St. John the Compassionate Mission is dedicated to outreach and care for vulnerable individuals and families in Toronto, especially those living in poverty or on the margins – all are welcome!
We’re an apostolate of the Carpatho-Russian Diocese of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, serving under the Omophorion of Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa (ACROD). (See our history and mission.)

Hours of service – everyone is welcome!

Bridges

As part of our ‘Bridges’ program, we were pleased to welcome biblical scholar Murray Wilson on May 27, 2026. Through these meetings, the Mission seeks to foster understanding as a way to build a culture of dialogue and peace.

In his talk, ‘Rebuilding an Ancient Relationship: Modern Jewish-Christian reconciliation as a sign of hope,’ Murray gave an informative presentation about some of the significant changes in Christian-Jewish relations since the Second World War.

We are grateful to Murray (shown with Father Nicolaie) for coming to speak with us, and to those who were able to attend.

Watch this page for news on future Wednesday Bridges events at the Mission.

The Gospel According to St. John’s

Every Friday afternoon for over 10 years, Father Nicolaie gathers whoever is present at the Mission, for what the fathers of the desert called a Lectio Divina.

It is a reading of the gospel of the coming Sunday according to the Orthodox lectionary. Rich and poor, educated and illiterate, some, in fact most, never even heard the reading before that moment. They pray, they listen and then with Father Nicolaie’s direction they are invited to reflect together.

Some of these pearls have been collected over the years into the book called The Gospel According to St. John’s. This was published on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Mission’s foundation.

Paperback and hardcover copies are available for purchase at the Mission, and larger-print paperbacks through Amazon.

Join us for our weekly study programs

Our Psalms study is held on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., via Zoom. For registration, e-mail us at info@stjohnsmission.org.

Our ‘Bridges’ program is held Wednesday nights at 155 Broadview. We read about and study the Orthodox faith, facilitated by Father Nicolaie, with guest speakers. The evenings start at 6:30 p.m., followed by compline at 8:00 p.m.

Two videos about the community at St. John’s

1) Narrated by Father Nicolaie, this 3½-minute video gives an introduction to the mission and people of the St. John’s community.

2) This 3-minute video introduces the viewer to the people and activities of the Mission’s affiliate in Scarborough, Good Neighbours Drop-In.

We are grateful to Peter for volunteering his time and skill.

Contact us to find out more about how you can contribute as a volunteer with the Mission or Good Neighbours.