Romanian Orthodox Community Celebrates New Cathedral Purchase

Hundreds of members from Ireland’s Romanian Orthodox community gathered in south Dublin on March 3, 2024, to celebrate the annual exaltation of the Holy Cross in their newly acquired cathedral. The former Christ Church Leeson Park has now officially become the Episcopal Cathedral of the Diocese, marking a significant milestone for the community, which comprises approximately 300-400 families.

The church, purchased for over €4 million, was funded through a combination of financial assistance from the Romanian government and local fundraising efforts. Families travelled from various counties including Wexford, Kildare, Galway, and Dublin, as well as from Northern Ireland, to partake in the service.

From 8:30 AM, attendees filed into the historic 19th-century church, paying a customary fee for communion bread and candles. These candles, inscribed with names on small slips of paper, were later presented at the altar. The atmosphere was filled with the harmonious sounds of an Orthodox choir, which performed continuously during the appointment of a new deacon, followed by the liturgy led by Bishop Nectarie Petre, the Romanian Orthodox bishop of Ireland and Iceland.

Fr Calin Florea, the parish priest, expressed the significance of the day for a community that has worshipped in the church for over two decades. Since entering into a lease agreement with the Anglican Church in 2004, the Romanian Orthodox community has established deep roots in this space, hosting weddings, baptisms, and memorial services. Fr Florea noted, “People come here when they’re sad, when they’re burdened with the heavy duties of life. They come here to rejoice and are happy. And for everybody here today, it’s like returning home.”

According to the 2022 census, Ireland is home to more than 100,100 Orthodox Christians, with approximately 28,476 identifying as Romanian Orthodox. This represents a significant portion of the Romanian community, where nearly two-thirds report their religion as Orthodox.

Fr Florea, who arrived in Ireland in 2004 as one of only two Orthodox priests, highlighted the tremendous growth of the community. The late Fr Godfrey O’Donnell, a former Jesuit priest, was the second Orthodox priest at that time. Today, the number of Orthodox priests in Ireland has risen to 17.

Reflecting on the acquisition of the church, Fr Florea described it as a “miracle” that the parish was able to raise the necessary funds. “Seven months ago when we left the church, none of us believed we would be able to buy the cathedral. I think it’s a miracle from God; today was a very important moment for us,” he stated.

The relationship between the Romanian Orthodox community and the Anglican Church has flourished, with Fr Florea mentioning that they recently assured Most Reverend Dr Michael Jackson, the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, that the Leeson Park church would “remain their home as well.” He emphasized the importance of unity in a secularized society, stating, “They didn’t leave; we are here together now. It’s important for us to be one Christian voice.”

As the Romanian Orthodox community celebrates this new chapter, the cathedral stands as a testament to their resilience, faith, and commitment to preserving their cultural heritage in Ireland.