Yesterday, November 29, 2009, at the St. Nicholas Cathedral in Deva, the first bishop of the Diocese of Deva and Hunedoara was enthroned. The Holy Liturgy and the ceremony of enthronement were celebrated by His Beatitude Daniel, the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, together with 23 hierarchs, members of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, as well as priests and deacons.

The event was attended by state and local authorities, distinguished guests and several thousands of faithful. The Diocese of Deva and Hunedoara, dependant upon the Metropolitanate of Banat, headquartered in Deva and covering the Hunedoara County, was established in the session of the Holy Synod which took place between June 18-19, 2009. His Grace Gurie Georgiu was elected on October 29, 2009 as bishop of the newly founded diocese.

Most Rev. Teofan, Metropolitan of Moldavia and Bukovina, read the Synodal Tomos, which presents the historical, pastoral and missionary arguments for the establishment of this diocese. Most Rev. Timotei, Archbishop of Arad, as delegate of Most Rev. Nicolae, Metropolitan of Banat, subsequently read the Metropolitan Gramata of Enthronement.

Then His Beatitude Daniel congratulated the first bishop of the Diocese of Deva and Hunedoara, highlighting the importance of his historic event. Then the clergy, monastics and faithful of Hunedoara County have addressed a welcoming speech read by Rev. Vasile Vlad, professor at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Arad.

At the end of the ceremony, His Grace Gurie, the new bishop of Deva and Hunedoara, has highlighted the historical and spiritual importance of Hunedoara County.