MINISTER: Reverend Eric Lee
Eric was born in Hong Kong and raised there during the British colonial era. He attended a Christian elementary school, and attributes those early years with laying a solid foundation for his spiritual growth as a Christian in later years. Eric is one of those people who can pinpoint the moment when he received Christ as his personal Saviour, a moment that changed his life permanently. His profile eloquently describes his journey of faith from his school days, through his post-secondary education, his years in the investment banking industry, his decision with his wife Iris to immigrate to Canada seven years ago, and his acceptance of the new path God opened for him as he put his trust in the Lord, let go of his financial career, and pursued theological studies in Canada.
Eric speaks fluent English, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Japanese. His theological studies also provided him with some knowledge of Hebrew and Greek. His passions are the outdoors, animals, nature, marathon running, and alpine skiing. He and his wife Iris (a medical research specialist) do not have children, but the dog lovers among us will be interested to know that they have a “big dog”.
Eric holds a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) and a Master of Arts in Japanese Studies for the Professions, both obtained in Hong Kong. He graduated with a Master of Divinity from Knox College in Toronto in 2018 and has a Diploma in Theology. Since 2019 he has been a Presbyterian Church in Canada Certified Candidate for Ordination. He is a Canadian citizen.
Eric is a “second career” Pastor (a circumstance which has served us well in the past). His work with the banking industry in Hong Kong (2005-2015) included financial counselling and investment advising.
Eric was very involved with his church in Hong Kong, serving at various times as Care Group Leader, Worship Team Coordinator, and Prison Ministry Leader. Since his arrival in Canada he has been focussed on his studies at Knox and has been a Student Pastor at St. Giles Kingsway, serving as a teacher at Vacation Bible School and Pastoral Care Secondee. He has taken part in several mission trips to various countries.
Since 2019, he has been employed as a stated supply pastor and preacher at Bonar-Parkdale Presbyterian Church and has had multiple supply pulpit experiences at various Presbyterian churches in the GTA. This has provided him with several years of practical experience planning and leading worship.
Minister of Music Ministry: Kento Stratford
Kento has held various positions as organist/music minister at several parishes in the Kingston area before coming to Graceview in 2021 as our Minister of Music Ministry. He is an experienced pianist, organist and choir leader with a deep knowledge of the sacred choral music traditions of a wide range of Christian denominations including the United Church of Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada, the Lutheran Church of Canada and the Roman Catholic Church. Kento not only excels at the keyboard, but he is a gifted composer whose works have been performed both here in Canada and in the U.S.A. Kento’s strengths also include liaising between the congregation and various ministries, and regularly introducing new ideas and music to both the choir and congregation. His most recent assignment was working as the organist at the Canadian Forces Base in Kingston, Ontario. He holds a Bachelor of Music (piano and composition) from Queen’s University and a Master of Music Performance (Composition) from the University of Toronto.
Church Secretary: Halyna Parypa
Halyna has vast experience in office administration having worked in many industries including manufacturing, hotel/hospitality, food & beverage, marketing and printing. She also comes to us from Bloordale United Church and is extremely well qualified to manage Graceview’s affairs. She is fluent in English as well as Ukrainian and enjoys swimming, reading, gardening, crafting, and art.
Halyna’s office hours are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.