TORONTO, January 29, 2026: The Board of Directors, president, staff and friends of the Zoryan Institute mourn the passing of Father Elias (Yeghia) Kirijian, a cherished friend of the Institute whose kindness, warmth, and generosity touched all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Father Elias was a man of faith in the deepest sense of the word. He was devoted not only to God, but to humanity at large. His compassion, openness, and quiet commitment to education promoting truth and justice reflected the values the Zoryan Institute strives to uphold.
For many years, Father Elias was a loyal and steadfast supporter of the Institute and its work. Beyond his generosity as a donor, he opened the doors of his church to the Institute, allowing it to serve as a welcoming space for dialogue, reflection, and community gathering to foster awareness on issues related to genocide, human rights, and diaspora-homeland relations.
Most memorably, the church hosted the Zoryan Institute’s tribute to Hrant Dink in 2018, featuring renowned human rights lawyer Payam Akhavan. Father Elias played an essential role in the success of that evening. Not only did he offer the space, but he personally helped to arrange all the technical and logistical requirements, and warmly promoted the event among his parishioners.
His support for the Institute and its mission was unwavering. Father Elias even helped sell tickets for the Institute’s fundraising gala, film screenings, and was always one of the very first in line to purchase one of the Institute’s newly published books, a gesture that spoke volumes about his enduring belief in and support of the Institute’s mission.
The Zoryan Institute and its stakeholders are profoundly grateful for Father Elias’s generous spirit, unwavering encouragement, and the many ways he gave of himself. His presence was a gift, and his legacy will remain woven into the life of the Institute.
The Institute extends our deepest condolences to his family, the Armenian Catholic Church, his parishioners, and all who mourn his loss. He will be remembered with great affection and enduring gratitude.
Funeral services will take place at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church of Toronto at 100 Northdale Road, Toronto, ON M2L 2M1.
Condolences and Visitations
Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Friday, January 30, 2026, from 10:00am to 12:00 pm
Friday, January 30, 2026, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Divine Liturgy and Funeral Rite
Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 am
Requiem Divine Liturgy
Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 11:00 am
