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Glasgow Kirk to be consecrated as first Romanian Orthodox Church in Scotland

Orthodox leader flies in for historic occasion

A KIRK in the east end of Glasgow is to be consecrated as the first place of worship for the Romanian Orthodox Church in Scotland. Shettleston Old Parish Church will host a special inauguration ceremony at 3pm this Sunday, 18 January, as it becomes the home for Romanian Orthodox followers in the city.

His Eminence Archbishop Metropolitan Joseph Pop is flying in from Romania to bless the hall, and he will also bring with him a message from the country’s ex-Royal family.

The idea came from Romanian Daniel Manastireanu, who is training for the ministry with the Church of Scotland in the area. He explained:

"The Romanian Orthodox community approached me to ask for help in finding a space where they could start the first Romanian Orthodox Church in Scotland.

"Having already experienced the warm hospitality of Glasgow churches, I appealed to Shettleston Old Parish Church for help in this matter.

"I was overjoyed to see the minister and the elders taking on this challenge with great enthusiasm and desire to be helpful and welcoming to a migrant community in their church buildings."

The Shettleston congregation will still worship in the main sanctuary with Interim Moderator Reverend Adah Younger, and the Orthodox worshippers will meet in the old church hall.

She said: "We wanted to offer our space and hospitality, and the office bearers have been working extremely hard getting everything ready in time."

Former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Very Reverend Sheilagh Kesting, will be there with guests which include Linda Fabiani, Scottish Minister for External Affairs, Europe and Culture, and the Romanian Ambassador Doctor Ion Jinga. There will be a message of support from the British Royal family.

The new congregation will be called "The Presentation of Our Lord". As part of the celebration two Romanian choirs will perform a Byzantine music concert after the main ceremony.

Ends.

Note to News Desks

Interviews will be available on the day with Daniel and Reverend Adah Younger. Contact Gordon Bell, Media Relations Officer, on 0131 240 2204 (Office) or 07856715860 (Mobile)

Shettleston Old Parish Church, 111 Killin Street, Glasgow, G32 9AH

nr/01/01/2009

Wednesday 14, January 2009

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