His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian attended the CNEWA Canada Gala
On Friday, November 7, 2025, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Canada, attended the CNEWA (Catholic Near East Welfare Association) Canada Gala, held at the St. Elias Banquet Centre in Ottawa. The event brought together ecclesiastical, cultural, and social figures from across Canada and beyond and was moderated by Professor Dr. Adriana Bara, the National Director of the institution.
The evening began with the welcoming address of Dr. Adriana Bara, followed by that of Archbishop Marcel Damphouse of Ottawa-Cornwall. Then, His Excellency Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, read the message of Pope Leo XXIII to the participants. This was followed by speeches from Mr. Michael Constantin, National Director of the Association for Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Egypt, and Mr. Joseph Hazboun, Director of the organization’s mission in Jerusalem, as well as a presentation on CNEWA’s work in Ukraine and the awarding of CNEWA Canada’s Faith and Culture Award to Mr. and Mrs. Stan and Marge Owerko.
“It is a great joy for me to welcome you to the Light in the East fundraising gala.
This evening, we have gathered not only to support this Association but also to celebrate the bonds of faith and solidarity that unite us in CNEWA Canada’s mission. Seeing so many friends and supporters gathered here fills my heart with incredible gratitude and hope,” said Professor Dr. Adriana Bara.
“I was glad to be able to take part in this event focused on charitable work and helping Christians in the Middle East and beyond. At the beginning of the meeting, I spoke with the two regional directors — Michael Constantin and Joseph Hazboun — and learned more about their activities. The situation of Christians in the region is fragile due to difficulties and conflicts. There is a need for greater solidarity among all Churches to support those in more difficult situations than ours. These gatherings are both concrete moments for raising aid funds and opportunities to become familiar with the special circumstances faced by Christians living in hardship. I also learned many positive things about their contribution to the well-being of the societies in which they live,” said His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian.
His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian was accompanied at the event by Fr. Petruță Busuioc, eparchial vicar General, Protos. Maxim Morariu, eparchial inspector; and Deacon Valentin Boțu from the Episcopal Cathedral “Saint George the Great Martyr and the Holy Martyrs Epictetus and Astion” in Saint-Hubert.
Protos. Maxim Morariu, PhD
