Anniversary edition of the chess tournament of the Episcopal Cathedral “Saint George the Great Martyr and the Holy Martyrs Epictetus and Astion” in Saint-Hubert, QC

With the blessing of His Grace Ioan Casian, Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Canada, the Diocesan Cathedral “Saint George the Great Martyr and the Holy Martyrs Epictetus and Astion” in Saint-Hubert hosted, on Saturday, November 1, the anniversary edition (fifth) of the chess tournament organized under the patronage of its patron saint.

The event brought together 64 young people aged between 6 and 18 from the Montreal, Ottawa, Laval and Gatineau areas and was organized by the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada and the diocesan cathedral, in partnership with Nașul TV Canada and the Association of Romanians from Monteregie. Through the care of the organizers, the young people benefited from snacks and many prizes. For the first time in the history of the tournament, cash prizes were offered to the winners.

The closing gala of the event was attended by the protoss. Dr. Maxim Morariu, the ecclesiarch of the Cathedral and Father Ioan Ceaușu from the “Saint Dimitrie cel Nou” Mission in Montreal and the deacons Fathers Valentin Boțu and Marius Constantin Popa from the Cathedral.

"We thank God for the blessings poured out on this community, among which, of course, the chess tournament is also included. This year, all the parishes in the Montreal, Ottawa and Gatineau areas sent valuable young people, which was evident in the quality of the event. I thank from the bottom of my heart His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, who supported this initiative from the beginning, the main organizer and its soul, Mr. Cezar Vitencu and our partners, Mrs. Felicia Popa from Nașul TV and Mr. Dan Constantin Mieilă, from the Association of Romanians from Monteregie. It is a joy to see so many young people gathered in a church where, in addition to praying, they enjoy such a noble sport," said protos. Maxim Morariu.

In turn, Mr. Cezar Vitencu, the main organizer of the event, emphasized the following:

“At the 5th anniversary edition of our Chess Tournament, we were delighted to see the enthusiasm of over 60 brave and cheerful children and young people, in the same family and jovial atmosphere at the Cathedral of St. M. Mc. Gheorghe.

The participants enjoyed trophies, medals, diplomas, snacks, special prizes and cash prizes (over 3000 Canadian dollars)!

The Romanian children invited appreciated the friendly atmosphere, and we are happy to see how the interest in chess grows with each edition”.

The chess tournament dedicated to the Holy Great Martyr George is the first initiative of this kind in the Romanian Orthodox diaspora. It is held annually, being supported by the community and various donors. The cathedral also has the chess club "Knights of the Holy Great Martyr George", which meets once every two weeks.

Praised be God for everything!

Press Office of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada