Bp. Andrei Presides at Canadian Parish Recently Affected by Fire

Bp. Andrei celebrates the Divine Liturgy at a Romanian parish in Canada which recently lost its place of worship due to a fire. Photo: Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America

MONTRÉAL — With the blessing of Abp. Nathaniel of the Romanian Episcopate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), Bp. Andrei visited the parish of St. Nicholas in Montréal on March 22, 2026 — the Fourth Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated to St. John Climacus—where he celebrated the Holy and Divine Liturgy.

Concelebrating with His Grace were parish priest Rev. Fr. Andrei Crețu and Rev. Archdeacon Nicolae Marinescu. The service marked a significant moment for the parish community, as it was celebrated in a new location following the destruction of their previous church building in a fire. The present location for worship is an old Catholic church which was named after Thomas More.

The fire at the former home of the St. Nicholas parish occurred in late February. Photo: Saint Hierarch Nicholas Parish - Montréal/Facebook

"According to a statement issued by Fr. Andrei Cretu and the parish council, the blaze consumed everything used for the community’s liturgical life, including Holy Vessels, vestments, service books, icons, and sacred objects," the UOJ's previous reporting states. "No one was injured. The building was not owned by the parish, and leaders clarified that fundraising efforts are not intended to rebuild the structure, but to relocate and restore parish life."

Parish representatives have invited the faithful to support the community during this period of recovery through donations. The GoFundMe can be found here.

Fr. Andrei stands before the Holy Altar. Photo: Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America

"We wish to extend our thanks to all those that made such a quick recovery possible through their prayers and donations and to those that shared and will continue to share our call for help," Fr. Andrei told UOJ. "Thank you and God bless!"

Previously, the UOJ reported that a new Romanian Orthodox parish was consecrated in Canada's capital. 

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