The Romanian Orthodox community in Prague now has a new place of worship. On Sunday, Archbishop Michael of Prague and the Czech Lands, together with Bishop Siluan, the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Hungary, officiated a special blessing ceremony and Divine Liturgy.
In his remarks, Archbishop Michael underscored the significance of the Romanian community’s role in preserving Orthodox spirituality in Czechia and thanked Bishop Siluan for accepting the invitation to participate in the service.
“Your Grace, we are grateful that you accepted our invitation to serve with us today. After many challenges, the Romanians in these lands now have a new place of prayer. We hope this church will mark a new beginning for the Romanian community.”
Father Andrei Ioan Danciu, the community’s parish priest, added, “Over the years, we’ve strived to do what is needed, even when human frailties sometimes diminished the grandeur of our mission. Still, with the solidarity we’ve cultivated, we have finally arrived at a new church, which we have been granted for long-term use.”
Following the service, Archbishop Michael presented Bishop Siluan with the “Saint Gorazd” Order, while Father Danciu received the “Saints Cyril and Methodius” Order in recognition of their service.
“This is a significant milestone for our community and parish,” Bishop Siluan shared with Trinitas TV.
“I conveyed the blessing and support of Patriarch Daniel for this vibrant parish, which has flourished under Father Andrei Danciu’s guidance over the past 20 years. Starting from scratch, he has brought together families and children and created a spiritual home.”
Support from Romanian Ambassador
The Romanian community’s effort to secure a new place of worship received strong support from Romania’s Ambassador to Czechia, Her Excellency Antoaneta Maria Barta, who also attended the Divine Liturgy.
“I am delighted to see the Romanian Orthodox Church in Prague uniting believers and bringing Romanians together in the Czech capital. We have a significant Romanian community here, and since the start of my term, one of my priorities has been to support the parish’s efforts to establish a new church. As you know, the original wooden church was tragically destroyed in a fire in 2020,” Ambassador Barta said.
The ceremony also saw attendance from members of Romania’s diplomatic mission in Czechia, as well as Moldova’s Ambassador to Prague, Her Excellency Gabriela Moraru. The newly consecrated church has now been placed under the protection of Saint Nectarios of Aegina.
About the Romanian Parish in Prague
The “Saints Michael and Gabriel” Romanian Orthodox Parish was established in 2008 to provide Romanian expatriates in Prague with a place to worship in their native language.
Father Andrei Ioan Danciu, who came from Romania with his wife and six children, has led the parish since its founding.
Under his guidance, it has grown into an essential gathering point for Romanians in Prague. Initially, services were held in a wooden church dedicated to Saint Michael, located in Kinsky Park.
The church, owned by the city and considered a historic monument, tragically burned down in 2020, leaving the community without a worship space. Despite this setback, the parish continued, temporarily holding services in a church offered by the local Catholic community.
Photo: Diocese of Hungary
