St. Clement of Ohrid – 60th Anniversary Jubilee
St. Clement of Ohrid Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral Celebrates 60 years since its consecration. A living testament to the faith and perseverance of the Macedonian people in Canada.
SEPTEMBER 5–7, 2025 MARKED A HISTORIC MILESTONE for St. Clement of Ohrid Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral as our community gathered to celebrate 60 years since the consecration of our cathedral in 1965. The anniversary weekend was defined by solemn worship, heartfelt recognition, cultural appreciation, and the blessing of distinguished guests from our Holy Church in Macedonia. We were deeply honoured by the presence His Eminence Metropolitan Metodij, diocesan bishop of the American-Canadian Macedonian Orthodox Diocese, and of His Beatitude Archbishop Stefan, the primate of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric, joined by Protodeacon Aleksandar Dimitrijov and Chief of Cabinet Father Daniel Jovanovski from Macedonia.
Friday, September 5 — Honouring Our Leaders: Awards Ceremony & Youth Celebration
The weekend opened with a private awards ceremony dedicated to honouring the past Presidents, Ladies Auxiliary Presidents, and former Parish Priests whose service shaped the cathedral over six decades. The program was led by President Boris Stoikos and Vice President Christian Rostankovski, who welcomed the evening’s honoured guests and introduced the significance of the recognitions.
Living past Presidents and clergy were acknowledged individually, while the families of departed leaders received recognition on their behalf—ensuring that their dedication remains forever woven into the history of St. Clement. A commemorative segment was also prepared in honour of all members and volunteers throughout the decades, affirming that the life of the church has been built through countless acts of devotion and sacrifice.
The ceremony concluded with traditional Macedonian music performed by Mirko, Dzole, and Ljupcho, adding to the warm atmosphere of celebration and memory.
Also celebrating a milestone that evening was the Macedonian Youth Network (MYNET)—the youth wing of St. Clement—which marked 10 years since its founding in 2015. A youth dance was held in the lower hall featuring Macedonian music and DJ Christian.
Saturday, September 6 — Gala Banquet & Plaque Unveiling
The main celebration of the weekend was the 60th Anniversary Gala Banquet, welcomed first by a solemn vespers service attended by Archbishop Stefan and Metropolitan Metodij. The Grand Hall of the church was transformed into a stunning display of elegance to reflect the importance of this occasion.
The evening program, hosted by Vice President Christian Rostankovski and Ms. Hristina Veljanovska, began with the singing of the Canadian and Macedonian national anthems by our church choir, followed by a musical performance with the choir and Sunday School.
The cathedral formally welcomed:
- His Beatitude Archbishop Stefan
- His Eminence Metropolitan Metodij
- Father Daniel Jovanovski, Chief of Cabinet
- Protodeacon Aleksandar Dimitrijov
- Archpriest Sinisha Ristovska, Dean of the Canadian Deanery, with Presbytera Ljubica
- Parish Priests Father Sasho Celeski and Protoerej Aleksandar Todorovski, with their families
- The President of the church board of St. Clement of Ohrid, Mr. Boris Stoikos and his wife Laura
- St. Clement’s delegate to the Diocese, Mr. Mitko Rostankovski with his wife Violeta
- Vice President of the Diocesan Council, Mr. Vasko Nedanovski and his wife Ljubinka
- Leaders and representatives of Macedonian Orthodox churches across the Greater Toronto Area, Detroit, and New Jersey
- Ensemble Makedonka, fresh from their successful performance at the 51st Annual American-Canadian Macedonian Diocese Convention
- St. Clement’s soccer team, champions at the diocesan tournament
Speeches delivered by President Boris Stoikos, Father Sasho Celeski, Metropolitan Metodij, and Archbishop Stefan reflected on the cathedral’s decades of growth spiritually, culturally, and communally.
The Archbishop spoke about the endurance of faith and the sacred heritage carried by Macedonians in the diaspora. A highlight of His Beatitude’s speech was the conferral of the prestigious “ARCHBISHOP DOSITEJ” distinction on St. Clement of Ohrid Macedonian Orthodox Church – Toronto by His Beatitude Archbishop Stefan, in honour of the 60th anniversary of the church’s consecration. This recognition celebrates the cathedral’s historic role as: the first Macedonian Orthodox Church in Canada, the spiritual home of thousands of faithful Macedonians, and the oldest Macedonian Orthodox Church in North America operating continuously in its original structure.
President Boris Stoikos’s speech was marked by the unveiling of a large bronze commemorative plaque to honour the founders, clergy, volunteers, choirs, donors, supporters, and faithful congregation who built the church from 1965–2025. The plaque will be permanently installed in the church hallway as a testament to the vision, sacrifice, and unity of our community.
Performances by Ensemble Makedonka, the church choir, Sunday School, and evening entertainment by Dusko Petkovski added to the beauty of the celebration.
Sunday, September 7 — Hierarchical Divine Liturgy & Closing of the Jubilee
The anniversary weekend concluded with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy served by His Beatitude Archbishop Stefan and His Eminence Metropolitan Metodij, together with Macedonian Orthodox clergy from the Greater Toronto Area, Detroit and New Jersey. During the service, Father Sasho Celeski was elevated to the rank of proto-presbyter, a deeply touching moment witnessed by the gathered Macedonian Orthodox faithful.
A solemn memorial service followed in honour of all deceased founders, volunteers, Presidents, Ladies Auxiliary leaders, and clergy who built the foundation upon which today’s vibrant parish stands.
A Celebration to Remember the Past and Look Forward to the Future
The Administration of St. Clement of Ohrid Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, supported, and participated in the 60th Anniversary celebrations. We express profound gratitude to our volunteers, planning committee, donors, clergy, performers, and community members whose work ensured a flawless and memorable jubilee weekend. As we look toward the future, we remain committed to preserving the faith, heritage, and culture entrusted to us by past generations. With God’s help and the unity of our community, we look forward to celebrating many more milestones together.
