Numerous faithful attended on Thursday, December 26, 2024, in the historical and beautiful cathedral of the city, the liturgical ceremonies dedicated to the 25th anniversary of enthronement of Archbishop and Metropolitan Nifon of Târgovişte.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence, accompanied by priests and deacons. Prof. Marian Vâlciu, Vice Rector of the “Valahia” University of Târgovişte, delivered the festive speech, in which he highlighted some of the theological, liturgical and cultural landmarks of the ministry of Metropolitan Nifon, from the academic, pastoral, missionary and social perspectives.
Congratulatory messages were conveyed by: Corneliu Ștefan, President of the Dâmbovița County Council, Cristian Stan, Mayor of Târgoviște, by representatives of the two theological schools – the Faculty and Seminary, as well as by the clergy.
The second part of the anniversary celebrations took place in the “St. Voivode Neagoe Basarab” Hall of the Metropolitan Residence, was opened by the welcome speech of Dr. Ionuț Adrian Ghibanu, Diocesan Vicar of the Archbishopric of Târgoviște, with the participation of national and local officials, of “Valahia” University, military commanders, representatives of the clergy and monasteries.
On this occasion, a special film entitled “His Eminence Archbishop and Metropolitan Nifon – a quarter of a century in Târgoviște, in the service of the Church and Romanian people” was screened, followed by the carol concert offered by the Târgoviște Cathedral Choir, conducted by Lecturer dr. Mihail Vlădăreanu.
Metropolitan Nifon then conferred the eparchial ORDER “St. Hierarch Nifon, Patriarch of Constantinople and Metropolitan of Wallachia” and the Diecesan ORDER “Wallachian Cross” to some distinguished laymen who, over time, have supported the pastoral mission of the Church.
Both during the speech delivered in the Cathedral and the one in the Archbishopric Residence, Metropolitan Nifon emphasized the significance of the Nativity of our Lord for the history and human civilization, highlighting its deep theological implications, which are the foundation of our Christian life, and which also constitute the basis of the authentical and permanent values of our contemporary world.
