About the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America
Historical Background of the Episcopate
Although Romanian Orthodox parishes were in existence in the United States and Canada from the turn of the century, the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America was established as a Diocese only at a general Church Congress held in the city of Detroit, Michigan, on April 25-28, 1929. Administratively, the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America is governed by the Church Congress and the Episcopate Council, both presided by the Hierarch and constituted from representatives of the parishes and of the Auxiliary Organizations. The Episcopate and the parishes conduct their affairs in conformity with the Constitution and By-Laws, as amended and adopted by the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate National Church Congress on July 2,1994. Legally, the Episcopate functions as a non-profit, religious organization chartered in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan.
Canonical Status
Legally, the Episcopate functions as a non-profit, religious organization chartered in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan. Spiritually, the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate is headed by a Hierarch, elected for life by a special electoral Congress of the Episcopate, and canonically examined and consecrated by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America. Canonically, the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate is under the jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church in America. In matters of external relations, the Episcopate cooperates with the Department of External Relations of the Orthodox Church in America. It is a founding member of both the World Council of Churches with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. The Diocesan Center of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America is located at the Vatra Romaneasca, 2535 Grey Tower Road, Jackson, Michigan 49201-9120. The Cathedral of the Episcopate is situated in the Detroit area. The official publication of the Episcopate is SOLIA—THE HERALD, published in the Romanian and English languages, since 1936.
St. George Cathedral (1912)
Parish Priest – Fr. George Cautis
Attached – V. Rev. Protopresbyter Laurence Lazar. [retired]
Attached – V. Rev. Dimitrie Vincent [retired]
Attached – Rev. Hierodeacon Benedict (Oancea)
St. George Romanian Orthodox Cathedral in Southfield, Michigan, is a historic Romanian Orthodox parish founded in 1912 and part of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America. Located at 18405 W 9 Mile Rd, the cathedral has served for generations as a place of worship, spiritual formation, and community life for Orthodox faithful in the area. The parish is administered by Rev. George Cautiș. Attached at the cathedral – Hierodeacon Benedict (Oancea), V. Rev. Dimitrie Vincent (Retired), and V. Rev. Protopresbyter Laurence Lazar (Retired). The parish continues to stand as an important center of Romanian Orthodox faith and heritage. With more than a century of history, St. George Cathedral remains a lasting Orthodox presence in Southfield, welcoming both parishioners and visitors alike.
Cathedral Directions
From the South
On the Ohio Turnpike, use Toledo Exit 5 and go north on I-280 toward Detroit to I-75 North. At exit 41 (Lincoln Park) turn left (north) on Southfield Rd, which becomes Southfield Freewy (Rt 39). Exit at 8 Mile Rd and continue straight (on service drive) to sign for 9 Mile Rd. Turn left (crossing freeway), then right to the light at 9 Mile Rd. Turn left, and the Cathedral is on the left.
From the North and East
On either I-75, Michigan Rt 53 (Van Dyke) or I-94, take I-696 West to Greenfield Rd exit. Turn left (south) on Greenfield to 9 Mile Rd. Turn right (West). The Cathedral is on the left after the overpass.
The Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America is an archdiocese of the Orthodox Church in America and serves Romanian Orthodox parishes, missions, and monasteries across the United States and Canada.
