St. Peter's Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Toronto
EELK Toronto Peetri Kogudus
Welcome to St. Peter's Toronto
"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7 ESV)
"Sellepärast võtke vastu üksteist, nõnda nagu ka Kristus teid on vastu võtnud Jumala austuseks." (Roomlastele 15:7)
Services
We extend a warm welcome to St. Peter's. Our services are held at 11:30 a.m., some Sundays in English and Estonian. Please check our Calendar for upcoming services and events.
Deacon Karl Paju's office hours are from 12:00 non to 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays.
Jumalateenistused
Teretulemast Peetri koguduse kodulehele. Meie jumalateenistused toimuvad kell 11.30 pühapäeval. Mõnel pühapäeval on teenistused Inglise keeles, osa Eesti keeles. Tulevate jumalateenistuste ja sündmuste kohta vaadake meie kalendrit.
Diakon Karl Paju kõnetunnid kantseleis kolmapäeviti kl 11.00 – 14.00
EESTPALVED võib igal ajal kirjalikult esitada kiriku kontorisse:
Latest News - Featured Articles
St. Peter’s 1st Advent Estonian Service
November 30th, 2025
Despite the morning snowfall, attendance was strong at our first Advent service. Reverend Ando Kass and Deacon Karl Paju led the service, with organist Erik Kreem also directing the choir. Sunday School students gathered around the Advent wreath as the first candle was lit. Scripture was read by Markus Alliksaar and Anne Pedel.
A hot luncheon was served afterward, and to everyone’s delight, the fresh snowfall seemed to bring Santa along for a surprise visit. Children and volunteers each received a gift.
A heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers, choir members, guild participants, and teachers. And for her dedication in organizing our church events, a special word of thanks goes to Aida Shelton.
A great big thank you to all our volunteers!
St. Peter’s Christmas Craft Show and Café – another Heartwarming Success
November 15th, 2025
This year’s annual Church Craft Show and Bake Sale blended creativity, fellowship, and a shared spirit of generosity, as the event brought together church members, local artisans, and families from across the community.
From the moment the doors opened, visitors were greeted with a vibrant display of handmade crafts. Tables overflowed with beautifully knitted scarves, socks, and children’s wear, intricate angels, children’s stuffed toys, jewellery, and food items such as fresh honey, jams, gingerbread cookies and marinated pumpkin.
Local crafters expressed gratitude for the chance to share their work while supporting a meaningful cause. “It’s a joy to see people appreciate something you’ve poured your heart into,” one artisan shared.
Delights from the Kitchen
Just steps away, the aroma of fresh coffee filled the fellowship hall. The bake sale, always a crowd favorite, offered homemade cookies, breads, and cakes prepared by church members and volunteers. The freshly baked pirukad sold out quickly as did the donated kringels.
This year’s musical treat was brought to us by Hollis Kwan.
Making a Meaningful Difference
The event was not only joyful, but also impactful. Funds raised from the raffle and silent auction will support a variety of church ministries.
Looking Ahead
As the day came to a close, volunteers celebrated a job well done—and began sharing ideas for next year’s event. This year’s success is a reminder of what can happen when creativity, generosity, and faith come together.
A great thank you for the donors, volunteers, guest musician, and vendors that made this year’s Craft Show a great success.
St. Peter's All Souls' Day - Hingedepäev Bilingual Service
November 2nd, 2025
The service was led by Deacon Karl Paju and organist Erik Kreem. Scripture readers Susan Pruvli and Toomas Trei.
St. Peter's 77th Anniversary English-language Service
Sunday, October 19th, 2025
Lots of activity at St. Peter's today as we commemorated the 77th anniversary of the congregation and 70 years within our own building.
The service was led by Reverend Ando Kass and Deacon Karl Paju with our organist Erik Kreem. Visiting from Estonia was accordionist Henrik Hinrikus who performed "Kesk Õitsvaid Lilli" and "Valss Saaremaalt." Scripture readings were by Väino Keelmann and Kristina Leis. During the service, the "mudilased" with their parents of the "Moms, Pops and Tots" group, participated in the service.
Karl's sermon centered on Love and he told us that bible scholars agree that God created the world. What we don't know, however, is why. Karl surmised that it was done for love, for as today's scripture reading from Matthew 22:34-40 says, love is the most important of commandments:
"When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him (Jesus) a question to test him. 'Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?' He said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.' "
The new Ushering and Welcoming Committee (Teenistuste Toimkond) was blessed into service. We thank everyone who has volunteered to help and welcome more members to volunteer to help with services, candle lighting, ushering, collecting donations, etc.
We invite families to join the Moms, Pops, & Tots group ("mudilased") and our Sunday School which meets once a month. The next get-together will be on November 16th, but all are welcome to join us at our Christmas Craft Sale and Cafe on Saturday, November 15th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone wishing to be confirmed next spring, please register with the church office. Our new choir is also in full swing and welcomes new singers. We practice every Wednesday evening in the nave from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Photos: Anne Keelmann & Tiiu Roiser)
St. Peter's Thanksgiving Service
Sunday, October 5th, 2025
St. Peter’s October 5th Thanksgiving service offered much to be grateful for – both personally and as a congregation.
The service was led by Bishop Ove Sander, visiting from Estonia, alongside Reverend Ando Kass, and Deacon Karl Paju. Music was provided by our organist Erik Kreem. Scripture readings were delivered by Alice Jupe and Allan Seim.
We were especially thankful for the debut performance of our newly-formed choir, under the direction of Erik Kreem.
During the service, the new Congregational Council (juhatus) received a blessing from Bishop Sander.
Each year the EELK Consistory recognizes individuals that have made significant contributions towards the work of the church and its mission. In an editorial for the E-Kirik, a bishop noted that when he reflects on the many parishes he has visited, he thinks of the faithful people who quietly and consistently support parish life without seeking recognition. It was precisely these kinds of dedicated individuals that Bishop Sander honoured during the Thanksgiving service.
As part of the celebration:
Deacon Karl Paju was presented with a book of meditations and a keychain from Rome, in recognition of the Vatican’s Jubilee Year.
Thomas Arget received a handmade wooden cross from Finland.
Letters of Appreciation, (Tänukirjad) quoting the verse “Who sows generously will also reap generously” (Kes rohkesti külvab, se ka lõikab rohkesti), were presented to:
Väino Einola - for his dedicated service as former Congregational Chair.
Reverend Ando Kass – for his pastoral service and mentorship to Deacon Karl Paju.
Letters of Commendation, (Aukirjad) quoting the verse “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (Teenigu igaüks teist selle andega, mille ta on saanud, kui Jumala mõnesuguse armu head majapidajad.), were presented to:
Vivi Kivi – for her dedicated service as long-time treasurer and active member of the women’s group, helping organize countless events and celebrations with tireless energy and a cheerful spirit.
Maie Lees – for being a long-time member of the church’s women’s group, and for her many years of faithful service in organizing and carrying out events, celebrations, and fellowship gatherings at the church. Maie’s energetic and always engaged attitude toward herself, others, and church work has been remarkably cooperative.
Lia Pikkov - for being a long-time member of the church’s women’s group, and for her many years of faithful service in organizing and carrying out events, celebrations, and fellowship gatherings. Lia’s boundless positivity and joyful attitude toward herself, others, and church work has been inspiring.
Anu Randmaa – for being a dedicated member of the women's group, her many years of faithful service in tirelessly and consistently organizing, updating, and maintaining the archive collection of the church and for supporting and advancing the church through both joyful and challenging times.
Helmi Viksten – for her faithful leadership as chair of the archives and contributions to preserving the church’s history.
The combined efforts of these women in both the archives and the women’s group have played a crucial role in supporting and advancing the church through both joyful and challenging times. Their contributions include key renovation projects and the successful publication of a church cookbook. Their practical, calm, and cooperative spirit has been a cornerstone of our community.
We offer our heartfelt thanks to all the individuals recognized for their invaluable role in preserving and revitalizing our beloved church.
The service was followed by a hot thanksgiving luncheon at which we heard from our visitors the Rectors and education leaders of Estonian universities of applied sciences:
Andrus Pedai, Rector, Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences
Ülle Ernits, Rector, Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences
Ulla Preeden, Rector, Tartu Applied Health Sciences University
Martti Kiisa, Rector, TTK University of Applied Sciences
Kuno Tammearu, Rector, Estonian Academy of Security Sciences
Piret Reinus, Estonian Rectors´ Conference of UAS
Laur Lilleoja, Rector, Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary
Ove Sander, Rector, Institute of Theology of the Estonian Evangelican Lutheran Church
Kristi Raudmäe, Head of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Research
Kalmar Kurs, International Cooperation Adviser, Estonian Education and Youth Board
Marietta Heinsaar, Head of Programme, Estonian Education and Youth Board
We enjoyed having such distinguished guests. (Photos: Anne Keelmann & Tiiu Roiser)
