St. John the Compassionate Mission is dedicated to outreach and care for vulnerable individuals and families in Toronto, especially those living in poverty or on the margins – all are welcome!
We’re an apostolate of the Carpatho-Russian Diocese of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, serving under the Omophorion of Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa (ACROD). (See our history and mission.)

Hours of Service – everyone is welcome!

Something New.....

April 5 the Mission Community theater actors performed an original play written by Br Luke. The play was a great success both in its artistic realization but also for its dept of reflection on the mystery of Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many people from the community at large came to see this artistic play and stayed to share a meal together. The mission regularly puts on such productions as a way to share the events of salvation to people who may not be familiar with them.

Nurturing community while breaking bread at Saint John’s Mission

February 24, 2025 Joel Levy Community & Culture, Lifestyle, Shopping, The City - Toronto Guardian

Saint John’s Mission, a charitable organisation based in Toronto, stands out for its multifaceted approach to community service. At the heart of its operations is Saint John’s Bakery, a unique social enterprise that not only produces quality sourdough bread but also provides meaningful employment opportunities to marginalised individuals. I recently visited the bakery and the church next door to chat with with Priest Nicolaie the Executive Director at Saint John’s Mission. He was able to give me a deeper understanding of the mission’s daily operations, the bakery’s origins, and its broader impact on the community.

Father Nicolaie (far left), guests and staff say some words before they eat lunch at Saint John's Mission

The Beginnings and Vision

Saint John’s Mission, also known as St. John the Compassionate Mission, was founded in 1986 by Father Roberto Ubertino. St. John’s Bakery, an integral part of the mission, started as a social enterprise initiative to provide meaningful employment and skill development opportunities to marginalised individuals, including those with disabilities and newcomers to Canada.

The bakery’s origins are deeply connected to the mission’s vision of community building and personal empowerment. The mission’s bakery began from the inspiration of an unhoused Hungarian ex-baker. This initiative aimed to create a sense of belonging and community through the art of baking traditional sourdough bread

The bakery’s recipes have roots in Brittany, France, where Father Roberto learned the art of making traditional French sourdough bread.

Daily Operations and Impact

Saint John’s Mission begins their operation at 5 AM, from Tuesday to Saturday, to bake, serve meals and create a sense of community. With an average of over 250 people served daily, the mission emphasises the importance of sharing meals and stories, fostering relationships, and providing a space where everyone feels welcome and valued. While I was visiting, I got to see the staff and the guests break bread together while they chatted about new updates in their lives.

Saint John’s Bakery next to Saint John’s Mission on Broadview.

The bakery operates with the same ethos. It not only produces high-quality organic sourdough bread but also serves as a training ground for individuals, including those with disabilities and refugees who might not speak English. The bakery’s social mandate is clear: to prepare employees for permanent work beyond its doors while providing individual healing and skill development.

Challenges and Growth

Over the years, the mission and its bakery have faced various challenges, from balancing bread production with staffing needs to maintaining the vision of community-oriented growth. Despite these challenges, the bakery has received numerous awards and recognition for its social impact and quality products.

Priest Nicolaie explained that while the bakery could have expanded significantly, the decision was made to prioritise personal connection and community values over rapid growth. This careful balance ensures that the bakery remains true to its roots and continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those it serves.

Support and Future Projects

Saint John’s Mission constantly seeks support from the community. Volunteers are always needed, and donations of food and resources are greatly appreciated. The mission also encourages people to buy their bread and sweets, which directly supports their programs.

Looking to the future, the mission has plans to open a new space on Queen Street, combining elements of the bakery with a reconditioned thrift store, artisan market, and gallery for local artists. This new venture aims to further integrate the community’s talents and resources, providing additional support and opportunities for those involved.

Saint John’s Mission and its bakery are exemplary models of how social enterprises can create lasting positive change. By focusing on quality products, community engagement, and individual empowerment, they continue to make a difference in Toronto. To support their work, consider volunteering, making donations, or simply enjoying the delicious sourdough bread and sweets they have to offer.

For more information, visit their website.

Two videos about the community at St. John’s

1) Narrated by Father Nicolaie, this 3½-minute video gives an introduction to the mission and people of the St. John’s community.

2) This 3-minute video introduces the viewer to the people and activities of the Mission’s affiliate in Scarborough, Good Neighbours Drop-In.

We are grateful to Peter for volunteering his time and skill.

Contact us to find out more about how you can contribute as a volunteer with the Mission or Good Neighbours.