His Grace Bishop Mihail of Australia and New Zealand blessed the new social and cultural hall at St Ignatius the God-Bearer Parish in Auckland, New Zealand, on Monday, as the project nears completion.
On the occasion, His Grace celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross together with parish priest Fr. Mircea Mihai Corpodean and Fr. Ovidiu Motofelea of St George Parish in Hamilton.
The bishop highlighted the Cross’s place in Christian life and the importance of preserving the faith and maintaining a connection with the Church, including among Romanian communities in the diaspora.
A new space for the community
The social and cultural hall, constructed with assistance from Romania’s Department for Romanians Abroad, will broaden the Auckland parish’s amenities and serve for pastoral, catechetical, educational, cultural, and social events.
Bishop Mihail congratulated those involved in the project, highlighting the community’s efforts.
The new space is designed for community events and activities involving children, youth, and families, supporting the preservation of the Orthodox faith, the Romanian language, and Romanian traditions for future generations.
Photo: Diocese of Australia and New Zealand
