His Grace Atanasie, the Archbishop-elect of the Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, officially commenced his episcopal ministry with a visit to the Romanian Orthodox Parish of Saint John Cassian in Oxford, where he presided over a diaconal ordination and the investment of a spiritual director.
The parish celebrated its patronal feast on Sunday, just two days after the feast day of its spiritual protector, Saint John Cassian.
On this occasion, Archbishop-elect Atanasie celebrated the Divine Liturgy, during which he ordained Mihai Cuzub as a deacon for the Parish of Reading. Additionally, Father Ioan Kesler from the Glasgow Parish was granted the title of confessor, according to the official website of the Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
A Message on Lenten Virtues
In his address to the faithful, His Grace emphasized that “we are called to discover the virtues with which we must embark on the sacred journey of Lent: mercy towards those who suffer, prayer, and self-restraint from the gifts God has given us—to show that we love the Giver more than His gifts, to demonstrate that God, who brings hidden consolations, is greater than all the gifts He bestows upon us in this world.”
The Archbishop-designate of Great Britain also highlighted that Lent should be marked by repentance and prayer.
“Prayer and repentance always go together, inseparable from one another. Repentance involves the most important inner movement towards God, first and foremost acknowledging His righteousness in all things. We attain true healing through repentance, transforming us from within and deeply humbling us.”
First Official Visit Ahead of Enthronement
The liturgical service in Oxford marked Archbishop-elect Atanasie’s first official visit to the Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland since the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church exceptionally approved his assumption of episcopal responsibilities, with certain exceptions, until his enthronement on May 10, 2025.
Bishop Atanasie was elected Archbishop of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in October 2024.
Photo: Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
