In 2019, the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America wears festive clothes, on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of its establishment. Between April 25 and 28, 1929, the existence of the traditional Romanian Orthodox communities was taken into account, first in Canada and then in the United States of America, and the Founding Church Congress decided, at the meeting held at St. George’s Church in Detroit, Michigan to organize this church life in the Romanian Orthodox Bishopric of America.

Under the leadership of Bishop Policarp Morușca, starting March 24, 1935, the bishopric had jurisdiction over 44 parishes, 62 missions, 43 settlements and 5 chapels, all served by 34 priests and 6 deacons, throughout Canada and the United States.

Under the pastorate of the three hierarchs, Policarp Morușca (1935-1948), Valerian Trifa (1952-1984) and Nathaniel Popp (from 1980 and present), the episcopate is increasingly outlining its identity by establishing new church communities and strengthening existing ones. Today, 118 priests and 18 deacons serve and administer 34 parishes and missions in Canada and 69 in the United States. We also mention the existence of four monasteries with a rich monastic activity.

In this positive context for the Romanian American Orthodoxy, His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel proposed to the Episcopate Congress, for the position of Vicar Bishop, the Reverend Father Dan Hoarște. The auxiliary bishop’s ministry will consist in visiting the parishes and local communities on different occasions, liturgical, social or cultural, as well as promoting programs regarding the integration of youth in the Church.

Therefore, during this edition of the Congress, a Special Election Session was convened for the purpose of electing the vicar bishop by vote. Reverend Father Dan Hoarște was nominated by the Episcopal Council and was canonically examined and approved by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America. During the last five years, the father has held the position of vicar of the bishopric, fulfilling conscientiously and efficiently the work of ministry and administration, both through the tireless research of the parishes and through the work in the office of the Chancellery.

The fruits of the painstaking, with the blessing of God, were shown in the vote of the 211 delegates, priests and laity, representatives of the Episcopate parishes, who confidently placed Father Dan Hoarște on the path to a more worthy and fruitful bishopric service. This historic election will soon be followed by the receiving in monasticism according to the Orthodox canons and by the ordination in bishop, with the blessing and service of the hierarchs of the Synod of the Orthodox Church in America.

Priests and faithful alike hope in the protection and blessing of God for the propagation of Romanian Orthodoxy on American soil, so that the contribution of generations of Romanian pioneers to the spiritual and cultural personalization of the New World can continue and develop.