View source for Mono ON Holy Cross Romanian Orthodox Monastery 2005, 2013


[[File:HolyCrossMonasteryMonoON 1.jpeg]]

'''Mono, Ontario, Holy Cross Romanian Orthodox Monastery, 2005, 2013'''


Nicholas may be spelt Nicolas, Nicolae, Nikolai.



==Prehistory==

Before 2013, there were several recent attempts to establish a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monasticism monastery] for [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monk monks] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada].  The [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Johnstown,_ON,_%E2%80%A0Monastery_of_Saint_Silouan_of_Mount_Athos_1990-2016 Monastery of Saint Silouan] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnstown,_Ontario Johnstown], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario], of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada] ([https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America Orthodox Church in America]) existed between 1990 and 2016.  The [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Cross Holy Cross] [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada_(Greek) Greek Orthodox] Monastery that was established in 1993 in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picton,_Ontario Picton], Ontario, merged before 2000 with [https://www.goarch.org/-/holy-monastery-of-holy-trinity Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Monastery] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimball_Township,_Michigan Kimball], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan Michigan], south of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Huron,_Michigan Port Huron], Michigan, [https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States USA].  In 1993, the [https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States Monastery of Saint Kosmas Aitolos] was established north of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto Toronto], near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolton,_Ontario Bolton].  This women’s monastery has remained active and growing ever since.  

Likewise, there were attempts made to begin a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Romania Romanian Orthodox]monastery somewhere in the region near Toronto, Ontario, beginning with the attempts of [https://holyprophetelijahonmountcarmel.com/services/ Archimandrite Nicolas (Giroux)] in Toronto.  He, himself, was very persistent in his perseverance, from as early as 2003.  The monastery that he organised was dedicated to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Cross Holy Cross]. 

In about 2005, Romanian monks who belonged to [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Nicolae_(Condrea) Metropolitan Nicolae (Condrea)] ([https://orthodoxwiki.org/Romanian_Orthodox_Archdiocese_in_America_and_Canada Romanian Orthodox Metropolitanate of North America] (ROAA))  began to look for a suitable site on which to establish a permanent monastic dwelling.

==Establishing the monastery, 2012==

In 2012, after 7 years of dedication to the Lord in Toronto, the project of the monks to have a monastery located in the countryside became a reality.  The monks gave and give thanks to the Lord, and they give Him glory.  

This 17-acre (6.9 hectares) property, is situated in the [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mono+Mills,+ON+L7K+0A1/@43.9470424,-79.9982275,13.33z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x882b02638c95373d:0xc2ad948a70f1ece5!8m2!3d43.945283!4d-79.969193!16s%2Fg%2F1tnjk5xq?entry=ttu Mono Mills,] near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mono,_Ontario Mono], Ontario, Canada, near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orangeville,_Ontario Orangeville], Ontario.  

'''Purchase of property, 2012'''

During [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Week Holy Week] in May, 2012, the monks visited a property east of Orangeville, Ontario, and they knew immediately that this was just what they were looking for. Then they undertook the complicated path of finding financing in order to secure the purchase of that property. 

==Blessing the property, 2013==

By 1 August 2013, the monastery had become the owner of the property located at [https://esquesinghistoricalsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2020-03-Newsletter.pdf Mono Mills].  On that day, [https://www.orthodoxchurchtoronto.ca/church/st-andrew-apostle-romanian-orthodox-church Father Gheorghe Tiu] and [https://holyprophetelijahonmountcarmel.com/services/ Father Nicolas (Giroux)], blessed the waters, and the newly-erected the Cross on the property, in order to inaugurate this new beginning.  This was a day for celebration ; and many people participated in the service, and remained throughout the day.


[[File:Holy'CrossEphremTheNewMonasteryPlantingCross 2.jpg]]  '''Newly-blessed Cross and land'''


'''Dedication to the Holy Cross, and Saint Ephraim the New'''

When the property was blessed, the monastery itself was given a double dedication :  to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Cross Holy Cross], and to [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ephraim_of_Nea_Makri Saint Ephraim the New]

After this, major renovations were done to the house. 

Then the garage was transformed into a modest chapel dedicated to [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Joachim_and_Anna Saint Anna], Mother of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Theotokos Theotokos].  


[[File:HolyCrossSaintEphrem Chapel 2.jpg]]  '''Saint Anna Chapel'''


The monks express gratitude to all the donors, benefactors and founders of the monastery. 

In this context, a plan was developed, which would transform the 17-acre property through the construction of a small monastic Temple, as well as a new monastery building, and the transformation of the original house into a guest house.

In September, 2017, during an archpastoral visit, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Ioan-Casian_(Tunaru) Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru)] and [https://holyprophetelijahonmountcarmel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Founder-PDF.pdf Hieromonk Paisie (Buhnila)] presented a certificate to Archimandrite Nicolas (Giroux) which recognised him as a [https://holyprophetelijahonmountcarmel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Founder-PDF.pdf founder of the monastery] (along with others).  


[[File:HolyCrossEphremTheNewOudtoorPavilion 2.jpg]]  

'''Bishop Ioan-Casian, archpastoral visit, outdoor pavilion'''


On 23 March, 2018, the [https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-29/page-8.html  Canadian Citizenship Oath] was administered to [https://holyprophetelijahonmountcarmel.com/newest-events-new-gallery-5-2018-23-march-canadian-citizenship-oath-of-hierodeacon-mardarie-marian-tofan/ Hierodeacon Mardarie (Marian)].  

'''Further details regarding the former abbot :'''

Archimandrite Nicolas (Giroux) had been the superior of the community from its beginning.   He served as [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Abbot abbot] from 2007 until 2015.  However, in 2015, because of certain unspecified factors, he resigned from his responsibilities (with the approval of the Eparchial Council).  

Then, on 6 August, 2018, Archimandrite Nicolas (Giroux) left the clergy of the Romanian Orthodox Church.  On that day, he became a member of the "[https://monastereprotection.com Communauté monastique orthodoxe de la Protection de la Mère de Dieu]", in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wentworth,_Quebec Wentworth], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec Québec].  In doing so, he went under the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Omophorion omophor] of Metropolitan Michel of Paris, France, a bishop for the "Diaspora" belonging to the jurisdiction of the "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_%E2%80%93_Kyiv_Patriarchate Patriarchate of Kyiv]".  This "patriarchate" became part of the  "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodox_Church_of_Ukraine Orthodox Church of Ukraine]" (OCU) under the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Throne of Constantinople] on 6 January, 2019 (when the Patriarch of Constantinople established the OCU).  However, it separated from the OCU again after a short time.  By doing so, this entity removed itself from communion with the Church of Constantinople.  

However, as Archimandrite Nicolas commented, many problems came with belonging to the OCU : the "[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Tomos Tomos]" specifies that the Orthodox Church of [https://www.britannica.com/place/Ukraine Ukraine] can no longer have jurisdiction outside of Ukraine itself.  This meant that all who were outside the territorial Church of Ukraine had nowhere to go if Constantinople were unwilling to welcome them within an Exarchate abroad.  

For such a reason, Archimandrite Nicolas decided to join himself to the jurisidiction of the entity established by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volodymyr_Romaniuk "Patriarch" Volodymyr (Romaniuk)] (the "[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_%E2%80%93_Kyiv_Patriarchate Kyiv Patriarchate]" (at that time led by [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Filaret_(Denysenko) "Patriarch" Filaret (Denysenko)]) within its [https://www.holyapostles.net.au/our-history  Ukrainian Orthodox Archdiocese of Western Europe and Canada] of the "Kyiv Patriarchate".   He received the responsibility of Vicar General for the [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vicariate Vicariate] in the Americas (of the "Kyiv Patriarchate").  It is clear that this ecclesial entity is not recognised as canonical.  

Since 2018, he has served the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy Divine Liturgy] every Sunday in the church of the [https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Romanian-Orthodox-Church-of-Niagara-100064872726703/ Holy Archangel Michael and Holy Prophet Elijah] (in Romanian and in English) in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagara_Falls,_Ontario Niagara Falls], Ontario.  

On the 15 July, 2022, Feast-day of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Vladimir_of_Kiev Saint Vladimir], he was ordained as a bishop by Proto-hierarch Metropolitan Volodymyr in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milan Milan], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy Italy].  He returned to Canada soon thereafter, and he celebrated his first Hierarchical Liturgy in Niagara Falls, Canada.   However, in doing all these things, he had entered yet another unrecognised organisation which is not in communion with the whole Orthodox Church.   Further, he had separated himself from communion with the monastery he had established, and from the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Romania Romanian Orthodox Church] to which it belongs.  


[[File:HolyCrossSaintEphraimMonasteryVisitors 2.jpg]]

==Holy Cross Monastery statement of purpose==

Holy Cross Orthodox Monastery at Mono is a Christian fraternal community serving the Mono community and seeking, engaging, and encouraging others through a life-changing [https://orthodoxwiki.org/What_is_Orthodoxy Christian journey]. 

Holy Cross Orthodox Monastery at Mono, Ontario seeks to be a loving, friendly community that worships [https://orthodoxwiki.org/God God], and serves others.  They place a high priority on the teachings of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Scripture the Bible], and following the example of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Jesus_Christ Jesus the Christ].  Their hope is to impact and renew Mono, Ontario and beyond with the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Gospel transforming message of Jesus Christ] through words and actions. 

The Orthodox Monastery “Holy Cross” is under the spiritual and ecclesiastical authority (omophor) of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Ioan-Casian_(Tunaru) Bishop Ioan Casian (Tunaru]), of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Romanian_Orthodox_Archdiocese_in_America_and_Canada Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada].  

The purpose of the monastery is to offer the testimony of an authentic monastic manner within the current secular and multi-cultural society.  Orthodox Christians of all jurisdictions are welcomed, as well as anyone who wishes to know more about the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian Faith], and about [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monasticism monasticism].  Further, it is hoped that other single men may be attracted to the challenge of the Orthodox Christian Faith, and to the total dedication of their life to our [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Jesus_Christ Lord Jesus Christ] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church His Church].

'''About Saint Ephraim the New'''

According to [https://orthodoxwiki.org/ Orthodoxwiki.org], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ephraim_of_Nea_Makri  Saint Ephraim of Nea Makri] (or Saint Ephraim of Mount Amomon) believed to have lived from 1384 to 1426, is a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Martyr martyr] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Miracle miracle-working] saint.  Saint Ephraim is regarded as a "newly revealed" saint.  He has become one of the most beloved saints in the recent decades, and his church is a centre of pilgrimage for the entire country of [https://www.britannica.com/place/Greece Greece].  His martyric death is commemorated by the Orthodox Church 5 May, and the discovery of his [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Relics holy relics] on 3 January.  His holy relics were discovered through Divine intervention in 1950, 524 years after his death.  The saint was glorified on 4 March, 2011.

==Monastery particular information==

This monastery is part of the [https://www.episcopia.ca/index.php/en/?start=432 Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada], of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Romanian_Orthodox_Archdiocese_in_America_and_Canada Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of America], within the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Romania Patriarchate of Romania].  The bishop is [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Ioan-Casian_(Tunaru) Bishop John-Cassian (Tunaru)].  

This monastery follows the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revised_Julian_calendar New (Revised Julian) Calendar]. 

This monastery has 3 feast-days : the Feast of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Elevation_of_the_Holy_Cross Exaltation of the Holy Cross] : 14 September ; the Feast of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ephraim_of_Nea_Makri Saint Ephraim the New] : 5 May ; the Feast of [https://www.orthodoxchristian.info/pages/anna.htm Saint Anna, the Mother of the Mother of God] : 9 September.  

In 2024, the Superior of the monastery is [https://monasterymono.org/en/home-english/ Hieromonk Polycarp].  


Address :

[https://www.episcopia.ca/index.php/en/structure/parish-directory/72-holy-cross-orthodox-monastery-mono Exaltation of the Holy Cross and Saint Ephraim the New Orthodox Monastery] 

[https://www.google.com/maps/place/308328+Hockley+Rd,+Orangeville,+ON+L9W+2Z2/@44.3071643,-80.608826,8.29z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x882afc302c645927:0xf47fbe07b98f25!8m2!3d44.0056961!4d-79.9972202!16s%2Fg%2F11f66gdck9?hl=en&entry=ttu 308328, Hockley Road], Mono

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orangeville,_Ontario Orangeville], Ontario

L9W 6N4

Telephone : 519-942-3489

E-mail : holycrossorthodoxmonastery@gmail.com

Web-site : www.monasterymono.org 

[https://www.facebook.com/OrthodoxMonasteryMono/ Facebook]  


For general information regarding the Holy Cross Orthodox Monastery, please use the telephone, text, or e-mail.    


Directions :

The Monastery of the Holy Cross and Saint Ephrem the New is located north-east of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto Toronto], Ontario.  

From downtown [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto Toronto] :

Drive westwards on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardiner_Expressway Gardiner Expressway].   Veer to the right and drive on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario_Highway_427 Highway #427] north, and then [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario_Highway_410 Highway #410] north until Mayfield Road /Peel Regional Road #14 in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brampton  Brampton].  Take Exit #18 to the right from Highway #410, onto [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Peel+Regional+Rd+14+%26+Mayfield+Rd,+Brampton,+ON/@43.7524675,-79.8214944,14z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x882b16e1bddcb0ed:0x1269116b33251b08!8m2!3d43.7524675!4d-79.80347!16s%2Fg%2F11hb2htg59?entry=ttu Mayfield Road] /[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dixie+Rd+%26+Peel+Regional+Rd+4,+Mississauga,+ON/@43.59957,-79.5727298,16z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x882b47dd679648ad:0x9cfd9ecaba492102!8m2!3d43.59957!4d-79.5701549!16s%2Fg%2F11hb2hr3ys?entry=ttu Peel Regional Road #14].  Then turn left onto Dixie Road/Peel Regional Road# 4 north, and drive northwards until [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario_Highway_9 Highway #9].  Turn left onto Highway #9.  Then, turn right onto 3rd Line Road north.  Turn right onto Highway #7/[https://www.waze.com/live-map/directions/ca/on/mono/hockley-road?to=place.ChIJvasbrjT-KogR_cFP3VIFfSs Hockley Road].  Continue straight on, through bends towards the east, through the junction with [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/43.686308,-79.601226/44.28778,-80.06713/@43.992815,-80.0656131,9z/data=!4m12!4m11!1m8!3m3!1m2!1d-79.60691!2d43.68597!3m3!1m2!1d-80.04505!2d44.19821!1m0!3e0?hl=en&entry=ttu Highway #18 (Airport Road)].  After the junction, the monastery is soon on the right.  

From [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orangeville,_Ontario  Orangeville], Ontario :

The monastery is situated about 12 km (7 mi) northeast of Orangeville, Ontario, on [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mono,+ON/@44.022997,-80.061436,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x882a55bbf3de23d7:0x3ada5af229b47375!8m2!3d43.9462956!4d-80.1042868!16zL20vMDIyOGx0?entry=ttu Highway #7].  After passing by Highway #18, the monastery is soon on the right. 

From Highway #401 :  

From [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario_Highway_401 Highway #401], take the exit to the north for Highway #410.  Drive on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario_Highway_410 Highway #410] past Brampton, until Mayfield Road /Peel Regional Road #14 in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brampton Brampton].  

Then, follow the same directions as from Toronto : Take Exit #18 to the right from Highway #410, onto [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Peel+Regional+Rd+14+%26+Mayfield+Rd,+Brampton,+ON/@43.7524675,-79.8214944,14z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x882b16e1bddcb0ed:0x1269116b33251b08!8m2!3d43.7524675!4d-79.80347!16s%2Fg%2F11hb2htg59?entry=ttu Mayfield Road] /[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dixie+Rd+%26+Peel+Regional+Rd+4,+Mississauga,+ON/@43.59957,-79.5727298,16z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x882b47dd679648ad:0x9cfd9ecaba492102!8m2!3d43.59957!4d-79.5701549!16s%2Fg%2F11hb2hr3ys?entry=ttu Peel Regional Road #14].  Then turn left onto Dixie Road/Peel Regional Road# 4 north, and drive northwards until [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario_Highway_9 Highway #9].  Turn left onto Highway #9.  Then, turn right onto 3rd Line Road north.  Turn right onto Highway #7/[https://www.waze.com/live-map/directions/ca/on/mono/hockley-road?to=place.ChIJvasbrjT-KogR_cFP3VIFfSs Hockley Road].  Continue straight on, through bends towards the east, through the junction with [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/43.686308,-79.601226/44.28778,-80.06713/@43.992815,-80.0656131,9z/data=!4m12!4m11!1m8!3m3!1m2!1d-79.60691!2d43.68597!3m3!1m2!1d-80.04505!2d44.19821!1m0!3e0?hl=en&entry=ttu Highway #18 (Airport Road)].  After the junction, the monastery is soon on the right.   
 


Superior : [https://www.episcopia.ca/index.php/en/structure/parish-directory/72-holy-cross-orthodox-monastery-mono Hieromonk Polycarp] 

Telephone : 226-200-1074


[[File:AerialViewHoly CrossEphremTheNewMonasery 2.png]]  '''Aerial view'''

==References==

Hopko, Thomas, ‘[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/monasticism Monasticism]’ in “The Orthodox Faith”, vol. 2.    

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monasticism Orthodoxwiki article about Monasticism]   

Prokurat, Michael ; Golitzin, Alexander & Petersen, Michael, eds., ‘Monasteries’ in “[https://search.worldcat.org/formats-editions/526097915  The A to Z of the Orthodox Church]”   (Lanham, MD : Scarecrow Press, 2010), pp. 223-224. ISBN : 978-0-8108-7602-6.  

...... ‘Monasticism’ in “[https://search.worldcat.org/formats-editions/526097915  The A to Z of the Orthodox Church]”  (Lanham, MD : Scarecrow Press, 2010), pp. 225-227. ISBN : 978-0-8108-7602-6.   


'''Additional information : '''

[https://monasterymono.org/en/home-english/ Holy Cross and Saint Ephrem the New Romanian Orthodox web-site]  

[https://www.episcopia.ca/index.php/en/ Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada web-site]  

[https://www.episcopia.ca/index.php/en/structure/parish-directory/72-holy-cross-orthodox-monastery-mono Romanian Orthodox Diocese listing for the Monastery of the Holy Cross and Saint Ephrem the New] 

[https://patriarhia.ro/en/ Romanian Orthodox Church web-site]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanian_Orthodox_Church Wikipedia article about the Romanian Orthodox Church]  

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Romania Orthodoxwiki article about the Romanian Orthodox Church]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Daniel_(Ciobotea) Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Nicolae_(Condrea) Archbishop Nicolae (Condrea)]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Ioan-Casian_(Tunaru) Bishop Ion-Casian (Tunaru)] 

[https://www.episcopia.ca/index.php/en/structure/archdiocesan-center Archpriest George Chisca, Dean for Eastern Canada]   

[https://www.episcopia.ca/index.php/en/structure/archdiocesan-center Archpriest Viorel Tencaliuc, Dean for Central Canada]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archpriest_Mircea_and_Preoteasa_Ileana_Panciuk Archpriest Mircea Panciuk, Dean for Western Canada]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orangeville,_Ontario Wikipedia article about Orangeville, Ontario]  

[https://holyprophetelijahonmountcarmel.com/services/ Biography of Archimandrite Nicholas (Giroux)]  

[https://holyprophetelijahonmountcarmel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Founder-PDF.pdf 2017 Certificate of the Founder]  

[https://www.episcopia.ca/index.php/en/who-we-are/history Short History of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada]  

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Romanian_Orthodox_Archdiocese_in_America_and_Canada Orthodoxwiki article about the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America and Canada]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanian_Orthodox_Metropolis_of_the_Americas Wikipedia article about the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas]   



 

[[Category:Monastic Communities]]  [[Category:Ontario]]  [[Category:ROCD]]  [[Category:ROAA]]  [[Category:RP]]