The newly elected Auxiliary Bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Australia and New Zealand was ordained on Saturday, July 4, at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Daniel, concelebrating with Bishop Michael of Australia and New Zealand, Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishops Varlaam of Ploiești and Paisie of Sinai, and Auxiliary Bishop Timotei of Prahova.
The episcopal ordination took place during the Divine Liturgy, and at the conclusion of the service the newly ordained Bishop Iachint of Pacific received the episcopal insignia from Patriarch Daniel.
Presenting the Patriarchal Act of Confirmation, Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, Secretary of the Holy Synod, expressed the expectation that the new hierarch would show “honor and obedience” to his diocesan bishop, Bishop Michael of Australia and New Zealand, as well as to the Patriarch of Romania and the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
He also encouraged him to work in communion with his fellow hierarchs, to fulfill his mission responsibly, and to demonstrate love for the Church and the Romanian people while supporting Christian culture and safeguarding the Church’s heritage.
In his address, Bishop Iachint expressed gratitude to God and to all those who had guided him throughout his spiritual and academic journey.
“Today I stand before the Holy Altar of the Patriarchal Cathedral not to receive an honor, but to take upon myself a greater cross of service,” he said.
He emphasized that the episcopal ministry is not a call to power or privilege but rather a vocation to selfless service in imitation of Christ, “who came not to be served, but to serve.”
The new bishop also thanked Patriarch Daniel, his colleagues at the Chancellery of the Holy Synod, Archimandrite Nectarie Șofelea, Abbot of Radu Vodă Monastery, and all those who had supported him throughout his formation.
Addressing the newly ordained hierarch, Patriarch Daniel offered pastoral guidance for his future ministry. Reflecting on Christ’s command to St. Peter, “Feed My sheep,” the Patriarch stressed that a bishop’s primary responsibility is to nourish the faithful with the Word of God and the Gospel.
He further encouraged Bishop Iachint to combine the preaching of the Gospel with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, noting the important role played by Orthodox parishes among Romanian communities abroad.
“There is much work to be done,” Patriarch Daniel said, observing that many Romanians living overseas attend church more frequently than they did in Romania. He noted that the Church serves not only as a spiritual home but also as a place where Romanians can preserve their language, traditions, and cultural identity.
Bishop Iachint of Pacific was elected Auxiliary Bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Australia and New Zealand during the session of the Holy Synod held on July 2, 2026.
Photo credit: Basilica.ro / Raluca-Emanuela Ene
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