Romanian Churches in Ireland

History

1996 - 1999

The history of Christian Romanian Churches in Ireland began in 1996 with the arrival of first large group of Romanian nationals.

It was a time of small steps taken in finding the right place and people to worship. Coming from various geographical area and religious background, it was not an easy time to adapt to new challenges that had awaited them.

The initial group has sought help from the established Irish Churches within Dublin City Centre area: St. Marks Family Fellowship (Pearse Street), Victory Christian Fellowship (Westland Row), Grace Bible Fellowship (Pearse Street), Calvary Christian Centre (Grand Strand Street).

During the initial 3 years the group has grown mainly due to further immigrants arriving into Ireland. There have been also celebrated water baptisms, weddings and children dedications.

By the end of 1999 in Ireland were established 3 Romanian churches in Dublin:
- St. Marks Group (St. Marks Family Fellowship) led by Gabriel Baicu.
- Romanian Pentecostal Church (Calvary Christian Centre) led by Iulian Posteuca.
- Grace Baptist Romanian Church (Grace Bible Fellowship) led by Constantin Acatincai.

2000 - 2003

This period of time it may have been considered the period of expansion and growth of the churches. The churches have celebrated many weddings, children dedications, water baptisms.

This was due to an increase number of new comers into Ireland from Romania, but also the number of new converts has increased.

The churches have divided during this period to facilitate the growth in membership’s numbers but also due to lack of enough space capacity of the known worship places.

The churches benefited from the ministry work of renowned Romanian pastors from Romania, US, Canada, Austria, UK, Australia. The local Irish pastors also played an important role in support and leadership.

By the end of 2003 there were the following Romanian Churches established:
- "Bethel" Pentecostal Church in Drumcondra Road Upper Dublin 9, led by Cornel David, preceded by Ion Frim and Ioan Steopan.
- "Emmanuel" Pentecostal Church (Calvary Christian Centre) led by Stefan Csadi
- "Maranatha" Pentecostal Church in Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 led by Vasile Ros
- "Grace" Baptist Church (Grace Bible Fellowship) led by Constantin Acatincai
- "Hope" Baptist Church (Jamestown Road Irish Baptist Church) led by Dumitru Marusca and Petru Tamas

2003 - 2005

The growth of the churches had continued to increase, on the basis of immigration and new converts.

This period was also know for the difficulties endured by some churches who were attacked literally and set alight, or finding a larger premise to cater for the increased number of people attending services.

It was the time for new break-ups for also for alliances between churches.
It was a time of spiritual prosperity for all churches and an increased need for new leaders to be ordained in ministry.
Many churches have had ordination in ministry of local grown leaders.

By end of 2005 there were the following churches:
- "Bethel" Pentecostal Church (Abbey Presbyterian Church, Dublin1) led by Lazar Ometita assisted by Petru Aron.
- "Emmanuel" Pentecostal Church in Bow Bridge Business Park, Kilmainham Dublin 8 led by Stefan Csadi.
- "Mont Sion" Pentecostal Church in Grand Strand Street, led by Tiberiu Andresesc assisted by Cornel David.
- "Grace" Baptist Church led by Constantin Acantincai assisted by Vasile Ros.
- "Hope" Baptist Church led by Dumitru Marusca.
- "Hope" Baptist Mission (Salvation Army) led by Buita Avel.

2006 - 2007

This period is the consolidation period for most churches.
The churches have continued and continue to expand rapidly special in 2007 due to free travel rights of Romanian nationals into Ireland.

But this is also the time for conferences, seminars, evangelistic campaigns, across church meetings, co-operation between leaders.

This was a major factor for membership quality increase.

This is the time when new strategies emerged in making the church relevant to actual needs of the world, after securing stability within.

The input of visiting ministers from abroad has had a positive impact in the ministry quality of local leaders. The continue training of local leaders had also been prioritised by many churches, with new leaders emerging.

There are no new churches created, but rather reformed those already existing.

- "Bethel" Pentecostal Church (Abbey Presbyterian Church, Dublin1) led by Petru Aron assisted by Lazar Ometita and many others.
- "Emmanuel" Pentecostal Church in Bow Bridge Business Park, Kilmainham Dublin 8 led by Stefan Csadi.
- "Mont Sion" Pentecostal Church in Grand Strand Street, led by Tiberiu Andresesc assisted by Cornel David.
- "Grace" Baptist Church led by Nichita Narcis & Vasile Ros.
- "Hope" Baptist Church led by Petru Tamas.
- "Holy Trinity" Baptist Church (former Hope Baptist Mission in Salvation Army) led by Simion Tita.