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New Romanian Orthodox Church Consecrated Three Years After Fire
Three years after fire reduced its historic church to ashes, Boian’s Romanian Orthodox community has rebuilt a house of worship — and a bridge to its past and future.
BOIAN, CANADA — The Romanian Orthodox community in Boian, Alberta, celebrated the consecration of its new church on Aug. 15, three years after fire destroyed the historic house of worship that had served the community for more than a century. The occasion brought together three hierarchs and Romanian Orthodox faithful from across Canada.
Metr. Joseph of Western and Southern Europe, Metr. Nicolae of the Americas, and Bp. John Cassian of Canada presided over the consecration, which took place during celebrations held Aug. 14–16 for the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God. The services began with Vespers and the Lamentations of the Dormition before continuing with the consecration and Divine Liturgy.
Bp. John Cassian described the rebuilding as “a new rebirth for the Boian community,” emphasizing that the accomplishment carries significance for Romanian Orthodox communities throughout the diaspora. Patr. Daniel sent a message to the community, saying:
The new church in Boian does not belong only to the generation that rebuilt it. It is a bridge between generations: it receives the heritage of those who founded the community more than a century ago and entrusts it to the children and young people of today, so that they, in turn, may pass it on to those who come after them.
The new building follows the structure and architectural style of the historic church, which was consecrated in 1905 after Romanian immigrants from Bukovina established the parish at the beginning of the 20th century. Although some descendants have since moved away, the remaining community rallied to rebuild the church for future generations.
Photos: Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada / Facebook
The consecration was attended by clergy, numerous faithful, and representatives of Romania’s Consulate General in Vancouver. Fr. George Petrovan, who helped lead the rebuilding effort, was awarded the rank of Stavrophore Oeconomos. Other parishioners received distinctions for supporting the reconstruction.
Previously, the UOJ reported that an Orthodox family is seeking help after a devastating house fire.
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