United in faith and culture

Within the educational, catechetical and cultural programs of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, with the participation and involvement of His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, on Sunday, January 23, was organized on Zoom platform, an evening of poetry and reflection entitled "United in faith and culture."

January of each year is under the sign of culture, of Mihai Eminescu, but also of the Union of Romanian Principalities. At the beginning of the event, Rev. Fr. George Bâzgan administrative vicar made a beautiful presentation of the historical events but also of the political connotations that the Union of Romanian Principalities had. "Considered, the moment of grace of our history is the day when the first step towards Greater Romania is made, having a great significance in the history of the Romanian people" said Fr. Bâzgan.

The educational and cultural projects carried out within the diocese aim to create a center of cultural interest, able to reunite the whole family at home, around the edifying word, the authentic culture and the real values.

In a symbiosis of Eminescu's verse, reciters of different ages and from different corners of Canada brought back the joy and beauty of poetry to the souls of the audience. Zoe Dumitrescu Bușulenga was evoked - an illustrious personality of the Romanian culture, known as Mother Benedicta in the last years of her life, who sleeps her eternal sleep a few steps from the tomb of St. Stephen the Great and the bust of Mihai Eminescu who said: “Poetry is equivalent almost with a prayer. You immerse yourself in poetry to return with beauty. You enter into prayer to integrate into the absolute.”

Musical piano recital by the young Teo Coza, Grigore Vieru's lyrics recited by Bianca Ardelean, Eminescu's "Prayer" and "Glossa" recited by little Petra Poclid, Xenia and Iustin Bivol as well as by Daniela Bochiș, Eftimia Coleșnic and Petru Arsene Gavriș delighted those present.

The Armonia Choir of St. George's and St. Andrew's Cathedral in Windsor, conducted by Mrs. Daniela Burghelea Gheorghiu, ended the evening with "Hora Unirii" which reminded us as Brătianu said that "The Union is the only one the steadfast foundation of the building of our future: without it, what will be built will be built on sand."

(notes by Carmen Ognean)