Romanian Orthodox Church in Ecuador Achieves Historic Legal Recognition

Basilica News and OCP News Service – 13/02/2025

Bucharest-Romania: A historic milestone for Romanian Orthodoxy in Latin America recently took place in Quito, Ecuador, where the Romanian Orthodox Church “Saint Joseph the New of Partoș” obtained legal recognition. This official status marks a crucial step in strengthening the canonical Orthodox presence in the region.

Among those present at this landmark event was Rev. Vicar Daniel Ene, dean of the Romanian Orthodox Deanery of New York, New England, and the Eastern United States, who played a key role in securing the church’s recognition.

Official Recognition and Institutional Dialogue

The church’s legal status was confirmed following an official meeting between Father Daniel Ene, Ecuador’s Secretary of State for Religious Affairs, Diego Humberto Escobar Castro, and Director Victoria Calderon.

As a result, Ecuadorian authorities have formally recognized the Romanian Orthodox Church in Ecuador under the official name “Iglesia Ortodoxa Rumana en Ecuador,” affirming its canonical connection to the Romanian Orthodox Church.

According to its official page, the church remains the only canonical Orthodox church in Quito, offering the Divine Liturgy in both Romanian and Spanish, thus serving the spiritual and pastoral needs of the local Orthodox faithful.

Liturgical Life and Social Mission

Beyond its regular liturgical services, the Romanian Orthodox community in Ecuador is actively involved in charitable initiatives. Last Saturday, parishioners participated in the social project “Alimentos de Amor” (Food with Love), an initiative to support vulnerable individuals and families in need.

This initiative, led by Orthodox volunteers, reflects the philanthropic spirit of the Church and its commitment to helping those in difficulty.

Strengthening Orthodox Communion in South America

As part of its liturgical program, Father Daniel Ene celebrated the Divine Liturgy on February 23 in a chapel in southern Quito, gathering the local Orthodox community in a moment of prayer and fellowship.

The next Divine Liturgy will be held on March 30, celebrated by Father Esteban Diaz of the Parish of St. John of Wallachia in Barranquilla, Colombia, continuing the pastoral efforts for Orthodox believers in Latin America.

A New Chapter for Romanian Orthodoxy in Ecuador

By obtaining legal status, the Romanian Orthodox Church “Saint Joseph the New of Partoș” in Quito strengthens its mission as a spiritual and cultural anchor for Romanians in Ecuador and all those seeking the Orthodox faith.

This moment marks a new chapter in the history of the Orthodox community in the region, reaffirming the Romanian Orthodox Church’s role as a pillar of faith, unity, and Christian solidarity in the diaspora.

Source: Basilica News