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Bishop's liturgy at the patron of the Maglavit Monasterytranslated

September 8, 2026 · 1 min read

On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, the Maglavit Monastery in Dolj County celebrated its autumn feast day, dedicated to the "Birth of the Mother of God". The joy of the holiday was crowned by the performance of the Holy and Divine Liturgy by the Most Reverend Father Dr. Irineu, the Archbishop of Craiova and the Metropolitan of Oltenia, surrounded by an elected council of priests and deacons, among whom was Father Archpriest Cătălin Neacșu from the Protoieria Băilești.

In the teaching speech, Father Metropolitan Irineu emphasized the joy of the celebration of the Mother of God and its importance in the lives of believers: "The Feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God is dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos, more specifically the birth of the Righteous Saints Joachim and Ana. This celebration brings us together in this Holy Monastery, where we come to bring glory to God and prayers of thanksgiving to the Mother of God It is the first great feast of the new church year, which began on September 1.

God planned from eternity for His Son to be born from the Blessed Virgin Mary, for us and for our salvation, out of His great love for people. In His economy, the Virgin Mary was ordained by…

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Sophie Moreau

Thanks for the article. I was happy to see that Father Archpriest Cătălin Neacșu served there, I know him from Băilești. The feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God really opens the church year well, this year I tried to fast more carefully from September 1.

Markus Wagner

Yes, I also read with pleasure about father Cătălin Neacșu. Last year we also went to Maglavit de hram and we were impressed by how beautifully the choir of the monastery sang exactly at the Nativity of the Mother of God. This fast from September 1 really helps to start the church year more orderly, at least we felt the difference in the kitchen.

Andrei Lungu

Yes, I also saw father Cătălin Neacșu in the pictures, I met him a few years ago at a service in Băilești. This year I didn't make it to Maglavit, but I kept the fast from September 1st with the girls, I made them leave less sweets. Metropolitan Irineu spoke beautifully about Joachim and Ana, he reminded me of an old icon we have at home.

Daniel Davis

The bit about Father Cătălin Neacșu caught my eye too – I met him once when I drove a load down to Băilești a couple of years back. Nice to hear he was part of the service. I always try to keep the 1 September fast simple, just cutting back on snacks like Andrei did with his girls, helps me actually notice the new church year starting.

Fernando García

Thanks for the article. I was happy to see father Cătălin Neacșu in the cathedral, I know him from Băilești since I passed there with my eldest niece. This year I also kept the fast from September 1st with care, I left the cookies in the evening and I felt that the church year began more quietly. Metropolitan Irineu spoke beautifully about Joachim and Ana, he reminded me of an old icon I have at home.

Sergio Fernández

Thanks too, Fernando. I like that you mentioned Father Cătălin Neacșu, I heard him preach in Băilești two years ago and I remembered the way he spoke about Saints Joachim and Ana. I have a basil plant that I water every evening since September 1st, it seems to connect the garden with this new post. Do you have that old icon from your grandparents or some monastery?