Enthronement of the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Canada

The Patriarchate of Romania recently separated their Archdiocese of America and Canada, creating the episcopal sees of the Archdiocese of Chicago and Metropolis of America, along with the Diocese of Canada. Archbishop Nicolae was elevated to Metropolitan, while Assistant Bishop Ioan Casian was elevated to Bishop of Canada.

The enthronement of Archbishop of Chicago and Metropolitan of America Nicolae took place in Chicago on Sunday, April 31st, while the enthronement of His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada occurred on Sunday, May 7th at the Cathedral of St. George in St. Hubert (Montreal), Quebec. As the representative of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae celebrated the Divine Liturgy and led the enthronement ceremony. Eight hierarchs were present at the service, with Metropolitan Sotirios being second in the order of hierarchs.

Both the Divine Liturgy and the enthronement service was organized wonderfully. Many people participated. After the enthronement service, a luncheon was offered where 750 people dined to celebrate the momentous event. 

As the President of the Canadian Conference of Orthodox Bishops, Metropolitan Sotirios offered greetings during the luncheon. His Eminence expressed to all the love, prayers and blessings of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Mother Church of Constantinople. He also conveyed heartfelt best wishes of the Canadian Conference of Orthodox Bishops. His Eminence spoke on the Resurrection of Christ and the significance it has for every Bishop, but also for every Orthodox Christian. In closing, His Eminence congratulated both Metropolitan Nicolae and Bishop Ioan Casian for their respective enthronements, wishing them both many years of fruitful ministry to the Lord.