Romanian Orthodox faithful in Hungary celebrated the 200th anniversary of the construction of “St. Nicholas” diocesan cathedral in Gyula and 30 years since its consecration.
The event was marked with a commemorative chrysobull and a Divine Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Sofronie of Oradea and Bishop Siluan of Hungary.
“We are united as brothers and sisters on both sides of the border between our two countries. But we are one in the same faith and cultural identity,” said Bishop Sofronie, the first hierarch of the Diocese of Hungary.
The Romanian Cathedral in Gyula was built between 1802 and 1824, during the tenure of Bishop Iosif Putnic. Gyula is also home to another Romanian Orthodox church dedicated to Saint Parascheva of Iași, built 160 years ago.
“With us are also those who came before, strengthening us with God’s help and through their prayers, so we can pass on to those who follow what we have received, and together, both those of yesterday and today, we give thanks to God,” Bishop Sofronie added.
“The noblest way we can offer thanks to God is through our gathering in the mystical presence of the Lord, by receiving His Body and Blood in the Holy Communion—the most exalted and noble expression of gratitude is the Holy and Divine Liturgy,” he emphasized.
Cathedral adorned for the celebration
“Our cathedral truly donned its festive garments, not only through the Divine Liturgy, the ultimate act of thanksgiving we can offer to God, but also through the presence of many faithful who came not just from the local community or nearby towns, but also from Romania,” said Bishop Siluan of Hungary to Trinitas TV.
“The Theoforos Choir from the Archdiocese of Timișoara was with us, bringing the blessing of the Metropolitan and the auxiliary bishop and also honouring the memory of the late Metropolitan Nicolae, who was present here for the ordination of my predecessor and my own ordination and installation as the second bishop of the Romanian Orthodox in Hungary, in 2007.”
The celebration also welcomed representatives of Romanian diplomacy. “This holy site primarily represents the symbol of the survival and continuity of the Romanian language, cultural identity, and religious heritage of the Romanians here while also contributing significantly to the regional and European cultural heritage,” said Daniel Banu, Consul General of Romania in Gyula, in a statement to Trinitas TV.
Bishop Siluan of Hungary presented his predecessor, Bishop Sofronie, with a commemorative diploma and an icon of Saint Nicholas. He also awarded certificates and gifts to benefactors of the holy church.
Ancient Romanian Presence in the Region
The event continued at the Cultural Centre of the Nicolae Bălcescu Romanian High School, where a presentation on the history of the Gyula Cathedral was given.
“The history of the Orthodox Christians who today make up the Romanian community in Hungary stretches back into the mists of time,” said doctoral student Alin Ciotea from the “Ilarion V. Felea” Faculty of Theology in Arad.
“Two centuries ago, the sacrifice of Moise Nicoară’s family and the faithful in Gyula materialized in constructing this beautiful and majestic cathedral dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The Sânnicoară Cathedral, as it is known, carries within it the memory of the first places of worship built by these Romanians out of love for God.”
Foto credit: Bagyinszki Zoltan (Catedrala Ortodoxă a Românilor din Giula)
