The Antiochian Orthodox Church has officially consecrated the land for the construction of its first monastery in Canada, marking a significant milestone for the Church's presence in the country.

Metropolitan Saba, head of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, led the consecration ceremony for the future Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ennismore, Ontario, according to the Archdiocese.

The planned men's monastery will be built on the shores of Pigeon Lake. Before blessing the construction site, Metropolitan Saba consecrated water in a chapel established within one of the existing buildings on the property and then blessed the land designated for the monastery complex.

The monastery will occupy approximately 150 acres of donated land, including about 230 meters (750 feet) of shoreline. The property was anonymously purchased and gifted to the Church by benefactors. Development plans include monastic residences, accommodations for pilgrims, and a spiritual and educational center. Existing buildings on the site will serve as temporary housing for the monastic brotherhood during the initial phase of the project.

During his visit to Ontario, Metropolitan Saba also participated in celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Richmond Hill. The commemorative reception was attended by members of Canada's federal and provincial legislatures.

Addressing the faithful, the metropolitan encouraged support for the monastery's construction, saying that "great dreams begin with small steps."

The establishment of Canada's first Antiochian Orthodox monastery comes amid growing interest in Orthodox Christianity across North America. Metropolitan Saba has previously noted that Orthodox parishes in both the United States and Canada are increasingly welcoming converts, particularly young adults, with the faith expanding beyond its traditional immigrant communities to attract people from a wide range of backgrounds.