Bp. Andrei Celebrates Feast of St. Varlaam in Canada

MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK — Bp. Andrei of Cleveland, auxiliary bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, visited St. Varlaam of Moldavia Romanian Orthodox Parish in Moncton on August 30 for the parish’s patronal feast, with the blessing of Abp. Nathaniel of Detroit. The celebration coincided with the feast of St. Varlaam, Metropolitan of Moldavia.

Bp. Andrei presided over the Divine Liturgy, assisted by the parish priest, Fr. Lucian Vasile, and Fr. Cezar Pelin of St. Mary Romanian Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland, OH. In his homily on the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, he spoke about the gifts entrusted to people by God and their responsibility to cultivate those gifts and produce spiritual fruit.

The Bishop urged the faithful to deepen their Orthodox faith while strengthening parish life and bearing witness to Christ through love, unity, and service. The parish is the only Romanian Orthodox parish in Canada’s Maritime Provinces and serves Romanian Orthodox Christians throughout New Brunswick and the surrounding region.

Following the Liturgy, clergy, and parishioners gathered for a fellowship meal with their hierarch. The visit concluded that evening with a gathering for youth and young adults called “Hang Out with the Bishop.”

During the informal gathering, participants asked Bp. Andrei questions and discussed their faith and life in the Church. The Bishop encouraged them to remain actively involved in parish life and to deepen their relationship with Christ.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a Montreal parish celebrated Dormition with a festival, Hariseh tradition, and marriage anniversary honors.