Our History

The initial activities for the establishment of this Macedonian Orthodox municipality, as the fourth church in the Toronto metropolis, which serves the Macedonians from the cities of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa (Durham region) began in March 1993. On April 23rd of the same year, the first general assembly of supporters and admirers of the new church municipality was convened. The first initiator to buy the place and build a church was Ljupco Anchevski. From the majority of names approved by the people, Archimandrite Nikodim Tsarknias drew the name of the holy martyr Nedela.

As the first priest, Very Rev. Blage Dimitrievski comes from Macedonia, together with his family. He spiritually directed believers for more than 18 years.

At the beginning, Jim Bozanis brought a small portable house, which the believers converted into a small chapel.

On September 17, 2000, the head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, the Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonian Gospodin Gospodin Stefan, together with Metropolitan Kirill and numerous priests, blessed the foundation of the Church. Then, for a certain period, the Macedonians collected funds for the construction of this church, during which numerous donors, believers and humanists were involved, especially from the Aegean part of Macedonia. Thus, began the construction of the church and the auxiliary premises, which were completed in a period of about two years.

The new home of the Macedonian Orthodox Municipality “Sveta Nedela” was consecrated by the head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Stefan, in the presence of a large number of Macedonian priests from Canada and the United States of America on September 8, 2002. This church is rightly said to be the center of generations. The president at that time was Mitre Chachevski.

Soon, the newly built church begins to attract believers from all around. In addition to the administration, the Ladies Auxiliary also takes an active part in the “Saint Nedela” Church.

In 2006, a Convention was held in the “Saint Nedela” Church, when Bishop Methodius was enthroned as Metropolitan of the American-Canadian Orthodox Diocese.

A particularly significant donation came from Mr. Chris Alexander and his family from the village of Graeshnica – Bitolsko, who donated half a million dollars with which funds were used to pay for the place, and then take a loan for the construction of the new Temple.

With the start of the construction, the work of the bingo is also beginning, which funds help with the ongoing maintenance of the church. Various events are also organized, such as a Golf Tournament, a festival and various fundraising Banquets.

During the entire existence of the Macedonian Orthodox Church “Saint Nedela”, a folklore dancing club and a Sunday school were organized, where many young people were taught the Macedonian language and culture.