Ministries

Ministries & Organizations・Organizații

THE PARISH COUNCIL・CONSILIUL PAROHIAL

The parish community is lead by the parish priest. A council which is elected each year by the members in good standing are chosen to work with the priest and lead the activities and events of the Cathedral by their Christian example. Many members of the Parish Council spend countless hours working at or for the church and encourage others to do the same. The Dean, presidents of the Ladies Auxiliary and AROY chapters, and the parish’s delegates to the Archdiocesan Congress are all ex-officio members on the Parish Council.

LADIES AUXILIARY・REUNIUNEA FEMEILOr

It is said that the women are the right hand of the parish. Although it was in existence since the founding of the parish, the organization known today was formally re-established in 1929. Although we are ever grateful for the countless hours spent preparing meals and cleaning in the kitchen, the organization has dedicated itself to raising funds to aid not only the Cathedral and its endeavors, but also to reach out to sister parishes and other worthy causes. They are the local presence of National ARFORA (Association of Romanian Orthodox Ladies Auxiliaries of America). In 2016, under the presidency of Preoteasa Anita Lazar, the organization formally changed its name to the St George Cathedral “Domniţa Ileana” Ladies Auxiliary in honor of Princess Ileana of Romania (later Mother Alexandra), who was a close friend to the parish and several of its members.

AMERICAN ROMANIAN ORTHODOX YOUTH・ORGANIZAȚIA DE TINERET

Cathedral Junior & Senior AROY are local chapters of The American Romanian Orthodox Youth. They exist to provide young people with a religious, charitable and social organization within the larger umbrella of the parish. Using their talents and abilities, they contribute to the parish...raising funds, laboring where necessary, working in the community, and participating in the religious life of the Church. The Cathedral has been home to organizations for youth and young adults since the 1930’s. Since the national organization was formulated in the 1940’s and 50’s, the parish’s youth have been among its strongest supporters. They learn about their faith, culture and community, developing friendships that last forever. The Senior group, also known as The Romanian Orthodox Young Adults of Detroit, helps to bring young professionals and others looking for a place to call home into the parish through spiritual, social, charitable, and cultural avenues.

CATHEDRAL CHOIR & CANTORS・CORUL ȘI CÂNTĂREȚII CATEDRALEi

An essential part of Orthodox Christian worship is the role of the Choir and liturgical Cantors. These dedicated people, along with the clergy, are responsible for leading the people in prayer. The group was honored to be given the name, The “Archbishop Valerian” Choir, by Archbishop Nathaniel in humble remembrance of the late Archbishop Valerian who was so dear to the parish. The choir has a proud history, from the founding days of the parish, of participating in the various liturgical services, as well as performing in cultural programs. Its membership is of mixed voices (SATB) is comprised of young and old, American-born and newly-arrived from Romania, and numbers approximately 30+ members currently. We are always accepting new singers who wish to dedicate their talents to the Lord. Likewise, the Cantors hold an important role by leading the responses of the faithful at weekday services, baptisms, funerals, and other special services throughout the year. The cantor is specially trained in the melodies and specific liturgical tones of the Church, and contributes through special hymns, etc., bringing an added, essential beauty to the services.

CHURCH SCHOOL・ȘCOALA DUMINICALĂ

One of the most important and delicate roles the church has is to educate the children in their Orthodox Faith. Currently, the Cathedral Church School has a potential enrollment of over 100 students. Ages range from preschool through high school. A group of dedicated teachers volunteer their time and talents so that each child has the opportunity to grow spiritually as a child of God. It is, however, the absolute responsibility of parents to not only be sure that their children are present and on time for the services and classes, but also to continue to set a Christian example during their daily lives. This free program operates one hour each Sunday from September through May of each year. Children participate in the Divine Liturgy with their parents and church family then are dismissed following Holy Communion for their classes. Various field trips, activities and other events for children and parents and scheduled throughout the year. All are invited and encouraged to enroll and participate!

ALTAR SERVERS・SLUJITORII DIN ALTAR

Boys of the parish, from age 7 through high school are encouraged to assist in the services of the Cathedral as Altar Servers. This unique group offers a rewarding and educational experience, as well as a help to the priests and hierarchs. A sincere commitment to this ‘fraternity’ is made through a learning/training process and guidelines set by the Dean

ADULT EDUCATION・EDUCAȚIA CREȘTINĂ PENTRU ADULȚI

The season of Great Lent offers the best opportunity for adults to be ‘taught’ about their Church through a weekly program of guest lectures. The Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts is celebrated on set evenings, and is followed by a quiet Lenten supper and presentation by various clergy and laymen from Detroit and around the Great Lakes region. This is a popular program which has continued annually for nearly 30 years. Additionally, English language Adult Study Class programs are offered at various times throughout the year (usually meeting in 3 week series). The sessions are intended to provide adults of the parish with an opportunity to learn about and discuss various themes pertaining to their spiritual life. In the near future, similar classes will be provided in the Romanian language as well.

CHARITY・CARITATEa

We are called as Christians to serve others whenever possible. The Cathedral participates regularly in feeding the homeless and hungry on Sunday afternoons in cooperation with Orthodox Detroit Outreach. Additionally, a small food and clothing pantry is maintained for those in need. The parish also works with FOCUS Detroit and other charitable causes both locally and in Romania, to seek out and respond to those God puts before us who are in need of assistance. Volunteers are always welcomed.

ROMANIAN FOLKLORE GROUP・ANSAMBLUL FOLCLORIC

Romanian traditions and dances are kept alive through dance ensembles for youth and adults that perform periodically throughout the year. All who are willing to commit to rehearsals, etc are welcome to participate. Additionally, lessons on Romanian language, history, cooking, customs, etc are being developed for the community.

PARISH LIBRARY・BIBLIOTECA

A small library has been maintained with a variety of religious, historical, and other volumes in both English and Romanian. The inventory is being cataloged and books may be available for temporary check-out. Contributions of books and other historical items (photos, costumes, artifacts, etc) are always happily received for consideration as part of the parish archival collection.

CULTURAL CENTER RENTALS・CENTRUL CULTURAl

The Cathedral Cultural Center is the social space of the parish complex. The Center is adjacent to the Cathedral itself, and features two large banquet halls, lobby, small bookstore area, kitchen, and library. The center is open to parishioners and the public for rentals. Wedding receptions, banquets, parties, dances, meetings, etc are just some of the events held at the Cultural Center. Appointments for rentals and detailed inquiries are made by calling (248) 569-4833 (vorbim și în limba română) or by visiting the Cathedral Cultural Center website: www.romanianccc.com.

PARISH OFFICE・BIROUL CATEDRALEi

The Parish Office is open Monday-Friday, 10:00am - 3:00pm. The entrance and office lobby is immediately adjacent to the Cathedral (at the glass corridor). The Parish Office aids in the day to day operations through telephone reception, publications, visitors, various inquiries, etc. You are welcome to visit us during the day to make donations, view the church, light candles, ask questions, etc. If you would like to arrange for a private meeting with Fr Lazar, please call in advance to make an appointment at (248) 569-4833.