Bishop Nectarie of Ireland and Iceland blessed the new Diocesan Cathedral in Dublin during a ceremony held on Saturday, Sept. 13.
The Christ Church in Leeson Park was purchased by the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Ireland and Iceland with support from the Department for Romanians Abroad and hundreds of Romanian donors.
The church, which previously belonged to the Anglican community, had been used by the Romanian parish “Exaltation of the Holy Cross” since 2005 until February 2025, when the owners decided to sell the property.
Reopening of the Church
On the occasion of its elevation to the rank of Diocesan Cathedral, Bishop Nectarie officiated at the service of the Lesser Blessing of Water, blessing the church.
He emphasised how wonderfully God works in people’s lives when He is called upon with sincere faith and trust. Quoting Father Constantin Galeriu, he noted that “nothing is accidental, but everything is providential.”
Cathedral Feast Day
On the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the cathedral’s patronal feast, the hierarch celebrated the first Divine Liturgy following the reopening of the church.
Hundreds of Romanian and Irish faithful, as well as representatives of the Romanian Embassy in Ireland, participated in the historic events.
During the service, theologian Cristian Pasere, president of the Nepsis Youth Association of Ireland and conductor of the diocesan choir of Saint Roman the Melodist, was ordained a deacon for the chapel of the “Saint John the Baptist” Diocesan Centre in Dublin.
At the end of the service, Bishop Nectarie thanked all those who had helped in acquiring the church, stressing that it will continue to be a place of prayer, unity, and mission for all the faithful.