Romanians in Japan are continuing work on the church at the country’s first Orthodox cemetery, which they established in Minami-Alps, Yamanashi Prefecture.
“Today, we managed to complete the iconostasis and install the icons painted in Romania by Andrei Neguș,” Fr Daniel Corîu of the Romanian Orthodox Parish in Tokyo reported on social media.
The church’s carpeting was also brought from Romania, supplied by Covorexpert, a company that produces carpets for churches. The Church Supplies Department of the Archdiocese of Bucharest sold the liturgical items.
The vestments, the curtain for the Royal Doors and the other curtains are also expected to arrive from Romania.
The Romanian parish priest in Tokyo invited the faithful to gather at the new place of worship on 1 November at 9:30 am for its inauguration, which will include the Lesser Blessing of Water and the Divine Liturgy.
“We thank those who have helped us and continue to help us! We still need to arrange the courtyard and improve the exterior of the church by cladding its foundations in stone,” Fr Daniel Corîu said.
“If the Lord, through your generosity, helps us complete these final works, we will then prepare for the consecration of the church.”
“May the Lord reward the love of those who cherish the beauty of His house!” the priest added.
Construction and installation work on the small church at the Orthodox cemetery in Japan has been under way for almost two years.
All those who support the project are regarded as founders and benefactors and are commemorated during the Divine Liturgies.
