Bishop Ioan Mihălțan, commemorated in his hometown a century after his birth: Man of God, says IPS Irineutranslated

Bishop Ioan Mihălțan of Oradea was commemorated on Sunday a century after his birth in his hometown of Ohaba in Alba county.

"He is and remains a man of God, who deeply lived the mysteries of the Orthodox faith, making himself an example worthy of following," said Archbishop Irineu of Alba Iulia, who officiated the Holy Liturgy and the memorial service for the hierarch.

At the same time, His Eminence emphasized the connection that Bishop Ioan Mihălțan had with his birthplace and the people with whom he began his ministry: "A century has passed since the pious bishop was born, here, in Ohaba, where, after finishing his studies, he pastored for a long time as a parish priest".

"Immensely loving his native hearth, he wanted to be buried among his dear villagers, so that he could rise together with them, at the sound of the divine trumpet," the archbishop said.

Sacrifice for the life of the Church Referring to the pastoral and academic activity, His Holiness Father Irineu emphasized the sacrifice that Bishop Ioan Mihălțan made for the Church.

"Both as a priest in Ohaba and as Bishop of Oradea, he worked sacrificially in the field of the ancient Church,...