Faith, Family, and Childhood – Gifts for the Future

Annual Gala-Competition of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada

On June 6–7, 2026, the community of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada experienced moments of great joy and fellowship during the Annual Gala-Competition dedicated to the children and youth of the Diocese’s parishes. Now in its fifth edition and held with the blessing and guidance of His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, the event brought together participants from various Canadian provinces, offering an opportunity for fellowship, witness to the faith, and affirmation of Orthodox and Romanian values.

Once again, this year, children and young people responded enthusiastically to the invitation to reflect upon and highlight the beauty of faith, the role of the family, the power of prayer, the joy of giving, and the example of the great Spiritual Fathers and Confessors of the Romanian people.

Throughout the two days, participants presented remarkable works—essays, poems, posters, artistic creations, photographs, and video materials filled with originality and sensitivity. Each project testified to the way children and youth in the Canadian diaspora embrace and pass on the values of the Orthodox faith and Romanian identity.

In his message to the participants, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian emphasized the importance of nurturing faith and Christian identity from an early age, stating:

“We are delighted to gather once again for the 5th edition of the Gala-Competition of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada and to witness how this beautiful initiative has grown and evolved into a well-established event that encourages the creativity of children and young people, inspired by the values of our faith, our Romanian traditions, and the beauty of a life lived together with Christ.

This gathering is a moment of celebration and fellowship, during which parishes from across Canada, as well as participants from Romania and other European countries, can show the fruits of the work and talent of children and young people involved in Sunday schools. Through icons, essays, artistic creations, video productions, musical performances, and other forms of expression, they bear witness to their faith, their love for family, and their respect for the spiritual and cultural heritage they have received.”

This event, organized by the Diocese’s Department of Education, remains a living testimony that when faith is cultivated with love and responsibility, it bears fruit in the hearts of the younger generation and becomes a bridge between past, present, and future, between the heritage received and the mission of passing it on to others.

The jury highly appreciated the outstanding quality of the works presented, making the evaluation process particularly challenging. (Link to the award winners)

Congratulations to all participants, winners, parents, teachers, and coordinators who contributed to the success of this edition! Beyond prizes and distinctions, each work represented a testimony of faith, creativity, and love for the Church, family, and Christian values.

Christ works through the hearts of the young, and the Church rejoices in the fruits of this work.

In the Festive Year of the Pastoral Care of the Christian Family and the Commemorative Year of of the Holy Women of the Calendar, the children and youth of the Diocese offered a radiant witness to the faith received within the family and nurtured in the Church, demonstrating that the values of the Gospel continue to bear fruit in the hearts of new generations.

(notes by Carmen Ognean)