The Romanian Orthodox Parish in Nice marked on Saturday the 25th anniversary of its establishment and the 10th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone for its new church. The celebration provided an opportunity to inaugurate the new iconostasis and the Holy Table, whose installation crowns the works at the new church on Boulevard Henri Musso, No. 26–34.
The event took place in the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe, several representatives of the Romanian state, and the Mayor of Nice.
The presence of His Eminence brought blessing and spiritual strengthening to the entire community, Fr Radu Totelecan, parish priest, told Basilica.ro. “The homily and exhortations addressed to the faithful highlighted the importance of unity, steadfastness in the faith, and responsibility towards future generations.”
“These 25 years have been marked by much labour, sacrifice and dedication. From the parish’s modest beginnings to the laying of the foundation stone and the development of the church, each stage was sustained by the faith and involvement of the faithful, as well as by the support of benefactors,” the Romanian parish priest in Nice added.
Among those in attendance were Ambrozie-Irineu Darău, Romania’s Minister of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, who worked for ten years in the Nice region; Aurelia Grosu, Consul General of Romania in Marseille; Victor Martin, Consul General of the Republic of Moldova in Nice; Stefan de Fay and Constantin Turchina, Honorary Consuls General of Romania in Nice and Monaco respectively; and Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis.
Consul General Aurelia Grosu thanked all those who, over the years, have contributed to strengthening the community, particularly Fr Radu Totelecan. She emphasised that being Romanian far from home entails the responsibility of upholding one’s national culture with dignity, representing one’s country with honour, and passing on to children a sense of pride in their heritage.
The Mayor of Nice spoke of the important role played by the Romanian community in the city’s economic, social, and cultural life, emphasising the active contribution of Romanians to the region’s diversity and dynamism.
At the conclusion of the event, Romanian children and young people from the parish school presented an artistic programme that showcased a living, united community deeply attached to its values and traditions.
The Romanian Parish of Nice is placed under the heavenly patronage of the Holy Emperors Constantine and Helen.
Photo: Facebook / Aurelia Grosu
