



History of the Life-Giving Fountain Parish in New Jersey
HISTORY OF "THE LIFE-GIVING FOUNTAIN" PARISH IN NEW JERSEY
A short distance from New York City, on the road to the Delaware Water Gap, the gateway to the Pocono Mountains and Pennsylvania, where the Delaware River carved its way through deep ravines in the mountain ridge, in a region of green hills and thick forests crossed by cheerful streams, is Long Valley, a quiet little town in Morris County, New Jersey, undisturbed by the bustle of urban agglomerations. Originally designated as a German district, Long Valley has long historical roots, with buildings dating back to the Civil War in a variety of vernacular architectural styles that reflect New Jersey's multicultural ethnic diversity.Long Valley is also the home of the friendly Romanian-American community of the "Izvorul Tămăduirii" church, the first Romanian Orthodox mission in New Jersey, which in recent years, with a lot of work and sacrifice, built a wooden church in the Maramuresian style. The beauty of this place of worship, through the originality of the style, through the elegance and solidity of the form, through the picturesque, through the meticulous work of the wood carvings, with the ingeniously worked roof and the specific Byzantine iconography amazes everyone who stops and crosses its threshold. The church, with its steeple pointing towards the sky, which houses the union bell with the inscription "We, the sons of the Romanian nation everywhere, are of the same descent, of the same nature, with a single and unified language and culture", is now the tallest building in Long Valley.

The idea of ​​establishing an Orthodox church in the north and center of the state of New Jersey began to take shape in the spring of 2011, after the Holy Easter Holidays, when after several meetings, a group of Romanians with a big soul, trailblazers on American soil, submitted to His Eminence Archbishop Nicolae, the request to establish a church in the state of New Jersey.
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With the blessing of His Highness, on May 28, 2011, the first gathering of Romanians in New Jersey was convened at the Greek church "Saint Andrew" in Randolph, NJ, presided over by Father Daniel Adrian Ene, from the parish of the Holy Trinity in Rochester, the secretary of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of the two Americas and the delegate of IPS Nicolae. A number of more than 20 Romanian families were present at this first service and gathering, when an ad hoc committee was elected, charged with the mandate to begin the steps to officially incorporate the new church among the parishes of the Archdiocese. Among the members of the ad hoc council we mention: Mrs. Lidia Arabagian, Georgeta Stănescu and Mariana Vlădescu and Mr. Traian Parr and Ion Daniel Ursache.
The ad hoc committee drafted the petition for the establishment of the new Romanian Orthodox mission and collected, in this sense, more than 40 signatures from Romanians in New Jersey. During the meeting of July 15, 2011, the Diocesan Council of the Archdiocese approved the request to establish the mission. The act of establishment was received by the mission on July 28, 2011, after which, on August 23, 2011, the mission was registered as a non-profit company in the state of New Jersey, having as founding members: Mrs. Georgeta Stănescu, Mr. Ion Daniel Ursache, Mr. Victor Arabagian, Mr. Adrian Niţu-Solomon and Mrs. Iuliana Pirtea. The celebration of the Healing Spring was chosen as the patron saint of the mission. Two days later, on August 25, 2011, the fledgling Romanian community organized a picnic at a lakeside club in Randolph, NJ to celebrate this official registration.
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The following concerns of the ad hoc committee were focused on identifying and securing a place for holding services and other community activities, as well as finding a Romanian Orthodox priest to serve. In the beginning, Father VincenÅ£iu Temirov served from the Romanian Orthodox Monastery "Sfântul Dumitrie cel Nou" in Middletown, New York. The first service was held on October 2, 2011, at the "Saint George" Macedonian Orthodox Church in Randolph, NJ. At the beginning of 2012, the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of the two Americas appointed Father Dumitru Rusu from Chicago as priest administrator. After long searches, the president of the ad hoc committee, Mr. Ion Daniel Ursache, found a better option for holding the services, namely at the Ukrainian Orthodox church "Saints Peter and Paul" in Rockaway, NJ (Carpatho-Russian Episcopacy in America), where Sunday services were later hosted for many years.
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In 2012, the patron saint of the mission had PS Ioan Casian de Vicina as a guest, who blessed the church and the young community. After a few more months, in the summer of 2012, by the decision of IPS Nicolae, the administration of the mission is taken over by father Daniel Ene. At the general assembly of September 25, 2012, an ad hoc council was confirmed, following that at the general assembly of February 2, 2013, according to the provisions of the State of Operation of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of the two Americas, the first parish council was elected, which included Mr. Ciprian Niculae, Mr. Cornel Bălaşa, Ms. Iuliana Pirtea, Ms. Manuela Drăgan, Mr. Adrian Tămăşan, Mr. Deszo Bodiş, Mrs. Liliana Wilson, Mr. Emil Miclăuş, Mrs. Lilioara Helgiu, Mrs. Florentina Roman and Mr. Dan Voic. Also then, it was discussed and unanimously approved that Father Ionuț Georgian Voicu, a native of Păcureți, Prahova County, Romania, should become the parish priest of the "Izvorul Tămăduirii" Mission. The application for the appointment of Father Ionuţ was sent to IPS Nicolae, being approved in the meeting of the Diocesan Council on April 5, 2013, after which his official emigration efforts began. Priest Ionuţ Georgian Voicu arrived in New Jersey on February 14, 2014.​
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Another important moment in the history of the parish was April 6, 2014, when the first pastoral visit of IPS Archbishop Nicolae was received. It was a special celebration, when IPS installed the new Parish Priest, Ionuţ Georgian Voicu and met with the members of the Parish Council to discuss the plans of the mission, including finding a permanent place.
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In 2016, we succeeded in purchasing our own church in Long Valley, New Jersey. Mr. Adrian Niţu-Solomon identified the property located in Long Valley, 132 Califon Rd, which consisted of an Episcopal church on a large lot, very suitable for our parish. On May 27, 2016, the purchase documents of the current place of worship were signed. Selected words of thanks are due to all those who contributed not only financially, with funds for the purchase of the property, but also through work to the fulfillment of this dream. This joy was also shared by the members of the Diocesan Council who, in the meeting of June 30, 2016, approved the change of our status from Mission to Parish.​
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The zeal and dedication of Father Ionuţ with a real vocation contributed to the enrichment of the pastoral-missionary activity of the parish. Thus, numerous activities were organized: a religious Sunday school for children, the celebration of the patron saint Izvorul Tămăduirii, a Romanian country holiday during the summer, a trip to the Monastery "Schimbarea la Faţă" in Ellwood City, PA, a monastic establishment founded by Princess Ileana of Romania (Mother Alexandra), the participation of children and young people in the camp organized by the Archdiocese of Emlenton, PA, discussions free with guests on religious, medical, painting, sculpture, literature. On August 27 and 28, 2016, we had in our midst IPS Nicolae and two of our former servants who contributed with great dedication to the foundation of this church, namely father Daniel Adrian Ene from the Church "St. Trinity" from Rochester NY and the secretary of our Archdiocese, as well as Father Vincentiu Temirov from the Monastery "St. Dumitru" from Middletown NY.
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In January 2017, at the proposal of Father Ionuţ, the General Assembly took the historic initiative to build in New Jersey a wooden church in Maramuresian style, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Great Union of December 1, 1918, which would represent us and stand as a witness of our Romanian identity on American lands, an icon of the Orthodox Christian soul, a hope for a blessed future.
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A year later, at the 2018 General Assembly, the parish council together with a group of volunteers and with the support of the whole community started the project. A committee was then elected responsible for promoting the project in the Romanian communities of New Jersey and neighboring states, and for raising funds to support the construction works. Mrs. Daniela Weinberger, Delia Cotigă, Iuliana Pirtea and Liliana Crăciun and Mr. Radu Crăciun and Dezso Bodiş were part of this committee. The marketing committee created a project website and promoted it on social networks.
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The consecration service of the foundation stone for the Maramureşian-style wooden church was celebrated on April 15, 2018, the 2nd Sunday after Easter of Saint Thomas the Apostle, by IPS Father Nicolae, together with the Archpriest Daniel Adrian Ene, the Reverend Protosinghel Vincentiu Temirov, the Reverend Marius Lazăr, the Reverend Mircea Airinei and the Reverend Ionuț Voicu.
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Considering the emergence of some difficulties, such as: the height of the church tower (105 ft) which exceeds the average height allowed in the area, after a whole year of diligence, the construction permit was obtained on November 8, 2019, the day of the Saints Archangels Michael and Gabriel, which is why this date was chosen to be the second patron of the church. Mr. lawyer Radu Marcel Pirtea and Mr. Eng. made a significant contribution to obtaining approvals and building permits from the local authorities. Emanuel Vasilescu. On January 19, 2020, the official opening of the construction site took place.
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Among the hard workers who stood out throughout the project, we mention: Ms. Cristina Maria NiÅ£ulescu, president of the parish council, Mr. Bogdan Krintea, Mr. Traian Cucu, Mr. Adrian Tămăşan, Ms. Nicoleta Emilia Bârliga, Ms. Mariana Pîslaru, Ms. Gabriela Czimbor, Ms. Gheorghina ComÅŸulea, Ms. Roxana Andreia Stere, Mr. Alexandru Doni, Mr. Leonard Milea, Mr. Radu Marcel Pirtea, Mrs. Delia Lazăr, Mr. Mihai Lazăr, Mrs. Alina Casian, Mrs. Cecilia Plugariu and Mr. Radu Crăciun. They were joined by many other members of the community. The ladies' committee, led with responsibility and devotion by Ms. Gheorghina ComÅŸulea and Ms. Roxana Andreia Stere, with the help of Ms. Iuliana Pirtea, organized countless events: summer picnics, the harvest festival, meals at Florii and at the shrine, New Year's Eve, which kept the community united, always reminding us that we are stronger together.
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The wooden church project is a Romanian-American hybrid, based on authentic Romanian architectural plans transformed into reality by local American construction companies coordinated by Father IonuÅ£ Voicu, a gracious priest and talented builder. Father IonuÅ£ was closely assisted by Mr. Radu Crăciun, who was involved in the ordering of the best quality construction materials, the protection of the wood and the shingle roof, the selection of specialized companies for various works, the negotiation of costs and the conclusion of contracts, as well as the timely payment of the services rendered, together with Mr. Adrian Tămăşan. Thus, the architectural drawings of the church were made by Mr. architect Gary Segal, and the calculations and structural drawings of the church by Mr. Eng. Guy Lagomarsino. Landscaping was performed by R&R Construction of Chester, NJ. The construction of the foundation was carried out by Prestige Construction of Chester, and the metal structure of strength for the walls, dome and spire by Atlas LLC. The timber structure was ordered from Appalachian Logs Structure, West Virginia. The following members of the community: Mr. Răzvan MureÅŸan, Mr. Ovidiu Fleser and Mr. Gelu Pîslaru offered their services free of charge for sanitary and electrical installations, finishes and fixed decorative elements. The pediment, the crosses, the union bell, the paintings and the furniture inside the new church, as well as the roof shingles, were made in Romania, by the talented wood sculptors from the famous Maramures village of the Bârsana monastery.
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The wooden church commemorates 100 years since the creation of the modern Romanian state. Thus, the years of this celebration (1918-2018) were inlaid for posterity on the church bell cast and brought from Maramureş (a true miracle), and the collaboration and unity with which this project was worked on is also a miracle. Despite the countless obstacles, we are all together, the same ones who started on this path many years ago, united around our spiritual father, the Parish Priest Ionuţ Voicu, who shepherds the community with great dedication, shares God's teaching with piety and serves us by example. Our community is a model of unity and good understanding, of love for one's neighbor, without arrogance, where together we do what none of us could do alone. The efforts and sacrifices, as well as the enthusiasm of the community members to complete this project were extraordinary, the construction of the wooden church was by no means easy. But the sufferings were gifts from God, because they made us not to be afraid, they hardened us and increased our faith. If you want and start something, God's grace helps you, without which there is no salvation. Together we braved ourselves, we moved forward when we thought we would stop and we built a spiritual place that awaits us to cross its threshold to find our peace and share with the Holy Mysteries. In this "journey" I faced fear with confidence and courage and, sometimes, even naively, I overcame obstacles and challenges, but I did not give up and moved on. We learned, above all, to respect our work. No one is above the other, we honored and appreciated the achievements and contributions of all, without distinction. Of course I made a mistake, but through this I gained wisdom, I learned what our values ​​are and to live by them and we didn't go astray. We exhorted each other to faith and truth and served them sincerely.
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The foundation of the "Izvorul Tămăduirii" parish and the construction of the wooden church in Maramuresian style were made possible by the love and effort of the faithful of the community and beyond, who through their voluntary work and generous donations wanted to give this holy place to God. The names of the founders, founders, supporters and worshipers of this holy place are inscribed on the altar placed at the foot of the holy table, next to the relics of the Holy Martyrs Epictetus and Astion from Dobrogea.​
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The consecration of the "Izvorul Tămăduirii" Romanian Orthodox Church, dedicated to the Izvorul Tămăduirii and the Archangels Michael and Gavriil, took place on May 1, 2022, in the presence of IPS Metropolitan Nicolae, PS Iustin, Bishop of Maramureș and Sătmar, PS Ioan Casian, Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Canada, together with a council of priests and deacons from several Orthodox jurisdictions in the United States of America, Canada and Romania and the Orthodox believers in this area. The consecration event began with St. Liturgy on the day of the patron saint of the parish, Izvorul Tămăduirii, Friday April 29, officiated by PS Nicolae in the old church of the parish and continued on Saturday April 30, with the Vespers service officiated by PS Father Iustin, Bishop of Maramureș and Sătmar, in the presence of PS Father Metropolitan Nicolae. Archim was part of the council of the ministering fathers. Dr. Casian Filip, social-philanthropic advisor and missionary and the ecclesiarch of the "Holy Trinity" Episcopal Cathedral in Baia Mare, Fr. Ioan Socolan, archpriest of Sătmar, Fr. Gabriel Gorgan, minister at the "Saints Constantine and Elena" Parish in Satu Mare, Fr. Constantin Magdalena from Suceava, servant for 2 months at the parish "St. Trinity" from Philadelphia, Archid. Teodosie Bud, economic adviser, Archid. Dr. Nifon Motogna, administrator of the Episcopal Cathedral and Deacon Adrian Oistric. At the end, His Eminence addressed a beautiful word of instruction to the believers present, referring to God's plan that is revealed in the construction of a new church and to the sacrifice of the martyrs whose holy relics are placed at the foot of the holy table, namely the relics of the Holy Martyrs Epictetus and Astion from Dobrogea. The next day, Sunday May 1, over 900 believers from the parishes of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas on the East coast of the USA gathered for the great event of the church's consecration. The consecration service was preceded by the consecration of water and followed by the Holy Liturgy. The three hierarchs were joined in service by the aforementioned members of the Maramureș and Sătmar Diocese delegation, Rev. Nicholas Apostola, Administrative Vicar of the Metropolis, Pr. Chad Hartfield, President of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology "St. Vladimir" of New York, Father Daniel Ene, Archpriest of New York, New England and Eastern USA, Protos. Jeremiah Aries, Abbot of Middletown Monastery in New York State, Protoss. Vincentiu Temirov, director of spiritual formation at the same Faculty in New York, other priests and deacons from the parishes of the Metropolis on the East coast of the USA. The event was also attended by Mr. Dan-Andrei Muraru, Ambassador of Romania to the United States of America and Mr. Radu Ancuța, Interim Manager of the Romanian Consulate in New York.
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Father Metropolitan gave the parish an icon with the Life-Giving Fountain and a cross of blessing. In the name of Blessed Father Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Nicolae conferred the Patriarchal Cross for clergy, which represents the highest distinction of the Romanian Patriarchate, on Father Ionuț Voicu. At the same time, His Eminence presented the American Metropolitan Cross for the laity to Mrs. Daniela Weinberger, Delia Cotigă and Cristina Maria Nițulescu, president of the Parish Council. For his part, PS Father Iustin offered Father Ionuț Voicu the highest distinction of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of Maramureș and Sătmar, the Maramureș Voivodeship Cross. The Hierarch of Maramureș conferred two more distinctions: Dr. Radu Crăciun received the Order of St. Joseph the Confessor, and Mr. Bogdan Krintea received the Order of Justinian the Archbishop.
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A place where man meets God and a space for communion between people, the "Fountain of Healing" Church in Long Valley, New Jersey, shares with us the grace of the sacrifice on the Cross of Christ the Redeemer and reminds us of the sacrifice of all those who, having a living faith, contributed, each according to their power, to its construction. Thus, this church was built, above all, through the love and effort of the faithful, whose names will forever remain linked to this holy place, as at the end of the consecration service of a new Orthodox church it is sung: "This House, the Father built it, this House, the Son strengthened it, this House, the Holy Spirit renewed it, enlightened it, sanctified it and sanctified our souls.” So a church is built by the Holy Trinity, but using the hands and gifts of diligent and giving, pious and generous believers. Thus, of all the constructions in the world, the church, built by people having faith, love and hope, receives the greatest value, because the sanctified church is "the house of God and the gate of heaven" (Genesis 28, 17).
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From January 2024, Father Roman Galben was entrusted with the service and guidance of the "Izvorul Tămăduirii" parish in Long Valley, New Jersey, father who, with great care, spiritual experience, love for people and God, continues with humility and faith the pastoral-missionary and administrative-household work started by Father Ionuţ.
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Let us not seek the glory of the world, but the glory of God!​​