The Cave of St. Joseph of Arimethea

A native of Arimathea, Joseph of Arimathea was apparently a man of wealth, and probably a member of the Sanhedrin, which is the way bouleutēs, literally "counsellor", in Matthew 27:57 and Luke 23:50 is most often interpreted. According to Mark 15:43, Joseph was an "honourable counsellor, who waited (or "was searching") for the kingdom of God". In John 19:38 he was secretly a disciple of Jesus: as soon as he heard the news of Jesus' death, he "went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus." R.J. Miller[1] notes this act as "unexpected Is Joseph in effect bringing Jesus into his family?"

Pilate, reassured by a centurion that the death had taken place allowed Joseph's request. Joseph immediately purchased fine linen (Mark 15:46) and proceeded to Golgotha to take Jesus down from the cross. There, assisted by Nicodemus, he took Jesus and wrapped him in the fine linen, and applied myrrh and aloes. These are substances which Nicodemus had brought (John 19:39). Jesus was then conveyed to the place prepared for Joseph of Arimathea, a man-made cave hewn from rock in the garden of his house nearby.

The History of the Parish of Saint Joseph of Arimathea Orthodox Church

In the 1980s, there were more than thirty Orthodox churches of many different ethnic origins in Toronto. However, none of the parishes ministered directly to the English-speaking youth and Orthodox converts within the city. In response to this need, the Parish of Saint Joseph of Arimathea Orthodox Church was formed.


In 1981, Father David Belden initiated an English-language Orthodox ministry in a small Chapel at Hart House on the grounds of University of Toronto, Canadas largest university. Both students of the University and others interested in Orthodoxy and English language Orthodox services were attracted to the weekly Vespers, Liturgy, and lectures. There followed four fruitful years of Orthodox ministry at the University of Toronto. During this time fifteen people were received into the Church and the seeds of the Orthodox Faith began to grow.


The faithful came from various backgrounds and joined together with Father David in his missionary work to preach the Orthodox Faith and to celebrate the Divine Services. And soon, with Gods help, a small congregation was formed.


As our understanding and love for Holy Orthodoxy continued to grow, our small group felt an increasing desire to establish a permanent home for our community. With more people attending, we continually expanded the cycle of Services with Vigils and Feast day services, and it became apparent that the foundation for something more permanent was now possible.

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