Abp. Nathaniel Blesses Troparion for Fr. Roman Braga

CHICAGO — Abp. Nathaniel has authorized the liturgical use of a newly composed troparion honoring Archimandrite Roman Braga as the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America continues to seek his canonization within the Orthodox Church in America (OCA).

In an archpastoral letter dated July 20, the feast of the Prophet Elias, Abp. Nathaniel encouraged clergy, monastics, and faithful to ask for the intercessions of Archimandrite Roman, whose cause is under review by the OCA's Canonization Commission. He also blessed the addition of the invocation, “Holy Father Roman of the Great Lakes, intercede for us!” following the dismissal of liturgical services and the commemoration of the Holy and Righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna.

The announcement follows action taken at the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate's 2025 Episcopate Congress in Chicago, where delegates unanimously voted to petition for Archimandrite Roman's canonization. The request was subsequently forwarded to the Holy Synod of Bishops of the OCA, which referred the matter to the Canonization Commission for further study of his life, ministry, and spiritual legacy.

The letter also introduced a new Tone 4 troparion composed by Abbess Christophora of Holy Transfiguration Monastery. The hymn commemorates Archimandrite Roman's upbringing in the Orthodox faith in Romania, his endurance under communist persecution, his forgiveness of his persecutors, and his decades of missionary and pastoral service in North America. Abp. Nathaniel concluded by thanking God for the witness of Archimandrite Roman, describing him as "this humble icon of faith" whose example continues to inspire the faithful.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Archimandrite Roman Braga was remembered on the 11th anniversary of his repose.