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Abp. Nathaniel Blesses New Parish Center in Tennessee
The primate of the OCA's Romanian Episcopate joined a Tennessee parish in celebrating 26 years of ministry and the opening of a new center for worship, education, and fellowship.
OLD HICKORY, TN — St. John Chrysostom Romanian Orthodox Church celebrated a major milestone on June 21 as Abp. Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America visited the parish for its 26th anniversary and the blessing of a newly completed parish center.
The festivities began Saturday evening with Vespers and continued Sunday with the Holy and Divine Liturgy, celebrated on the Sunday of All Athonite Saints. Concelebrating with Abp. Nathaniel were Fr. Karol Bratosin, the parish rector; Fr. Ciprian Grădinaru; and Hierodeacon Benedict Oancea. Clergy and faithful gathered to give thanks for the growth and continued vitality of the Tennessee parish.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Abp. Nathaniel blessed the new parish center, which includes classrooms for Sunday School, a kitchen, and a social hall designed to support parish education, fellowship, and community activities. The hierarch praised the dedication and generosity that made the project possible and congratulated parish leaders and volunteers for their efforts.
Several individuals who played key roles in planning and completing the center were honored during the celebration. Each received a diploma of recognition and an icon of the Holy Three Hierarchs as a token of gratitude for their service to the parish.
The anniversary festivities concluded with a festive agape meal, bringing together parishioners, clergy, and guests in a spirit of thanksgiving and fellowship.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Tikhon led a 50th-anniversary celebration in Cincinnati.
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