The annual meeting of the Canadian Conference of Orthodox Bishops (CCOB) took place last week in Toronto at the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada under the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Most Orthodox jurisdictions in the country were represented, including Bishop Ioan Casian of Canada, who attended on behalf of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
During the event, Bishop Ioan Casian emphasized the significance of 2025 for the Romanian Patriarchate, which is celebrating its Centennial and its 140th autocephaly anniversary. His Grace noted that, in this context, the consecration of the National Cathedral in Bucharest will take place in October.
According to the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, discussions also addressed ways to revitalize Orthodox clergy associations across different regions of the country and methods for organizing pan-Orthodox services for the Sunday of Orthodoxy.
Participants stressed the importance of preserving canonical order and church discipline both within internal Church affairs and in inter-ecclesial relations. The meeting also examined the challenges posed by certain online Christian influencers whose distorted or uncanonical messages disrupt the natural order of Church life.
Challenges Facing Orthodox Christians in Canada
Bishop Ioan Casian highlighted recent concerns arising from two proposals by Canada’s Standing Committee on Finance. These involve potentially suspending charitable status for pro-life organizations and eliminating religion promotion as a charitable activity.
He also addressed difficulties stemming from new guidelines issued to military chaplains in the Canadian Armed Forces, which suggest avoiding using God’s name in public prayers.
His Grace called for a more concrete stance and a stronger public presence by Orthodox jurisdictions and the CCOB, including greater media use and the organisation of public events.
Additionally, the meeting addressed complications introduced by new legislation regarding medical assistance in dying (MAiD).
In conclusion, several initiatives were agreed upon to energize parish life and increase the visibility and transparency of the Canadian Conference of Orthodox Bishops’ mission.
Photo: Diocese of Canada
