Bishop-elect Ieronim of Dacia Felix arrived on Tuesday in Vršac, Serbia, where the diocese is headquartered.
The hierarch was received at the Romanian Orthodox Cathedral “Ascension of the Lord” by Priests Emanuel Tăpălagă, Vicar of Vojvodina, and Boian Alexandrovici, Vicar of Timok, together with several Romanian clergymen and faithful from the city and its surroundings.
A Te Deum service was celebrated upon His Grace’s arrival. At the end of the service, the Vicar of Vojvodina, Father Emanuel Tăpălagă, read the Patriarchal Grammata on the election of His Grace Ieronim as Bishop of Dacia Felix.
Among the reasons for electing him to this dignity, mentioned in the grammata signed by Patriarch Daniel, are his theological training, including studies at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Bucharest and the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey, Geneva, Switzerland, as well as at other institutions abroad, and his doctorate in theology at the Faculty of Theology in Craiova.
The document also highlights “his experience of living abroad, being for 20 years the Superior of the Romanian Settlements in Jerusalem, Jericho, and Jordan”, as well as “his consistent scientific and publishing activity, participating in numerous congresses, symposiums, and scientific events and having already published many studies and articles on theology.”
Another reason for entrusting him with the new dignity is his “rich experience of participation in official meetings with representatives of central and local public authorities or recognized denominations or other national and international institutions, his experience in the representative activity, being on numerous occasions delegated to represent the Romanian Patriarchate at various local, national or international events.”
The decree mentions “his rich experience in the hierarchal ministry, with eight years of episcopal experience and a practice of synodality” and “his long liturgical experience and pastoral practice, through his consistent experience in inter-Orthodox, inter-Christian and inter-religious dialogue.”
The Holy Synod elected the Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Ieronim of Sinaia as Bishop of Dacia Felix on July 5.
“I understand that it is essential in our life to harmonize our will with God’s will. Therefore, I can only say, Lord, Thy will be done,” the bishop said immediately after his election.
Source: basilica.ro
