The Ontario Legislature recently declared Orthodox Christian Week with unanimous support
TORONTO—On Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, the Ontario Legislature passed Bill 167, officially declaring Orthodox Christian Week. The seven-day observance, beginning on Orthodox Easter Sunday each year, honours the traditions and religious practices of Orthodox Christians in Ontario and around the world.
Tom Rakocevic, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Humber River–Black Creek, proudly shared the significance of the Bill, which recognizes the contributions and faith of Orthodox Christians in Ontario, celebrates their cultural and religious heritage, and fosters collective unity. He offered his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped bring this recognition to fruition.
“I want to thank everyone who has had a hand in bringing this important recognition of Orthodox Christianity in Ontario this far. If you have reached out to decision-makers to tell them why this is so important, thank you. If you have signed petitions in support or spread a good word, thank you. If you have helped in any way, thank you. To all my colleagues, all of them, from across this House on all sides, who have come together to make this a reality, thank you.”
The reading of the Bill was attended by clergy and faithful from various Orthodox traditions across Ontario, including representatives from the Armenian Apostolic churches in Toronto: Fathers Ter Zareh Zargarian and Hayr Karekin Shekherdemian and former Armenian National Committee of Toronto (ANCT) chair Hratch Aynedjian.
Bill 167, introduced by MPP Rakocevic, was first presented on Feb. 26, 2024. It passed its first reading, followed by the second reading on March 19, and its third reading on Dec. 11. The Act will come into force on the day it receives Royal Assent. The first Orthodox Christian Week will be celebrated starting April 20, 2025.
Aris Babikian, MPP for Scarborough-Agincourt, spoke in support of the Bill on behalf of the Progressive Conservatives. He expressed his pride in the passage of the Bill that occurred the day before, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Orthodox communities in Ontario:
“On behalf of my colleague from Oakville North–Burlington [MPP Effie J. Triantafilopoulos] and myself, and as two members of this House from Greek and Armenian Orthodox roots, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our colleagues on both sides of the aisle for passing this important bill: Bill 167, Orthodox Christian Week Act. Also, I would like to acknowledge that yesterday two representatives from the Armenian Orthodox Church were here, and I would like to acknowledge their presence and their contribution to this Bill: the Very Reverend Archpriest Father Zareh Zargarian, Vicar of the Armenian Church Diocese of Canada, and the Reverend Father Karekin Shekherdemian from St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church."
The ANCT extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Ontario Legislature for unanimously supporting the Bill. "This decision reflects a deep commitment to recognizing faith as an integral part of Ontario’s multicultural fabric, fostering meaningful dialogue and education about the important role of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the enduring strength of the Armenian church and faith throughout history. We look forward to valuable inter-denominational dialogue, further promoting a sense of unity and solidarity with Orthodox Christian communities and opportunities to honour the memory of our churches that have been destroyed as a result of Azerbaijani aggression," read a part of a statement released by the grassroots organization.
The ANCT also acknowledged the efforts of MPP Tom Rakocevic, as well as MPPs Aris Babikian, Effie Triantafilopoulos, Sheref Sabawy, MPP, and Minister Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, whose collaboration was pivotal in ensuring the Bill’s passage. ֎
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This article was published in our Jan. 2025 issue.
Photo courtesy of the ANCT.
