Formation and activity of the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario in Canada

The purpose of the article is to study the process of formation and activity of the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario in Canada. The research is based on an analysis of the opinions of researchers and members of the religious community about the Zoroastrian identity and the adaptation of Iranian migrants. The Zoroastrian Society of Ontario was officially incorporated on April 1, 1978 and is currently a charitable non-profit organization under the Canada Non-Profit Corporations Act of 2010. A charitable corporation means a corporation incorporated for the relief of poverty, the advancement of education, the advancement of religion or other charitable purpose. The issues of the inclusion of migrants in the host environment, as well as the importance of the religious and cultural life of Zoroas-trians in Canadian society are considered using the example of the organization of the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario, conducting key rituals, celebrating important dates and events. This includes Navjot ceremonies, weddings, funerals, and Navruz celebrations. Attention is also paid to the issues of community consolidation in matters of religious education, marriage, and language learning for worship. The Iranian Zoroastrian Cultural Kanoun, as a separate body within the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario, organizes and monitors the observance of the main religious ceremonies, as well as conducts Avesta classes in Persian, courses in Persian language and literature for members of the community. Worship services in both Persian and English are welcome in the community. The activities of Zoroastrians in Zoroastrian Society of Ontario are generally aimed at observing traditions and faithfully conducting religious ceremonies within the community. The best practices of the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario are shown. This is an Admissions Committee that works with migrants to provide them with information before arriving in Toronto: it helps them find housing, tells them how to find a job, and how to use local transportation. The second practice is programs for the elderly. For example, in Toronto, there is a ride-sharing program where elderly people who need transportation to attend an event can find a traveling companion. It is concluded that the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario plays an important role in maintaining the identity of Zoroastrians in Canada and the evolution of Zoroastrians in Iran and Canada. The author declares no conflicts of interests.

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