Quebec QC Holy Apostles Peter and Paul Romanian Orthodox Church 2001

Québec, Québec, Holy Apostles Peter and Paul Romanian Orthodox Church, 2001

Prehistory

As with other national groups, it seems that although many Romanian-speakers may have arrived as immigrants in Québec City, Québec, Canada, in the first part of the 20th century, few (if any) seem to have remained in this city. Rather, the Romanian newcomers moved westwards after their arrival at the Port of Québec, towards Montréal, Québec, Ottawa, and Toronto, Ontario, Winnipeg, Manitoba, and destinations farther in Western Canada. This includes both those who arrived there before World War I (1914-1918).

In 1913, Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church (later called Annunciation) was established in Montréal, and any Romanians who might have lived in Québec City would have travelled there when it was possible. Similarly, any Orthodox Christians who were Russian- or Greek- or Arabic- speakers would have travelled to Montréal whenever it was possible.

Russian Orthodox mission, 1950

In 1950, the Mission of the Holy Trinity was established for the Russian-speakers. It developed slowly, and the community was lacking in economic resources.

Greek Orthodox community, 1959

In 1959, the Greek Orthodox parish of Evangelismos (Annunciation) was established for the Greek-speakers.

Neither of these establishments could provide much more spiritual solace to any Romanian Orthodox who lived there (because they had only occasional service through visiting clergy), but to any who did, the presence of other Orthodox Christians in the city would have been of encouragement to them.

Romanian settlement in Québec City

It was in the 1990s, during the fourth wave of emigration from Romania to Canada, that Romanians began to settle permanently in Québec City. This emigration was a consequence of very difficult economic times in Romania. Quickly, the newcomers found one another. They were small in number, and they all acknowledge a feeling of alienation in this new land. They recognised that a significant reason for this feeling was (besides their small numbers), the fact that they had neither a Temple in which to worship the Lord, nor a priest to guide them in life.

Therefore, as was the case a century previously, as soon as this group of Romanian immigrants were able to settle in the region, they began to organise themselves together with a view to trying to establish a parish and find the needed place of worship.

For a period of time, the mission functioned with the help of the Romanian Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Montréal. From time to time, one of its 2 priests travelled to Québec in order to lead services there, and to take care of any pastoral needs.

Eventually, however, as a consequence of a reduction in the number of priests, the Annunciation Church in Montreal came to be in a position in which it was no longer able to offer the mission the help through spare priests.

Establishment of the parish, 2001

On 18 March, 2001, there was a general assembly of the Romanian Faithful in Québec City. The assembly consisted of 32 adults, who represented 18 families. At this meeting, a constitution for the parish was established, and it was decided to name the parish for the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.

At first, the holy services of the mission were held in various chapels.

Priest Adrian Manea

In January, 2002, Priest Adrian Manea was assigned by the Romanian Episcopate to serve the parish as its first pastor.

Long-term temporary place of worship

Then, from 2003 until April, 2012, the mission members took advantage of the generosity of their hosts, the leadership of the Notre-Dame-de-Jacques-Cartier Church at 150, Rue Saint-Joseph E in Québec City. They were welcomed with open arms, and they accepted a merely symbolic rent.

Notre Dame de Jaques Cartier Church

Interior of Notre Dame Church

Father Adrian remained in the parish until the autumn of 2004, when he left to serve in another parish elsewhere.

Priest Daniel Postolache

In November, 2004, Priest Daniel Postolache was assigned by Archbishop Nathaniel (Popp) of the Romanian Episcopate to serve as the pastor of the Mission. He remained in the parish for more than 20 years afterwards. With God’s help, the acquisition of the permanent Temple is linked to his name and to his service.

By 2011, however, it had become clear that the host community of Notre-Dame-de-Jacques-Cartier was experiencing a noticeable reduction in attendance, together with the attendant financial difficulties. It was obvious also that the building probably would be closed to worship sooner or later.

Therefore, Father Daniel Postolache began a systematic canvassing of the parishioners. He began to go from house to house, accompanied by the president of the Parish Council or other advisers. In doing so, he managed to gather all the Faithful around the project of providing for a permanent site for the Romanian Orthodox community.

A feverish period followed : days and nights of calculations, doubts and hopes, interminable Parish Council meetings, searches for financing and negotiations with sellers, prayers made by the Faithful and by the priest.

Purchase of the First Temple, 2012

On 8 January, 2012, an Extraordinary General Assembly of the Romanian Orthodox Mission heard the proposal to purchase the former Saint Paul church (Roman Catholic) in Loretteville (a former city, now a neighbourhood of the city). The assembly voted unanimously to proceed with the purchase. A loan for the purpose was to be secured.

On 3 February, 2012, at 7:00 p.m., the sale-purchase documents were signed, and the purchase of the church building of Saint Paul in Loretteville was completed. Then, a letter was sent to all the parishioners :

 We would like to inform you that today, February 3, 2012, at 7:00 p.m., the 
 contract for the purchase of St. Paul's Church in Loretteville was signed.  The
 Romanian Orthodox Mission in Quebec thus acquired, with God's help, its 
 own place of worship, where we will soon meet for the Holy Liturgy.  The 
 acquisition of this church, which we will repair, beautify and beautify with 
 time, is more than the realisation of a dream : it is the result of an 
 extraordinary mobilisation of Romanians from our city and the surrounding 
 area, it is proof that we have not forgotten our roots and that we are actually 
 a community united and strong in faith.  We can be proud that we believed, 
 dared and succeeded !

Then followed a period of enormous efforts, both in voluntary work and in donations, as the church required numerous repairs at the time of purchase. The repair work was carried out at an extremely fast pace and the mobilisation of the community was exemplary. The help came from an impressive number of believers, who worked without counting the hours and days, gave of their time and labored with love for this beautiful house of the Lord. Whether it was individuals or groups that massively got involved in these renovations, the efforts of the Romanian community in Québec came together, and the result was wonderful ! With the help of God, and the dedication of people, we managed to do in a short time what others have not the blessing to do in a lifetime : to be founders ! The St-Paul Church, built in 1919, has found its original vocation !

The new Temple

The interior, at the beginning of renovation

First service in the new Temple, 2012

On 11 April, 2012 (Great and Holy Wednesday) the first service of worship was held in the now-adjusted Temple. On that day, Priest Daniel served in the Temple for the first time. Then, on Holy Pascha, the Resurrection of the Lord, was celebrated with real joy in the church !

Iconostas

On 16 May, 2013, the iconostas was installed in the Temple. This work of art was harmoniously integrated into the little Temple with its wooden interior.

The iconostas

Sanctification of the Temple, 2013

0n 18 May, 2013, the Temple of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul was sanctified by Archbishop Nathaniel (Popp), Bishop Irineu (Duvlea), and the first Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served in the Temple. The bishops were assisted by a group of priests and deacons.

Provincial award

On 15 November, 2013, the Award of Excellence was presented to the Romanian Orthodox Mission of Quebec from the Québec Religious Heritage Council. Special mention was included from the jury for the renovation of the Saint Paul Church.

Elevation to parish status

In September, 2014, by the decision of the 82nd Diocesan Assembly of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of North America, the Romanian Orthodox Mission “Holy Apostles Peter and Paul” in the city of Québec was elevated to the status of a parish.

Retiring the mortgage, 2014

At the end of December, 2014, the loan that had been contracted for the purchase of the building was paid in full, and ahead of schedule.

Following this, the parishioners worked hard to make necessary repairs to the structure of the building. They also enhanced the beauty of the building and its territory.

Fifth anniversary of the Temple, 2017

In February, 2017, the parish marked the fifth anniversary of their presence and service to the Lord in the new Temple.

Church School

In the basement of the church (which was renovated and modernised), every Sunday children from the community gather for Sunday school. Kind teachers take care of them. They teach them the Romanian language, traditions, and culture, and they instil in them love for the Orthodox Christian Faith.

Church School concert

The basement space is used also for meetings of the community, as well as various social events.

Particular parish information

This parish is a part of the Canadian Vicariate, Eastern Deanery, of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, in The Orthodox Church in America. The bishop is Archbishop Nathaniel (Popp). The Vicar-bishop is Bishop Andrey (Hoarste). The dean is Archpriest Liviu Alexandrescu.

This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, 29 June.

The principal liturgical language is Romanian.

In 2024, the pastor is Archpriest Daniel Postolache

Apostles Peter and Paul Romanian Orthodox Church (Biserica Ortodoxa Româna "Sfintii Apostoli Petru si Pavel")

90, Boulevard des Étudiants

Québec City, Québec

G2A 1N5

Telephones : 418-915-8595 ; 418-834-2027 ; 418-575-9611

E-mail : bisericapetrusipavel@gmail.com or daniel.quebec.2023@gmail.com.

Web-site : http://www.petrusipavel.org/

Directions :

The Temple is situated between Boulevard Valcartier and Rue Saint-Amand on Boulevard des Étudiants in the Saint-Roch district.

By bus : Consult Le Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC)

By car :

From downtown Quebec City :

Follow Route #136 Est, on Rue Saint-Roch, and Rue du Prince-Édouard, to Rue de la Couronne/Route #175 N. Turn right, and then follow Route #175. Follow Route #175 N and Route #369 as far as Boulevard des Étudiants in La Haute-Saint-Charles. Continue straight onto Boulevard des Étudiants. The Temple is on the right.

Archpriest Archpriest Daniel Postolache

Telephone : 581-984-0797

E-mail : daniel.quebec.2023@gmail.com

References

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

Parish web-site history

Additional information :

ROEA listing for the Romanian Orthodox Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Québec City, Québec"

ROEA listing for the Romanian Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Montréal, Québec

Canadian Vicariate

Eastern Deanery

Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America (OCA)

Orthodoxwiki article about the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America (OCA)

Orthodox Church in America listing for Saints Peter and Paul Church in Québec City

Orthodox Church in America web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church in America

Orthodox World listing for Saints Peter and Paul Romanian Church in Québec City