Romanian Orthodox Church
THE BIRTH OF THE MOTHER OF THE LORD
The Romanian Orthodox Parish of Saint Mary was established in the fall of 2007.
On October 20, 2007, at the meeting of the Deanery for Eastern Canada, priest Teofil Arsene received the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Nicolae, and on December 20, 2007, following the decision of the Diocesan Council of the Romanian Archdiocese in the Americas, the parish began its activity as a Mission.
Baptism
Baptism is the gateway into Christianity and into the Church –
"As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia."
(Baptismal Hymn)
For the baptism, you will need:
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Baptism candle (available at the church bookstore),
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White ribbon (1–1.5 meters long),
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Crizma (a large white bath towel),
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Olive oil (200–250 ml),
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One towel and a regular bar of soap,
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A new set of white clothes for the child,
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Sacramental red wine (e.g., King David / Kosher / Samos – available at SAQ and LCBO),
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(Optional) A cross necklace that will be given to the newly baptized child.
The child’s godparents must be Orthodox Christians.
Baptism fee – In Canada, the Church is funded exclusively through the offerings and donations of the faithful. The baptism fee for the current year, established by the Parish General Assembly, is 300 CAD. This amount is not tax-deductible, as it represents payment for a service.
The fee can be paid by cheque payable to:
"Eglise Orthodoxe Roumaine Ste. Marie"
or by e-transfer (Interac):
Email: office@sfantamaria.ca
Name: "Eglise Orthodoxe Roumaine Ste. Marie"
Note: To schedule a baptism, please contact us by accessing the Contact section.
Weddings
The family is the fundamental cell of society, and the Christian family is considered by the Holy Fathers to be a “small church” (St. John Chrysostom).
For the wedding ceremony, you will need:
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Wedding rings,
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Biscuits / traditional wedding cookies,
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Wedding candles (available at the church bookstore),
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A white ribbon 5–7 meters long,
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A copy of the civil Marriage Certificate,
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Sacramental red wine (e.g., King David / Kosher / Samos – available at SAQ and LCBO).
The Orthodox Church accepts, through economy (with the blessing of the bishop), mixed marriages under two conditions:
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The spouse who belongs to another denomination must have previously been baptized in the Orthodox faith;
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The godparents (wedding sponsors) must be Orthodox Christians.
Wedding ceremony fee – In Canada, the Church is financed exclusively through the donations of the faithful. The current year’s fee, established by the Parish General Assembly, is 400 CAD. This amount is not tax-deductible, as it represents payment for a service.
Payment can be made by cheque payable to:
“Eglise Orthodoxe Roumaine Ste. Marie”
or by e-transfer (Interac) to:
Email: office@sfantamaria.ca
Name: “Eglise Orthodoxe Roumaine Ste. Marie”
Note: To schedule a wedding ceremony, please contact us by accessing the Contact section.
Funeral
The funeral is the final journey that a person makes in this earthly life and the first step toward eternal life.
"With the saints, O Christ, give rest to the souls of Your departed servants, where there is neither pain, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting." (Kontakion)
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The evening before the funeral, the wake and the “Service of the Stâlpi” (prayer service for the departed) are held.
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After the funeral, the memorial service (parastas) is held in remembrance of the departed soul.
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For funerals, our parish does not charge any fees. However, any donation made in the name of the Church is welcomed and greatly appreciated.
Note: For more information, please contact us by accessing the Contact section.
Memorial services
Memorial services (Parastas) are offered upon request for our departed loved ones.
The word “Parastas” comes from the Greek language and means “to stand before / to intercede”, therefore referring to a prayer of intercession for those who have fallen asleep in the Lord.
The Parastas is essentially an abbreviated form of the funeral service, with its main part consisting of prayers of absolution and forgiveness, followed by “Memory Eternal.”
It is celebrated in the church, after the Divine Liturgy, and, when possible, also at the graveside.
For the Parastas, the following are brought in remembrance of the departed:
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Traditional bread (colac),
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Wheat memorial dish (colivă),
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Wine,
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Candles,
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Memorial list (pomelnic),
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Food (optional).
Note: To schedule a Parastas service, please contact us by accessing the Contact section.
The Holy Sacrament of Confession (Repentance)
Through the Holy Sacrament of Confession (Repentance), the Christian receives forgiveness of sins and is reconciled with God, regaining inner peace and communion with the Church.
For this Sacrament to be fully effective, the following essential conditions are necessary:
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Sincere repentance for the sins committed;
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Abandoning the sinful life and the decision to make a change;
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Confession of sins and receiving absolution;
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The correction of one’s life through the practice of virtues and the fulfillment of the spiritual guidance (canon) given by the confessor.
We recommend that the faithful, before coming to Confession, consult at least one guide for confession, in order to prepare themselves properly.
Confession Schedule
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Regularly, during fasting periods;
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By appointment (for marriage, travel, or special circumstances);
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In emergency situations (surgical procedures, hospitalization, on one’s deathbed, etc.).
Note: In all cases, please contact us through the Contact section to confirm availability and schedule.
Prayer lists (Pomelnice)
A place of great importance in the spiritual life of the Orthodox Church, both for the living and for those who have fallen asleep in the Lord, is the commemoration through prayer lists (pomelnice).
From ancient times, the Church has established the commemoration of the faithful during the Holy Services — at the Divine Liturgy (Proskomedia), at Akathist services, and at other services with special prayers — as an expression of brotherly love.
Prayer lists (pomelnice) may be offered for the living and/or for the departed:
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Annual prayer list – for the living / departed (commemorated during the Divine Liturgy);
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40 Divine Liturgies – for the living / departed (commemorated during the Proskomedia; may include special prayer requests);
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Akathist / Divine Liturgy – for the living / departed (commemorated during the respective service);
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Parastas / Commemoration – for the departed (commemorated during the memorial service);
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Holy Unction (Sacrament of the Holy Oil) – for the living (those suffering spiritually and physically);
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Thanksgiving prayer – for the living (commemorated during a thanksgiving service).
Through the Church’s persistent prayer, the grace of God is shared and His mercy is invoked upon those who are commemorated, according to the words of Saint Apostle Paul:
“Pray for one another.”
Hierurgies and Blessing Services
Hierurgies are services, rites, and prayers through which the Church invokes the grace of God for the blessing and sanctification of the person at different moments and circumstances of life, as well as for the sanctification of homes and personal belongings.
At the request of the faithful, our parish celebrates various special services of blessing and sanctification, such as: the blessing or consecration of homes, special prayers, and other church rites, all offered for the strengthening of faith and the spiritual comfort of those who request them.
OPENING HOURS
Our organization operates with a commitment to serving the community.
SUNDAY SERVICES
Join us every Sunday for our uplifting services from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
SERVICES FOR CHILDREN
We offer engaging and educational services for children every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, designed to cultivate young minds and promote a sense of community.