Tom Rakočević: FAITH HAS SUSTAINED US, NOW IT IS OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED

(This is the first week of Orthodox Christians in the Ontario Parliament)

The first official week of Orthodox Christians was celebrated on April 22 at a formal reception at the Ontario Parliament in Queens Park. In addition to representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the gathering was attended by representatives of all other Orthodox communities represented in Ontario. The Diocese of Canada was represented by: His eminence, metropolitan Mitrofan, Diocesan Secretary Jovan Marjanac and Deacon Petar Marjanović.

Tom Rakočević, a member of the Ontario Parliament, played a key role in the passage of Act 167, which officially established Orthodox Week in Ontario in December 2024. At the ceremony in Queens Park, Rakočević expressed his pride in attending the first official commemoration, thanked the representatives of the Serbian and Coptic Orthodox communities, as well as all Orthodox jurisdictions.

"Our faith is the heart of our culture and the basis of our morality. Today, there are nearly a million of us across Canada, and we are officially recognized in this province. This is the time to show who we are, what we stand for and to unite as Orthodox Christians," said Rakočević, thanking everyone who contributed to the establishment of the Week of Orthodoxy.

In a short interview with our magazine, Tom Rakočević discusses the history of the initiative to pass a law that celebrates the cultural and spiritual contributions of Orthodox Christians across the province.

SAN: How did the idea of the Week of Orthodoxy come about and how long did it take to put it the initial idea into practice?

Tom Rakočević:   The idea of Orthodox Week was conceived a year ago when I had a conversation with Father Jovan Marianac in our Serbian Orthodox Church. In the conversation, we came to a common conclusion about the importance of recognizing Orthodox Christians, both the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox communities in Ontario. After submitting the initiative in the provincial parliament, the proposal passed the first and second readings, and then at the end of December 2024, it passed the third reading and officially became law (Bill 167). The proposal received the unanimous support of all members of the provincial parliament. And here we are celebrating the first Sunday of Orthodoxy with representatives of all Orthodox communities here in Queens Park.

SAN: You played a leading role in the entire process of passing the Act. Tell us about the challenges you faced, how long the process took, and what contributed to the success of the initiative.

Tom: Rakočević:   Act 167 was passed anonymously, but as the end was nearing completion, we were all anxiously awaiting the third reading and together we lobbied all Orthodox communities across Ontario to bring this initiative to life. At the end of December 2024, the Act officially celebrating Orthodoxy Sunday in Ontario was passed. The successful adoption of the law was the result of the joint efforts and commitment of all Orthodox communities to recognize the existence of our religious community in the province. The law is a formal recognition of our historical presence and influence and contribution in the province.

SAN: How significant is it that Ontario has recognized and officially adopted Orthodox Christian Week Act (Bill 167)?

Tom Rakočević:   We, Orthodox Christians, in Ontario, are part of the diverse cultural mosaic that makes our province so wonderful and unique. There are almost a million Orthodox Christians living in our province, but until now we have not been formally recognized as other religious communities. Now, thanks to this law that we fought for, we have an official formal Week of Orthodoxy that will be celebrated every first Sunday of Orthodox Easter. To celebrate and spread the teachings of our faith.

SAN: Can you tell us a little more about your future plans related to the celebration of the Week of Orthodoxy?

Tom Rakočević: This is just the beginning, but we certainly want to continue to celebrate Orthodox Week every year here in Queens Park.

Looking ahead, plans for future commemorations aim to broaden and deepen this recognition through the organization of various educational and cultural events within all Orthodox communities.

Also, we want to try to discuss important issues related to the Orthodox community and the challenges it faces through discussio

SAN: What does it mean to you personally to formally recognize Orthodox Christians as part of Ontario's multicultural community?

Tom: Rakočević:   This really means a lot to me. I proposed this Law and I received unanimous support from all political parties and members of the Parliament. I am really proud that we managed to push this through to the end. It is of great importance for me personally as a member of the Orthodox Church. It is my faith and the faith of my sons who were baptized in the Orthodox faith. It is the faith of my father and my ancestors and I am really proud that I am a member of the Serbian Orthodox Church.