The founders, benefactors and faithful of the Orthodox parish of Saint Martyr Pelagia – Montecatini Terme, deanery of Toscana – Italy, and parish priest Matei Tulan, have their own place of worship where they can attend the religious services. This became a reality on Wednesday, 30 March 2016, with the blessing of His Grace Siluan, Bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy, after signing the sale-purchase contract of the building located in 26 Via Volturno, Montecatini Terme.
The contract was signed at Credito Cooperativo Valdinievole – Montecatini Terme, in the presence of priest Ioan Babarnea, dean of the deanery of Toscana – as the official website of the Diocese of Italy informs.
“Our parishioners have lots of achievements and fulfilments. Some of them were documentary mentioned, while others are only in the memory of those who experienced them. 30 March 2016, when Saint John Climacus is celebrated, is a historical date for our community, because we decided the purchase of the space needed for our parish. This decision obliges us to implement all the requirements of the responsible factors. The implementation of all the measures our parish took during the last three years calls us to responsibility and determines us to promise to be close to the Church of Christ in Montecatini Terme, the place where the Romanians are preparing themselves for the Kingdom of God”, said parish priest Matei Tulan, who collected the documents needed so that the Romanians of Montecasini Terme may have a place of worship, only three years since the parish was set up.
The external architecture of the building purchased by the parish of Saint Pelagia will be changed both inside and outside, after the licenses needed are acquired. A night shelter and social canteen will operate here, as parish priest Matei Tulan mentioned.
The much expected time by the Orthodox parish of Montecatini Terme – Italy represents a call to responsibility, commitment and involvement of all those interested. That is because having the building in the property of the parish brings about big expenses which we must pay. God allowed and put in order, in His great love for human beings, to test our love and patience. That is because a church is raised through the contribution of the founders who become, after the consecration of the place of worship, blessed and always remembered. When God wishes, the place of worship will be consecrated by His Grace Bishop Siluan. After consecration, the church will no longer be the property of the founders, donors and benefactors but of God”, parish priest Matei Tulan added.
The purchase of the building located in 26 Via Volturno Montecatini Terme was possible with the contribution of warm-hearted people. The parish priest from Montecatini said that he benefited, during all this time, of the support and blessing of His Grace Siluan.
On 3 April 2016, the 3rd Sunday of the Lent, thanksgiving prayers to Jesus Christ, our Lord, will be offered in the Orthodox church of Saint Martyr Pelagia – Montecatini Terme.
