Ontario MPPs Highlight Historic Interfaith Gathering in Members’ Statements at Queen’s Park
December 5, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Ontario MPPs Highlight Historic Interfaith Gathering in Members’ Statements at Queen’s Park
Toronto, ON – This week in the Ontario Legislature, Effie J. Triantafilopoulos, MPP for Oakville North–Burlington, and Aris Babikian, MPP for Scarborough—Agincourt, each delivered Members’ Statements recognizing a significant moment in global interfaith dialogue.
MPPs Triantafilopoulos and Babikian spoke about the historic gathering in Constantinople (present-day Istanbul, Türkiye), where spiritual leaders from around the world convened to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea — a pivotal event in Christian history.
The commemoration brought together Pope Leo XIV, head of the Roman Catholic Church, and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, leader of the Orthodox Christian Church, along with political representatives, dignitaries, and pilgrims from across the globe. The event coincided with the feast of St. Andrew the First-Called Apostle, founder and patron of the Church in Constantinople.
“This remarkable gathering reflects the ongoing commitment toward dialogue, unity, and reconciliation among the world’s largest Christian confessions,” said Effie J. Triantafilopoulos, MPP for Oakville North-Burlington in her statement. “The symbolism of these two spiritual leaders, side by side as Pope Leo embarked on his first foreign visit, illustrates the enduring pursuit of peace within and beyond religious communities.”
MPP Triantafilopoulos also highlighted Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s historic tenure and contributions, noting his “pastoral wisdom and steadfast commitment to spiritual leadership and collaboration.”
Aris Babikian, MPP for Scarborough—Agincourt also addressed the Legislature on this topic, underscoring the importance of interfaith understanding and the shared values of unity, hope, and faith that resonate with Ontario’s diverse communities.
“At a time when Christians in the Middle East have been consistently persecuted and attacked, the historic meeting of Pope Leo and Patriarch Bartholomew, alongside other Christian leaders, symbolizes a renewed commitment to unity and solidarity,” said Aris Babikian, MPP for Scarborough-Agincourt. “Their gathering affirms that regardless of our denominations, we stand as one big Christian family, bound together by a shared faith and hope.”
Their Members’ Statements collectively emphasized Ontario’s pride in its multicultural, multi-faith identity and the province’s ongoing support for initiatives that foster respect, understanding, and cooperation across traditions.
Click here to view the Member Statement by MPP Triantafilopoulos
Click here to view the Member Statement by MPP Babikian
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For more information, please contact:
Katie Robinette, Executive Assistant
Office of Effie J. Triantafilopoulos, MPP (Oakville North-Burlington
Katie.robinette@pc.ola.org
Or
Biti Doghramjian
Office of Aris Babikainm, MPP (Scarborough-Agincourt)
biti.doghramjian@pc.ola.org