Place of worship in ownership for the Romanian Orthodox Parish in Southampton

The Romanian Orthodox community in Southampton marks a significant moment with the acquisition of the ‘Holy Trinity’ church, which becomes the new place of worship for the Romanian Orthodox Parish dedicated to ‘Saint Calinic of Cernica.’ With the care and guidance of Parish Priest Ovidiu Semerean, this dream became a reality through the involvement and sacrifices of the faithful, who contributed entirely to raising the necessary funds.

The acquisition was done in two stages: the church was purchased, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif, on December 14, 2024, and the adjacent building, the Church Hall, was acquired on February 24, 2025. This achievement is not just an administrative act, but also a sign of the steadfastness and unity of the Romanian Orthodox community in Southampton.

The ‘Holy Trinity’ church, located in the Millbrook area, is an impressive building constructed in 1884 on the site of an old church dedicated to Saint Nicholas. Inside is a chapel dedicated to the heroes of World War I and commemorative plaques in memory of those who lost their lives on the Titanic, which set sail on its final journey from Southampton. Many of those who perished in the tragic sinking lived in this very area.

Through this acquisition, ‘Saint Calinic of Cernica’ Parish affirms its mission to preserve and transmit the Orthodox faith, providing the Romanians in Southampton with a place for prayer, fellowship, and spiritual continuity.