Bucharest, July 6, 2026
Photo: basilica.ro
A new vicar bishop was consecrated for the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Australia and New Zealand on Saturday at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest.
The Divine Liturgy at which His Grace Bishop Iachint of the Pacific was consecrated was celebrated by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania, together with His Grace Bishop Mihail of Australia and New Zealand, Patriarchal Vicar Bishops Varlaam of Ploiești, and Paisie of Sinai, and Vicar Bishop Timotei of Prahova of the Archdiocese of Bucharest, reports the Basilica News Agency.
Bishop Iachint of Pacific will serve as vicar bishop under Bishop Mihail, who has led the diocese since 2008. The diocese currently comprises 20 parishes and one monastery.
At the end of the service, the newly consecrated Bp. Iachint received the episcopal insignia from Pat. Daniel.
Photo: basilica.ro
Presenting the relevant Patriarchal act, Bp. Varlaam urged Bp. Iachint to work in communion with other hierarchs, to fulfill his mission responsibly, to show love for the Church and the Romanian people, to defend and promote Orthodox Christian values, to care for parishes and monasteries, to support Christian culture and to protect Church heritage. He was also urged to give special care to the clergy and faithful entrusted to him.
In his address, Bp. Iachint described the episcopal ministry, in the tradition of the Church, as a call not to power or privilege but to service, following the example of Christ, Who came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
In his closing remarks, Pat. Daniel addressed several exhortations to the new bishop regarding the pastoral care of the faithful. He noted that in the Greek and Romanian tradition, hierarchs wear icons of the four Evangelists on their mitres, a reminder to reflect on the word of the Lord in the four Gospels and to preach from the Gospel.
Bp. Iachint of Pacific was elected vicar bishop of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand by the Holy Synod on July 2. He was presented to the faithful at the end of the Divine Liturgy.
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