Members of the Romanian Orthodox parish community in Lucca, Italy, signed an agreement last Friday to purchase the church where they hold their liturgical services.
The event marks a particularly significant moment in the community’s history. On 8 May 2008, His Grace Bishop Siluan was enthroned in this church as the first Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Italy.
Because the religious building dates from the 12th to 15th centuries and is classified as a protected historic monument under the authority of Italy’s Ministry of Culture, the agreement will take full legal effect immediately after the statutory period during which the Italian state may exercise its right of pre-emption expires.
The project, entitled Roots and Continuity: Acquisition of the Church of St Anthony the Great Parish in Lucca – the Site of the Enthronement of Italy’s First Romanian Orthodox Bishop, received a non-repayable grant from the Department for Romanians Abroad.
“By acquiring ownership of the church located on Via Sant’Anastasio, the parish ensures the preservation of the spiritual identity of Romanians in Lucca and the surrounding towns,” representatives of the parish community stated.
“We thank the Department for Romanians Abroad of the Romanian Government, as well as all the faithful and donors who have supported us through their prayers, kind thoughts and generosity towards this little corner of Romanian soil in the heart of Italy.”
The acquisition will also ensure the long-term continuation of social programmes, catechism classes and activities organised by the Romanian-language Parish School.
