Hollywood, Florida, October 2, 2025
Photo: Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America
A parish of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of the Orthodox Church in America celebrated its 65th anniversary over the weekend of September 27-28.
Holy Cross Church in Hollywood, Florida, welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel and His Grace Bishop Andrei for the milestone celebration, the Episcopate reports.
Holy Cross Parish was established in July 1960 through the efforts of Fr. Eugen Banciu. The parish received its Certificate of Incorporation from the State of Florida on January 4, 1961.
The anniversary elebration began on Saturday evening with the Akathist Service to St. Olga of Alaska, whose holy relics were brought from the Diocesan Center for veneration. The service was led by Bp. Andrei, assisted by a number of clergy, and was followed by a Parastas service for all the parish’s founders and clergy who have reposed in the Lord.
On Sunday, Abp. Nathaniel celebrated the Divine Liturgy together with Bp. Andrei, assisted by many priests and deacons, including the parish priest, Fr. Silvius Sfera, the Fr. Ștefan Florin Stoleru, Dean of the Southern USA Deanery, and other invited clergy.
Photo: Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Bp. Andrei read the Gramota from the Holy Synod of the OCA, followed by a procession around the church and the blessing of a new cross brought from Romania to mark the occasion.
The day of celebration concluded with a fraternal luncheon offered by the parish community, enriched with traditional Romanian dishes and folk dances presented by the parish’s dance groups.
The parish purchased its current church property on January 14, 1961, from Holy Sacramental Episcopal Church for $23,000. Members worked extensively to transform the building into a Romanian Orthodox church. In 1964, the parish acquired a rectory, with mortgages on both properties assumed by the family of John and Lillian Budok and sisters Ana Popa and Maria Stan.
The church’s bell tower was erected in 1967 through the efforts of Fr. Romulus Radu and cantor Ioan Lazăr. On March 1, 1970, the church was adorned with a new iconostasis, blessed by His Grace Bishop Victorin.
The parish gradually expanded its facilities over the years.
Photo: Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America
In November 1997, the parish entered the canonical jurisdiction of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, under Bishop Nathaniel. The parish’s first choir was established in August 2000 under the direction of Dr. Patricia Brătulescu.
For the 45th anniversary in 2005, a new carved iconostasis with painted icons was brought from Moldova, and the altar was enlarged. The parish has continued to acquire adjacent properties in 2007 and 2010 for future expansion.
Fr. Silvius Sfera was ordained in November 2010 and appointed parish priest in July 2011, following the retirement of Fr. Jon Sfera.
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