The Cathedral of St. George the Great Martyr and Sts. Epictetus and Astion – Celebrating 21 Years Since Its Founding

On the 20th Sunday after Pentecost, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. George the Great Martyr and Sts. Epictetus and Astion in Saint-Hubert, Québec. The religious service marked the 21st anniversary of the founding of the parish, a moment of deep joy for the entire community. The event also celebrated the completion of several temporary renovations in the cathedral’s basement - part of the first phase in an extensive project to repair, renovate, and remodel this space.

Among the concelebrating clergy were: Protosyncellus Maxim Morariu, Fr. Adrian Manea, Fr. Constantin Lupașcu, Deacon Valentin Boțu, and Deacon Marius Popa.

In his homily at the end of the service, the hierarch offered an interpretation of the Gospel reading of the day - the Resurrection of the Widow’s Son in Nain - emphasizing the divine power of the Savior and His compassion for those in suffering. This miracle is one of the three resurrections performed by Christ, as recorded in the New Testament.

His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian also spoke about the geographical and spiritual context of these miracles, explaining the significance of Bethany as a place of hospitality and of Christ’s friendship with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. He noted its proximity to Jerusalem, where the "temple of God's majesty" stood.

Reflecting on the sorrow of the widow from Nain, the bishop highlighted the Lord’s compassion and reminded the faithful that all human weakness and suffering are the result of estrangement from God. Christ came specifically to restore human nature and bring healing and life:

“The death of a child before their parents is never natural in the logic of our human time. Seeing the widow’s suffering, the Lord had compassion and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ This is how God works: He has mercy on us and comes to our aid, even in our deepest sorrows.

Human suffering - whether personal, communal, or societal - is a consequence of the fall into sin and the separation from God. Illness, weakness, hardship, and enmity all stem from this rupture. Out of mercy, God sent His Son into the world for our salvation.

In the Old Testament, God strengthened the righteous - Moses, Elijah, and the other prophets - revealing Himself to them according to their capacity to understand. And yet, say the Holy Fathers, human nature, even aided by God, was too weak to rise from sin on its own. It needed a Savior: the Son of God, a divine Person without sin, who could restore human nature. That is why Christ came, with mercy for the suffering human being.

This is what we see at Nain. After telling the woman, ‘Do not weep,’ He approaches the bier and commands: ‘Young man, I say to you, arise!’ He spoke in the same way in Jairus’ house: ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise!’ We see here the same divine power over death. This power does not belong to man, but to God. Later, the Holy Apostle Peter did the same with Tabitha, but not through his own power, rather through faith in the grace of God.

Christ, the Son of God, who has life in Himself, commands - and the young man rises and begins to speak. Then He gives him back to his mother. This miracle had a significant impact on the people: ‘A great prophet has arisen among us, and God has visited His people,’ says the Scripture. Miracles strengthen the faith of the people, showing that God is not far from the world, but always accompanies human life.

As Saint Nicholas Velimirovich says, miracles are signs that God cares for us through His providence in every moment of our lives. Through miracles, He makes His continual work in the world present and tangible. They give us the strength to go on, even when suffering or loss seems unbearable. Even if we don’t understand everything, we know that God is with us.

The same paternal care is seen at the crucifixion. The Savior did not leave His Mother alone but entrusted her to the beloved disciple: ‘Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother!’ God cares for those who suffer and does not leave them without support.”

His Grace Ioan Casian then briefly presented issue no. 18 of the diocesan magazine The Word, highlighting its diverse content:

“Some articles are theological in nature, others are related to the centennial year, some focus on the life of the diocese, youth activities, as well as interesting and important topics from the Christian world at large. The articles are accessible, educational, and spiritually beneficial. They bring clarity, formation, and context for understanding the mission of the Church today.”

The bishop also expressed his gratitude to all those who have been involved in parish life over the past 21 years.

On this special occasion, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian awarded commemorative medals and pins titled “Centenary of the Romanian Patriarchate – 1925–2025” on behalf of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada to several members of the community. These persons contributed this year to the projects of renovation of cathedral basement, offering their love, time, and resources to strengthen the parish’s unity and keep the flame of Orthodoxy burning in this part of the world:

“The medal bears the inscription ‘Romanian Patriarchate – 100 years’ on the front, and on the back: ‘Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada. Centenary Year of the Romanian Patriarchate 1925–2025.’ It is a symbol of our gratitude and the continuity of our faith,” said the bishop.

The festive day concluded with a festive meal to which all the faithful presents were invited, in an atmosphere of joy and fraternal fellowship. During the meal, two visual presentations were given by Elena Mihăescu and Victoria Pascu – one detailing the renovation work that has begun and the other outlining a proposed financial support plan.

(notes by Nun Ana Bulgariu)