Cardinal Leo and Auxiliary Bishops Host Orthodox Bishops Delegation for a Luncheon Meeting

TORONTO, June 4, 2026 — His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, together with the four Auxiliary Bishops, hosted Orthodox bishops from the Greater Toronto Area for a luncheon meeting in honour of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.

The Orthodox delegation, led by His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Canada, included His Grace Bishop Andriy of Toronto (Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, Eastern Eparchy) and His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Patara (Greek Orthodox Diocese of Canada). They were welcomed at the rectory of St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica.

Also in attendance were the two ecumenical officers — Father Luis Melo of the Archdiocese of Toronto and Father Peter Avgeropoulos of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada — as well as Father Arthur Lee, the Cardinal’s priest secretary.

This longstanding tradition is modelled on the annual fraternal exchanges between Catholic and Orthodox bishops in Rome and Constantinople, honouring their respective patron saints and bearing witness to the apostolic heritage shared by both Churches.

The meeting provided an opportunity for reflection and discussion on matters of mutual interest and cooperation. It was marked by a spirit of friendship and offered a visible sign of the fraternity and deep bonds of unity that already exist.

The Archdiocese of Toronto looks forward to continuing this annual gathering, which will next be hosted by the Orthodox bishops in honour of the Feast of Saint Andrew this coming November.