GALWAY PARISH NEWS

In November and December of 2024, several significant events took place in our Galway community. On Friday, November 8, 2024, the first meeting was held between the Ambassador of Romania, H.E. Laurențiu-Mihai Ștefan, and the Mayor of Galway, Cllr. Peter Keane. The mayor, along with Deirdre MacLoughlin, CEO of the Galway Chamber of Commerce, extended a warm welcome to the Ambassador. The Ambassador was accompanied by members of the Romanian community in Galway, as well as Father Tudor Ghita from the Galway & Limerick Orthodox Church. Together, they discussed ongoing integration efforts and the warm reception the Romanian community has experienced in Galway.

The meeting between the Ambassador of Romania, H.E. Laurențiu-Mihai Ștefan, and members of the Romanian community in Galway took place at the Ardilaun House Hotel on Saturday, November 9, 2024. In a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, we discussed past events as well as future projects of the embassy. Later that same afternoon, we also had the opportunity to meet with the Deputy Mayor of Galway, Cllr. Níall McNelis, at the Ardilaun House Hotel. Cllr Níall McNelis expressed his joy "to meet [the] Galway Romanian community in Ardilaun last night. So many involved in business, education, health care."

On Friday, November 29, 2024, we gathered with the Mayor of Galway, Cllr. Peter Keane, at Galway City Council's City Hall to raise the Romanian flag in celebration of Romania's National Day (December 1st). Father Tudor Ghita from the Galway & Limerick Orthodox Church was also present, along with members of the Romanian community in Galway. "It was an honor to meet Cllr. Peter Keane and join in raising the Romanian flag for the very first time in Galway City, in celebration of Romanian National Day (1st December). Thank you, Cllr. Keane, for your warmth and hospitality."

On Sunday, December 1, 2024, after the Divine Liturgy, we gathered at the Ardilaun House Hotel to raise a glass in celebration of Romania's National Day. Joining us were Father Tudor Ghita and members of the Galway & Limerick Orthodox Church, along with members of the Romanian community in Galway from Ireland, Georgia, and Ukraine. Father Tudor Ghiță attended the event for the bringing and presentation of the icon of St. Hierarch Nicholas, painted by Orthodox artist Peter Murphy, on Friday, December 6, 2024, at St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church in Galway.

On Sunday, December 8, 2024, at St. Mary's College Chapel in Galway, following the Divine Liturgy, the carol concert "Good Are You God, Good!" was performed by the youth choir of "Nepsis Ireland," conducted by Cristian Pasăre. The Divine Liturgy was officiated by Father Tudor Ghiță and Deacon Cristian Dumitrescu, with the Mayor of Galway, Cllr. Peter Keane, in attendance. The liturgical responses were provided by the youth group of Nepsis Ireland. Father Tudor Ghiță thanked Cllr Peter Keane, Mayor of Galway City, for his generous support and leadership. "Your presence and commitment to this event helped bring our community together in the spirit of joy and celebration" stressed Father Tudor. He equally thanked the choir Nepsis Ireland their incredible performance.

On Sunday, December 15, 2024, at St. Mary's College Chapel in Galway, following the Divine Liturgy, the children of our parish community took part in a "Christmas Card Workshop." The children were guided by Father Tudor Ghiță, along with the adults present at the event. (APOSTOLIA, No. 3, DECEMBER 2024, NEWS FROM THE PARISHES)