Romanian bishop and diplomats celebrate diaspora identity at Windsor’s “Romanian Village” Festival

His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian of Canada and Her Excellency Oana Gherghe, Romania’s Consul General in Toronto, took part last week in the “Romanian Village” Festival organized by the Romanian Orthodox parish in Windsor, Ontario.

The festival is part of the “Carousel of Nations” – a multicultural celebration in Windsor bringing together various ethnic communities from the city.

Consul Florentin-Titov Gherghe and Father Milorad Delic, parish priest of the Serbian Orthodox Church “Gracanica” in Windsor, were also present at the opening ceremony on Friday, June 13, 2025.

Strengthening Identity Through Faith and Culture

“This celebration allows Romanians to feel they are part of Romania, even across the ocean – far geographically, but close in values, traditions, and spirit,” said Bishop Ioan Casian.

“The fact that the festival is held near the church, on its very doorstep, reflects the deep and continuous link between the Church and the Romanian people’s life, its role in shaping Christian identity, and contributing to unity.”

Every year, thousands of attendees – Romanian and non-Romanian – gather to enjoy traditional music, folk dances, authentic costumes, and Romanian cuisine in a spirit of hospitality and fellowship.

Liturgical Celebration and Call to Holiness

On Sunday, June 15, the community participated in a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Ioan Casian at Windsor’s Romanian Cathedral. Youth dressed in traditional folk attire greeted the bishop with bread and salt, in the Romanian custom.

In his homily, the bishop reflected on the action of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and every believer.

“The Holy Spirit came into the world to sanctify us, but this sanctification requires our free participation. True faith cannot exist without being openly professed,” he said. “The saints we venerate lived as confessors of faith – living witnesses for us.”

He also emphasized that “to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, we are called to detach ourselves from worldly things. Pure love directed toward God is the foundation of every other form of love – for neighbor, for family, for society. The Cross that heals us is God’s love lived genuinely.”

Windsor Romanian Cathedral and Festival Legacy

Windsor’s Romanian Orthodox Cathedral is pastored by Protosyncellus Corneliu Andrașco and is dedicated to Saint George the Great Martyr and Saint Andrew Șaguna, Metropolitan of Transylvania.

In its 32nd edition, the “Romanian Village” Festival continues to preserve and promote Romanian spiritual and cultural identity in Canada, bringing generations together in faith and tradition.

Photo: Diocese of Canada


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