A priest from Radu Voda Monastery in Bucharest was appointed by the Patriarch of Romania to travel to Dubai to officiate all Easter services for the Romanian Orthodox community there.
During his mission from April 21 to May 1, 2019, the V. Rev. Protosyncellus Iachint Vardianu officiated the services in Romanian language at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Jebel Ali.
Services included the Matins of the Holy Week, the Paschal midnight office, the Divine Liturgy, but also Holy Confession.
During his stay in Dubai, the Romanian hieromonk baptised a new-born child and was invited to many houses to bless them with holy water.
As reported by Fr Iachint, approximately 800 people came to the Paschal midnight office and participated in the Easter Divine Liturgy.
Attendees also included Greek, Serbian, and Russian believers.
The Romanian priest was invited to Dubai at the initiative of Mrs. Carmen Paiu, the head of the Romanian community in the United Arab Emirates.
Photography courtesy of Basilica.ro
