His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Two Americas visited Dacula, Georgia, on January 25–26, where the Romanian Orthodox community celebrated their shepherds: Parish Priest Nicolae Clempuș and Father David Hudson, who marked 25 years of service.
The visit began on Saturday evening with the Great Vespers, followed by a sermon delivered by Metropolitan Nicolae.
His Eminence spoke about the 2025 Solemn and Commemorative Year in the Romanian Orthodox Church, which marks 100 years since its elevation to the rank of Patriarchate.
The Metropolitan of the Americas encouraged the faithful to read and learn about the lives of Romanian saints, who intercede before God for the Romanian people.
The saints commemorated on those days were presented as examples: Saint Bretanion, Bishop of Tomis, and Saint Joseph the Merciful, Metropolitan of Moldavia.
Honors for the Community’s Clergy
On Sunday, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae celebrated the Divine Liturgy together with Parish Priest Nicolae Clempuș and the two co-serving priests, Father David Hudson and Father Teodor Regoș.
The Metropolitan spoke about the example of Zacchaeus, who, after encountering Christ and welcoming Him into his home, changed his life and bore good fruits through repentance.
At the end of the service, the Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan of the Americas awarded Parish Priest Nicolae Clempuș the Order of “Holy Emperors Constantine and Helen” and presented Father David Hudson with a Certificate of Merit.
Congratulations and Reminiscences
The prayer service was followed by a festive meal and an artistic program performed by the men’s dance group Dumbrava Sibiului.
Petru Cherchezan and Luminița Borzea, founding members of the parish, provided a brief history of the community’s mission, while Presbytera Mary Hudson shared insights into the beginnings of the Hudson family’s Orthodox journey in Romania.
The two honored priests received congratulatory messages from the two missions in South Carolina where they have also served: Saint Gregory the Theologian Mission in Greenville and Saint Luke the Evangelist Mission in Columbia.
Presbytera Roza Elena Clempuș, who organized the anniversary event, gave a presentation on parish activities and thanked His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae for his presence, as well as all those who contributed to the event’s organization.
The celebration concluded with a congratulatory message from Metropolitan Nicolae, who expressed gratitude to the organizers for their efforts and imparted his blessing upon the entire community.
The Church of “St. Mary” in Dacula is located near the metropolis of Atlanta, the capital of the American state of Georgia..
Photo: Alina Coban via Facebook / Nicolae Clempus
