Greek Community of Montreal to Rebuild Orthodox Church After Fire

 

Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, also known as Panagitsa, in Park Extension, Montreal, was destroyed when a fire broke out on Monday, April 13. Greek Orthodox Community members in the area were devastated therefore they organized a fundraiser and now they are ready to salvage what they can from the ruins and start rebuilding the church.

Panagitsa was deemed unsafe and dangerous after an inspection was conducted by city engineers. The damage caused by the fire was extensive and the building will have to be completely demolished before it is rebuilt. Several parts of the roof have already been removed while the bell towers were taken down and stored to be used as part of the new Greek Orthodox Church.

“Certain icons on the side of the church have been already removed for safe keeping,” said Pelagia Adamidis of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal.

“You can put a dollar figure on the walls, on the wood to build it, but you can’t put a dollar figure on what’s inside — the art, the iconography, the memories,” said Greek-Canadian Christos Hatzimarkos.