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Romanian Orthodox Clergy Discuss Family and Parish Life in Toronto
Romanian Orthodox clergy gathered in Toronto to explore how stronger family life, religious education, and pastoral cooperation can renew parish communities.
TORONTO, CANADA — Romanian Orthodox clergy from across North America discussed strengthening family life, religious education, and parish ministry at their annual conference, held last week at All Saints Parish in Scarborough, Toronto.
The gathering opened with addresses by Metr. Nicolae of the Americas and Bp. John Cassian of Canada. A presentation by Fr. Petru Neaga, parish priest of the Annunciation Cathedral in Olmsted Township, OH, and Presbytera Nicole Neaga examined the priest’s wife as a partner in pastoral ministry, rather than solely as a clergyman’s spouse.
Participants also explored the family’s role as a domestic church, including parental involvement in parish life and the religious education of children. Fr. Nicolae Codrea of the Descent of the Holy Spirit Church in Windsor, Ontario, joined Fr. Emanuel Ionuț Țencaliuc of the host parish and Presbytera Flavia Țencaliuc in presenting a paper titled “Our Family: The Little Church at Home.”
Fr. Daniel Benga and Presbytera Cristina Benga joined the conference online to address the mission, sacrifices, and challenges experienced by priests’ families. Discussions following the presentations allowed clergy to exchange pastoral experiences, identify shared concerns, and consider practical approaches to strengthening parish communities.
The conference also included a Divine Liturgy celebrated on its final day by Metr. Nicolae and Bp. John Cassian, who blessed the recently expanded and renovated narthex of All Saints Parish. Fr. Maxym Lysack, parish priest of Christ the Saviour Church in Ottawa, delivered the concluding presentation online, examining principles for transforming a historic parish into a multicultural community.
The next annual clergy conference of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas is scheduled for August 26–28, 2027, at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Sts. Constantine and Helen in Chicago, IL.
Previously, the UOJ reported that ten members of the same family were baptized Orthodox in Texas.
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