Between June 13–18, 2025, following the pastoral visit to Lima, Peru (June 11–13), Father Daniel Ene, Episcopal Vicar of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Two Americas, visited Chile and the Romanian Orthodox Parish of St. Silouan the Athonite in Concepción. This presence strengthened the spiritual bonds between clergy and faithful, between the Romanian Orthodox community and Latin American brothers and sisters who find themselves in the True Faith.
Saturday, June 14 – Commemoration of the 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea
Saturday was marked by a solemn and celebratory event: the Commemorative Act of the 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325–2025). The event, organized in collaboration with the Oficina Nacional de Asuntos Religiosos (ONAR) – Biobío Region, took place at the parish church in Chiguayante–Concepción and brought together Orthodox faithful, guests from other Christian denominations, local authorities, and university professors.
Dr. Elizabeth Salazar-Sanzana, director of ONAR for the Biobío region, honored the gathering with her presence. The local host, Father Alex Aedo Vilugrón, parish priest, warmly welcomed all attendees and supported the event’s organization with care.
Three high-level presentations were delivered during the symposium, each highlighting the historical, theological, and dogmatic significance of the First Ecumenical Council from different perspectives:
- Pablo Sepúlveda López, a graduate in History from the Universidad de Chile and currently pursuing a Master's in Humanistic Studies, presented on "The Historical Context of the Council of Nicaea." He is currently writing a thesis on the spiritual dimension of sorrow in the teachings of Evagrius Ponticus and John Cassian, two fourth-century monks. His work reflects deep patristic sensitivity and a genuine affinity with the spirit of the ancient Church.
- Isaac Giordano Saavedra Sánchez, a biochemist trained at the Universidad de Concepción and iconographer of the St. Silouan parish, presented on "Theological Aspects of the Council of Nicaea." His presentation focused on the divine nature of the Son, the importance of the term homoousios, and the condemnation of Arianism.
- Dr. Arturo Bravo, a renowned theologian, holds a Doctorate in Biblical Theology from Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Germany, and has been a professor since 2005 at the Faculty of Theological and Philosophical Studies at the Catholic University of the Most Holy Conception (UCSC). He offered a scholarly reflection on the document issued by the International Theological Commission of the Holy See, entitled "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. 1700 Years from the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea," analyzing its content in light of Orthodox resonance and convergence.
The evening was moderated by Mr. Juan Pablo Burgos, who guided the discussions and presentations with elegance and clarity.
At the conclusion of the session, Father Daniel Ene offered a heartfelt address, expressing his gratitude for the efforts of the young researchers and the intellectual and spiritual openness cultivated by the symposium. He emphasized that the Council of Nicaea remains a cornerstone of the Orthodox faith, a timeless call to bear clear witness to the divinity of Christ in a contemporary world in search of truth.
Later that day, during a Parish Council meeting, preparations were discussed for the consecration of the church, scheduled for Sunday, September 21, 2025, as part of the first official visit to Colombia, Chile, and Ecuador of His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae, Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan of the Two Americas (September 15–26, 2025). On this occasion, the desire was also expressed to invite His Eminence Archbishop Calinic of Argeș and Muscel, or his appointed representative, to take part in the consecration. The request is deeply symbolic, as this church in Concepción is the first Orthodox church in Latin America to be placed under the protection of Saint Philothea of Argeș.
Sunday, June 15 – Sunday of All Saints
Despite torrential rains and strong winds, the faithful gathered lovingly in the parish church in Chiguayante to participate in the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Father Daniel Ene together with parish priest Father Alex Aedo. The responses were offered by the parish choir, and the service was broadcast live to include those from other regions and countries in prayer and fellowship.
A deeply moving moment occurred during the offering of an icon of Saint Philothea of Argeș, brought as a gift by Father Daniel from Romania to the parish. This icon, rich in spiritual and symbolic value, was solemnly placed in the church. By decision of the General Parish Assembly, Saint Philothea was proclaimed as the second patroness of the church, alongside Saint Silouan the Athonite.
In his homily, Father Daniel emphasized that the Sunday of All Saints is not only a celebration of canonized saints, but a living invitation for each of us to become salt and light in the world, following the witness of the Saints and the sacrificial love of Saint Philothea. Her pure and holy life remains an inspiration for young people, families, and the entire community.
This visit was a sign of God’s blessing and a strengthening of the Orthodox missionary witness in South America. Through communion, teaching, and prayer, the parish of St. Silouan the Athonite in Concepción bears powerful testimony that Orthodoxy is alive, beautiful, and fruitful, even in the most remote corners of the world.
Glory be to God for all things!
Fr. Daniel Ene
