About Saint Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church

Welcome to Saint Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church, a spiritual haven located in the heart of Texas. Our church is a vibrant community rooted in the timeless traditions of Orthodox Christianity and the rich heritage of the Romanian Orthodox faith.

Our Parish Priest

Father Ioan Radu

Father Ioan Radu serves as the dedicated parish priest of Saint Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church. With a deep commitment to the spiritual growth and holistic well-being of our community, Father Ioan leads our parish with wisdom, compassion, and a profound reverence for Orthodox Christian traditions.Through his inspiring sermons, attentive pastoral care, and selfless dedication to serving others, he continually enriches our parish life and strengthens our collective faith. We are truly blessed to have Father Ioan as our spiritual father and leader, gently guiding our community on our shared journey towards a closer relationship with God.

Embody the teachings of Jesus Christ through dedicated worship

Mission

At Saint Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church, our mission is to embody the teachings of Jesus Christ through dedicated worship, comprehensive religious education, meaningful fellowship, and compassionate service. We are committed to providing uplifting liturgical services that draw the faithful closer to God and nurturing spiritual growth for all ages through educational programs, whilst fostering a strong and supportive community through social and cultural activities.

Vison

Our vision at our Saint Mary's is to provide a beacon of faith, hope, and love for our community. We aspire to create a spiritual home where all individuals can encounter the transformative love of God, develop their Orthodox Christian faith, and become active participants in the life of the Church. We envision a vibrant parish that embraces the rich traditions of our faith while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds.

The History of Our Church in Texas

The Romanian population, as evidenced by the elements of their language, is the only nation in Eastern Europe that belongs to the Latin roots. According to the tradition of the Church, Romanians were Christianized by the Holy Apostle Andrew himself, in the first century after Christ.

In Texas, the beginnings of Romanian Orthodoxy go back to 1980 when the Holy Services were started by Father George Preda in the house of Professor Corduneanu, in Arlington, later establishing the Romanian Orthodox Parish of Saint Mary.

Since then, the believers have moved their church several times, settling in Colleyville in May 1989, when Archbishop Nathaniel arrived to consecrate the old church of Saint Mary's. The parish then came under the jurisdiction of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate in America.

Over the years, several priests have led the parish: Father George Preda; Father Alexandru Partioc; Father Romulus Bar; and Father Iulian Nicolescu. In November of 2000, Archbishop Nataniel appointed Archpriest Dumitru Paun as parish priest of Saint Mary's Church.

Schedule & Services

At Saint Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church, we invite you to join us in worship and fellowship through our regular liturgy times, special services, and sacraments.

Matins

9:00 AM Sunday

Matins is primarily a service of praise, repentance, and thanksgiving for the new day. It focuses heavily on the theme of light - both the physical light of the morning and the spiritual light of Christ. On Sundays, the service is especially dedicated to celebrating the Resurrection. It is often served immediately before the Divine Liturgy.

Learn more

Divine Liturgy

10:00 AM Sunday

Divine Liturgy is a Eucharistic service where the faithful gather to hear the Word of God, pray together, and partake in Holy Communion (the Eucharist). For Orthodox Christians, it is not just a symbolic remembrance, but a mystical participation in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and a foretaste of the Kingdom of Heaven

Learn more

Special Services

10:00 AM Monday to Friday

At Saint Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church, we offer a variety of liturgical services designed to nourish your spiritual life and bring our community together in worship.

Learn more