A Monday evening fire has destroyed Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church in the Park Ex neighborhood of Montreal.
The fire broke out just after 8 p.m. at the church on de l’Épée Ave. at the corner of St-Roch St. in Parc Extension, said Montreal Fire Department operations chief Richard Bourdeau.
The church, built in 1962, could be a total loss, said Bourdeau. It is one of four Greek Orthodox Churches in the densely populated ethnic neighborhood, which although has lost a lot of its Greek residents to suburban migration over the years, remains an important part of that city’s Greek community.
About 80 firefighters responded to the three alarm fire. No serious injuries occurred during the incident.
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5 comments
I am so very saddened to see the destruction of this church! My husband and I who live in Maine, have travelled to this church in Montreal twice for the feast of the Koimisis Tis Theotokou (Dormition of the Virgin Mary) during the month of August. What was a beautiful & unique aspect of this church was a small addition on the side of the building which represented the sepulchre in which the Panagia was laid to rest. It was a stunning to see how the space was designed and adorned with a nearly full size presentation of Panagia carved and painted as an icon and laid in a glass case. I believe the space was designed by one of parish priests who had visited the original site and sketched the building to recreate the original site at the Koimisis church. I certainly hope that the community will be able to re-build and that the chants of Xristos Anesti will be able to be sung once again in the church of Koimisis Tis Theotokou!
I have been going to that church since they built it. We are in shock. The way it happened was suspicious. Was as if a Molotov cocktail was thrown .Flames quickly engulfed the church. Loss of words. Sad day for our community.
Are there any cameras on that street?
The question is what took so long to put water on the fire.
As a FF for 31 years I have never seen FF move so slow.
Some type of an investigation must come of this, where was the first due engine and did they
Secure a fire hydrant. By far the worst exterior attack I have ever seen. Sorry to say chief you and your FF need to go back to basic training.
Ps I’m an orthodox Christian, heads would be rolling if this was my church.
so tru mr Krzeminski i was under shock. what took so long to put water on the fire? i hear at the video 5 times OPEN THE WATER. NO ONE WAS DOING IT!!! they walk like at parade . if will the house at one of them how they will act? slow and cool!!!! VERY NICE JOB BRAVO!( BEEN SARCASTIC) my church were i got married the first church i visit at my arival at montreal 35 years back. panagiamas voithamas na min ksanazisoume tetio kako, god bless you all.