Orthodoxy in Canada

A Romanian monastery in Canada: “Monastic life is not an escape from the world, but a journey towards God”

“Monastic life is not an escape from the world, but a journey towards God. A monk does not withdraw from people; rather, he seeks to carry everyone in his prayers. This calling is both a gift and a great responsibility,” says Hieromonk Policarp Athenagoras, abbot of the only Romanian Orthodox monastery in Canada. The Romanian…

Jul 28, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox clergy from several jurisdictions gather in Windsor to honour St John Maximovitch

Clergy representing several canonical Orthodox Churches in Canada gathered on Saturday, 18 July, in Windsor, Ontario, to honour St John Maximovitch, the patron saint of the Windsor-Essex Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St George and St Andrew Șaguna Cathedral in Windsor by His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian of the Romanian Orthodox…

Jul 23, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Canadian monastery to host Gerontissa icon pilgrimage, pan-Orthodox youth gathering

At the beginning of the Dormition Fast, the Romanian Orthodox Holy Cross and St Ephraim the New Monastery in Ontario, Canada, will host a pilgrimage with the miracle-working Gerontissa Icon of the Mother of God, together with a new Pan-Orthodox Young Adults Gathering for Canada. The events will take place on 31 July and 1…

Jul 21, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox Bishops in Canada discuss Church unity, societal challenges at Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Canadian Conference of Orthodox Bishops (CCOB) took place last week in Toronto at the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada under the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Most Orthodox jurisdictions in the country were represented, including Bishop Ioan Casian of Canada, who attended on behalf of the Romanian Orthodox Church. During…

Jun 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Ontario Orthodox Christians celebrate first official Orthodox Christian Week after provincial recognition

Canadians in the province of Ontario celebrated Orthodox Christian Week for the first time following its official recognition by the regional legislature. The inaugural reception took place on Bright Tuesday at the Ontario Parliament building, Queen’s Park. Orthodox Christian Week will now be observed annually during Bright Week, which begins with Orthodox Easter, celebrated according…

Apr 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu