Saturday morning, 20 June 2013, His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church consecrated the church of “Saint Elijah” in Titan district of Bucharest and the social – pastoral settlement of “Saint Elijah” in the precincts of the parish where a canteen and two consulting rooms operate. Besides His Beatitude, His Grace Varsanufie Prahoveanul, Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese of Bucharest concelebrated, assisted by a large number of priests and deacons.
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel said in the sermon delivered: “This church is a symbol in a district where there were not many churches, and a symbol of devotion, of the sacrificial spirit of the faithful, but especially of some people of good will who showed sacrificial devotion. This is why we think that this day is a great blessing. When a church is consecrated the community of the faithful present is blessed, as well as those who although could not be present contributed to the building and bedecking of this church. As said in the troparion sung at the consecration of a church: “This house was built by the Father, this house was strengthened by the Son, this house was renewed by the Holy Spirit, enlightened, consecrated and it has also blessed our souls. This blessing is special for those who contributed because they will be always named the happy remembered founders.”
The Patriarch of Romania has also spoken to those present about the life of Saint Prophet Elijah the Tishbite: “Saint Elijah is the most popular saint of the Old Testament. This is why his feast is listed with red letters in our calendar, and because he has not died but was raised to heaven in fire chariot, he is expected to come soon before the second coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord. He is named the forerunner of the second coming of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Saint Elijah is venerated in Christianity, as well as in Judaism and Islam. The Jewish people think so far that Elijah must come as forerunner of Messiah. His endeavour was somehow similar to that of Saint John the Baptist, so that the Lord said that Saint John the Baptist has come with Elijah’s power, with the same endeavour and love for God. Therefore, Saint Elijah the Prophet is, just like Saint John the Baptist, the prototype of the monastic life because they lived in the desert, in prayer, meditation, and fasting, in relationship with God.
The parish priest was awarded the rank of iconom stafvrofor due to his efforts made for building the church and to his entire activity, while the other two servant priests were awarded the ranks of iconom stavrofor and sachelar. The founders and those who contributed to the building and bedecking of the church received orders and distinctions of worthiness on behalf of the Patriarch of Romania, as Trinitas TV informs. On the occasion of the consecration, the parish library was enriched with several books received from His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel.
Hundreds of faithful of Bucharest attended the consecration service and had the opportunity to pass through the Holy Altar.
