COMMUNITY HISTORY
Who Are We?
The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Community of London & Vicinity has a proud and vibrant history dating back to 1936. Over the decades, it has grown from a small group of families into a strong, faith-driven community supporting generations of Greek Canadians.
Key Milestones
1900-1920
The early 20th century marked the arrival of the first Greek families in London, Ontario. With courage and enterprise, these pioneers laid the foundation for what would become a vibrant Hellenic community. From small businesses to the first local baptisms, their presence signaled the beginning of a deep-rooted cultural and spiritual legacy.
1900 – The first Greeks arrive in London, Ontario
1901 – Pantelis Karkampasis opens Olympia Candy Works
1902 – Peter Smirlies opens Shoe Shining Parlor
1903 – Arrival of Louis Karampelas, A. Piskos, A. Pappas
1904 – Nick Hrisikos, Peter Hrisikos, and Tom Lakos arrive
1905 – Peter Mandas, Gus Mandas, George Strathopoulos arrive
1907 (Sep 18) – George Karkampasis is christened; first Greek born in London
1917 (Jan 6) – Russian Orthodox Church opens with support from local Greeks
1920 - 1940
During the interwar years, the Greek community in London began to formally organize and support its cultural institutions. AHEPA played a foundational role in bringing people together, and the seeds of a future parish community began to take shape.
1928 – Chapter of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) established
1936 (Jan 12) – The Greek community is formally organized under the leadership of Mr. Gus Mandas
1936 – Community holds its first meetings as a structured body
1939 – Fundraising begins for establishing a church
1940 - 1960
This era brought tremendous growth and major milestones — from incorporation to the building and dedication of the first Holy Trinity Church. It was a period of perseverance, spiritual foundation, and community-building.
1949 – Incorporated by letters patent in Ontario as the “Hellenic Community of London & Vicinity”
1950 – New constitution ratified by the General Assembly
1952 (Apr 17) – Land purchased at 1114 Richmond St. for $9,000
1954 (May 26) – Contract signed to build the first church ($54,277)
1954 (June 6) – Sod-turning ceremony led by President George Kerhoulas
1954 (Oct 10) – First church service: the wedding of Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Suntres
1955 (Oct 16) – Church dedicated by His Grace Bishop Ezekial
1959 (Oct 22) – Lot purchased behind 1118 Richmond St. for parking
1960 – Church mortgage fully paid off
1960 - 1980
As the community matured, it continued to expand spiritually and physically. This period saw the adoption of Archdiocesan regulations, new bylaws, and the establishment of key properties that would become cornerstones of the modern community.
1961 – Daughters of Penelope established in London
1967 – Community adopts Uniform Parish Regulations from the Archdiocese
1968 (Mar–Apr) – New bylaws adopted; name officially changed to “Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Community of London & Vicinity”
1969 (Dec 4) – House at 1118 Richmond St. purchased for $23,000
1975 (Feb 24) – Sod turning for new Hellenic Community Centre at Southdale Rd.
1975 (Jun 16) – Glendale Sports Centre purchased for $150,000
1975 (Sep 7) – New Centre dedicated by Bishop Sotirios and Rev. Kontorravdis
1978 (Mar 28) – Additional 1-acre property at front of Community Centre acquired for $39,000
1980 - 2000
With a strong foundation in place, the Community embraced growth. This era included significant Centre expansions, the visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and plans for a new Byzantine-style church.
1985 – New Community Centre dedicated
1990 – Mortgage on the Southdale property paid off
1997–1998 – East Room addition and major renovations to the Hellenic Centre
1998 – Visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to London
1999 (Sep 19) – Groundbreaking for new Byzantine-style church on Southdale Rd.
2000 - 2020
A new chapter began with the completion of the new Holy Trinity Church. In parallel, the Community continued investing in its youth, sports programs, and cultural heritage. Generous fundraising and government grants supported this ongoing expansion.
2001 – Dome installed on new church
2003 – Church construction completed at cost of ~$6 million
2003 (Dec 22) – Church consecrated by Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios
2003 (Dec 27) – First wedding and baptism held in new church
2004 – Old Richmond St. church sold for $650,000
2005–2006 – Soccer field upgraded with new surface, lights, fencing, and irrigation
2006 – Received $75,000 grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation for soccer project
2010 – Dressing rooms, concession, and picnic pavilion built near soccer fields
2010 – Multi-phase iconography project begins inside the church
2012 – $500,000 Trillium grant secured for Hellenic Centre expansion
2013–2014 – Greek library, offices, heritage rooms, and expanded lobby completed
Present Day
The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Community continues to evolve, now embracing its third generation of members and welcoming families of diverse backgrounds. Rooted in its faith and heritage, the community remains a beacon of Hellenism and Orthodox Christian life in London.
Ongoing iconography installations continue beautifying the church
Youth programs, Greek school, and volunteer organizations flourish
The Community actively promotes faith, culture, and connection for generations to come
"Early in 1989, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Community of London and Vicinity produced the book "Roots, Seeds and Flowers" which in effect gave an account of the people of Greek descent in this part of southern Ontario. It was a detailed historical picture, presented decade by decade, for the years 1900 to 1988.
In this 2006 edition, entitled "Roots, Seeds and Flowers II", the focus is historical yes, but with chronicles possessing a more conspicuous flavour, paying attention to major events, since 1988, such as the visit to London of His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew on May 28th, 1998 and the construction of our new church which opened on December 22nd , 2003.
Again, in this book, each of our many associated organizations are looked at as important divisions of the Greek Orthodox Community. Furthermore, there are a number of independent associations not under the umbrella of our Community, but still supporters in varying degrees."
Taken from Roots, Seeds and Flowers II. If you wish you purchase a copy, please contact the church or visit Annie in the office.