His Grace Bishop Macarie Drăgoi of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Northern Europe baptised a young Greenlander on Thursday, who received the name of Saint Cleopas (Ilie) of Sihăstria.
The bishop noted that the young man had been influenced by the writings of the Romanian saint and wished to bear his name.
“Accompanied from Scandinavia by my disciple, Fr Tudor, we continue our missionary ministry, celebrating the Divine Liturgy and baptising the local people. The first of the Greenlandic youth baptised now is Cleopas Qillaq, who, at the age of 18, received in holy illumination the name of our Venerable Father Cleopas of Sihăstria – Neamț, whose life and teaching—reading his books in English—greatly strengthened this young Inuit on the path of salvation,” the bishop wrote.
He added that only two Romanians currently live on the island, compared with the situation eight years ago, during his previous visit to Greenland.
“We continue this pastoral work with zeal and hope for salvation, preparing for the upcoming services and for meetings with those who seek the light of Orthodoxy in Christ our Saviour,” the bishop said.
Photo: Diocese of Northern Europe
