With hearts filled with emotion and gratitude, the Romanian Orthodox faithful of Chicago gathered on March 8-9, 2025 at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen to experience moments of profound spiritual elevation. It was a celebration of faith, tradition, and communion, where heaven and earth united in prayer, and the hearts of those present were enveloped in sacred joy.
The festivities began on the evening of March 8 with the Vespers service, officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae, surrounded by a host of clergy. The homily was delivered by V. Rev. Fr. Ștefan Drăgoi, the Secretary of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of the United States, who emphasized the significance of holy icons and their essential role in the life of the Church and each believer.
The following morning, after the Matins service, the faithful had the joy of welcoming a distinguished assembly of hierarchs, led by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae, along with His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael, of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago; His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of the OCA Midwest Diocese; His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Canada; His Grace Bishop Timothy of Hexamilion, Auxiliary Bishop og the Greek Metropolis of Chicago; and His Grace Bishop Serafim of Kostajnica, the Vicar Bishop of the Serbian Diocese of Midwestern America. Among the clergy serving alongside them were Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Ene, Vicar; V. Rev. Fr. Ștefan Drăgoi, Secretary; Very Rev. Protosynghellos Ieremia Berbec, Exarch; Very Rev. Fr. Dean Călin Bărbolovici; Very Rev. Fr. Dean Iulian Anitei; Very Rev. Fr. Dean Teodor Gîrlonța; Cathedral priests V. Rev. Fr. Vasile Mureșan and V. Rev. Fr. Nicolae Cărbune; and Rev. Deacon Bogdan Manea. Before the Divine Liturgy, a solemn service of blessing was performed for the newly completed iconography of the Cathedral—an uplifting moment that filled the hearts of all with joy and gratitude. Through the anointing with Holy and Great Chrism and the sprinkling with holy water, these icones were transformed into windows to heaven, channels of divine grace descending upon the faithful who pray with devotion.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated with great solemnity, and the homily was delivered by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael. Following the Liturgy, a special Thanksgiving service was offered, marking the faithful’s gratitude for God’s abundant blessings upon the Romanian people, especially in this jubilee year commemorating the 100th anniversary of the elevation of the Romanian Orthodox Church to the rank of Patriarchate.
After the liturgical celebration, clergy and faithful gathered in the Cathedral’s grand social hall, where the ladies of the community had prepared a generous Lenten meal. The atmosphere was enriched by the voices of Sunday school children, who sang hymns and reverently carried holy icons in their hands. During the event, the Honorable Maria Pappas, Treasurer of Cook County, Illinois, presented a special award of appreciation to His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae on behalf of the Governor of Illinois, in recognition of his dedicated service. Additionally, Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Ene delivered a presentation on the historic elevation of the Romanian Orthodox Church to the rank of Patriarchate.
In closing, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae awarded distinctions to the iconographers and all those who contributed to the magnificent frescoes adorning the Cathedral. In a moment of deep emotion, the Metropolitan emphasized that when a church is adorned with holy icons, it becomes a bridge between earth and heaven, a sacred space where the faithful unite with the saints and angels in glorifying God. “As the psalmist says, ‘Standing in the Church of Your glory, we feel as if we are in heaven,’ and today, we too sense that we have ascended a step closer to the Kingdom of God. Yet, our work does not end here. We are now called to an even deeper mission—to build within the hearts of our children and youth a love for Christ, a steadfast faith, and the awareness of belonging to a people with a rich tradition and profound spirituality.”
These moments of grace and communion crowned an unforgettable celebration for the Romanian Orthodox faithful of Chicago, strengthening them in their faith and deepening their commitment to preserving the spiritual heritage of their ancestors.
Rev. Fr. Ștefan Drăgoi,
Eparchial Secretary
