About The Church
Coming Together in Faith and Love
The Orthodox Church is One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic.
One: Christ instituted one church, united in the faith of the Apostles as they were taught directly by Christ Himself.
The St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Sarnia & Vicinity has been part of the Sarnia Community for over 50 years. Divine Liturgy takes place every Sunday morning along with other religious liturgies throughout the year. Including Christmas and Holy week services. It also serves as a space for baptisms, weddings and funerals.
All visitors are WELCOME to attend church services at our parish.
Our Faith
We believe in the goodness of the Lord.
Faith
Faith is the cornerstone of our church. It is part of every activity that we do, every meeting that we hold. We believe in our Lord, and that our actions are a reflection of his goodness.
Scripture
We look to the Lord for guidance in our lives. In Scripture, we find all that we need to guide us in the right path. Reading and understand Scripture helps us all live meaningful lives.
Community
Join us. We welcome each and every one of you to encounter the Lord’s unconditional love with us. Inside each of us is a purpose and meaning to be fulfilled by God.
Hope & Joy
The Gospel has a message for everyone, of every age, and in every language. Exposing your child to the Lord’s path when they are young gives them guidance, hope and strength that lasts a lifetime. To learn more, be in touch with one of our Pastors.
Our Counsel
Guiding Our Community
Community Council 2024-2025
Harry Patrinos President
Bill Rigakos Vice President
Andrea Stathis Secretary
Nina Vacratsis Treasurer
Val Xanthopoulo Member
Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society
The benevolent works of Philoptochos are a continuation of Christ’s ministry on earth. Each member has an opportunity, through her participation in the ministries and programs of Philoptochos, to return to God a portion of the time, talents and resource with which He has gifted her. Most importantly, a member reaps the rewards that fellowship and sisterhood can offer to enrich her life.
Greek School
Youth is a unique period of life, one filled with exploration, discovery, excitement and fulfillment. The Church Youth Ministry provides a nurturing, loving environment for young people exploring the world. It is a safe place where faith guides exploration and self-discovery.
Classes run every Monday and Thursday 5:30pm-7:30pm
For more information please contact sarniachildrenscorner@gmail.com
Name Day Calendar
Honour the Memory of Saints and Angels
The Name Day Calendar is an integral part of Greek Orthodox tradition, marking the days dedicated to saints and angels. Celebrating a Name Day involves honouring the memory of the saint one is named after, a practice held in equal esteem to celebrating one’s birthday. It reflects our deep connection to the saints and the spiritual lineage of our faith.
PARISH PRIEST
Fr. Chrysostomos Achilleos
Fr. Chrysostomos Achilleos has been our beloved priest and spiritual leader of the Greek Community of Sarnia since 2013.
He was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, to parents of Cypriot descent. He and his wife Presbytera Dina were married in 2005.
Fr.Chrysostomos, (affectionately known as Father C), was ordained to the Deaconate on June 25th 2008 and just two short days later, on June 27, he was ordained to the Priesthood.
He completed his Theological studies at the Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy in Toronto in 2009 and holds a Bachelors Degree in Theology. He graduated at the top of his class and was named Valedictorian.
Taking God’s second commandment to heart, to “go forth and multiply”, Fr. Chrysostomos is the father of four wonderful children, Maria, Joanna, Nektaria and Theognostos, who regularly challenge him to improve himself and be a better role model and teacher each day.
Fr. Chrysostomos has served our Church in many capacities. Serving the parishes of Koimisis Tis Theotokou in Kingston. Archangels in Montreal, and St.Demetrios in Sarnia, while also having offered himself to the youth at Camp Metamorphosis, and to those incarcerated in many of our Federal and Provincial Penitentiaries.
Fr.Chrysostomos also holds a secular job where he works daily as a C.N.C machine operator making precision parts for medical, water filtration, automotive and other industries.
In his spare time Fr.C. enjoys woodworking as a creative expression of his talents and faith.
Fr. Chrysostomos looks forward to serving his church and communities by presiding over church services, providing spiritual direction, and visiting the sick and elderly with a tireless dedication.