VISITATION TO THE CHURCHES OF THE DOMONICAN REPUBLIC

March 29, 2026

PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic—The Dominican Republic is known as a major tourist destination for people of all ages due to its beautiful beaches, warm temperatures, and friendly people. A lesser-known fact is that the Dominican Republic is home to many Orthodox churches encompassing several jurisdictions, including our own.
With the archpastoral care of these faithful in mind, Archbishop Nicholas, with the blessing of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Alexy, made his annual (almost) visit to our parishes there. This year’s visit had some very exciting events taking place as the people were able to witness the diaconal and presbyteral ordinations of one of their own and the tonsure as reader of another.
The visit began on Saturday, March 28, with a two-and-a-half-hour journey from Puerto Plata to Jarabacoa. It was there, at St. Alexis Church that the ordination to deacon of Subdeacon Nenad Stojkovic took place. The parish property is also home to Mitred Archpriest Ambrosio Bozzo, rector of both St. Alexis in Jarabacoa and St. Nicholas Church in Puerto Plata. Father Ambrosio was recovering from recent surgery but was able to join in the celebration as he witnessed his long-time cantor, parishioner, and friend ordained to the diaconate. It was a joyous event, many years in the making.  Following the ordination, Father Ambrosio and his family took everyone out to a local restaurant where they enjoyed some delicious food and wonderful company.
The next day was an equally eventful day as the parishioners, together with family and friends, witnessed the ordination to the priesthood of the freshly-ordained Deacon Nenad. At the beginning of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, another moment of grace in the life of the parish was experienced by the faithful as Goranko Nastasic, longtime parishioner and cantor of the parish was tonsured and made a Reader at the hands of Archbishop Nicholas.
During his homily, the Archbishop focused on the life of service to God and each other that everyone is called to, and most especially those in the clergy. He gave practical advice to both new members of the clergy and gave thanks to God for the “yes” that they said in response to God’s call. He reminded them the ordained ministry is not always easy, but is always a joy for those who respond to this gift with their whole being.
Prior to the consecration, Deacon Nenad was led forth and entered into the Holy Altar for ordination to the priesthood. Following the prayers of laying on of hands, he was helped up from his knees and stood before the altar for the first time as a priest. He was then vested in the garments of the priesthood as the Archbishop and the Faithful uttered a resounding AXIOS! (He is Worthy).
Following the liturgy, parishioners, friends, and family gathered outside on the parish grounds to congratulate the newly ordained priest and reader and share some fellowship. It was also announced that Father Nenad would be assigned as Assistant Priest at St. Nicholas Church and would be charged with establishing a new mission, dedicated to St. Sava, in Bavaro,DR, where he resides.