The General Assembly of the Cultural-Theological and Catechetical Training Center

"St. Maxim the Confessor"

The Cultural-Theological and Catechetical Training Center "St. Maxim the Confessor" (CFTMM) of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada convened its first General Assembly on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the "Exaltation of the Holy Cross and St. Ephrem the New" Monastery in Mono, ON. The assembly began with a Hierarchical Liturgy presided over by His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian. Alongside him were present Fr. Petre Busuioc administrative vicar, Fr. Dragoș Giulea – director of the center, Fr. Nicolae Codrea diocesan secretary, Protos. Maxim Morariu diocesan inspector, Hieromonk Polycarp Athenagoras hegumen, Fr. Emanuel Țencaliuc, and Fr. Constantin Lupașcu.

The session continued at the “The Valley of the Mother of God” Center in Mono, where founding members and prospective members gathered. The hierarch delivered an inaugural address, and Fr. Dragoș Giulea presented the Center’s activities since receiving approval from the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church in 2022. The Center offers Orthodox theology courses in Canada.

After a brief financial report, discussions focused on potential future projects, including an annual scientific journal and a theological symposium scheduled for May. Other initiatives will address specific pedagogical aspects, potential partnerships with Canadian universities for official recognition of studies, and programs for Sunday schools. The assembly also addressed membership, budgeting, and fundraising opportunities. The meeting concluded with the election of key positions on the Board of Directors and the Scientific Council to ensure the Center's effective operation.

Notes by Fr. Dragoș Giulea, PhD