Head of Moldovan community in Québec denies reports about opening of church with services in Romanian

The head of the Moldovan community in Canada's Québec Ala Mandacanu denies that they suggested opening a Christian-Orthodox church with services in Romanian in Canada. Priest Alexei Mironas told a news conference he will go to set up the church in Montréal at the request of Christians living there. “This assertion is not true. Neither me, nor the council of the Moldovan community in Québec formulated such a request or initiative,” it is said in a communique issued by Ala Mandacanu. According to the communique, Alexei Mironas made an approach, asking that he be helped to integrate with the Canadian society. The official answer was that the Moldovan community in Québec can provide informational support to the priest and his family so that they could better integrate into the Canadian society. In Montréal, there are over 3,000 Moldovan families and seven Orthodox churches that hold services in Romanian. In a news conference held in Chisinau on July 5, priest Alexei Mironas said a church where the religious ceremonies will be held in Romanian will be opened for the first time in Quebec region, in Montreal town. According to him, the popualtion there is in favor of such an idea and Prime Minister Vlad Filat will financially support this initiative. He did not yet say what amount he needs.