Canada Day01-07-2021
For the Canadian federation on whose territory our Diocese is located, July 1st is a day of profound significance. It is a time when Canadians of all backgrounds celebrate Canada's birthday with great tolerance and respect, as they proudly call it. They celebrate it with emphasis and joy through parades and festivals proudly flying the maple leaf flag.
Beyond the historic moment of signing the Constitutional Act, on July 1**st 1867, we now have the opportunity to reflect and follow the history of our Romanian community that actively participated in the creation of a modern state as Canada is today.
Canada's history is closely linked to the history of each ethnic group that has contributed to the development of the provinces, adding to the last 35 years the dimension of multiculturalism by promoting ethnic principles.
The first Romanian communities settled over 120 years ago on the vast and glorious Canadian prairies, where today we have Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta or on the gentle shores of the Great Lakes in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
Romanian pioneers from Bucovina and Transylvania created and formed generations of Canadians with Romanian background who built strong communities and now maintain the Orthodox faith in our churches spread over 4,000 km from northern Canada to the south and east to west. They were joined after the fall of the communist regime by generations of young people eager to enjoy the privileges of a society based on tolerance and respect and which encourages diligence and performance through work.
His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew Ananias, who lived here, spoke of the multiculturalism and tolerance of Canadian society: “This is the beauty and greatness of this people, in the fact that it is a mosaic of shining stones.”
We urge all those who feel or have Romanian roots to keep and actively contribute to the smooth running of Canadian society by cultivating tolerance, respect and Christian love in harmony with all those who live here.
On this important day for all the people of Canada, let us stand by the suffering of the native peoples. Let us keep a moment of silence for all those who fell asleep and pray that God will give peace, healing and serenity to all those affected.
On Canada's National Day, with much brotherly and paternal care, now in the Homage Year of Pastoral Care for the Romanians abroad, we urge all who live and work in Canada to bring prayers thanking for where we live and for the gifts which God has poured out on us and to keep alive identity, family and faith.
Many years everyone! Happy Canada Day!
With much appreciation and paternal blessing,
+ Ioan Casian