Clergy representing several canonical Orthodox Churches in Canada gathered on Saturday, 18 July, in Windsor, Ontario, to honour St John Maximovitch, the patron saint of the Windsor-Essex Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St George and St Andrew Șaguna Cathedral in Windsor by His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, together with Romanian, Greek, Serbian, Macedonian, and American clergy.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Ioan Casian spoke about the life, holiness, and missionary ministry of St John Maximovitch, emphasising the enduring relevance of the saint’s example for the Orthodox Church and its mission in North American society.
Protosyncellus Corneliu Andrașco, president of the Windsor-Essex Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood, thanked the bishop for his presence and for presiding at the organisation’s first patronal feast. He also expressed gratitude to the clergy for their concelebration and witness to Orthodox unity, as well as to the faithful who attended the celebration.
Windsor-Essex Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood
The gathering held special significance, marking the first time the members of the Windsor-Essex Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood solemnly celebrated the feast of their heavenly patron.
The brotherhood was established as a framework for communion, cooperation, and mutual support among Orthodox clergy serving the various canonical Orthodox jurisdictions in the Windsor-Essex region. St John Maximovitch was chosen as its patron saint in 2025 in recognition of his missionary work in North America, his pastoral care for people, and his efforts to strengthen Orthodox witness.
The Brotherhood brings together clergy from several canonical Orthodox Churches and regularly organises meetings, joint initiatives, and pastoral and missionary activities to strengthen the Orthodox presence throughout the Windsor-Essex community.
Photo: Facebook / Diocese of Canada
