His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel sent a heartfelt message to the Romanian Orthodox community in Montreal, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Callinicus of Cernica.
In his message, Patriarch Daniel highlighted the cathedral’s pivotal role in preserving and promoting the Orthodox faith and Romanian identity in Canada.
“The second-oldest Romanian church in Montreal, this cathedral has been a beacon of Christian-Orthodox faith and Romanian identity,” he stated.
Please read the full text of Patriarch Daniel’s message below.
—
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Callinicus of Cernica in Montreal marks 50 Years
The Golden Jubilee of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Callinicus of Cernica Romanian Orthodox Cathedral in Montreal, Canada, offers us the opportunity to extend our blessings to the clergy and faithful of this cathedral as they celebrate 50 years since its founding.
As the second-oldest Romanian Orthodox church in Montreal, this cathedral has become a symbol of the faith and Orthodox identity among Romanian Canadians. Established through the blessing of the late Archbishop Victorin Ursache and supported by the work and contributions of the faithful, led by Emeritus Protopresbyter George Chișcă, the community held its first Divine Liturgy on December 23, 1973.
Saint John the Baptist and Saint Callinicus Cathedral has organized significant activities for the Romanian faithful since its early years.
Notably, the cathedral hosted the first visit of a Romanian Patriarch to North America—His Beatitude Patriarch Justin Moisescu in 1979. It was also the venue for two congresses of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Canada, and, on July 14, 2002, hosted the ordination and enthronement of Archbishop Nicolae Condrea by the late Patriarch Teoctist Arăpașu.
Given the respect shown by French-speaking Canadians for Romanian athletics, especially for Nadia Comăneci, we also recall the warm reception organized at Saint John the Baptist Cathedral in 1976 for Romanian athletes attending the Montreal Olympics.
Father George Chișcă, who has served the cathedral for 50 years, first came to Montreal in 1969 on a study scholarship from the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Geneva. At the time, he was completing a doctoral program in Christian ethics. He resumed his studies at McGill University’s Faculty of Religious Studies before receiving permission from the Romanian Patriarchate to remain with the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Canada.
On this special occasion, the Golden Jubilee of Montreal’s Saint John the Baptist and Saint Callinicus of Cernica Cathedral, we extend our wishes for continued success in your spiritual mission to promote the Orthodox faith and Romanian values far from home.
We also encourage you to hold high the banner of faith in order to face the waves of our times properly, by the power of God’s grace. The saints who preceded us have proven it abundantly.
Let us follow their example and remember that the Church remains the pillar and foundation of truth in all times and places.
Additionally, we extend our congratulations to His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, Father George Chișcă, emeritus protopresbyter, and all the faithful in Canada for their sacrifices and dedication.
May God grant them peace, health, joy, and salvation and bless their good works.
With deep appreciation and paternal blessing,
† Daniel
Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
Photo: Basilica.ro
