St. George and the Dragon

Location: St. George's Greek Orthodox Church, 115 Bond St
Date photo taken: 4 April 2013

This beautiful mosaic depicting St. George slaying the dragon is found in the central tympanum above the Bond Street doors of St. George's Greek Orthodox Church. This church, which is home to the oldest Greek orthodox community in Canada, started out life as Holy Blossom Temple. It was built in 1897 by John Wilson Siddall, a Canadian architect, and remained a synagogue until 1937 when it was converted to St. George's. The structure underwent renovations in the 1960s and the 1980s, and it was during the 1980s that this mosaic was installed. It was created by Italian mosaicist Sirio Tonelli.

Also of note is the interior of the church, which was elaborately painted by two master iconographers from Greece. If you want to get a look at this unique space it will be open for Doors Open on May 25th and 26th although sadly, photography of the interior is not permitted.