St. Michael’s Romanian Orthodox Church, as so many other Orthodox Churches, was formed from immigrant workers who came to America looking for a place in the world where they could work, live and worship God. The core founders of St. Michael’s weren’t typical Romanians, however, but were Aromanians from Macedonia and Albania. The Aromanian language eventually became a dialect of modern Romanian.
In authentic Orthodox style, they purchased land and begun building their first Church before even making their own dwellings. This first Church was completed in 1924, and then a parish house and hall were built in 1949 – 1950. Eventually a new Church was completed and dedicated on the former Church’s foundation on November 12, 1961. Currently, the parish is a diverse mixture of cradle Orthodox and converts to the Orthodox faith.
The parishioners from Southbridge were happy to receive His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae on November 6th and November 7th, 2021. More than 90 people, parishioners and friends of our church, came to honor our Metropolitan who wisely and spiritual lead his flock especially during this trying period of time.
The Vespers service was preceded by a meeting with the Parish Council on future projects and the pastoral mission of the parish and upcoming centennial celebration of Holy Archangel Michael’s church in 2024.
Sunday Metropolitan Nicolae served the Divine Liturgy assisted by the parish priest, Fr. John Downie. In his homily His Eminence emphasized two different ways to be healed by God: by touching God or by being touched by God. Showing that God comes to us in physical ways through icons, holy relics and most importantly through Holy Communion. His Eminence explained we should not be afraid to touch God but rather have faith of His healing presence especially in His Mysteries. After his sermon he awarded the Metropolitan Cross to Spiro Thomo for his 25 years leading the parish council and for his dedication serving the church.
The whole atmosphere was one of spiritual joy. Some little children dressed in traditional Romanian costumes offered flowers, a symbolic present and a special cake inscribed with: + Nicolae - Axios.
Perfect sunny weather and a new renovated church brought their contribution to the beauty of this event.
Fr. John Downie
