Feast Day and Anniversary in Edmonton

On the weekend of May 13-14, 2023, at Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral of Edmonton, the Feast Day (a week earlier) and the 75th anniversary since the foundation of the parish (1948) took place.

On Saturday, May 13, at 10:30 a.m., the conference "Russian-Ukrainian War. Between History and Geopolitics: Regional, European and International Implications," was held by Univ. Prof. Dr. Edward Baidaus of Edmonton. The conference was watched with great interest by those present, including His Grace Ioan Casian and Fr. George Bazgan. Questions and answers followed, as well as discussions on this topic of great actuality.

On Saturday evening, at 18:00, the Great Vespers was officiated by a sobor, consisting of: His Grace Ioan Casian, Fr. George Bazgan, Fr. Dean Mircea Panciuk, Fr. Ioan Bujor from Bistriţa (Romania) and Fr. Gheorghe Ioan Petrovan from Edmonton. Referring to the Epistle reading for the next day, the Sunday of the Samaritan woman, His Grace spoke of the Christians of Antioch who received the visit of Barnabas (one of the 70 disciples and good friend of the Apostle Paul), urging them to "remain in the Lord with a steadfast heart."  "This exhortation is also addressed to us, those who have come abroad: to remain steadfast in the faith, in the face of challenges that tempt us, distract us to the left or the right, try to seed doubt in our hearts, etc. Therefore, this exhortation remains valid for us from generation to generation," said the Hierarch.

The next day, the Day of the Lord, the Hierarch was greeted with the Holy Gospel at the entrance to the cathedral by a group of a more numerous priests: Fr. George Bazgan, diocesan vicar, Fr. Dean Mircea Panciuk, Fr. Ioan Bujor from Bistrita (Romania), Fr. Vasile Moisi and Fr. Lucian Moldovan, both from Calgary, Fr. Călin Mărincaș from Saskatoon, and Fr. Gheorghe Ioan Petrovan from Edmonton.

Then, the icons of the Savior Jesus Christ and Sts. Emperors Constantine and Helen, executed in mosaic on the exterior wall of the church were consecrated.

The theologian Cristian Ioan Bujor from Calgary was received as a reader and subdeacon, and in due time of the Divine Liturgy he was ordained deacon.

In his sermon on the Gospel reading of the Sunday of the Samaritan woman, His Grace Ioan Casian said:

"The living water of which the Savior speaks is the water of Baptism which, through the mystery of the work of the Holy Spirit, of the prayer of the Church, becomes a symbol, a work, a sign of forgiveness of sins for the newly baptized. The dialogue between our Lord and the woman reaches a new level. The Savior shows her that He knows things beyond her confession, namely, that she had five husbands and the one she now has is not her legitimate husband. Finally, the Savior, very openly and clearly affirms His identity, revealing Himself as the Messiah."

Referring to the multiple events that happened this Sunday, the hierarch said:

"This is a Sunday in which certain projects were carried out, such as the mosaic icons made so wonderfully on the outside wall of the church, as well as the progress of the iconographic program, which will be completed in the near future. We have also ordained a new deacon to strengthen our Christian community, the Church, and create new "citadel," missions and parishes for confessing Christ."

Referring to the 75th anniversary since the foundation of the parish, His Grace said: "We ought to admire the Romanian pioneers who came to these lands of Alberta and founded churches, such as the one from Boian, which is the oldest church in our Diocese, representing the traces of the footsteps and faith of our worthy ancestors."

In the end, His Grace Ioan Casian introduced all the serving clergy, including Father and Psa. Ioan Bujor, the parents of the newly ordained deacon Cristian Ioan Bujor, as well as the two specialists: Marian Apătăchioae (mosaics) from Iași and the iconographer Florin Vlad from Romania.

         The meal, specially prepared by the tireless women of the parish was served, during which, the children from the Parish School, presented a program of poems for Mother's Day.

Glory to God for all your help!

(notes by Fr. George Bazgan)