His Grace Bishop Andrei Officiates the Paraklesis to the Mother of God at Holy Cross Parish in Hollywood, Florida

HOLLYWOOD, FL – August 8, 2026 – With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel, His Grace Bishop Andrei of Cleveland continued his pastoral visit to the Romanian Orthodox parishes of Florida during the Dormition Fast, traveling on Saturday, August 8, to Holy Cross Romanian Orthodox Parish in Hollywood, Florida, where he officiated the Paraklesis to the Most Holy Birthgiver of God.

Assisting His Grace at the service were the parish priest, V. Rev. Fr. Silvius Sfera; Rev. Fr. Nicolae Codiță, attached priest; and Rev. Hdn. Benedict Oancea.

In his homily, His Grace reflected on the place of the Mother of God in the life of the Church and in the mystery of our salvation. Recalling her words in the Gospel, “All generations will call me blessed,” he emphasized that the Church’s veneration of the Birthgiver of God is rooted in Holy Scripture and in her unique participation in God’s plan for the salvation of humanity.

Through her humble acceptance of God’s will—“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word”—the Mother of God freely became part of the mystery of salvation, giving birth according to the flesh to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.…