ROYA Congress at the Episcopal Cathedral in Saint-Hubert, QC

November 14–16, 2025

Between November 14–16, 2025, the annual ROYA Congress of the Youth from the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas took place at the Episcopal Cathedral dedicated to “Saint George the Great Martyr and the Holy Martyrs Epictetus and Astion.” The event was attended by young people from both eparchies, together with His Eminence Archbishop and Metropolitan Nicolae and His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian.

The events began on Friday evening with the Sacrament of Holy Unction celebrated by a group of priests under the leadership of His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian. At the bishop’s invitation, Father Petru Neaga, ROYA’s metropolitan-level coordinator, offered a sermon.

The next day began with the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by the local hierarch together with Protos. Maxim Morariu, the cathedral’s ecclesiarch, Father Petru Neaga, and Father Constantin Traian Petre of the Cathedral. At the end of the service, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian delivered a homily in which he evoked the personality and legacy of Saint Paisius of Neamț. The hierarch emphasized:

“Saint Paisius remains a model of faith, steadfastness, and prayer for today’s youth. Through his monastic activity, his hesychastic life, and his work translating and publishing the Philokalia collection, he offers all of us an example worthy of imitation.”

The ROYA Congress sessions then continued: roll call of delegates, an overview of ROYA and its activities, and greetings from the two hierarchs of the Metropolia. Teodora Gârlonța, the Association’s president, spoke about its significance and the motivation for choosing Saint Catherine as its protector. Next, Valentin Cioană, ROYA Canada vice-president, reviewed the organization’s activities over the past year. This was followed by the financial report presented by Patrick Cioată from Vancouver, the association’s treasurer, and a testimony from His Eminence Archbishop and Metropolitan Nicolae regarding the ways in which young people in Latin America embrace Orthodoxy today.

The youth then divided into groups to discuss current and future projects and activities. Two representatives from each group later shared what they had discovered, recounting their experiences within ROYA.

A conference followed, delivered by Protos. Dr. Maxim Morariu, ecclesiarch of the Episcopal Cathedral of “Saint George the Great Martyr and the Holy Martyrs Epictetus and Astion” in Saint-Hubert, QC, and Diocesan Inspector of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada. He spoke about Father Dumitru Stăniloae and his legacy, followed by a Q&A session. The youth requested reading recommendations from Fr. Stăniloae’s works and expressed interest in his life and activity. At the end of the discussion, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian intervened to underline the missionary and liturgical importance of his writings.

The day concluded with Vespers, dinner, and common activities for the youth.

On Sunday, beginning at 8:30 a.m., together with Fr. Maxim, Fr. Petru, Fr. Adrian Manea, and Deacons Valentin Boțu and Marius Constantin Popa, the youth celebrated Matins. At the appointed hour, the hierarchs were received, and the Divine Liturgy was celebrated under the leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae and His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian. In the sermon, the Metropolitan spoke to the youth about the meaning of the Gospel passage and its message:

“Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” This question is not merely a theological inquiry but a call to conversion. Christ does not offer a definition but a story. A parable teaching us that love is not measured in words but in deeds. “The priest and the Levite pass by… perhaps out of fear, perhaps from a legalistic interpretation. But love does not justify itself. It gives itself. The Samaritan, the despised one, stops. He draws near. He binds the wounds. He pays. He remains. This is true mercy: not a feeling but an act. An act of grace… Mercy is the sign that God dwells within us. When we stop beside the wounded one, we stop beside Christ. When we lift up the fallen, we lift ourselves from indifference,” the hierarch emphasized.

At the end of the event, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian thanked His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae and presented him with the “Centennial Year of the Romanian Patriarchate” Medal on behalf of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, expressing gratitude for his presence and inspiring words. In his response, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae thanked the youth and all organizers. The event ended with a fraternal agape meal organized by the host parish.

Glory to God for all things!

Protos. Maxim Morariu and Fr. Adrian Manea