Today, 20 July 2013, His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of Romania consecrated the outside painting of the church of “Saint Elijah” – Ghencea church of Bucharest. Besides His Beatitude, His Grace Varlaam Ploiesteanul, Assistant Bishop to the Patriarch was also present, assisted by a large group of priests and deacons.
To end with the religious service, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel congratulated the entire community for the support given and spoke about the beauty of this place of worship: “This church is very big and beautiful, it is a gem for our capital city and it certainly shows the sacrificial character of the faithful. After the church is built and bedecked, the spiritual edification should be continued, the church of souls, the church in the people’s hearts, because this new church, consecrated and beautifully bedecked is the icon of the Kingdom of Heaven, of the communion of God with His saints of all times and centuries. It is to this joy, happiness and holy peace of the Kingdom of Heaven that we make for when we come to the church. Thus is why the church is considered the House of God and Gate of Heaven. Here, the heaven comes down on the earth so that we, the people, should spiritually rise to heaven. The sins are forgiven in the church, and the foretaste of the eternal happiness and life is given.”
It was also in the parish of “Saint Elijah” – Ghencea of Bucharest that His Grace Varalaam Ploiesteanul, Assistant Bishop to the Patriarch, laid, in the morning, the foundation stone to the chapel that will be built in the parish cemetery.
“I prayed for the help of God for those who found this church, for those who help in many ways to build it, to protect the workers who will make efforts to build it. This church is necessary for the religious services celebrated on the occasion of the funerals and remembrance services for those who are waiting for the universal resurrection in this cemetery:, His Grace said.
To end with, the parish priest was awarded the order “Saints Emperors Constantine and Helen” on behalf of His Beatitude Daniel, and the other servant priests and the parochial council were awarded the Diploma of Honour of “Saint Andrew the Apostle, Protector of Romania”. Those who help with the building of the new church of the cemetery were also awarded distinctions.
The Patriarch of Romania offered to the parish a blessing cross, books of service, and books published by the publishing house of the Bible and Orthodox Mission Institute. His Beatitude received an icon of Saint Elijah on behalf of the parish.
The protectors of the church are Saint Basil the Great and Saint Joseph the New from Partos. The church has hosted a particle of the relics of the hierarch of Banat since 2009 – informs Trinitas TV.
