We have gathered the most common questions asked by parishioners, newcomers, and visitors to help you feel at home before you even walk through our doors. If you don’t find your answer here, please don’t hesitate to contact Fr. George directly.
📞 +356 7732 8474 | 📘 facebook.com/parohiamalta
✝️ About the Orthodox Faith
What is the Orthodox Church?
The Eastern Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world — tracing its origins directly to Christ and His Apostles. It is the Church of the Seven Ecumenical Councils, the Church of the great Fathers and Doctors of the faith, and the living heir to the ancient Christian tradition of Byzantium. Today it comprises approximately 300 million faithful worldwide, organized into a family of autocephalous (self-governing) Churches, including the Romanian Orthodox Church.
How is Orthodox Christianity different from Catholicism or Protestantism?
Orthodoxy shares with Roman Catholicism a deep sacramental and liturgical tradition, the seven Holy Mysteries (Sacraments), apostolic succession, and veneration of the saints. However, the Orthodox Church does not recognize the authority of the Pope and has preserved a conciliar model of Church governance. Unlike Protestantism, Orthodoxy is deeply rooted in Tradition — Scripture, the Fathers, the Councils, the liturgy, and the icons are all living sources of revelation. Orthodoxy emphasizes theosis — the transformation of the whole human person into the likeness of God — as the goal of Christian life.
Do I need to be Romanian to attend your services?
Absolutely not. Our parish warmly welcomes everyone — Romanian, Maltese, English-speaking, or of any background. Our services are celebrated in both Romanian and English, and our community includes people of various nationalities. If you are curious about Orthodox Christianity, you are welcome to come and see.
I am not Orthodox. Can I attend the Divine Liturgy?
Yes. Non-Orthodox visitors are warmly welcome to attend and observe the Divine Liturgy. The entire service is open to all. However, only baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting, and confession may receive Holy Communion. There is no obligation to participate in any way that makes you uncomfortable — simply come, be present, and let the worship speak to you.
What should I wear to an Orthodox service?
Modest and respectful attire is appreciated. As a general guide:
- Shoulders and knees should be covered
- Women traditionally cover their heads during services — headscarves are available at the church if needed
- Men should remove hats upon entering
- Smart casual or formal dress is appropriate — but please never let uncertainty about dress stop you from coming
🏛 About Our Parish
Where is the parish located?
We worship at St. Roque’s Church (Knisja ta’ San Rokku), St. Ursula Street, Valletta, Malta.
📍 View on Google Maps
When are services held?
Our main weekly services are:
- Sunday Orthros (Matins): 8:00 AM
- Sunday Divine Liturgy: 9:00 AM
- Wednesday: Paraklisis of the Theotokos
- Friday: Akathist of St. John the Baptist
Please follow our Facebook page or contact Fr. George for any schedule changes during feasts or fasting seasons.
What language are the services in?
Services are celebrated in both Romanian and English. We are a bilingual community and strive to ensure that every person present can follow and participate in the worship.
Who is our parish priest?
Our parish is served by Fr. George Alexandru Popescu, an ordained Romanian Orthodox priest under the Diocese of Italy, Metropolis of Western and Southern Europe, Patriarchate of Romania. Fr. George emigrated to Malta as a missionary and has served the community here permanently since the parish’s official founding in 2014. He is available by phone, WhatsApp, or in person.
Which diocese does our parish belong to?
We belong to the Diocese of Italy, within the Metropolis of Western and Southern Europe, under the Patriarchate of Romania. Our parish is fully canonical and listed in the World Orthodox Directory.
How large is the parish community?
We currently have approximately 70 faithful attending Sunday Divine Liturgy each week, drawn from the approximately 2,000 Romanians and 500 Moldovans living in Malta. Our community is growing steadily.
🕊 Sacraments & Services
How do I arrange a Baptism?
Please contact Fr. George as early as possible — ideally at least one month before the desired date. He will guide you through the preparation, including the choice of godparents, the documents required, and the spiritual preparation of the family. Both infants and adult converts may be baptized.
How do I arrange a Wedding in the Orthodox Church?
Please contact Fr. George at least 3–6 months in advance. Orthodox Matrimony requires spiritual preparation, canonical documents (including proof of baptism and chrismation), and pre-marital meetings with the priest. At least one of the parties should be an Orthodox Christian. Note that civil marriage must also be arranged separately through Maltese civil authorities.
How do I request a Memorial Service (Parastas)?
Simply contact Fr. George with the name of the departed and the date you wish to commemorate. Memorial Services can be arranged before or after Sunday Divine Liturgy or by private appointment. We commemorate the departed on the 3rd, 9th, and 40th days after repose, at 6 months, 1 year, and on the Saturdays of Souls throughout the year.
Can Fr. George come to bless our home?
Yes. House Blessings are a beautiful Orthodox tradition and Fr. George is available to visit homes in Malta by appointment. This is traditionally done at Theophany (January 6th) or when a family moves into a new home, but can be arranged at any time. Please contact the parish to schedule a visit.
How do I go to Confession?
Confession is available before Sunday Divine Liturgy (during Orthros) or by private appointment with Fr. George. If you are approaching Confession for the first time or returning after a long absence, please do not hesitate — Fr. George will guide you gently and without judgment. Simply call or message him to arrange a time.
What is Holy Unction and how do I request it?
Holy Unction (Sfântul Maslu) is the Mystery of healing — offered for the sick, the suffering, and all who seek God’s grace in times of difficulty. It is celebrated communally during Holy Week and can also be administered privately. Contact Fr. George to arrange.
🏫 Romanian School
What age groups does the Romanian School serve?
The school welcomes children aged 4 to 16 years.
Does my child need to speak Romanian to attend?
No. Children of all language levels are welcome, including those who speak little or no Romanian. The school is designed precisely to help children connect with their Romanian roots, and lessons are adapted to each child’s level in both Romanian and English.
When and where are classes held?
Classes are held on Sundays after Divine Liturgy at St. Roque’s Church, St. Ursula Street, Valletta.
Is there a fee for the Romanian School?
Classes are offered free of charge as a service to the community. Voluntary donations to support materials and activities are always gratefully received.
My child was born in Malta and has never lived in Romania. Is the school still suitable?
Absolutely — in fact, the school was created precisely with these children in mind. Many of our students were born in Malta and are growing up in English-speaking schools. Our goal is to give them roots in their Orthodox faith, Romanian language, history, and culture, so they never lose the connection to who they are.
How do I register my child?
Simply contact Fr. George by phone or WhatsApp on +356 7732 8474, or message us on Facebook at facebook.com/parohiamalta. He will arrange an introductory meeting with your family.
🤝 Community Life
I am newly arrived in Malta. How can I connect with the Romanian community?
Come to Sunday Divine Liturgy — it is the best way to meet the community. You can also join our parish WhatsApp group by contacting Fr. George, and follow us on Facebook for events and announcements. Fr. George is also available for pastoral conversations and practical guidance for anyone settling in Malta for the first time.
I am going through a difficult time. Can the parish help?
Yes, always. The Church exists to serve — especially in times of need. Fr. George is available for spiritual support, pastoral counseling, and practical guidance. No situation is too small, and you will never be turned away. Call +356 7732 8474 at any time.
I am not Romanian or Moldovan — am I welcome?
You are more than welcome. Our parish is a canonical Orthodox Christian community open to all Orthodox Christians and all those interested in the faith, regardless of nationality. We have parishioners and visitors from various countries, and our services are held in both Romanian and English to reflect our diverse community.
How can I support the parish?
The simplest and most meaningful support is your presence at Sunday Liturgy and parish events. Financial donations toward the upkeep of the church, liturgical materials, and school activities are also gratefully received. Please speak with Fr. George about how you can contribute. All donations go directly toward the life of the community.
Does the parish have a WhatsApp or Telegram group?
Yes — we have a parish WhatsApp group where we share service updates, events, community news, and announcements. Contact Fr. George on +356 7732 8474 to be added.
📬 Still Have a Question?
If your question is not answered here, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out directly:
Fr. George Alexandru Popescu
📞 +356 7732 8474
📘 facebook.com/parohiamalta
📍 St. Roque’s Church, St. Ursula Street, Valletta, Malta
🗺 View on Google Maps
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
— Matthew 7:7