General Overseer Tim Hill joined leaders from around the region this past weekend to celebrate 100 years of Pentecostalism in Romania.
Pentecost was introduced to Romania in 1922 by Gheorghe Bradin, who set up a thirty-member church in Păuliş, Arad County. This is where the first Romanian Pentecostal Church started. The celebration was held in tents and on temporary platforms.
The celebration this past weekend was held at the Franciscan Neuman Stadium, where thousands gathered to worship together. General Overseer Hill was the keynote speaker for the evening. Other speakers included former National Overseer Pavel Rivis Tipei and National Overseer Moise Ardelean.
“What a wonderful renewal of the Lord’s presence as we celebrated together with thousands of their sons and daughters representing well over 500,000 Romanian Pentecostals throughout this beautiful nation,” Hill stated. “Let Him Fall on Us as He Fell on Them.”
Also joining during the three-day celebration was Dr. Stephen Darnell, regional superintendent for the Church of God in Europe, and Florin Cimpean, overseer for the Romania Territorial Offices in the United States.
The commemoration was prepared by Ardelean and his staff. The primary celebration service was held in the Arad Soccer Stadium where General Overseer Hill was the speaker.
[1]General Overseer Tim Hill addresses the crowd with translation by Florin Cimpean (click photo to enlarge)
“It was my privilege today to join in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Pentecostal movement in this wonderful country,” Hill stated. “The Church of God enjoys wonderful partnership and fellowship with these precious Spirit-filled believers. Thank you National Overseer, Bishop Moises Ardelean, Bishop Florin Cimpean, Overseer of Romanian Territorial Offices and Dr. Stephen Darnell for hosting me for an unforgettable experience.”
World Missions General Director M. Thomas Propes said, “Church of God World Missions congratulates the Church of God Pentecostal Church in Romania for this monumental achievement and wish them many more years of fruitful ministry.”