“The obedience entrusted to me brings a new experience to my life — that of embracing the flock, of carrying on my shoulders, with paternal responsibility, a very large spiritual family, whose shepherd, guardian, and servant I am now appointed to be,” said His Grace Bishop Nectarie during his enthronement as Bishop of Ireland and Iceland at the Church of St. Columba, Dublin II Parish.
The historic event, marking the enthronement of the first Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Ireland and Iceland, emphasized the importance of mission, self-giving, and unceasing service in the Church.
Bishop Nectarie highlighted the importance of spiritual fatherhood for a bishop, emphasizing the qualities of patience, kindness, and paternal comfort.
The event was attended by Romanian and foreign hierarchs, representatives of embassies and Irish state institutions, along with clergy and faithful from Ireland and Iceland.
Patriarch of Romania: An event of great and blessed joy for entire Romanian Orthodox Church
Patriarch Daniel sent a message on the occasion of Bishop Nectarie’s enthronement, emphasizing the duty to promote dialogue and collaboration with other Orthodox Churches in Ireland and Iceland.
The Patriarch highlighted the importance of strengthening and affirming the Christian and Orthodox witness in the face of contemporary challenges.
The message was read by His Eminence Hon Metropolitan Nifon, Archbishop of Targoviste and Patriarchal Exarch.
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“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account” (Hebrew 13, 17).
The establishment of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Ireland and Iceland marks the culmination of efforts to care for Romanian Orthodox priests and faithful in these countries.
Bishop Nectarie is entrusted with the mission of shepherding the Romanian Orthodox Christians in Ireland and Iceland, preserving their unity and identity.
He is well-equipped for this role, having experience in Western Europe and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the Romanian Orthodox community.
Despite the challenges, Bishop Nectarie is called to serve faithfully and in cooperation with the Metropolitan Synod.
The message emphasizes the need to strengthen the Christian witness in the face of contemporary crises on the European continent.
In order to strengthen and affirm our Christian and Orthodox testimony, it is crucial to uphold the saving truth of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ with greater wisdom and faithfulness. As the bishop of the newly established diocese, Your Grace has the responsibility of fostering dialogue and collaboration with the hierarchs of other Orthodox Churches in Ireland and Iceland, as well as with representatives of all Christian denominations in these countries. The goal is to present a unified testimony, both in words and actions, demonstrating that the principles of the Gospel offer a spiritual solution to the challenges of the modern world.
On this auspicious occasion, we extend our paternal wishes of health, peace, and divine assistance to Your Grace. We pray that Christ the Lord guides you in your pastoral and missionary endeavors. May His sanctifying grace be bestowed upon all the clergy and faithful of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Ireland and Iceland, as well as upon those who support Your Grace in your sacred work.
With fraternal love and paternal blessings in Christ the Lord,
† DANIEL
Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
Photo credit: Basilica.ro / Photo: Facebook “Biserica Ortodoxă “Sfântul Columba” Dublin II” Please rewrite this sentence.
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