Bp. Andrei Installs New Parish Priest at St. John the Baptizer in Kannapolis

Photo: The Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America/Facebook

KANNAPOLIS, NC — Between January 10–11, 2026, St. John the Baptizer Parish in Kannapolis, North Carolina, near Charlotte, marked a significant milestone with a hierarchical visit and the installation of a new parish priest. With the blessing of His Eminence Abp. Nathaniel, His Grace Bp. Andrei made a pastoral visit to the community on the Sunday after Theophany, inaugurating a new chapter in parish life.

The celebrations began Saturday evening with the Service of Holy Unction, officiated by Bp. Andrei and assisted by parish priest Rev. Fr. Cristian Mihail Preda and visiting clergy. On Sunday, Bp. Andrei presided at the Holy and Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by Fr. Preda, retired Protopresbyter Marian Preda, and Rev. Fr. Florin Sipos of St. Basil the Great Parish in Durham, North Carolina.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Fr. Cristian Mihail Preda was formally installed as parish priest. Bp. Andrei also blessed the site of the parish’s future social hall, affirming the community’s continued growth and development.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Holy Dormition Monastery hosted Abp. Nathaniel for its Theophany feast. 

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