On the weekend of January 20-21, 2023, the Romanian Orthodox Mission in the Greenville-Spartanburg area of western South Carolina celebrated the feast of its patron saint, the great teacher and ecumenical hierarch, St. Gregory the Theologian. This Eucharistic community was organized by Fr. Nicolae Clempus of Atlanta, who, for more than three years, traveled two hours each way together with Chanter Marian Dima, one Saturday every month. Since August 2022 the community has been blessed to have weekly liturgies, along with some feast days, being served by Fr. David Hudson, who also travels from Atlanta for each service. In the fall of 2022 the community purchased a lovely church facility in the city of Easley, SC, on the northwest side of the Greenville-Spartanburg region.
The highlight of this year’s Hram was the visit of our Archbishop and Metropolitan Nicolae, who arrived on Friday evening and served an Akathist to St. Gregory the Theologian. Afterwards, the Parish Council and other interested members participated with His Eminence in discussing the presentation of the proposed project for the renovation of the liturgical space by our own member, Architect Viorel Nicolae.
On Saturday morning we were joined by Fr. Nicolae Clempus and Chanter Marian Dima from Atlanta for the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. We were once again blessed by the wise teaching of our hierarch, challenging us to a greater knowledge of our Holy Fathers and the Holy Tradition of our Orthodox Church. This radiant event was followed by a short cultural program prepared by Mihaela Livingston of Columbia, SC. Also joining us for the first time was Mr. Catalin Ghenea, Consul General of the Romanian Consulate in Miami, FL.
A lovely festive meal was presented by the Ladies Auxiliary, who prepared and served a rich variety of traditional foods. As our closing activity we gathered outside and danced the Hora of Unity. We express our heartfelt thanks to His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae, Fr. Nicolae Clempus, Chanter Marian Dima, Mr. Ghenea, Mihaela Livingston, our Parish Council, our Ladies Auxiliary, and all our members and friends who participated in this wonderful occasion.
Fr. David Hudson
