Parish Background

In July 1980, several individuals had the desire to plant a Romanian Orthodox Church in Queens, NY, with Fr Nicolae Barsan as pastor. Fr Barsan was appointed by Archbishop Victorin, the bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Missionary Archdiocese of America.

In 1981, the parish and priest moved to the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America. In 1982, the Romanian community bought a small factory and modified it into a church. In 1987, Fr Barsan retired, and Bishop Nathaniel named as pastor Fr Casian Fetea.

Because the community became so big, the necessity to have a bigger church arose. Thus, since 1994 we are constructing a new building. Right now we have a bigger church with two levels: the lower level is the community room, and the upper level is the church, with a style and atmosphere reminiscent of the old churches in Romania. Under the guidance of our energetic pastor, Fr Casian Fetea, the faithful members of St Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church are trying to finish our church.

If you would like to help us finish our church, you may make a donation to: St Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church, 42-14 74th St, Elmhurst, NY 11373. We would be extremely grateful for your donation. We will assure you that any money sent will help us finish our construction. And if no money can be sent, please come, visit our church and pray for us.

V Rev Dr Casian Fetea Fallen Asleep in the Lord

Elmhurst NY [ROEA Chancery] – The Very Reverend Dr Casian Fetea, parish priest of The Nativity of the Ever Virgin Mary Church in Elmhurst NY and Dean of the ROEA Atlantic Deanery, suddenly fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, 28 December 2007, as the result of a massive stroke while he was working at his church. Click here for an one hour of Video-clips from his wake service and funerals are herewith accesable. Memory Eternal!

Interment followed at Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York, where Fr Casian was laid to rest next to his wife and mother.