Russia
Since AD 988, when Russia proclaimed Christianity as a state religion, Russian Orthodox has remained as the most significant religion in Russia. Russian Orthodox has been deeply imbedded in the mind and culture of Russia that it even survived lengthy religious persecution during the Soviet era, which was from 1917 to 1991. Now, most Russians are inactive with religion. Yet, many of them would still celebrate religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas, and decorate their houses with candles and the sign of the cross. It is said, “No single element has done more to shape the national character of Russians, whether at home or abroad, than the Russian Orthodox Church” (MulticulturalCanada).
Russians in Toronto
| In the GTA: 139,910 | In Toronto: 74,470 |
Primary Areas of Settlement in the GTA (Social Atlas):
Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Aurora, King City, Whitchurch-Stouffville, and the City of Toronto (North York).
Settlement Services in the GTA
Russian Canadian Cultural Aid Society
P.O.Box 30126, 1027 Finch Avenue West
Toronto, ON
M3J 3L6
Phone: 416-489-3077
Churches in the GTA
Carr Street Gospel Church
24 Carr Street
Toronto, ON
M5T 1B5
Phone: 647-447-9816
Church of the Eternal Word
280 Yorkland Blvd
Toronto, ON
M5J 1R5
Downsview Baptist Church — Russian Service
197 Downsview Avenue
Toronto, ON
M3M 1E7
Phone: 416-241-1681
Sunday Service: 11 AM
Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox
23 Henry Street
Toronto, ON
M5T 1W9
Phone: 416-979-2990
Light of the World Church
885 Wilson Avenue
Toronto, ON
M3K 1E6
New Life Christian Centre
390 Industrial Parkway South
Aurora, ON
L4G 3V7
Sunday Service: 2:30 PM
Russian Orthodox Church
275 Wilson Heights Boulevard
Toronto, ON
M3H 2V3
Phone: 416-630-3100
Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Resurrection
213 Winona Drive
Toronto, ON
M6C 3S3
Phone: 416-651-3226
Slavic Baptist Missionary Church
8795 Keele Street
Maple, ON
L4K 2N1
Phone: 416-451-1970
SvetMiru Russian Church
24 Carr Street
Toronto, ON
M5T 1B5
Phone: 647-447-9816
SvetMiru Russian Church at Light Korean Presbyterian Church
6965 Professional Court
Mississauga, ON
L4V 1Y3
Phone: 905-677-7729
Sunday Service: 3 PM
Toronto Good News @ Full Gospel Mission Church
790 Arrow Road
North York, ON
M9M 2Y5
Phone: 416-749-0191
Sunday Service: 11 AM
Useful Links
- Central Intelligence Agency. (2019, December 8). The World Factbook: Russia. Retrieved December 27, 2019, from https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/russia/
- Encyclopedia of the Nations. (n.d.). Russia – Location, size and extent. Retrieved July 9, 2014, from http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Europe/Russia-LOCATION-SIZE-AND-EXTENT.html
- Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. (2011, December 15). Russian Federation. Retrieved July 9, 2014, from https://www.international.gc.ca/cil-cai/country_insights-apercus_pays/overview-apercu_ru.aspx?lang=eng
- MulticulturalCanada. (n.d.). Community Life and Religion, Russians. Retrieved July 9, 2014, from
- “Russians,” vol. 4 of Worldmark Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life, 4 vols. Detroit: Gale Research, 1998.
- Statistics Canada. (2011, April 7). 2006 Census of Canada: Topic-based tabulations/Ethnic Origin, Single and Multiple Ethnic Origin Responses and Sex for the Population of Canada, Provinces, Territories, Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations, 2006 Census – 20% Sample Data. Retrieved July 15, 2014, from http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement