{"id":514126,"date":"2025-01-31T11:32:57","date_gmt":"2025-01-31T09:32:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/basilica.ro\/?p=514126"},"modified":"2025-01-31T11:34:37","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T09:34:37","slug":"metropolitan-nicolae-visits-dacula-25-anniversary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/basilica.ro\/en\/metropolitan-nicolae-visits-dacula-25-anniversary\/","title":{"rendered":"Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas visits Dacula, Georgia, to celebrate 25 years of service by local clergy"},"content":{"rendered":"

His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Two Americas visited<\/a> Dacula, Georgia, on January 25\u201326, where the Romanian Orthodox community celebrated their shepherds: Parish Priest Nicolae Clempu\u0219 and Father David Hudson, who marked 25 years of service.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The visit began on Saturday evening with the Great Vespers, followed by a sermon delivered by Metropolitan Nicolae.<\/p>\n

His Eminence spoke about the 2025 Solemn and Commemorative Year in the Romanian Orthodox Church, which marks 100 years since its elevation to the rank of Patriarchate.<\/p>\n

The Metropolitan of the Americas encouraged the faithful to read and learn about the lives of Romanian saints, who intercede before God for the Romanian people.<\/p>\n

The saints commemorated on those days were presented as examples: Saint Bretanion, Bishop of Tomis, and Saint Joseph the Merciful, Metropolitan of Moldavia.<\/p>\n

Honors for the Community\u2019s Clergy<\/h2>\n
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On Sunday, January 26, 2025, Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas awarded the Order of “Holy Emperors Constantine and Helena” to Father Nicolae Clempu\u0219, parish priest of the Romanian Orthodox community in Dacula, Georgia. Photo: Alina Coban via Facebook \/ Nicolae Clempus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On Sunday, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae celebrated the Divine Liturgy together with Parish Priest Nicolae Clempu\u0219 and the two co-serving priests, Father David Hudson and Father Teodor Rego\u0219.<\/p>\n

The Metropolitan spoke about the example of Zacchaeus, who, after encountering Christ and welcoming Him into his home, changed his life and bore good fruits through repentance.<\/p>\n

At the end of the service, the Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan of the Americas awarded Parish Priest Nicolae Clempu\u0219 the Order of “Holy Emperors Constantine and Helen” and presented Father David Hudson with a Certificate of Merit.<\/p>\n

Congratulations and Reminiscences<\/h2>\n
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The festive liturgy was followed by an artistic program and several evocations of the history of the parish community. Foto: Alina Coban via Facebook \/ Nicolae Clempus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The prayer service was followed by a festive meal and an artistic program performed by the men\u2019s dance group Dumbrava Sibiului.<\/p>\n

Petru Cherchezan and Lumini\u021ba Borzea, founding members of the parish, provided a brief history of the community\u2019s mission, while Presbytera Mary Hudson shared insights into the beginnings of the Hudson family’s Orthodox journey in Romania.<\/p>\n

The two honored priests received congratulatory messages from the two missions in South Carolina where they have also served: Saint Gregory the Theologian Mission in Greenville and Saint Luke the Evangelist Mission in Columbia.<\/p>\n

Presbytera Roza Elena Clempu\u0219, who organized the anniversary event, gave a presentation on parish activities and thanked His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae for his presence, as well as all those who contributed to the event\u2019s organization.<\/p>\n

The celebration concluded with a congratulatory message from Metropolitan Nicolae, who expressed gratitude to the organizers for their efforts and imparted his blessing upon the entire community.<\/p>\n