Romanian Monastery of St. Dumitru the New Celebrates Patronal Feast with Hierarchical Liturgy
Met. Nicolae and Archim. Melchisedec Velnic join faithful for consecration of new iconography, blessing of guest house, and elevation of Abbot Ieremia to Archimandrite.
MIDDLETOWN, NY — The Romanian Monastery of St. Dumitru the New joyfully celebrated its annual patronal feast on Sunday, Oct. 19, in honor of its heavenly protector. The celebration was marked by rich spiritual blessings and the presence of His Eminence Met. Nicolae, alongside Archimandrite Melchisedec Velnic, Abbot of Holy Putna Monastery in Romania.
According to a release from the monastery, the festivities began on Saturday evening with Hierarchical Great Vespers, after which Met. Nicolae blessed the newly acquired and renovated “Holy Hierarch Jacob of Putna” Guest House, intended to welcome pilgrims and special guests.
On Sunday morning, a large gathering of clergy and faithful assembled for the Divine Liturgy, presided over by Met. Nicolae. The day began with the consecration of the church cupola’s new iconography, featuring frescoes of Christ the Pantokrator, the heavenly hosts, and the prophets — completed this summer by Protosyngellos Pavel Niga, egumen of Holy Putna Monastery.
Following the consecration, Met. Nicolae led the Divine Liturgy with six priests and three deacons. A memorial service was then held for the departed.
In his homily, Met. Nicolae reflected on the miracles of St. Dumitru the New, known for healing both bodily and spiritual ailments. He urged the faithful to seek the saint’s intercession not only for physical relief but for inner renewal:
“A clergyman from the Patriarchal Cathedral bears this testimony: ‘The Saint’s miracles are many, but beyond bodily healing, what is more important is the mystical healing which St. Dumitru works in a person’s soul, because very many faithful come and kneel before his holy relics, and when they rise, they are peaceful, luminous, with repentance, and straightened through the Saint’s blessing.’ Many times, we Christians seek bodily healing from cancer or other afflictions, but we all too often forget about the mystical workings of grace, by which God acts in our lives through these hidden miracles of the saints. And most important is being made straight, set on the correct path. After venerating the relics of St. Dumitru the New, you cannot remain as you were before.”
The day also marked a special moment for the monastic community as Abbot Ieremia Berbec was elevated to the rank of Archimandrite, recognizing five years of devoted service. Met. Nicolae praised his leadership and pastoral care, encouraging him to continue guiding his flock with humility and love.
During the ceremony, the Metropolitan also presented the Romanian Patriarchate Centenary Medal and Certificate to Mrs. Mihaela-Simona Florea, Consul General of Romania in New York, in gratitude for her support of Romanian cultural events earlier this year.
The celebration concluded with a festal agape meal, where clergy, diplomats, and faithful shared in fellowship and thanksgiving.
Previously, UOJ reported that on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, the iconography of the National Cathedral in Bucharest will be solemnly consecrated in a major event of national and ecclesiastical significance.
