A Home for All: A Google Review

Living in the multicultural and anti-God society that is often seen in Toronto, it is easy to forget that we are a temple open to all. We are a hospital open to all souls. We share with you this very personal review that was left on Google a few weeks ago as testament to our role in this city.

“One Saturday afternoon several years ago, in the midst of a troubled time, I was standing at Bathurst and Dundas. The day was sunny and bright, but I was in turmoil - hurting, confused, feeling hopeless.
I saw the spires of this beautiful church and found myself walking up it's steps. I needed solace. I opened the big wooden door and stepped into deep silence. Ahead of me, the rows of wooden pews all vacant in the dim light. A priest was busy at the front, in his long gown. I didn't think he heard me, and I wasn't sure of my place (not Ukrainian) and didn't want to disturb, so walked just a few steps up the aisle and sat quietly in a pew to my left. The hush was like a blanket. I folded my hands on the pew in front of me rested my head there. Then slid onto my knees. And began talking to my God. The peace of that church trickled into me like clear water. I was actually crying.

I don't remember how long I knelt like that. 5 minutes? 10? Head down, brow compressed, lips moving, then still, then moving.

Then a voice said, "Do you need help?"
I looked up and the priest was beside me. I didn't feel as though he was a priest talking to a parishioner. There was no feeling of superiority - or even of duty. It was one man asking another man, 'Are you ok.' It was a hand offered in the quiet.
And that meant more to me, at that moment, than any swarm of angels. Or promise.
It was a simple reminder of the humanity and sincerity that's still out there, still glowing... when all seems so very dark.

And it's a beautiful building.”