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On Sunday 33rd after Pentecost at St. Barbara Cathedral we had an appreciation of all that Father Mircea has done during all these years assisting and preaching at St. Barbara’s before his retirement this year.
54 years ago, Father Mircea came to Edmonton with matushka Elena and their son to serve as a parish priest of St. Mary’s church in Boyan, and took an active part in creating a temple for a parish in Edmonton, that was consecrated to St. Konstantin and Helen Church in 1972.
But not only they revealed much zeal in establishing Orthodoxy among his people, the Romanian immigrants, introduced by the outstanding Archpriest of St. Barbara’s Cathedral, Father John Margitich, the educated and talented young priest of Romanian descent made a lot for the whole Orthodox Community of the Edmonton area. God granted him to assist at the cathedral during the time and by the blessings of nine bishops, giving help to many rectors and several generations of people.
The special talent of Father Mircea is his art of a Christian sermon, that he gladly shared all these years every time he served Liturgy or at the other occasions, and the parishioners, priests and guest were gladly listening to, receiving the words of wisdom and edification.
The rector of St. Barbara’s Cathedral the Mitred Archpriest Igor Kisil congratulated the celebrant and his matushka Helen, expressing gratitude on behalf of all the parishioners and priest, and handed over a traditional Romanian festive bread and flowers to them with many kind wishes and Mnohaya Lita.
The Secretary of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada Roman Lopushinsky invited Father Mircea and all the people to the festive meal, prepared by the Ladies’ Aid of the cathedral, where the festivities went on.
The grateful priests and people were enjoying the wonderful meal with some traditional Romanian dishes, heartfully communicating with each other and saying speeches and toasts in honor of Father Mircea.
The short account of the priest’s life was given by Roman Lopushinsky, who also, on behalf of the Cathedral Board presented a gift to the Father.
Many Years were sung and a lot of gratitude and good wishes were expressed!
In his response speech Father Mircea said thank you to the people of the cathedral for having been so kind to him and in this giving him, with God’s help, the inspiration to serve and to preach at this holy place all these years, asking everyone to keep commemorating him in their holy prayers.
