After installation, New Romanian Bishop Benedict of Bistrița says he wants to be a friend of youth

A new Romanian bishop was ordained on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at the Orthodox Cathedral in Cluj and installed as an auxiliary bishop to the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac and Cluj in the presence of thousands.

Consecrated at the age of 36, Benedict of Bistrita became the youngest Romanian Orthodox Bishop. He said that he will offer a special place to youth in his ministry because he feels that his own young age ‘is a gift from God for better work with and for youth.’

‘I want very much to be your friend, and I will strive for this,’ His Grace Bishop Benedict of Bistrita said after the Sunday Divine Liturgy.

The ordination of the new assistant bishop was led by the local Metropolitan Andrei of Cluj, having as concelebrants nine other hierarchs from home and abroad.

Attendees included the State Secretary for Religious Affairs Victor Opaschi, the President of the Romanian Academy Ioan-Aurel Pop, as well as other state officials and local personalities.

The newly consecrated bishop said that he starts this new path with hope, asking everyone for their prayers.

Almost one hundred young people from Bistrita, dressed in traditional costumes, attended the ordination of the new assistant bishop Benedict of Bistrita. © Radio Renașterea

In his speech, Bishop Benedict of Bistrita noted that he sees his ministry as a spiritual father as ‘the highest ministry in the world.’

His Grace said that he chose Saint Nikolai Velimirovic as ‘model and protector’ in his episcopal service.

Bishop Benedict of Bistrita was elected by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church as assistant bishop to the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac, and Cluj during a meeting held at the patriarchal residence in Bucharest on February 13, 2020.

Photography courtesy of Radio Renasterea / Darius Echim

Facebook comments


Latest News