West Canada Deanery Meeting

Calgary, October 3–5, 2025

In a setting blessed with prayer, peaceful autumn weather, and a warm welcome, Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish in Calgary hosted the West Canada Deanery Meeting, held from October 3rd to 5th, 2025. Around our hierarch, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, gathered the clergy, parish delegates, guests, and many faithful.

Day I – Friday, October 3, 2025

The meeting officially began on Friday at 4:00 PM with an opening prayer and blessing offered by His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian. Representatives from the majority of parishes in the Western Canada Deanery were present.

The year 2025 marks a significant milestone in the life of the Romanian Orthodox Church – 100 years since receiving the status of Patriarchate. It is also the year dedicated to the Romanian Orthodox confessors and spiritual fathers of the 20th century. On this occasion, Father Ciprian Roman and Father Nicu Liuță delivered two thematic presentations: “100 Years Since the Elevation of the Romanian Orthodox Church to Patriarchate Status”, and “The Enduring Power of Faith, Identity, and Canonization After Decades of Oppression”, which inspired fruitful and spiritually enriching discussions.

At 6:30 PM, the Sacrament of Holy Unction was celebrated by His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, together with the gathered clergy : Fr Călin Marincaș - dean, Pr. Vasile Ioan Moisi - pariah priest, Hegumen Policarp (Mono), Fr. Corneliu Iulian Dragomir, Fr . Ciprian Roman, Fr. Nicu Liuță , Fr. Ovidiu Moldovan, Fr. Lucian Moldovan, Fr . Florin Porumb and Fr. Ioan Cristian Bujor. The faithful, present in large numbers, received the prayers for healing and were spiritually strengthened by the concluding sermon offered by Fr. Corneliu Iulian Dragomir (Vancouver).

The evening concluded with a fraternal dinner, marking the end of the first day.

Day II – Saturday, October 4, 2025

The second day of the meeting began in the morning, following a breakfast lovingly prepared by the women of the parish together with the presbytera (priest's wife).

The day started with prayer and the official recording of attendance from most parishes within the Deanery. Fr. Ciprian Roman, secretary of the meeting, read the minutes of the previous session held in September 2023 in Saskatoon, which were proposed and approved.

His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian then presented the agenda, followed by a theological conference by Fr. Prof. Dr. Cristinel Teșu, entitled: "Saint Dumitru Stăniloae – The Theologian of Love and Perfection", which sparked thoughtful and engaging discussions.

After a short break, the Activity Report for 2023–2025, compiled by Dean Fr. Călin Marincaș, was presented.

Next, the members of the Credential Committee and the Deanery Consistory were elected for the following two years.

The ROYA Report was then presented by Clara Maria Elena Comănescu, the ROYA representative for the region and a member of Saint Andrew Parish in Calgary. The priests involved in youth ministry offered practical suggestions for increasing the Church’s visibility and involvement in the lives of young people.

The AROLA Report was presented by Mrs. Mihaela Botezatu (St. Andrew Parish, Calgary), while the Department of Religious Education Report was presented by Mrs. Carmen Ognean.

A significant item on the agenda was the presentation of the “Alberta Project”, delivered by His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian – referring to the ongoing development of the “Saint Dosoftei the Metropolitan” Missionary and Monastic Center in Harry Hills. The project drew great interest and relevant feedback from the audience, confirming the beauty and necessity of such an initiative.

Following the financial report of the project, also presented by the Romanian hierarch, the day’s proceedings concluded with prayer and a fraternal agape meal. Later in the evening, those present gathered once again around their hierarch for the Vespers service.

Day III – Sunday, October 5, 2025

Sunday began with the formal reception of the bishop, followed by the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. At the end of the service, after the sermon delivered by His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, Parish Priest Vasile Ioan Moisi was elevated to the rank of Iconom Stavrofor, an honor received with visible emotion and gratitude.

Certificates of merit and appreciation were also awarded to several parish members who distinguished themselves through their love and dedication to the service of God and His Church.

The festive agape meal that followed concluded the gathering – a meeting that bore spiritual fruit and fostered fellowship among clergy and faithful alike.

With hopeful hearts and the sincere joy experienced during this encounter – held in a place with promise and potential to become a great house of worship, Saint Andrew Parish in Calgary – and surrounded by warm and loving hosts, we give glory to God for all things!

(report compiled by Fr. Ciprian Roman)