The Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada lived a more solemn moment in the spirit of holiness because with the entire Orthodox Church honoured on February 28th St. John Cassian, one of its three protectors.
In this respect, a festive liturgical program was held at St. George's Cathedral during this period: Wednesday, February 27 - Great Vespers with Litya, Thursday, February 28 – Divine Liturgy and on Sunday, March 3 after the Divine Liturgy, the youth of the Cathedral presented a small concert for the anniversary of the Diocese and for Mother's Day followed by an anniversary agape-meal. Along with the Romanian hierarch of Canada, Bishop Ioan Casian served priests of the Diocese, but also from others in Montreal area.
Among those present were: Rev. Fr. Egumen Paisie Buhnilă, Rev. Fr. Dean George Chişcă, Rev. Fr. Constantin Ciubotariu, Rev. Fr. Ion Ceauşu, Rev. Fr. Petruţă Busuioc inspector, Rev. Fr. Father Olimpiu Mărginean diocesan - secretary, Rev. Fr. Daniel Sandu, Rev. Fr. Constantin Traian Petre, Rev. Fr. Father Stelian Orlando Geonea, Rev. Fr. Daniel Ungureanu and Deacon Cătălin Gheorghiu.
The group of the Cathedral headed by the protopsalt Valentin Botu gave the responses to the strana.
During the service, Bishop Ioan Casian, all the priests, founders, benefactors and worshipers of the parishes and of the eparchial cathedral of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, were specially mentioned.
To the joy of the faithful the holy relics of St. John Cassian, St. Prince Constantine Brancoveanu, Sts. Hierarchs Gregory the Teacher and Andrei Saguna, St. Irodion of Lainici and St. George were brought for veneration from the episcopal chapel.
Holy Mother of God, Holy Apostle Andrew and St. John Cassian Protectors of our Diocese pray to God for us! Amen.
Troparia of the saints-protectors of the Diocese:
Troparion of the Dormition of the Mother God
In birth, you preserved your virginity; in death, you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos. As mother of life, you departed to the source of life, delivering our souls from death by your intercessions.
Troparion of St. Ap. Andrew
Son of Galilee and brother of Peter, among the fishermen you were the first one called in the group of the Apostles, Andrew the wonderful, and from your grave in Patra you call the peoples to God, and then you filled us with joy when you came to Romania, where you announced Christ the Lord.
Troparion of St. John Cassian
Holy Father of the undivided Church and theologian of Christian virtues; son of the Romanian land and the great teacher of the Latin monks, pray to God for us that we are singing to you: Rejoice, Saint John Casian, the great offshoot of the Romanian people!