First Romanian Orthodox bishop of Canada enthroned

(basilica.ro) - On Sunday, a ceremony was held at St George Church in Saint-Hubert borough of Longueuil, Canada, during which His Grace Ioan Casian was enthroned as first Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Canada.

His Eminence Metropolitan Nifon of Târgoviște, the delegate of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, read out the Synodal Tomos proclaiming the establishment the new Romanian Diocese of Canada.

His Eminence Nicolae, Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan of the Americas, led the enthronement ceremony of the first Romanian Bishop of Canada and read out the Patriarchal Gramata [decree of blessing].

Metropolitan Nicolae presented the episcopal insignia to His Grace Ioan Casian, who addressed the audience and stressed the importance of the mission the church has in society. He referred to the co-responsibility Christians have in their communities.

Bishop Ioan Casian called that day a moment of great joy, a crowning of long efforts. For over thirty-three years, we have been working on this project. This wonderful moment consecrates the efforts, the thoughts and hopes of generations of Romanians who lived in Canada for nearly 125 years, HG Ioan Casian said May 7 according to Trinitas TV.

Referring to the establishment of the new Diocese, Bishop Ioan Casian said that it emphasises a more concrete way to address the Romanian and Canadian reality from a pastoral point of view.

His Grace added that through the establishment of a new Orthodox diocese in Canada the entire Orthodox community is strengthened.