ANNOUNCEMENT - 26/27 February 2017

The Fathers of the Church have coined a very useful word, .

A good transliteration is: joyful-sorrow. Sometimes we say bitter-sweet. It is the
difficult state in which all of us, at one time or another find ourselves. I find
myself in it now as we begin the Great and Holy Fast.

I have realized that the responsibilities of the Dean-ship at the Theological

Academy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Toronto (Canada) are beyond my
capabilities. And so, as of the end of this spring semester, with the respects and
understanding of Metropolitan Soterios, I regret that I will step down from this
very honorable post.

To His Eminence my gratitude is deep for the opportunity to attempt fulfilling

the grave responsibility of overseeing the formation of young men who might one
day ascend to the lofty heights of the holy priesthood. Though I regret before
Almighty God that I am not up to this calling, it has nevertheless been one of the
most fulfilling and satisfying opportunities of my entire life. The Metropolis of
Toronto is a safe haven that will surely continue to prosper under His Eminence's
spiritual leadership.

To my students I extend heartfelt thanks for making me one of the many proud
observants of their stalwart efforts to learn and grow. We have lived together
these many months as a father with his sons in the Academy dorms. We pray, eat
and study together dailyand we also have fun! We regularly share our concerns
for the proper dissemination of our incomparably profound Greek Orthodox
inheritanceto a world wrought with various other attractions and distractions.
Each of these young men has gifts that when carefully cultivated will bring many
souls to the path of salvationChrist's love.

To my colleagues (fellow priests, faculty and staff) of the Academy and of the
Metropolis at large, I shall forever be indebted for your kindness and forbearance
during my weak efforts to properly fulfill my duties as Dean.

To the people of Toronto (and especially our YOUth) and beyond, I bow in
repentance before each and everyone of you. My life has been immeasurably
enhanced because of your worthy lives of faith, hope and love. I look forward
with His Eminence's blessingin the future (as in the past)to visit as
confessor/spiritual father that we might continue encouraging one another

May we all have a GOOD RACE as we enter

the "stadium gates" of Great and Holy Lent!