HOLLYWOOD, FL — On Friday, September 11, 2026, clergy and lay delegates from across the United States and Canada gathered at Holy Cross Romanian Orthodox Church in Hollywood, Florida, for the working sessions of the 94th Annual Congress of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America.

The day began with prayer officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, who subsequently opened the first session of the Congress with his welcoming address to the clergy, delegates, and guests.

In his address, His Eminence reflected on the life and mission of the Episcopate and on the responsibility shared by clergy and laity in carrying forward its work.

[Read the full address of His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel here.]

The first session continued with the Chancellor’s Report, presented by Mr. David Oancea, who offered an overview of the administrative work and activities of the Episcopate.

Mrs. Christina Dager, President of the American Romanian Orthodox Youth (AROY), then presented a report on the organization’s work and the various activities through which it serves and brings together the youth of the Episcopate.

His Grace Bishop Andrei of Cleveland, Auxiliary Bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, addressed the Congress on youth ministry and formation, including the Vatra Camps and youth gatherings organized throughout the United States and Canada.

His Grace also reported on the missionary work of the Episcopate and the establishment of new missions during the past year. Among these are Saint Sofian of Antim Mission in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and Protection of the Mother of God Mission in Pensacola, Florida. His Grace noted that other communities have also expressed an interest in establishing missions and that, as these communities develop, the Episcopate will work with them and provide the necessary guidance and support.

Following the reports, His Grace Bishop Andrei officiated a Memorial Service (Parastas), assisted by a number of priests. Prayers were offered for the departed hierarchs, clergy, founders, benefactors, and faithful who contributed to the establishment and growth of the Episcopate and its parishes. The service also commemorated departed veterans and the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, on the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

Session II

The afternoon session continued with the financial reports and other matters concerning the life and administration of the Episcopate.

Mrs. Ioana Mihăilescu, President of the Association of Romanian Orthodox Ladies Auxiliaries of North America (ARFORA), presented the organization’s report, highlighting its activities and ongoing service within the Episcopate.

V. Rev. Protopresbyter Remus Grama offered a presentation on the history and legacy of Romanian pioneers in North America. His presentation was given in the context of the approaching 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States and reflected on the contribution of generations of Romanian immigrants to the life of their communities in North America.

Mr. Tom Rosco, Treasurer of the Episcopate, presented an update on the Vatra Generations initiative and the continuing efforts to preserve and improve the Vatra Românească grounds in Grass Lake, Michigan. He noted the completion of the Hierarchical Residence and outlined a number of additional projects still needed at Vatra, with particular attention to the most urgent priorities for the historic center of the Episcopate.

During the session, the Congress also considered the financial matters of the Episcopate and approved its budget for 2027.

The second session concluded with the celebration of Vespers in honor of Saint Herman of Alaska. A fragment of the holy relics of Saint Herman was brought to Holy Cross Romanian Orthodox Church for the occasion, offering Congress participants and the faithful of South Florida an opportunity for prayer and veneration.

His Grace Bishop Andrei of Cleveland officiated the Vesper Service, assisted by priests and deacons, in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America.

The presence of the holy relics of Saint Herman holds particular significance during this year’s Congress, recalling the missionary witness of one of the first Orthodox saints of North America and his enduring example of faith, humility, and service.

The day concluded with the Congress Banquet, hosted by Holy Cross Romanian Orthodox Church in honor of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America. Clergy, delegates, guests, and members of the local community gathered for an evening of fellowship following the day’s sessions and liturgical services.

Among the distinguished guests attending at the invitation of the Episcopate were His Excellency Dan-Andrei Muraru, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to the United States of America, and Mrs. Elena Gabriela Eremia, Consul General of Romania in Miami.

The 94th Annual Congress, held September 10–12, marks the first Annual Congress of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America to be convened in the State of Florida. This year’s gathering is hosted by the sister communities of Holy Cross Romanian Orthodox Church in Hollywood and Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church in Miramar, bringing together clergy and lay representatives from parishes across the United States and Canada for prayer, deliberation, fellowship, and the continuing work of the Episcopate.