MESSAGE
NATIONAL DAY OF ROMANIA
On this National Day of Romania, as we gratefully recall the great act of Union on December 1st, 1918, we extend to you heartfelt blessings and wishes of health, peace, and strength from God, He who protects nations and ordains the times allotted to each.
The Great Union remains for the Romanian people a pillar of light and dignity, the fruit of the sacrifice, faith, and love of country shown by our forebears. Wherever we may dwell—whether in our homeland or far from it—this day calls us to unity and to a reverent appreciation of the heritage entrusted to us.
Here in Canada, Romanians have, for more than a century, carried with devotion the treasure of Romanian culture, language, and Orthodox spirituality, bearing witness through their lives to the enduring continuity of our identity.
The parishes and monasteries, and now the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, have been and continue to be landmarks of Christian and Romanian identity, steadfastly contributing to the promotion of love, understanding, and social harmony.
We pray that these sanctifying values may endure and be inscribed in the hearts of our children and youth, who today form the second and third generations of Romanians on these shores.
May God pour His blessing upon the entire Romanian people.
Many blessed and joyful years!
† Ioan Casian
Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada
