In Memoriam: The Very Rev. Casian Fetea

The Chancery of the Romanian Episcopate has been notified that Archpriest Casian Fetea, parish priest of The Nativity of the Ever Virgin Mary Church in Elmhurst, NY, and Dean of the ROEA Atlantic Deanery, suddenly fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, December 28, 2007.

Father Casian was born on September 6, 1953, in Brusturi, Bihor, Romania. He received his education in Romania. From 1968-1973, he attended the Theological Seminary in Caransebes. He then attended the Theological Institute in Bucharest from 1974-1978. In 1982, he earned a Masters in Theology from the same institution. In 2003, he received his Ph.D. at the Bucharest University, Faculty of Orthodox Theology, in History of Religions, under Professor Remus Rus. Fr. Casian also received the distinction of the Patriarchal Cross.

Fr. Fetea immigrated to the U.S. in 1986 and became a citizen in 1991.

He was ordained a priest in 1976 in Satu Mare by Bishop Vasile (Coman) of Oradea. From 1977-1984, he served the parish in Vintere, Beius, Bihor, and the parish in Chistag, Oradea, Bihor (1984-1986). In the U.S., he served St. John Church in Salem, Ohio (1986-1987) and The Nativity of the Ever Virgin Mary Church in Elmhurst, New York (1987 to 2007).

Fr Casian was predeceased by his wife, Preoteasa Maria, in 1989. He leaves to mourn his brother, V Rev Fr Adrian Fetea, and other family members in Romania.

Funeral arrangements for Fr. Casian are as follows:

Tuesday, January 1, 2008, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm

Wake Service at Lynch Funeral Home

Address: 43-07 Queens Blvd Sunnyside, NY 11104 (718) 784-1525)

Wednesday, January 2, 2008, 10:00 am

The casket with Fr. Casian’s earthly remains will be brought at the Church of

The Nativity of the Ever Virgin Mary

Address: 42-14 74th Street, Elmhurst, NY 11373 (718) 565-2522.

Hierarchs, priests and faithful will attend the Panikhidas, and reading from Psalter.

Thursday, January 3, 2008, 9:00 am

Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, followed by Funeral Service for Clergy, celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel

Address: 833 Jamaica Ave Brooklyn, NY 11208 ( 718) 277-2900

Interment will take place in the grave adjacent to his wife, Preoteasa Mia, and his mother Florica.

Other details at may be found at: http://www.sfantamaria-newyork.org

May Fr. Casian’s memory be eternal!