Romanians in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, have purchased the church they have been using since 2024. “The purchase has become a unifying force within our community,” Fr Ion Iuga, parish priest of the Romanian Orthodox community of St John Chrysostom in Amsterdam, told Basilica News Agency.
The priest explained that the lack of a sufficiently spacious place of worship had begun to affect attendance at services.
For this reason, the community decided in 2024 to move to the Roman Catholic Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Heemstede, south-west of Amsterdam.
Distinctive architecture
The process of acquiring the church took almost three years and involved numerous legal procedures.
Fr Ion Iuga also highlighted the building’s distinctive architectural features, which have led many parishioners to regard it as particularly suitable for Orthodox worship.
“The church building has distinctive architecture, making a powerful impression on anyone entering it for the first time. Because of its Byzantine features, its domed design and the absence of columns, many parishioners believe it has always been an Orthodox church.”
The date set for signing the purchase documents held particular significance for the community.
“When the notary told us that 14 October was the only available date for signing the documents, we all recognised the intercession of St Paraskeva and how the Lord works through His saints.”
The church begins a new chapter
According to the priest, just over half of the purchase price came from donations made by parishioners, while the remainder was covered by financial support from Romania’s Department for Romanians Abroad.
The Romanian Orthodox community has allowed Roman Catholic parishioners to keep holding services in the church until Christmas, giving them time to gradually move to another place of worship.
“Someone from the Roman Catholic parish told us that, with the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord approaching, this would not simply be the occasion of their final service, but also a sign that the church was beginning a new life.”
The building will retain its sacred purpose
The purchase also ensures that the building can continue to be used for religious purposes, at a time when many churches in the Netherlands are being converted to other uses.
“Our community’s acquisition of the church represents the best solution for preserving the building and ensuring that it continues to serve its sacred purpose. In the Netherlands, many churches are losing their religious function and being converted for commercial use,” Fr Ion Iuga said.
The Romanian Orthodox parish in Amsterdam was established in 2002 and is dedicated to St John Chrysostom.
The church is located at Valkenburgerplein 20, Heemstede, the Netherlands.
