Dublin, September 18, 2025
Photo: Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Ireland and Iceland
The Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Ireland and Iceland celebrated the formal blessing and opening of its new cathedral in Dublin over the weekend.
His Grace Bishop Nectarie, the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Ireland and Iceland, presided over the services on September 13-14 at the newly acquired Christ Church in Leeson Park, which has been elevated to the rank of Episcopal Cathedral, the diocese reports.
The celebrations began on Saturday, September 13, on the eve of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, with Bp. Nectarie and diocesan priests celebrating the service of the Blessing of the Water, followed by Great Vespers with Litya. The services marked the formal reopening of the cathedral following its recent purchase by the diocese.
In his homily, Bp. Nectarie emphasized Divine providence in the acquisition. He acknowledged the support of the Romanian government through the Department for Romanians Abroad, contributions from faithful worldwide, and sacrifices made by priests from the Parish of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and all diocesan parishes.
The bishop noted that the church has served as the cradle of the Romanian Orthodox community in Dublin since 2005, from which many other parishes across Ireland were established. The Saturday evening concluded with a fraternal agape meal in gratitude for all who contributed to the achievement.
Photo: Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Ireland and Iceland
On Sunday, September 14, the patronal Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Bp. Nectarie celebrated Divine Liturgy with diocesan priests and deacons, as well as guests from Romania.
Hundreds of Romanian and Irish faithful attended the historic celebrations, along with representatives of the Romanian Embassy in Ireland.
In his sermon, Bp. Nectarie highlighted the significance of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the Christian life, teaching that taking up the cross is the path to victory in Christ.
Following the service, His Grace expressed gratitude to God, stating that “what is impossible with men is possible with God.” He emphasized that the cathedral will continue as a place of prayer, unity, and mission for all faithful.
The cathedral acquisition was made possible through a 10 million lei ($2.3 million) grant from Romania’s Department for Romanians Abroad and donations from believers worldwide. The Romanian Orthodox community had maintained continuous worship at the 19th-century former Anglican church building until it was put up for sale in February 2025.
The Diocese of Ireland and Iceland was established in February 2024, with Bishop Nectarie installed as its first hierarch. The new cathedral serves as the diocesan seat and permanent home for the Romanian Orthodox community in Ireland after nearly two decades of temporary arrangements.
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