The month of February, in the middle of the Chilean summer, was full of pastoral and missionary activities for the Romanian Orthodox Church "St. Siluan Athonite" in Concepción, Chile. Despite the intense heat and vacation period, Father Alex Aedo Vilugron and Deacon Nicolas continued their pastoral mission with dedication, reaching out to the Orthodox communities in southern Chile. These activities took place in the cities of Lanco, Villarrica, Valdivia, Puerto Montt, and Puerto Varas, located about 500-700 km south of Concepción, areas that host a small number of Orthodox families and friends of Orthodoxy.
Orthodoxy in Chile is a minority but active presence, and the Romanian Orthodox Church "St. Siluan Athonite" is considered one of the southernmost Orthodox presences in the world. This makes the Orthodox mission in this region both a challenge and a great blessing. Although the number of Orthodox believers is small, they form a close-knit community, and the presence of the Church in these isolated areas brings a real sense of hope and an opportunity for spiritual strengthening for many of them.
Among the activities carried out during this period were baptisms, the blessing of a clinic, Panikhida for the departed, visits to families, and the blessing of a newborn. Additionally, Father Alex Aedo Vilugron, with love and devotion, continues to bring the Holy Sacraments to a monk living in isolation in Patagonia, in an extremely remote area where access to the Church is nearly impossible. These missionary gestures are a clear example of dedication and sacrifice, a true act of witnessing the faith, highlighting the true missionary spirit of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Chile.
Moreover, the "St. Siluan Athonite" Church in Concepción is on the brink of a historic moment, as preparations for its consecration are underway. The community's hope is that this year, the Church will be blessed and consecrated, and in this regard, they eagerly await the visit of His Eminence Archbishop and Metropolitan Nicolae, who will come to perform the consecration service. This accomplishment will mark a new chapter in the history of the parish and will further strengthen the bond between the Orthodox community in southern Chile and the Romanian Orthodox Church.
While others might choose to spend their vacations in search of relaxation, the workers of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Chile continue to carry on the mission of Orthodoxy, spreading the light of faith where it is needed. With each visit, each blessing, and every Divine Liturgy celebrated, Father Alex and Deacon Nicolas bring hope and communion to the lives of those in the Orthodox communities in southern Chile.
We thank God for the gift of this mission and for all those who have received the visits of the priests with love and gratitude. May this missionary activity continue to deepen the connection between the Orthodox communities in Chile and the Romanian Orthodox Church, thus strengthening the faith and traditions of Orthodoxy in this region of the world.
The Romanian Orthodox Church "St. Siluan Athonite" in Concepción is a beacon of light in southern Chile, spreading the love and teachings of Orthodoxy in a remote region, yet one full of devotion and hope.
A faithful servant...
