His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel Among the Faithful in Merrillville, Indiana, for the Parish’s 118th Anniversary

MERRILLVILLE, IN — On Sunday, September 20, 2026, the Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America was among the faithful of Descent of the Holy Spirit Romanian Orthodox Parish in Merrillville, Indiana, as the community celebrated the 118th anniversary of its founding.

The anniversary celebrations began on Saturday evening. Before Vespers, a memorial service (Parastas) was officiated for the departed clergy who served the parish, as well as for its founders, members, benefactors, and faithful who supported the community throughout its history.

For this special occasion, a fragment of the holy relics of Saint Olga of Alaska was brought from the Diocesan Center at Vatra Românească for the veneration of the faithful.

The Vespers Service was officiated by Very Rev. Fr. George Ursache, parish priest of Falling Asleep of the Ever-Virgin Mary Romanian Orthodox Parish and Dean of the Central USA Deanery. Serving with him were priests from the deanery, in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel. At the conclusion of Vespers, His Eminence prayed before the holy relics of Saint Olga…