A story is going viral on Twitter, (Also known as X), today in regards to how a Greek church is being used in Calgary Canada, specifically how the basement is being rented out for Islamic prayer and more importantly, how certain Christian icons were being covered by garbage bags. Another person reached out to us privately as well to tell us about this story. Below is the story from an anonymous person:
“Greetings,
With respect and obedience as a retired writer and journalist , I send my regards from Greece, under the guidance of my spiritual father, to request review of a matter concerning St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Calgary, Canada.
It has been reported through multiple sources in the global Greek world as well as publicly available information, that the basement of St. Demetrios Church—used for Greek School and community activities—has been rented since fall 2025 on Monday and Thursday evenings to a Quran school operated by the Al Bushra Foundation, as stated on their Foundation website.
During these times, Islamic religious instruction takes place in the basement of the church building while Orthodox worship and Greek Youth Dance continues above!
Orthodox holy icons in the basement area are being covered with black garbage bags or white coverings during these Islamic religious sessions in order to accommodate the arrangement and the Islamic faith inside a Greek Orthodox Church building! Pictures that have been forwarded to me anonymously are attached for your consideration in your potential journalistic reporting efforts.
For many faithful, this is not a minor issue. The covering of holy icons within an Orthodox space is viewed as deeply troubling and spiritually offensive. It has also evoked historical parallels within the Greek Orthodox consciousness, including the covering of icons during the conversion of Hagia Sophia, which remains a deeply sensitive reference point for Greeks worldwide.
The head council members (identities as per their website are included below) have enabled this practice, and many in the Global Greek Community are now questioning this decision and its impact on the integrity and sanctity of the church space.
Even in a rental context, it would generally not be considered appropriate to use a consecrated Orthodox space for another faith’s religious practice in a way that alters or covers its sacred elements. Respect for places of worship is a widely held principle across religious traditions.
As Global Greeks, there is a concern for safety. Respectfully, in recent years, there has been an increase in incidents affecting Orthodox Christian communities and places of worship globally. While no direct connection is being asserted, the presence of overlapping religious activities within the same church building has contributed to a level of unease regarding safety among those following this situation.
I wish to be clear: this concern is not rooted in discrimination, but in the preservation of Orthodox identity, history, and the sacred character of the Church. Greek Orthodoxy carries a legacy shaped through centuries of hardship, including 400 years under Ottoman rule, during which many were martyred for refusing to abandon their faith. The cross on the Greek flag stands as a symbol of that sacrifice and enduring devotion to Christ.
Because of this history, the current situation is especially painful for many in the global diaspora. As mentioned, in Hagia Sophia, the covering of Christian icons remains a lasting symbol of historical trauma for Orthodox Christians. Seeing icons covered to accommodate another religious group is the definition of blasphemy while considered a serious sin as guided by our Greek Christian Orthodox faith. Allowing it for financial gain is further insulting as it is a painful echoing reminder of the pain our ancestors endured to protect Hellenism and Orthodoxy.
It has also been reported that Orthodox worship continues above, alongside Greek Youth dance classes taking place in the upper levels of the building at the same time. This is an alarming concern as younger parishioners are becoming confused, as what they observe within the same building does not appear to align with what they are being taught regarding Greek history, Orthodox identity, and the role of the Church. In particular, the sight of covered icons and the presence of non-Orthodox religious activity during pickup and drop-off times has been described as disheartening and baffling for the youth.
Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding access to shared facilities. During Quran school hours, access to the basement bathrooms is restricted, meaning children and families using the upper levels of the church and community hall are unable to access these facilities. Given the number of children present in the building, this raises human rights questions with regards to the fairness and practicality of limiting access to essential amenities within their own community space.
There are also broader concerns regarding transparency and community response. It has been reported that parishioners have been intimidated to not voice any concerns via formal written communications referencing internal Code of Conduct policies and the Alberta Human Rights Act. Regardless of intent, such intense measures are perceived as discouraging open discussion on issues of religious and cultural significance hence creating division while the intention is to clearly silence its members on advocating for Orthodoxy. Meanwhile, as Greek Christian Orthodox it is our duty to defend and protect any and all aspects of our faith including the holy icons no matter where we are in the world. This comes as per my Spiritual Father’s advisory to request your assistance to bring awareness and assistance to this matter in the name of Jesus Christ as well as all of the fallen martyrs. It is questionable he has advised as to why Ecclesiastical involvement in Canada has not been called upon for assistance.
If financial considerations are part of this arrangement, many Greeks globally believe alternative solutions such as wider community support or fundraising could be explored without involving the use of consecrated Orthodox spaces for non-Orthodox worship activities. Perhaps a Global Go Fund or similar type of charity donation could be created on behalf of Global Greek platforms to support our Greek Orthodox brothers and sisters to keep our icons preserved and uncovered while ensuring the safety and preservation of Hellenism and Orthodoxy.
This matter has resonated beyond the local parish and is of concern to members of the global Greek Orthodox diaspora. It raises broader questions about the preservation of sacred space, governing council responsibility, and the pastoral care of faithful communities.
This is not about division, but preservation of faith, history, and the sanctity of Orthodox churches. What affects one Greek Orthodox community affects us all globally.
I respectfully ask that this matter be brought to attention and, where appropriate, reviewed at the relevant ecclesiastical level or considered for journalistic follow-up and reporting to prevent this matter from occurring in further Greek Orthodox churches and communities globally while ensuring that the Calgary Greek Orthodox church be saved from this spiritual warfare.
I am sharing this independently and not in any official capacity, solely for awareness and concern regarding Orthodox heritage.
As per publicly available information, the Hellenic Community of Calgary (HCC) Executive Board of Directors for 2026 includes President Nick Vasilakos, 1st Vice President Kathy Marinakos, 2nd Vice President Bill Douros, Treasurer Andreas Lambrinoudis, Secretary Helen Kounougeris, and additional board members which can be found on their website.
Thank you for your time and consideration.“
Visit more on GlobalGreeks.com