Saint Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church

Emerging from the vibrant tapestry of Queens, Saint Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church stands as a testament to faith and community. Saint Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church isn’t just a building. It’s a story. A story woven from the threads of Romanian heritage and the unwavering spirit of immigrants who sought a spiritual haven in a new world. In the heart of Elmhurst, at 42-14 74th Street, Saint Mary’s began not in a grand cathedral, but in the humble setting of a repurposed factory. In 1980, guided by the vision of Father N. Barsan and the support of Archbishop Victorin, a small group of Romanian Orthodox faithful embarked on a journey to establish a church of their own. The factory walls, once a hub of industry, were transformed into a sanctuary, a place where the familiar rhythms of Romanian Orthodox liturgy resonated with the hopes and dreams of a growing community. Saint Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church quickly became more than a place of worship. It became a cultural anchor. A bridge connecting the traditions of the old world with the realities of life in America. As the community flourished, so did the need for a larger space. The dream of a new church building, one that would echo the architectural grandeur of Romanian churches, began to take shape. Under the leadership of Father Casian Fetea, who succeeded Father Barsan in 1987, the construction of a new edifice began in 1994. This new structure, a two-level marvel, housed a community room on the lower level and a sanctuary on the upper level. Designed to evoke the spirit and atmosphere of traditional Romanian churches, the new Saint Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church became a symbol of the community’s enduring faith and commitment.