After installation, New Romanian Bishop Benedict of Bistrița says he wants to be a friend of youth

A new Romanian bishop was ordained on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at the Orthodox Cathedral in Cluj and installed as an auxiliary bishop to the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac and Cluj in the presence of thousands.

Consecrated at the age of 36, Benedict of Bistrita became the youngest Romanian Orthodox Bishop. He said that he will offer a special place to youth in his ministry because he feels that his own young age ‘is a gift from God for better work with and for youth.’

‘I want very much to be your friend, and I will strive for this,’ His Grace Bishop Benedict of Bistrita said after the Sunday Divine Liturgy.

The ordination of the new assistant bishop was led by the local Metropolitan Andrei of Cluj, having as concelebrants nine other hierarchs from home and abroad.

Attendees included the State Secretary for Religious Affairs Victor Opaschi, the President of the Romanian Academy Ioan-Aurel Pop, as well as other state officials and local personalities.

Source: basilica.ro