Bishop Nestor was enthroned as the new Βishop of Deva and Hunedoara during a ceremony at St Nicholas Cathedral in Deva on December 26, 2021.
Being an assistant bishop for the diocese of Deva and Hunedoara for less than a year, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church elected bp Nestor as the new shepherd of the diocese, after the unexpected death of Bp Gurie.
The enthronement ceremony of Deva’s second bishop took place after the hierarchical Divine Liturgy headed by Metropolitan Laurentiu of Transylvania.
In his speech, Bishop Nestor expressed his gratitude to Bishop Gurie Georgiu of blessed memory who reposed in October.
“I chose to talk more about the past today because it tells us about the future; more about His Grace Bishop Gurie, because I am convinced that at this moment all the past, present, and future things of the Diocese of Deva and Hunedoara revolve around His Grace.”
“Through his work, His Grace made me a partaker at times of great joy. He saddened us by quickly departing from this world, but as if preparing his departure and leaving his descendants beforehand, he again gave us joy on this day, being with us now with his body laid in the grave, and with the spirit together praying and watching.”
Bishop Nestor emphasized that he owed to Bishop Gurie all his “spiritual and professional growth.”
“And the secret work by which he called me to be his successor, makes me deeply responsible, arousing in me a shudder of uneasiness about the worthiness to continue his activity. However, hoping in the mercy and help of God, I hope that the spirit of love placed in the works of His Grace will enlighten my mind and heart to preserve and increase the inheritance I have received.”
“I thank him from the depth of my heart for the love of choosing me as a disciple, and today in front of the tomb of His Grace I renew the promises made at the beginning of this year when I was called to receive the episcopal ministry,” Bishop Nestor said.
Metropolitan Laurenţiu of Transylvania, who was locum tenens for the see of Deva and Hunedoara, thanked those who participated in the event and assured Bishop Nestor of all his support.
“Thank you all for your love for your former pastor. It is a sign of appreciation for the work he has done, for the sacrifice he has made, and behold, from this sacrifice comes the joy of fulfillment today.”
“We wish His Grace Bishop Nestor a fruitful activity, good health, and strength in his work. We offer him our support, parental protection, and blessing. May God help you so that the results may be visible.”
The event was also attended by the Secretary of State for Religious Affairs, Victor Opaschi.
“I wish you beautiful and fruitful spiritual, philanthropic, and cultural accomplishments in the ministry to which you have been called. May you live in peace and good understanding, for many and blessed years,” Victor Opaschi told the new Bishop of Deva and Hunedoara.
Patriarch Daniel offered Deva’s new Bishop Nestor an icon and a set of engolpia. The patriarchal gifts were handed over by Metropolitan Laurentiu.
Source: basilica.ro
