Between February 22 and 27, 2025, Father Vicar Daniel Ene visited Quito, Ecuador, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop and Metropolitan Nicolae, being in the midst of the Romanian Orthodox community at the “Saint Hierarch Joseph the New of Partos” Church. This visit marked a historic moment for the Romanian Orthodox Church in Ecuador, as the church obtained legal personality, being officially recognized as a canonical Orthodox church by the Ecuadorian authorities under the name IGLESIA ORTODOXA RUMANA EN ECUADOR.
The official recognition came after a meeting between Father Vicar Daniel Ene and the Secretary of State for Religious Affairs, Mr. Diego Humberto Escobar Castro, and the Director, Mrs. Victoria Calderon. The discussions led to a significant result for the Romanian Orthodox community in Ecuador, strengthening its legal status and legitimizing its presence in the country. This step represents an important achievement for Romanians in Ecuador, as well as for all Orthodox Christians in the Ecuadorian capital.
The “Saint Hierarch Joseph the New of Partos” Church is the only canonical Orthodox church in Quito, where the Divine Liturgy is celebrated both in Romanian and Spanish, offering a place of prayer and communion for the entire Orthodox community in Ecuador.
In addition to liturgical activities, the faithful had the opportunity to participate on Saturday in the social project Alimentos de Amor, organized by the mission's volunteers. This project aimed to provide food and support to those in need, further highlighting the Romanian Orthodox Church's commitment to the entire community in Ecuador.
On Sunday, February 23, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Father Vicar Daniel Ene at a chapel in the southern part of the capital, Quito, a moment of prayer and communion for the Orthodox faithful in that area. The next service will take place on Sunday, March 30, and will be officiated by Father Esteban Diaz from Colombia. Additionally, there are plans to have a priest serve during Palm Sunday and Holy Pascha to support the community during these important spiritual moments.
By obtaining legal personality, the Romanian Orthodox Church "Saint Hierarch Joseph the New of Partos" in Quito strengthens itself as a reference institution, and through these accomplishments, it continues to demonstrate its care and devotion to Romanians in Ecuador and all Orthodox Christians in the Ecuadorian capital.
May this new chapter in the life of the church bring blessings and strengthen the unity of the Orthodox community!
Written by,
Juan Xavier
