His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas met with Romanian clergy during the General Assembly of the Southern USA Deanery, held November 21-22.
The meeting took place at the Church of St Mary in Cedar Park, Texas, where the Metropolitan and local clergy gathered in the newly consecrated church — inaugurated on Sunday — for two days of prayer, dialogue and pastoral reflection.
The programme of the first day included a presentation by Father Iulian Aniței on the history and mission of the Romanian Orthodox Church after 1925, in the context of the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate.
This was followed by a presentation from Father David Barr on “Orthodox Spirituality in America,” emphasising the importance of a pastoral mission grounded in closeness, attentive listening and direct support for people — an approach which, in his parish, has led more than 100 people to join the catechumenate.
On Saturday, clergy participated in the Akathist service, followed by a presentation by Father Marius Buzățelu on “Saints of Asceticism and Mercy,” highlighting great spiritual fathers of Romanian monasticism and newly canonised Romanian Orthodox saints.
Reports were then presented by AROLA, ROYA, and the Department of Religious Education, followed by plenary discussions, a group photograph, and the election of the Deanery Consistory.
Photo: mitropolia.us
