The Gathering of the Eastern Canada Deanery

Montreal October 10 – 11, 2025

With the blessing and in the presence of His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, the meeting of the clergy and parish delegates of the Eastern Canada Deanery took place on October 10–11, 2025, at the parish of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Montreal.

The event began on Friday, October 10, at 4:00 p.m., with a word of blessing from His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, who spoke about several significant anniversaries celebrated this year:

“This year is a special one, as we are commemorating the Centenary of the Romanian Patriarchate, a defining event for us as Romanians and Orthodox Christians, as well as the Autocephaly of our Church and the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea,” emphasized the hierarch.

This was followed by a welcoming address from Father Grigore Țăpuc – dean and two presentations by deacons of the Deanery. Deacon Iulian Amohnoaie, from the parish of the Nativity of the Mother of God in Gatineau, spoke on “The Centenary of the Romanian Patriarchate and the Strengthening of Orthodox Identity”. Deacon Marius-Constantin Popa, from the Episcopal Cathedral of Saint George and the Holy Martyrs Epictetus and Astion in Saint-Hubert, presented a talk on “Saint Calistratus of Timișeni and Vasiova”.

In the evening, clergy and deacons participated in the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Unction, presided over by His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian. At the end of the service, Father Grigore Țăpuc, with the hierarch’s blessing, offered a spiritual reflection. The evening concluded with a festive fellowship meal hosted by the parish community.

The gathering continued on Saturday, October 11, with a keynote conference delivered by Professor Rev. Dr. Ioan C. Teșu, from the “Dumitru Stăniloae” Faculty of Orthodox Theology at “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University in Iași. His presentation, entitled “Saint Father Confessor Dumitru Stăniloae or Theology as Life,” highlighted the profound theological work of Fr. Stăniloae, especially his translation of the Philokalia, and the way he personally lived the truths he wrote and preached. The session concluded with a time for questions and discussion.

Following the conference, Father Grigore Țăpuc presented the biennial administrative report of the Deanery, elections were held for various deanery committees, and reports were shared from AROLA, the Education and Catechesis Committee, ROYA (Romanian Orthodox Youth of the Americas), and others. Discussions also focused on future plans and strategies for revitalizing parish life.

His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian then introduced the assembly to the vision and development of the “Saint Hierarch Dosoftei” Complex in Hairy Hills, Alberta, encouraging participants to share this initiative and support it as a project representative of the diocese.

On the occasion of the gathering, the hierarch presented the clergy and attending delegates with the Centennial Medal and specially prepared commemorative pins, marking the significance of this special year – 2025 - within the Romanian Patriarchate.

The gathering concluded with a fraternal meal offered by the host community.

The deanery meetings within the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada take place every two years, offering moments of fellowship, reflection, and spiritual renewal for the clergy and faithful.

Glory be to God for all things!

(notes by Protos. Maxim Morariu and deacon Valentin Botu)