His Grace Bishop Andrei Celebrates the Divine Liturgy and Officiates the 40-Day Memorial Service for Preoteasa Teodora Stoleru at Saint Anne Parish in Jacksonville, Florida

JACKSONVILLE, FL – August 2, 2026 – With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel, His Grace Bishop Andrei of Cleveland made a pastoral visit to Saint Anne Romanian Orthodox Parish in Jacksonville, Florida, on the 9th Sunday after Pentecost, where he officiated the Holy and Divine Liturgy.

Assisting His Grace at the Divine Liturgy were the Very Rev. Fr. Ștefan Florin Stoleru, parish priest and Dean of the South USA Deanery, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Alexe of Saint Polycarp Orthodox Parish in Naples, Florida, and Rev. Hdn. Benedict Oancea.

In his homily, His Grace reflected on the Gospel reading from Matthew 14:22–34, recounting Christ’s walking on the water and the Apostle Peter’s encounter with the Lord. Drawing a connection to God’s revelation of His divine Name to Moses at the burning bush, “I AM WHO I AM,” Bishop Andrei emphasized that Christ likewise reveals His divine identity when He tells His disciples, “It is I; do not be afraid.” His Grace reminded the faithful that God is always present in our lives, never abandoning His people, but coming to their aid at the proper time according to His divine wisdom. Just as Christ reached out His hand to save Peter from the…