After almost a quarter of a century of activity in rented spaces, this community, made up of believers from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, celebrated with joy, gratitude, and excitement the completion of their own church. The continuous work and sacrifice of its members were key elements in the completion of this project. It was a project that required both financial resources and an active contribution through volunteering. Thanks to everyone's efforts, the works were completed in a record time of eight months.
Project supported by the Romanian Government
The financial support of the Government of Romania, through its Department for the Romanian Diaspora (DRP), was instrumental in making this dream a reality. The pastor of the church, Gavril Sergiu Eduard, thanked Mr. Gheorghe Cârciu, Secretary of State, for the support, along with Mr. Radu Cosma, the director, and Ms. Crina Mănescu, project coordinator, and the entire DRP team.
The Embassy of Romania in Spain was represented by Mr. Laviniu Enii, ministerial advisor, and Mr. Florin Urs, consul, both of whom participated on behalf of the Consulate General of Romania in Madrid. The associative environment was represented by Mr. Daniel Țecu, president of the Federation of Associations of Romanians in Europe.
Participating in this event, on behalf of the Spanish Adventist Union: Pastor Óscar López, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Spain, and Pastor Richard Ruszuly, ministerial secretary. Additionally, most of the pastors who have served this church from its inception to the present were invited.
The president of the Spanish Adventist Union, in his biblical reflection, highlighted the importance of the place as a house of prayer. And God sees everything, not just the temples. He sees the congregation in a specific way. This place, the president said, should be a place of forgiveness and transformation. In closing, he indicated that those who come to church being guided by the Holy Spirit will find the Messiah, as Simeon, of old, found and lifted up the baby Jesus in his arms.
The inauguration program of the Calatrava church
The program began with a congregational hymn about how beautiful it is to consecrate ourselves to the Lord in His house. The opening prayer was offered by Pastor Remus Soare. After the collection of offerings, a beautiful choir of children, about 30 in total, praised the Lord singing about the happiness we findp in His holy place. There was no shortage of poetry, nor the church and youth choirs. Next, Pastor Liviu Olteanu presented a historical development of the church and gave way to various testimonies.
Teofil Damián presented the report on the progress of the construction project. Pastor Richard Ruszuly, invited on the podium, carried out the consecration of the temple, together with the pastors present, leading the congregation in an antiphonal reading.
To conclude, Pastor Óscar López prayed the dedication prayer:
«Now we dedicate this house, O God, to you, as a light in this community, as a house of prayer for all peoples. For the worship of our God; for the conversion of sinners; for the preaching of Christ and His Word; for the fellowship of the family of God; for the salvation of our children; so that it is the place where God dwells. We now dedicate this house, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen".
The importance of Romanian spiritual values and traditions
Guests highlighted not only the physical achievement of the new church, but also the importance of Romanian spiritual values and traditions in a multicultural environment.
At the end of the ceremony, everyone present participated in a traditional Romanian meal. Food prepared with dedication and professionalism by church volunteers, in a gesture of communion and gratitude.
This inauguration of the Calatrava church not only marks a historic moment for the community of the Calatrava Romanian Seventh-day Adventist Church in Madrid, but also serves as a confirmation of the power of sacrifice and solidarity in the realization of a common dream. We praise God for this achievement! May He bless all who contributed to making it happen!
To read the original article, please go here.
Author: Richard Ruszuly, ministerial secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Spain.
Images: Mihaela Stanciu
