On Sunday, October 6, the Romanian Orthodox community in Canada marked a significant milestone as the Diocesan Cathedral in Saint-Hubert, Québec, celebrated its 20th anniversary. The event brought together community members for a special Divine Liturgy, celebrated by His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Canada.
Bishop Ioan Casian was joined by several clergy members in the service, including Vicar Fr. Petre Busuioc, Hieromonk Policarp Athenagoras, Abbot of Mono Monastery, Fr. Mircea Panciuk, Fr. Traian Petre, and Deacon Valentin Boțu. During the service, the bishop ordained young theologian Marius Constantin Popa to the diaconate for the Diocesan Cathedral, further enriching the community’s spiritual leadership.
In his homily, Bishop Ioan Casian reflected on the Gospel passage about the raising of the widow’s son in Nain. “Christ speaks directly to the young man: ‘Young man, I say to you, arise!'” he emphasized.
The bishop pointed out that Christ does not pray to the Heavenly Father to raise the dead but commands it by His divine authority, revealing His true identity as the Son of God. “Through the words of this Gospel, we are given the hope of eternal life, which comes from our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
After the service, Bishop Ioan Casian recounted the key moments in the history of the community centred around the Romanian Orthodox Diocesan Cathedral in Saint-Hubert. In recognition of its members’ dedication and ministry, he awarded medals and distinctions to several individuals.
The Romanian Orthodox Cathedral in Saint-Hubert, Québec, is dedicated to Saint George the Great Martyr and Saints Epictetus and Astion. Over the past two decades, it has become a spiritual home for Romanian Orthodox faithful across Canada, fostering faith, tradition, and a strong sense of community.
The anniversary celebration was a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the future of the Romanian Orthodox presence in Canada.
Photo: Diocese of Canada
