Eparchial Cathedral of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada

is celebrating its 20th anniversary from foundation

Episcopal Cathedral of St. Great Martyr George and St. Epictetus and Astion of Saint-Hubert, Quebec, celebrated its 20th anniversary from foundation on Sunday, October 6, 2024. The celebration began on Saturday evening with the Vespers service with Litia, performed by His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, Rev. Fr. Petre Busuioc administrative-vicar, Rev. Fr. Mircea Panciuk archpriest-emeritus, Rev. Fr. Daniel Sandu, Hieromonk Polycarp Athenagoras, hegumen of Elevation of the Holy Cross and St. Ephrem the New Monastery from Mono, Rev. Fr. Traian Petre, and Rev. Fr. George Drăgan.

            On Sunday morning, the liturgical program began with the Matins service, followed by the Holy and Divine Liturgy officiated by His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian surrounded by a group of priests and deacons, which included Fr. Petre Busuioc, Fr. Mircea Panciuk, Hieromonk Polycarp Athenagoras, Fr. Traian Petre and Deacon Valentin Boțu. During the Holy Liturgy, the young theologian Marius Constantin Popa was ordained deacon on behalf of the Episcopal Cathedral.

            In the homily delivered at the end of the service, the hierarch highlighted several aspects of the Gospel read during the Holy Liturgy.

 "As we all know, the foundation of the Holy Liturgy is the Resurrection of Christ. Today's Gospel speaks of one of the three resurrections from the dead performed by the Savior Jesus Christ, that of the son of the widow of Nain, a miracle that reminds us that what we experience in the Church is a mystery that exceeds our human power. Christ addresses the child directly: Young man, I say to you, get up! The Lord Jesus Christ does not address the Heavenly Father through a prayer asking Him to resurrect the child, but does so by command, revealing His identity as the Son of God and His divine power.

At the same time, through the words of this Gospel, the hope of eternal life that comes from the Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is communicated to us.

In the text of the Epistle read today, we saw how St. Paul the Apostle speaks about his conversion, about his change and return to God from the position of the persecutor of Christians. This shows us that it is never too late to return to the faith. God knows, through His economy, which is the best way, knows why sometimes people do not return to faith, although they see the wonderful work of creation and the grace of life. Due to the lack of spiritual depth or the absence of purity of heart, they cannot understand this mystery and considers it a simple biological or physical process. The Church Fathers speak of the contemplation through which we look at the things that happen in this world. In conformity with the purity of the heart and of the inner eye we begin to understand that everything that happens around us and in the entire universe is a work of God's grace."

            In conclusion, the hierarch recalled the main moments in the history of this community that happened during these 20 years of existence and awarded a series of medals and distinctions to some of its members.

            The events ended with a fraternal agape prepared by the members of the Parish Council and the Ladies' Committee, in which all those present participated.

(notes by Nun Ana)