.