(L-R):  Ms. Joanna Dunn, Ms. Chiara Ubertino,
V Rev. Fr. Roberto Ubertino, and Mr. Peter Tabuns MPP

TORONTO, ONTARIO--  The Very Rev. Father Roberto Ubertino, the Founder and Executive Director of St. John the Compassionate Mission, was recently awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his leadership and dedication in service of the people of the Riverdale community for 26 years. 

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a new commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60^th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. It was created to provide a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country.

“In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship, and good neighbourliness, examples of which I have been fortunate to see throughout my reign and which my family and I look forward to seeing in many forms as we travel throughout the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth.”  Elizabeth II, 2012

At the same time, it serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.  During the year of celebrations, 60 000 deserving Canadians have been recognized.

Mr. Peter Tabuns, Member of Provincial Parliament of Ontario for the Toronto-Danforth riding, who nominated Fr. Roberto, presented him with the Diamond Jubilee Medal at a ceremony on Monday, September 24, 2012 at the Legislative Building at Queen’s Park.

The Very Reverend Father Roberto Ubertino is a priest of the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of  The U.S.A.  He was born in the Congo and has lived and worked in different parts of the world. He has four children.

St. John the Compassionate Mission began in 1986.  It is an oasis of hospitality to all and a place of belonging through awakening the God given dignity and value of each person.

St. John’s offers much to the people in the community through the Meal Programs, St. John’s Bakery, St. John’s Thrift Store, St. John’s Academy (after school tutoring program for children), Counseling services, Kids Klub, and other programs.

For further information about St. John the Compassionate Mission, please see their website at www.stjohnsmission.org