Sunday, July 30, marked the celebration of the first Divine Liturgy at the newly-established Romanian Orthodox parish in Swansea, Great Britain.
The liturgy celebrated by parish priest Vasile Flavian Branescu was attended by a representative of the Church of England, The Lord-Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Louise Fleet, High Sheriff of West Glamorgan Alan Brayley, Swansea Lord Mayor Cllr Graham Thomas, and Romania’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom Laura Popescu.
Numerous Romanian families from Bridgewater, Bristol, Hereford, Aberystwyth, Cardiff, Bridgend, Neath, Llanelli, Carmarthen and other Welsh cities came to the inauguration service and brought their children to receive Holy Communion.
The officials’ speeches evoked the close ties between Romania and the United Kingdom, the appreciation of King Charles III for our country, and the appreciation of the local authorities for the positive contribution of the Romanian community to British society.
Ambassador Laura Popescu highlighted the special significance of the inauguration of the new parish, expressing her confidence that the Church will contribute to the consolidation of the Romanian community in the region.
Special thanks were addressed to Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe, Rev. Dean Ioan Moldovan from “Saints Constantine and Helen” parish in Bristol, but also to Diana Stroia, former honorary consul of Romania in Wales, who made significant efforts to establish the new parish.
The parish priest presented the representative of the Anglican Church and the British officials with Orthodox icons.
After the event, Lord Lieutenant Louise Fleet wrote on Twitter: “Honoured by visit of Romanian Ambassador for consecration of Swansea’s 1st Romanian Orthodox Church. Lovely addition to Swansea’s multi-faith community. Enjoyed beautiful service & warm hospitality from Romanian Community.”
Services are held at St Gabriel’s Church, Bryn Road, Brynmill, Swansea SA2 0AP.
” For several months, the Romanian Orthodox Church has been meeting on occasions in St. Gabriel’s to celebrate the sacrament of Baptism,” the Anglican community that administers the place of prayer wrote on Facebook. “Yesterday, they celebrated their first service of Holy Liturgy. It was a wonderful service and was attended by around 200 people, including the Romanian Ambassador, the Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff and the Lord Mayor. We extend a warm welcome to our Orthodox brothers and sisters in Christ.”
Follow the Romanian Orthodox Parish in Swansea on Facebook!
Honoured by visit of Romanian Ambassador for consecration of Swansea’s 1st Romanian Orthodox Church Lovely addition to Swansea’s multi faith community Enjoyed beautiful service & warm hospitality from Romanian Community @laurapopescumfa @DianaStroia @HSofWestGlam @lordmayorswan https://t.co/krqQAnnjik
— Louise Fleet, West Glamorgan Lord-Lieutenant (@WestGlamorganLL) July 31, 2023
Photography courtesy of George Mirea via Facebook / Romania’s Consulate in Wales
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