On the occasion of Thanksgiving Day, celebrated in Canada, Bishop Ioan Casian of Canada issued a message on Monday, urging the faithful to cultivate gratitude as a spiritual act rather than mere courtesy.
“Gratitude is not just a form of politeness but a work of the heart and a fruit of faith,” the bishop emphasised in his pastoral reflection to the Romanian Orthodox community in Canada.
Citing the words of Saint Paul, Bishop Ioan Casian reminded believers of the deeper meaning of thankfulness:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
He noted that Christians are called to give thanks not only for good things but for everything — for each moment, for visible and unseen gifts, for trials that bring one closer to God, and for joys that strengthen communion with others.
“Gratitude is not a mere formality but one of the deepest expressions of a heart living in God. It is a silent confession that, in all things and through all things, He works for our salvation,” noted the hierarch.
Bishop Ioan Casian encouraged the faithful to keep the flame of faith alive amid daily challenges, recalling the apostolic exhortation:
“Do not quench the Spirit… Test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:19–22).
In conclusion, the Bishop of Canada extended wishes of peace, thanksgiving, and blessing to all Romanian Orthodox believers in the country, quoting Saint Paul once more:
“May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
Photo: Diocese of Canada
