Ottawa ON Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew and the Great-martyr Hristina Romanian Orthodox Church 1981

Ottawa, Ontario, Romanian Orthodox Church of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew and the Great-martyr Hristina, 1981

Prehistory

The formation of the parish was in part a result of the many pastoral visits to the Montréal, Québec, and to the Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, regions over many years by Archbishop Victorin (Ursache) of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

From the early years of their immigration to Ottawa in the 20th century, some Romanians who lived in the region would attend the Holy Trinity Bukowinian Church. The origins of some of the founders of that parish were in the region of Bucovina in Romania. Others travelled to Montréal. Eventually, through the efforts of Archbishop Victorin, some of the Romanians in the Ottawa region decided to form a parish community.

Founding the parish, 1981

In 1981, the parish of the Holy Apostle Matthew was founded officially in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

On 14 October, 1981, the community received from the Government of Ontario a charter of incorporation under the provincial Societies Act. This foundation was achieved through the work and dedication of Vasile (William) Panciuk (†1988) and his wife Rachael Panciuk (†2011), who farmed south of Ottawa, near South Mountain, Ontario.

Before this foundation, it had been their custom for many decades either to travel to Holy Trinity Church in Ottawa, or to the Annunciation (Buna Vestire) Romanian Church in Montréal, Québec.

After receiving the charter, the faithful searched for a suitable location for the regular conducting of Divine Services. The leaders of those who desired to form this community and to worship in the Romanian language contacted Archbishop Victorin and the administration of the Romanian Archdiocese in order to make the official establishment of the parish.

Thus, on 25 December, 1982, because of the efforts of Archbishop Victorin and the archdiocese, the Mitred Archpriest Vasile Vasilache served the first Divine Liturgy in the community as the parish of Saint Matthew.

Pastoral development

After the services on the Feast of the Nativity of Christ in 1982, the Divine Liturgy was served in various locations for some years.

Father Smith served the Romanian community of Saint Matthew which was meeting at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church, in Saint Luke's Chapel, during 1983 and 1984.

Briefly in 1985, the services for Saint Matthew's Romanian parish were in Saint Matthew’s Anglican Church.

In 1986, Archimandrite Paulin (Popescu) of Windsor, Ontario, was the administrator of the parish, and Aurel Bucalac was the cantor.

The Priest Casian Bighescu served the Romanian community of Saint Matthew which was then meeting at Saint Margaret's Anglican Church from 1985 to 1991. Afterwards, from 1991 to 1999, he served the Romanian community of Saint Matthew which had begun to meet at The Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Annunciation (Anglican Catholic Church) at 289, Spencer Street. There, the community continued to worship until the construction of a permanent Temple.

Father Habacuc Bucălaie served from June, 1999, until April, 2000.

Father Casian Bighescu again served between April, 2000, and August, 2001.

Archbishop Victorin (Ursache) visited the community again on the parish feast-day in November, in 1992, 1994, and often again until his repose in 2001.

In August, 2001, Father Habacuc Bucălaie returned to serve. After this, he was helped by other priests in his service on many occasions, until he retired in October, 2005.

Between 1982 and 2005, there were supplementary services offered, when necessary, by Archbishop Victorin, Father Mircea Panciuk, Father John Jifcu, Father Felician Zinca and Father Liviu Ungur.

In October, 2005, the Priest Grigorie Ţapuc came to serve the parish of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, with the blessing of Archbishop Nicolae (Condrea). Later, Archbishop Nicolae (Condrea) visited the parish for the installation of Father Grigorie to be the parish priest.

Incognito Choir, 2008

In 2008, the "Incognito Choir" was formed. Then, for the first time, the parish singers participated in a concert with other choirs. They sang in the first Pan-Orthodox concert of carols at the Saint Elias Antiochian Cathedral in Ottawa in 2010.

Founded by Mr. Viorel Onut, and under Father Grigorie’s blessing, the Incognito Choir consists of 20 men and women from different backgrounds and professions. They were brought together by their Orthodox Christian Faith and their love for singing.

The Incognito Choir offers 2 major annual concerts : a Romanian Christmas concert, and a spring concert. In 2015 and 2016, the ensemble performed in the European Christmas Concert organised by the European Union (EU) Embassy in Ottawa at the Notre-Dame Cathedral, thus bringing forth a sample of Romanian culture to the Canadian scene. In addition, the choir gives performances at retirement centres and events organised by the Romanian Embassy in Ottawa. It also participates in joint concerts with other local Orthodox choirs. On 24 June, 2016, at the concert the Incognito Choir sponsored together with choirs and cantors from the Saint Elias Cathedral in Ottawa, they raised $1,700.00. The sum was entirely donated to the benefit of the Fort McMurray wild-fire victims.

Incognito Choir in concert

Spiritual life

Although relatively young, the parish of Saint Matthew the Evangelist became an active and dynamic community. The spiritual life harmoniously intertwines with the cultural and educational missionary activities. Thus, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Sunday and on holy days. On Saturday night Vespers is served, followed by a homily. In addition, during the 4 lenten periods of the year, the Sacrament of Holy Unction is offered. Following the divine imperative "feed my sheep" (John 21:17), spiritual assistance is provided by the parish priest through his pastoral visits made on various occasions, by being present with the Faithful both in times of joy and in times of trouble.

The parish youth are not forgotten. Every Sunday a religious class is organised, in which the parish priest, assisted by Miss Corina Mihaela Hancianu (a teacher teaching the young) share the Orthodox Faith with them.

Preparing for future development

Because the developing community was forced to serve in spaces whose arrangements are foreign to the environment of Orthodox worship, the beautiful liturgical Orthodox spirit was in some ways impaired. This is because in Orthodox Temples, there is a harmony between the Orthodox worship and the space which supports it. Orthodox people can manage to worship in other venues, but a space that is natural to the Orthodox way of worship enhances both the worship and the prayer of the worshippers.

Therefore, for Orthodox believers it is always a major concern (if possible) to build a Temple where they can bring prayer to the feet of Jesus.

A new property, 2010

In 2010, Vice President of the Parish Council, Mr. Ion Rusu identified the property in the Crestview-Meadowlands neighbourhood of Ottawa, at 19, Cordova Street, as a possible site for building a new Temple for this parish family.

This property was purchased in April, 2010. Then, from 2010 until 26 May, 2016, through the efforts of Mr. Joseph Viorel Onuț (helped by the members of the parish Council and the other members of the parish), the approvals for the construction of the Temple were obtained in due course.

In 2011, there was a visit to the parish community, with a conference by Father Professor Vasile Mihoc.

The work of construction began with the blessing of Archbishop Nicolae (Condrea), through the sustained prayer, the striving and love of the founders, donors and benefactors of the region of the capital of Canada, Romania and the USA.

Planned new Temple

Relics of Saint Christina, 2015

On the occasion of the Feast of the Lord's Resurrection on 12 May, 2015, Holy Relics of the Holy and Great Martyr Christina (Hristina) were received from the Holy Mountain of Athos. This prompted the community to ask from Archbishop Nicolae (Condrea) the blessing that Saint Hristina might be a second dedication-name for the Temple.

Blessing the foundation-stone, 2015

The foundation stone was sanctified on 7 June, 2015, by Bishop Ioan Casian (Tunaru), the Vicar-Bishop of the archdiocese for Canada. He was surrounded by priests and Orthodox Faithful.

Construction of the Temple, 2016-2018

Then, the actual construction began on 26 May, 2016, and it was completed on 10 May, 2018. In 2017, substantial financial assistance was received from the State Secretariat for Cults of Romania.

Throughout the time of preparation and construction of the Temple (2005-2019), the parish priest, Grigorie Țăpuc was assisted by the members of the parish and the members of the parish councils and committees of this period.

Construction in progress, spring, 2017

New diocese and diocesan bishop, 2016

In the meantime, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Church of Romania decided to distinguish what had been the Canadian Deanery of the Romanian Archdiocese as a distinct diocese with its own bishop. The bishop who was assigned to serve now as the ruling bishop was Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru), who had been resident in Canada since 2007.

Canadian bishop, Canadian diocese, 2017

In 2017, the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of the Americas was elevated by the Holy Synod of Bishops in Romania to the status of a metropolis. Archbishop Nicolae (Condrea) was elevated to the dignity of metropolitan. At the same time, the Canadian deaneries were blessed by the Holy Synod of Bishops to become a diocese.

In May, 2017, Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru) was enthroned as the ruling Bishop of Canada of the new Romanian Diocese of Canada. Thus, this parish of Saint Matthew and Saint Hristina became a parish under his omophor, and a part of the Canadian diocese.

By May, 2018, the Archpriest Gregorie Ţapuc had recovered enough from his illness that he was again serving in the parish as he had before.

The opening of the doors of the new Temple, 2018

In May, 2018, Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru) made an archpastoral visitation to the community. The Temple had been sufficiently completed for regular services to commence within it.

Therefore, the new Temple was inaugurated with the Service of Opening the Doors (the service of initial blessing) on 12-13 May, 2018, when Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru) served also the first services of Vespers and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the newly-constructed building. Many people participated in this joyful event.

In July, 2019, the Temple was endowed with its iconostas carved from dry oak, and with pews. These were the work of the company of Mr. Ciprian Stoica from Bacău, Romania. The Holy Icons of the iconostas were prepared by the painter Liviu Răsteanu from Piatra-Neamț in Romania.

The iconostas

Icon of Saint Matthew

Sanctification of the Temple, 2019

On Saturday, 21 September, 2019, the formal sanctification of the Temple was performed by Archbishop Nicolae (Condrea), Archbishop of the Romanian Orthodox Archdioceses of USA, and Metropolitan of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas. He was assisted by Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru), Bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, and by other clergy. The service was attended by a large number of Faithful, including members of the Romanian Embassy in Ottawa.

The service of sanctification began the day. In the course of this, there was a procession around the Temple with the Holy Relics of some martyrs which were to be inserted into the Holy Table. The Holy Table and the Prothesis were sanctified and newly-vested. The walls of the whole Temple were incensed, blessed with Holy Water, and anointed with Holy Chrism. After the conclusion of the sanctification, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served.

Exterior prayers with the Relics (left) ; Sanctifying the Holy Table (right)

Sealing the Holy Relics into the Holy Table (left); Hierarchical Divine Liturgy (right)

The choir at the sanctification services (left) ; Embassy officials at the services (right)

Serving clergy and officials

Bishops, Clergy, Faithful

Incognito Choir : 10 years, 2019

The 10th Anniversary of the Incognito Choir of Saint Matthew and Saint Hristina Parish of Ottawa was marked in December, 2019.

On Saturday, 14 December, Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru) was present at the concert of the Incognito Choir of Saint Matthew and Saint Hristina Parish of Ottawa. Also present at the event with the hierarch were Father Grigore Țăpuc (parish priest), His Excellency Bogdan Mănoiu (Ambassador of Romania in Ottawa), Mr. Gabriel Petric (consul) together with other representatives of the Romanian Embassy in the capital of Canada. The concert consisted of traditional Romanian carols.

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the choir’s existence, Bishop Ioan-Casian offered a Certificate of Appreciation to the choir, and also an icon of the Mother of God.

Archpastoral visitation, 2022

On Sunday, 24 July, 2022, Saints Matthew and Great Martyr Hristina Romanian Orthodox Church of Ottawa celebrated its summer feast-day.

As reported by Preoteasa Mihaela Ţapuc, on this occasion, Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru), Bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, made an archpastoral visitation to the parish, led the services. Bishop Ioan-Casian had just concluded a week at the Saint Theodora Summer Camp, and a pilgrimage at the Monastery of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and Saint Ephraim the New in Ontario.

The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru), together with Father Grigorie Ţapuc, the rector of the parish. The responses to the Divine Liturgy were given by the Incognito Choir of the parish.

The Temple was filled with the fragrance of prayers and flowers, in the presence of many faithful from the Canadian capital area.

In his homily, Bishop Ioan-Casian, spoke first about Saint Hristina, her life of witness and her example of strength in faith. Afterwards, he exegeted the Gospel pericope of the day, which spoke of the work of the Saviour in the world.

After the Divine Liturgy, an agape meal was offered by the Parish Ladies' Committee to those who attended this joyful celebration.

40th Anniversary, 2022

On Saturday, 15 October, 2022, the 40th anniversary of the parish of Saint Matthew was marked with a festal banquet and dance which was offered in the parish hall of Holy Dormition Ukrainian Orthodox Church on Byron Avenue in Ottawa. In part, this event was a fundraiser.

On Saturday and Sunday, 12-13 November, 2022, the Altar Feast-day of the Parish of the Holy Apostle Matthew and the Great Martyr Christina was kept, and again the 40th anniversary of the parish was marked.

On this occasion as well, the 30th anniversary of the ordination to the holy priesthood of the Archpriest Grigorie Țăpuc was marked.

On Saturday, 12 November, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., a Moleben of Thanksgiving was served in the Temple. It was led by Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru), the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of the Romanian Diocese of Canada, together with Archpriest Grigorie Țăpuc and other priests invited to the event. This was followed by the veneration of the Holy Relics of Saint Matthew the Apostle, of Saint Christina the Great Martyr, and the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul (all of which Holy Relics are permanently kept in the Temple).

On Sunday, 13 November, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru) led the serving of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, together with Archpriest Grigorie Țăpuc and other priests who were invited. Following the Divine Liturgy, a Trisagion was served for all the founders who had fallen asleep in the Lord. This was followed by a Moleben of Thanksgiving both for the blessings poured out on the parish during the past 4 decades, and for the 30 years in which Father Gregory has been blessed to serve the Lord as a priest.

After the prayers, all those who attended were invited to a festive dinner which concluded the celebrations.

Priest Grigorie Ţapuc

Priest Grigorie Ţapuc was born 1963 in the Gircina Village, of the Neamţ County of Romania. The second of 8 children born to Grigorie and Domnica Ţapuc, he was raised in a religious and loving family. His primary schooling began in his native village and then continued onto middle school. Once he finished middle school, he went on to high school in Piatra Neamţ.

Grigorie was married in 1990 to Mihaela Rosu. They received from the Lord 3 sons : Daniel, Gabriel, and Justin.

He obtained his Bachelor Degree in Theology in June, 1992, at the Andrei Saguna Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Sibiu.

During August, 1992, he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate.

In November of that same year, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Metropolitan Daniel (Ciobotea) of Iași, Moldova and Bucovina.

He was ordained to serve in the Farcaș parish of the Ceahlau deanery in Neamț County.

While he served in Farcaș, Father Grigorie kept the Orthodox Christian Faith going strong by constructing a new Temple. The Temple was consecrated by Metropolitan Daniel (Cibotea) of Moldova and Bucovina on 23 April, 1998. Father Grigorie was elevated to the dignity of "Iconom Stavrofor". He was given this elevation because of his exceptional pastoral activity and his involvement in the diocese.

Father Grigorie Ţapuc served in Farcaș for 12½ years, until August, 2005, when he and his family (with the blessing of Metropolitan Daniel) emigrated to Montréal, Québec, Canada.

Saint Matthew’s parish in Ottawa was in need of a priest. Therefore, on 16 October, 2005, Archbishop Nicolae (Condrea) of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America and Canada sent the Priest Grigorie Ţapuc to serve this parish on a provisional basis.

Father Grigorie Ţapuc was appointed to be the pastor of the parish of Saint Matthew during a meeting of the Romanian Archdiocesan Council which met in Ottawa on 26 June, 2006.

It has been during the years of his pastorate that land was purchased, plans were made, and a new Temple was constructed for the parish. This construction was accomplished with almost no debt remaining. However, during the period of construction, Father Grigorie suffered from serious health difficulties which limited his personal activities for many months. By the spring of 2018, he was able to resume his active pastoral labours.

Particular parish information

This parish is a part of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas, of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The bishop is Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru).

This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-days of this parish is the Feast of the Holy Apostle Matthew, 16 November ; the Feast of the Great Martyr Christina of Tyre, 24 July.

In 2023, the pastor of the parish is the Archpriest Grigorie Ţapuc.

Address :

Saint Matthew and Great Martyr Hristina Romanian Orthodox Church

19, Cordova Street

Ottawa, Ontario

K2G 1M9

Telephone : (613) 878-1263

Web-site : https://sfmatei.ca/en/

Facebook Page

Directions :

Ottawa is accessible by various airlines, and by Via Rail.

By car :

From the far west, drive eastwards on Highway #417 (Queensway) and take the exit for Woodroffe Avenue South. Drive southwards until Baseline Road. Turn left onto Baseline Road.

From the far east, drive westwards on Highway #417 (Queensway) and take the exit for Maitland Avenue South. Drive southwards until Baseline Road. Turn right onto Baseline Road.

On Baseline Road, drive until Cordova Street. Turn southwards (the only option), and drive 4 blocks until Saint Claire Avenue. The Temple is on the southwest corner of Cordova Street and Saint Claire Avenue.

By bus :

Consult OCTranspo. There is bus service along Baseline Road.

Archpriest Grigorie Ţapuc

25, Rue du Cygne

Gatineau, Québec

J9A 2Z9

Telephones : 819-775-3281 ; (mobile) 613-878-1263

E-mails : priest@sfmatei.ca ; gtapuc@gmail.com

References

Bugea, Eleanor, “Romanians in Canada” (Michigan : Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, 2009). ISBN-10 : 1929200145. ISBN-13 : 978-1929200146.

Additional information :

Pacurariu, Mircea, ‘Romanian Christianity’ in “The Blackwell Companion to Eastern Christianity” (Oxford : John Wiley & Sons, 2007). ISBN 10 : 0631234233 ; ISBN 13 : 9780631234234.

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., “Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America” (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.

Diocesan listing

Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada Web-site

Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of the USA

Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas web-site

Wikipedia article about the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas

Romanian Orthodox Church web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Romania

Holy Cross and St Ephraim the New Romanian Orthodox Monastery, Mono, Ontario

Patriarch Justin (Moisescu)

Metropolitan Bartolomeu (Anania)

Patriarch Teoctist (Arăpașu)

Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea)