On December 6, 2024, the Romanian Metropolitan Cathedral of Chicago witnessed a special moment of prayer and communion, dedicated to Saint Hierarch Nicholas, the spiritual patron of His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae. On this festive occasion, the clergy and the faithful addressed His Eminence with warm wishes for health, strength and fruitfulness in the episcopal ministry.
The Vicar of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of the United States of America, Father Daniel Ene, Father Inspector Vasile Mureșan, Father Nicolae Cărbune, servant of the Cathedral, and Hieromonk Paisie Buhnilă from the Allegan Monastery served at the Hierarchical Liturgy, together with the Most Reverend Metropolitan Nicolae. In an atmosphere of deep prayer and emotion, those present joined in singing and giving thanks for the gifts received from God.
A historic and very special moment of the Divine Liturgy was the ordination to the rank of deacon of subdeacon Eduardo Mendel, a native of Chile, who will serve in the parish of "Saint Siluan the Athonite" in Conception, Chile. This was the first ordination of a native Latin American officiated by His Eminence Nicolae, a testimony to the missionary work that His Eminence carries out with great dedication and to the desire to train local ministers to shepherd the Romanian parishes in South American countries.
At the end of the service, the clergy and faithful present addressed to the Most Reverend Father Nicolae the best wishes of "Happy Birthday", praying that God will grant him health, wisdom and spiritual fulfillment in his service as a shepherd of the flock of the speaker.
After the end of the Divine Liturgy, the celebration continued with a fraternal agape, giving the participants the opportunity to enjoy together and share the blessed moments of this day. The day ended with the Te-Deum service, brought to God for all the blessings bestowed on the community. This celebration, marked by prayer and fraternal love, was proof of the special love and respect that the clergy and the faithful have for His Eminence Nicolae.
On this occasion, the entire community raises prayers to God so that His Eminence Nicolae will be strengthened in his archpastoral mission and remain a bright beacon for all those who seek the path of the Orthodox faith. Happy birthday Your Eminence!
Father Stefan Dragoi
