“His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, on the Sunday of St. the Apostle Thomas:
“The assurance given to the Holy Apostles becomes our assurance as well, shared by all in the Church across time, in every generation.”

On the second Sunday after Pascha, also known as Thomas Sunday, the “Resurrection of the Lord” Parish in Hamilton, Ontario, celebrated its patronal feast in an atmosphere of profound spiritual joy.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Canada, who visited the faithful on this special occasion. Concelebrating with him was the parish priest, Father Toderiță Călin. The liturgical responses were offered by the parish choir, adding beauty and solemnity to the service.

Numerous faithful from Hamilton and the surrounding areas took part in the parish feast, coming to share in the joy of the Resurrection and the encounter with the Risen Christ during this bright period of the Pentecostarion.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian delivered a sermon inspired by the Gospel of the day, speaking about the assurance of the Holy Apostle Thomas and the reality of the Lord’s Resurrection.

The hierarch emphasized that the Gospel of this day does not describe a mere vision or impression experienced by the Apostles, but their real encounter with the Risen Christ:

“The Resurrection of the Lord is not just a vision or something the Apostles imagined, but a concrete assurance. The Holy Apostle Thomas is convinced not only through words, but also through touch that Christ has truly risen, in the body.”

Referring to the Savior’s words to the disciples — “Peace be with you!” — the hierarch highlighted that the first gift Christ brings after the Resurrection is peace:

“The peace that Christ gives to the Apostles is the peace of the Kingdom of Heaven, the peace that overcomes fear, doubt, and turmoil.”

He further explained that the sending of the Apostles into the world and the founding of the Church are not the result of human initiative, but the work of God through the Holy Spirit:
“The Church does not create itself and does not generate itself. It receives its mission from God. The only source of sanctifying work is God, and man can only participate in this work.”

Commenting on the moment when the Savior breathes upon the Apostles and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” the hierarch pointed out that this is the foundation of the entire life of the Church:
“The Church is founded through the breathing of the Holy Spirit. We continue this work from generation to generation through the priesthood, but it does not belong to us. It is God’s work.”

Another central point of the sermon was the interpretation of the encounter between Christ and the Holy Apostle Thomas. The bishop explained that the Lord heals his doubt: “Christ calls Thomas and tells him: ‘Do not be unbelieving but believing.’ The Risen Christ assures the Apostle Thomas and the other Apostles that the One who was crucified is the same as the One who has risen. The assurance given to the Holy Apostles becomes our assurance as well, shared by all in the Church across time, in every generation.”

The hierarch stressed that the risen body of the Savior is the same body that suffered on the Cross, but now transfigured and filled with glory: “Christ still bears the marks of the nails and the spear to show that the One who died on the Cross is the same as the One who has risen. But His body is now a body of glory, no longer subject to the laws of this world. The proof of this is His passing through locked doors.”

In the final part of his message, the bishop spoke about the calling of Christians today to bear witness to the Resurrection in a world marked by conflict, injustice, and much unrest: “It is not enough to communicate more or to have more means of information. What can truly change the world is the conversion of our hearts. (…) Christ overcame evil not through human power, but through love, patience, and sacrifice. This is also our calling: to carry forward the witness of the Resurrection through the way we live.”

In conclusion, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian encouraged those present to remain in the joy of this Paschal season and to confess, like the Holy Apostle Thomas: “My Lord and my God!”

After the Divine Liturgy, the patronal feast continued in an atmosphere of fellowship and celebration. The Parish Council and the Ladies’ Committee prepared a festive meal for all those present, offering an opportunity for gathering and fraternal joy.

The festive program was complemented by a special artistic moment presented by the folk-dance groups “Doina” and “Doina Jr.,” who brought before the faithful the beauty of Romanian dance, traditional costume, and heritage.

Thus, the patronal feast of the “Resurrection of the Lord” Parish in Hamilton was not only a day of celebration for the community, but also a living testimony of faith, unity, and the joy of the Resurrection, experienced together in the Church.

(notes by Nun Ana Bulgariu)