Romania’s ambassador to Portugal, Daniela Gîtman, attended on Sunday the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Timotei of Spain and Portugal at the Alcochete branch of the Romanian parish in Setúbal.
The diplomat underscored the importance of parishes for Romanians living abroad. “With an essential contribution to preserving national spiritual traditions and the Romanian language, Romanian Orthodox parishes represent a true space of light and faith here, far from home,” she said in a message posted on the embassy’s Facebook page.
She also expressed gratitude to the Romanian Orthodox community in Alcochete for the invitation to join local faithful on what she described as a great feast day.
Sacrifice born of love
On the feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, Bishop Timotei explained the spiritual meaning of the celebration.
“The crowds greeted Him with ‘Hosanna’, seeing in Him an earthly liberator. Yet they did not understand that He came to deliver humanity from sin and death,” he said.
The bishop also warned of the fragility of human faith: “Their joy soon turned into denial. This change shows how easily we, too, turn away from God: we praise Him, yet through sin we distance ourselves from Him.”
“Christ, however, offers Himself in sacrifice out of love, calling us to repentance and faith. Let us entrust ourselves to Him as Deliverer and Giver of life,” he added.
The “Three Holy Hierarchs” Romanian parish in Setúbal was established in April 2007 at the initiative of Romanian residents. A branch in Alcochete was founded in 2008, with services held at the São Sebastião Chapel.
Photo: Diocese of Spain and Portugal
