Romanian Episcopate Concludes 94th Annual Congress in Florida

MIRAMAR, FL — The 94th Annual Congress of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America concluded on September 12 with the celebration of the Holy and Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church in Miramar, Florida.

Abp. Nathaniel of Detroit, head of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, presided at the Divine Liturgy together with Bp. Andrei of Cleveland, Auxiliary Bishop of the Episcopate. Several priests and deacons who had gathered in South Florida for the Congress also served at the Liturgy.

In his homily, Bp. Andrei reflected on Matthew 10:37–11:1 and Christ’s command to take up the cross and follow Him. He encouraged the faithful to consider what bearing the cross means in daily life and to keep Christ at the center of their relationships with others.

The bishop also focused on Christ’s teaching about giving “a cup of cold water,” emphasizing that Christian love can be expressed through ordinary acts of kindness. Encouragement, compassion, assistance, and a simple word of kindness can become expressions of Christian faith when offered to others in Christ’s name.

Among those attending the Liturgy were Andrei Muraru, Romania’s ambassador to the United States, and Elena Gabriela Eremia, Consul General of Romania in Miami. The faithful also venerated the relics of St. Herman of Alaska, which had been brought to South Florida for the Congress.

Following the service, clergy, delegates, guests, and parishioners gathered for a Congress Picnic hosted by the Holy Trinity community. The 94th Annual Congress was held September 10–12 and marked the first time the Episcopate’s annual gathering was held in Florida, with Holy Trinity in Miramar and Holy Cross Romanian Orthodox Church in Hollywood serving as hosts.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Romanian Episcopate published a bilingual Akathist to St. Herman.