Paterna, Spain, November 5, 2024
Photo: obispadoortodoxo.es
A new church of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Spain and Portugal was consecrated over the weekend.
On Sunday, November 3, His Grace Bishop Timotei of Spain and Portugal consecrated the Church of the Holy Hierarch Andrei Șaguna in Paterna in eastern Spain. The building was purchased last year with support from the Romanian government’s Department for Romanians Abroad, the diocese reports.
The service was attended by priests from throughout Spain.
In his sermon, the hierarch stated:
In the Gospel, God addresses us, speaks to us, although we are unworthy. He is the One through Whom we do everything, not just in material life, but especially in spiritual life. The rich man in the Gospel forgot about God, delighting only in worldly things and despising others and any spiritual wealth. He did nothing to become rich in God, to gain mercy and love. The Savior Christ’s commandment is to love even our enemies. People can love even those who harm them when they remain in communion with God. When they strive to listen to and fulfill God’s will, Who is merciful and loves mankind.
Photo: obispadoortodoxo.es
During the Divine Liturgy, Bp. Timotei offered prayers for those affected by floods in southeastern Spain who are still suffering, as well as for the repose of the souls of those who have passed to the Lord.
The parish priest thanked His Grace for his presence and service, offering him an icon of St. Andrei Șaguna as a gift. He also expressed his gratitude to the other serving priests and to the faithful for their devotion and involvement in parish life.
St. Andrei Şaguna was Metropolitan of Transylvania from 1864 to 1873. He helped many students from poor families and established the foundation that bears his name. During his tenure as Metropolitan, about 800 schools were established and 25 textbooks were written. He also established educational courses in all of his parishes. He is remembered for his significant role in the cultural and national edification of the Romanian people. He was canonized in 2011.
Follow OrthoChristian on Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe, and Gab!
