A year until the Holy Year: Rome is preparing for millions of pilgrims!

A remarkable year for the Orthodox community in the Caribbean, which makes the hearts of many members of the belief beat faster: On December 25, 2023, Bishop Irinej from the Eastern Merican Orthodox Church in Punta Cana laid the foundation for the first Orthodox Church of Caribbean, the Church of the Transfiguration of Christ. Around 150 believers from different nations, including Serbs, Russians and Dominicans, took part in this solemn ceremony. Archimandrit Dr. Eustathius Azdejkovic underlined the importance of this church as the future center of the Orthodox faith in the region, which is supported by the vow of the deceased metropolitan Amfilohije, which in 2012 laid the foundation for the spread of orthodox faith in the Caribbean.

The Church, designed by Sava Ristic, will include a crypt that is dedicated to special personalities such as Emperor Lazar and Holy Alexander Nevsky. At the same time, the upcoming Holy Year of the Catholic Church announced, an event in which up to 45 million pilgrims will flock to Rome. According to katholisch.de on Christmas Eve will open the holy gate on Petersdom, and the celebrations extend until January 6, 2026, whereby the faithful will be invited to get their connection to God renew.

a faith festival for everyone

As part of the Holy Year, whose motto is "Pilgrims of Hope", there will be special events for different groups of believers, including families and adolescents as well as a planned pilgrimage for LGBTQ people. In addition, numerous cultural events, exhibitions and concerts are planned in Rome. Such celebrations not only show the faith of the Orthodox community in the Caribbean, but also the global Catholic community that feels connected during the Holy Year.

The church in the Dominican Republic is built by the contributions of Orthodox creditors from all over the world, with hope that it will be a place for all orthodox. "Every believer has walled in a stone with his name in the foundations, which strengthens our joint commitment," said Archimandrit Azdejkovic. The consolidation of the Orthodox tradition abroad shows the commitment of the faithful to share their spirituality across geographical borders, while the upcoming Holy Year offers a unique opportunity to experience faith in the eternal city.