Annual Meeting of the Canadian Conference of Orthodox Bishops

On Thursday, June 5, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian participated in the annual meeting of the Canadian Conference of Orthodox Bishops (CCOB). Most of the Orthodox jurisdictions in Canada were represented.

Each participant spoke about the news from his own jurisdiction. His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian recalled the importance of the year 2025 for the Romanian Patriarchate as the anniversary year of the elevation to the rank of patriarchate (100 years), of the anniversary of autocephaly (140 years) and of the consecration of the National Cathedral in October 2025.

Also, it was discussed how the Associations of Orthodox Clergy from various regions of the country can be revitalized, as well as the methods of organizing joint services on Orthodoxy Sunday.

The need to preserve canonical regulations and church discipline was emphasized both in the internal functioning of the Church and in inter-ecclesiastical relations. The challenges generated by certain currents and Christian representatives active in the online environment, who disturb the natural order of Church life through distorted messages or without canonical coverage, were also addressed.

His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian presented the challenges generated by two recent proposals of the Standing Committee on Finance of the Parliament of Canada. They aim to suspend the charitable status of pro-life organizations and eliminate the principle of promoting religion as a charitable activity. The Romanian hierarch also signaled the difficulties arising from the new recommendations addressed to military chaplains in the Canadian army, which suggest avoiding the pronouncing of the name of God in public prayers.

The hierarch emphasized the need for a more concrete attitude and a more visible presence in society from the various Orthodox jurisdictions and the CCOB, both through media and through the organization of public events.

The difficulties raised by the new legislation on medical assistance in dying (MAiD) were also discussed.

In conclusion, several initiatives were decided upon to boost the activity of parishes and make the mission of the Canadian Conference of Orthodox Bishops (CCOB) more visible and transparent.