The Diocesan Assembly of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Spain and Portugal has presented the relevant figures for its activity in 2022.

The Diocesan Assembly of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Spain and Portugal met for its working session in Madrid on January 19.

Before the meeting, assistant bishop Teofil of Iberia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Diocesan Cathedral in Madrid in the presence of Bishop Timotei of Spain and Portugal.

Philanthropy worth over 260,000 euros

According to the annual report, the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Spain and Portugal granted material aid worth 262,203.09 euros last year. This amount does not include the charitable activities of parishes and monasteries in favour of the sick, the elderly, children and the poor.

To help Ukrainian refugees, the diocese collected and distributed 54,000 euros to the Romanian dioceses that faced the influx of refugees.

Youth ministry

Almost 80% of the parish communities have carried out activities with children, and 88 parishes have parish schools attended by over 2,000 Romanian children.

In 2022, the number of young people involved in Nepsis youth groups increased substantially: 811 members in 49 parishes, compared to 700 in 41 parishes in 2021.

Other relevant figures

Last year, 3,738 Orthodox children were baptised in the Iberian Peninsula, and 95 adults were received into the Orthodox Church.

The diocese currently includes 141 parishes and 13 non-parochial churches organized in 13 deaneries.

Last year, Torrelaguna, Logroño II and Villarubia de los Ojos parishes were established.

There are also five monasteries in the diocese: the Diocesan Center in Madrid, Cenicientos, Vilaller and Leon in Spain, as well as Aldeia de Santa Margarida in Portugal.

Only 23 parishes operate on their own premises or property belonging to the diocese. The rest operate in buildings provided by other religious denominations, half provided by the Catholic Church.

Photography courtesy of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Spain and Portugal