The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and St. Callinicus of Cernica in Montreal was adorned for celebration on Sunday, November 11, 2018. It was the anniversary of 45 years since the foundation of this Romanian church full of history and outstanding events over time.

The celebration began on Friday evening, with the Sacrament of the Holy Unction, and on Saturday evening was officiated Great Vespers with Litya. On Sunday 11 November, His Eminence Nicolae, the Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan of the Americas, and His Grace Ioan Casian, the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Canada, were present at the Divine Liturgy. Among the servants were the Father Dean George Chişcã and Deacon Cãtãlin Gheorghiu.

In the sermon, Metropolitan Nicolae said: "The Good Samaritan is the Savior Jesus Christ Himself who descended to the fallen man among the 'thieves' of sins to heal and guide him on the path of salvation. The path is the Church, and the wine and the oil of healing are the mysteries of the Church. Coming to us, Christ teaches us how to become the neighbor of those close to us and imitate Christ Himself. "

On this occasion, HE Metropolitan Nicolae offered to Father Dean George Chişcã the Gramata and the American Metropolitan Cross, and HG Bishop Ioan Casian a diploma of merit for the 45 years of service in this church. The two hierarchs expressed congratulatory words to Father George and the Cathedral community at this anniversary moment. The congratulatory message from the His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel was read by the Parish Priest, who also remembered the presence at the previous anniversaries (25, 30, 35 and 40 years) of other guest hierarchs from Romania.

An anniversary meal followed in a festive atmosphere, with other short speeches by parish guests at this event. The folk dances ensemble Datina presented an artistic program of traditional Romanian dances.

Deacon Cãtãlin Gheorghiu