Monastic Synaxis in the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada

Mono, Ontario July 17–19, 2025

Between July 17–19, 2025, the Monastery of the Elevation of the Holy Cross and St. Ephraim the New Martyr in Mono, Ontario, hosted the Monastic Synaxis of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada. The proceedings took place with the blessing and in the presence of His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Canada.

The Synaxis began on Thursday, July 17, at 6:00 PM, with the celebration of Vespers in the monastery chapel, officiated by Protosyncellus Corneliu Andrașco, Exarch of the monasteries within the Diocese.

The following day, Friday, at 9:00 AM, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the monastery chapel, together with Protos. Corneliu Andrașco, Protos. Maxim Morariu, and Hieromonk Polycarp, the monastery’s hegumen.

At 2:00 PM, in the monastery’s trapeza (refectory), the working session of the monastic Synaxis began. Nun Ana Bulgariu also participated in the synaxis.

In his opening remarks, the hierarch expressed gratitude to all participants for their presence and shared two sayings of Abba Pambo, emphasizing love and care for one's neighbor as essential vocations in both monastic and Christian life.

Next, Protos. Corneliu Andrașco presented the minutes of the previous session and moderated the Synaxis agenda.

During the Synaxis, the following measures were adopted: the finalization of the translation of the Regulations for the Organization of Monastic Life into English and French, the creation of a monastic fund to support specific monastic activities, the development of a media project to produce video presentations of monastic initiatives within the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, aimed at encouraging fundraising and broader community involvement, the organization of the next two all-monastic vigils with the participation of all monastics in the Diocese.

Several selected texts from the Holy Fathers, the Desert Fathers, and other more recent Saints and Spiritual Fathers were read during the Synaxis. These were prepared by Protos. Maxim Morariu and held special significance for monastic life.

The Synaxis concluded on Saturday, July 19, with the service of the Akathist of the Annunciation at 9:00 AM in the chapel of the Monastery of the Elevation of the Holy Cross and St. Ephraim the New Martyr.

(notes by Protos. Corneliu Andrasco - exarch)