His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel Celebrates the Divine Liturgy at Dormition Orthodox Monastery on the 46th Anniversary of His Episcopal Consecration

RIVES JUNCTION, MI — On Sunday, November 15, 2026, the 25th Sunday after Pentecost and the first day of the Nativity Fast, His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America officiated the Holy and Divine Liturgy at the Dormition of the Birthgiver of God Romanian Orthodox Monastery in Rives Junction, Michigan. The Gospel reading for the day was the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37).

Assisting His Eminence at the Divine Liturgy were Very Rev. Fr. John W. Konkle, the monastery priest, Rev. Protodeacon Laike Misikir, the monastery’s deacon, Rev. Hierodeacon Benedict (Oancea) of Vatra Românească in Grass Lake, MI, and visiting clergy.

The day also marked the 46th anniversary of His Eminence’s episcopal consecration, which took place on November 15, 1980, at St. George Episcopal Cathedral in Southfield, Michigan.

May God grant His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel many blessed years!

Led by Mother Abbess Gabriella (Ursache), the monastery traces its roots to Văratec Monastery in Romania, from which Mother Benedicta and Mother Gabriella came to the United States in 1978. In 1987, with the blessing of then-Bishop Nathaniel, they…