Metropolitan Andrei of Cluj, Maramureș, and Sălaj blessed the new bell and the basement level of the under-construction “Nativity of Saint John the Baptist” Church in Cluj-Napoca. The church is modelled after the Kato Xenia Monastery in Greece.
The bell was cast at the Blotor Foundry in Satulung, Maramureș County. The church will follow the Byzantine architectural style, replicating the design of Kato Xenia Monastery.
At the end of the service, Metropolitan Andrei congratulated the community for their involvement in building the church and emphasised its mission and importance.
As a sign of recognition, Parish Priest Cosmin Vele received the “Bishop Nicolae Ivan” Order for Clergy. The exact order, for laypeople, was awarded to primary benefactor Cristian Tivadar, while Ioan Pavel and benefactor Emil Lobodă received the “Mihai Vodă” Order.
Paul Augustin and Dan Moldovan were distinguished with the “Saint Pachomius of Gledin” Order. Certificates of honour were also offered to Cluj-Napoca’s Deputy Mayor Dan Ștefan Tarcea, Babeș-Bolyai University Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Dan Lazăr, and other parish supporters.
Historical Background
The “Saint John the Baptist” Parish in Cluj-Napoca’s Europa neighbourhood was established on October 1, 2013, to meet the spiritual needs of a rapidly developing area.
The current land was purchased in 2016, and the construction permit was issued in June 2023. The foundation stone was laid on June 24, 2023, on the Feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist.
The construction has now reached ground level (cota zero), and work will continue with the goal of completing the church’s roofing by the end of 2025.
Photo: Metropolis of Cluj
