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The 5th Annual It’s hard to believe that our 5th Romanian Festival has already come and gone! Weeks, in fact months of preparations by a few very dedicated individuals, along with many helping hands and kind hearts all helped make this year’s RomFest the largest and most successful to date! The weather could not have been better… as we moved this year’s event a few weeks earlier to try and take advantage of the end of summer! The grounds were spruced up to put our best forward for our guests. The ladies spent days baking in the kitchen… the office telephones rang off the hook… Emails and inquiries came in and out as people eagerly made plans to attend. We
were happy to again welcome His Grace Bishop IRINEU and Fr Sebastian
who were with us throughout the weekend. Of course, we were thrilled
to offer the renowned folklore ensemble JUNII SIBIULUI, their
orchestra, with soloists Mariana Anghel, (Fr) Cristian Pomohaci,
Daniel Rosalim, and Anca Marginean, who entertained everyone with
dances and songs from across the provinces of Romania.
Additionally, we thank RAPSODIA ensemble of Windsor for again
performing and our ROMANASUL ensemble for their program composed and
directed by Dna Violeta Viorica Maria Balasa. Generous families and businesses from the parish and friends of our community contributed to our well-received ad-book, which is an important source of income for the festival. Specialty t-shirts again were a popular hit with new designs added for this year! A market-place at the outdoor Café set a good foundation for an expanded area next year… and the children’s area, complete with real horse and pony rides was a big hit for everyone! Crowds moved around the complex, taking advantage of tours in the Cathedral, our beautiful services, the gift-shop, bakery, museum room, special displays, etc. Everyone was orderly and appreciative of not only our facility, but the organization of and purpose of this festival. It is quickly growing into a great source of pride not just for the Cathedral but in the eyes of the public on behalf of our Romanian community here in Detroit. Several comments were made by our guests, complimenting the attractions and food. Neighbors and friends of parishioners, visitors from Ann Arbor, Ohio and Romania all expressed their satisfaction and assured us of their return in the future! Each name that contributed to RomFest09 cannot be mentioned here, but a heart-felt thank you is offered to our organizing committee: Fr Laurence (Supervision) & Psa Anita Lazar (Museum), Fr Sabin (Supervision) & Psa Ramona Pop (Museum), Gheorghe & Viorica Placinta (Kitchen & Bar), Virgil & Emilia Barbu (Kitchen), Anne Sidau (Museum), Ana Camelia Vasilescu (Vendors), Maranda Tipa (Café)… with each of their committee members and helpers! Participation was open to the entire parish starting in June, and these good people stepped forward to give an extra effort that cannot be appreciated in words alone. So, along with the many volunteers (young and old) who offered a helping hand during the weekend itself, we should all thank them for their dedication and hard-work. Also, we acknowledge Cezarina Hritcu (Office Secretary), Gheorghe & Florica Babiciu (Caretakers), Fred Klus (Treasurer), for their special efforts. It should also be recognized that parishioners opened their homes to host our entertainers for almost an entire week! For this generous effort, we thank Fam. Viorel Nikodin, Fam. Vasile Cocariu and Livia Sinea. These people all gave of themselves for the good of our church, and for that Our Lord will reward them. Yes, we could have made more money… yes, there could be more people… yes, we need more volunteers… yes, even more advanced planning is necessary… yes, increased sponsorships and supports is essential… yes, several people could have stepped forward physically and financially (without being asked or even begged to help) in support of the event but chose not to. However, we can also say without any doubt, that YES! It was a great success… YES! The more than 1,500 people that attended had a wonderful time… YES! The good name of our Cathedral as the mother church of Detroit’s Romanian community was again maintained and elevated to new heights… YES! People young and old left “cu o voie buna” (a good feeling) in their hearts and minds and will hopefully return again to us soon! These realities are just as important as any dollar made. I hope we are all proud of who we are, and will continue to open our doors to all who enter… An event such as this takes more work than most can imagine. If, however, we remember that what we do is for the Glory of God and His Church, in the name of our Romanian-American community… and if we offer these gifts with a good heart and proper spirit, then Our Lord will not only take care of us, but will help strengthen us to increase our good works and parish for the future. This church belongs to all who choose to make it their home. We must embrace this responsibility and share our treasures for its benefit, and by doing so we will benefit as well! Thank you again to all of you, those known and unknown… and we look forward to an even brighter and more successful Festival in 2010! Vă mulţumim din suflet! John E Lazar , General Chairman
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18405 West Nine Mile Road, Southfield, Michigan 48075-4032 USA
T 248.569.4833 F 248.569. 3780 E sgroc_info@yahoo.com