FROM CELEBRATION TO DEVASTATION TO RESTORATION.
Jesus the King Annual Church Summer Festival is always celebrated on the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ at the beginning of August. The lawns of the Cathedral of Transfiguration in Markham are transformed with tents, stages, bouncing castles and kitchens to accommodate more than 5000 visitors over three days.
During this great celebration, Jesus the King Council #15045 has generously donated $20,000 in 2025 and another $25,000 in 2026 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. Thanks to OLG, Bingo World and the City of Richmond Hill whose support made all these donations possible.
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 called “Christians” For the first time.
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 OF ACTION
Brother Hikmat, the Ontario Christian Refugee Relief Director, who is a member of the community, 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: Jesus the King Melkite Catholic Church, In the Memo Specify: Christian Refugee Relief 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
Support Christians at Risk – Learn More & Get Involved, visit the following websites to choose from 15 different options, For more information on how to support persecuted and Christians at risk, contact Brother Hikmat at 416-893 8060 or email [email protected] also visit:
• www.jerusalemstudents.org
• www.christianrefugeerelief.org
• www.churchesforjesus.org
• www.orphansforjesus.org