Jesus the King Council #15045 Donates $20,000 Toward Church Renovation Efforts
Markham, ON – September 21, 2025 – Jesus the King Council #15045 has generously donated $20,000 to support the ongoing renovation of Jesus the King Melkite Catholic Church, located at 1 Lyndhurst Drive in Markham. The church suffered significant damage from an accidental fire in 2016 and has since been undergoing restoration.
The Melkite Catholic Church, which follows the Byzantine Rite, is recognized as one of the oldest continuous Christian communities in the world. Its origins trace back to the early Christian community of the Patriarchate of Antioch in the 1st century AD—where St. Peter is traditionally believed to have established the Church, and where followers of Jesus Christ were first called “Christians.”
In full communion with the Holy See, the Melkite Catholic Church forms a vital part of the worldwide Catholic Church. The parish community at Jesus the King Church is primarily composed of refugee immigrants from Lebanon, Syria, the Holy Land, Jordan, and Egypt, many of whom have found a new spiritual and cultural home in Canada.
Founded in May 2010, Jesus the King Council #15045 holds the distinction of being the first Middle Eastern Christian Knights of Columbus Council in the world. The Council continues to play an active role in supporting its parish and broader community through charitable works and cultural preservation.
A Call to Action from the Ontario Christian Refugee Relief Director
Brother Hikmat, the Ontario Christian Refugee Relief Director, is calling on all Knights of Columbus councils and members to support this worthy Christian Refugee Relief cause and help “raise Jesus the King Church from the ashes.”
How to Donate:
- Cheques by Mail
Make your donation payable to: Knights of Columbus Ontario Charity Foundation
Memo: Specify Christian Refugee Relief and the initiative name (e.g. Jesus the King Church)
Include your address and email for tax receipt issuance.
Mail to: Ontario Christian Refugee Relief Director
6428 Yonge Street, Centerpoint 37150
Toronto, Ontario, M2M 4J8
- E-Transfer Donations
Send your donation by E-transfer to: [email protected]
In the message section, specify:
Christian Refugee Relief
The initiative name (e.g. Jesus the King Church renovation)
Your address and email for tax receipt
Also, please send a copy of your e-transfer confirmation to: [email protected] for follow-up.
Support Christians at Risk – Learn More & Get Involved, visit the following websites to learn more and support additional Christian outreach initiatives: