Chapter Update: S.P.A.R.O.Y. Participates in Parish Anniversary
by Ioana Ciuta, S.P.A.R.O.Y. Historian

On June 14th, 1914, the cornerstone of St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church was laid in the ground at Woodbridge and Atwater.  The church was blessed on October 15th, 1914, by Fr. Podea, the parish priest at that time.  However, the final and official consecration of the church was officiated in 1935 by His Grace, Bishop POLICARP (Morușca).  His Grace placed holy relics and soil from Romania into the altar table, as is the custom.  Thus started the history of our little church.

Now, more than nine decades later, we are celebrating our 95th Anniversary in good health, faith, and happiness.  “Mark your calendar!” the announcements read.  September 20-21, 2008, became the highlight of the year for St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church.  His Eminence, Archbishop NATHANIEL honored the parish with his presence for the festive celebration, and a Romanian Orchestra from Chicago was featured.

Our S.P.A.R.O.Y. chapter was extremely active in preparing for this event.  We got together on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to prepare the tables, decorations, cleaning our church, and many more things.  The group participated in the reception on Friday for His Eminence and participated on Saturday at the Holy Vespers prior to the Romanian Cultural Program and Dinner that evening.  The S.P.A.R.O.Y. group helped by selling entrance tickets at the door, and two of our members hosted the Anniversary party.

On Sunday, September 21, after the Holy Liturgy, the S.P.A.R.O.Y. helped at the Festive Banquet by serving the food.

Everyone was very pleased and in high spirits for the events.  We thank His Eminence, Archbishop NATHANIEL for receiving our parish’s invitation and coming with his blessing for us.  We also thank the Romanian Orchestra from Chicago for coming to perform for us, and the parish council for guiding our S.P.A.R.O.Y. group.  La mulți ani!