Petrică Bistran is a Romanian man who grew up in the early post-Communist era of his country.Reflecting on his upbringing, Petrică says, "Growing up in a post-Communist environment was quite confusing for me. At 15, I became a Christian, which was a positive change but also added some complexity to my life. I aspired to be an artist and attended Art College, but art became an all-consuming obsession that left me unfulfilled. Recognizing that God was, and remains, the most important presence in my life, I decided to pursue a degree in theology and become a pastor."After completing his first degree in theology and training to become a pastor, Petrică took a long break to decide whether he should work for the Church. Moving to England in 2008 and joining a local Anglican church in Nottingham, where he lived for several years, marked his return to ministry.He studied for ordination at Cranmer Hall, Durham, and was ordained by the Bishop of Durham, The Right Reverend Paul Butler, at Durham Cathedral on a Sunday in 2016. He was appointed as curate at St. Matthew’s Church, Silksworth, in Sunderland.Upon completing his curacy in 2019, Petrică took up a role as Children’s Minister at St. Peter’s Church, Belsize Park, and St. Saviour's Church, Chalk Farm, in London. While he set up numerous initiatives, many were thwarted by the Covid lockdown.Two years later, at the end of November 2021, he was installed as Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Ashow and Stoneleigh by the Bishop of Warwick, Rt. Rev. John Stroyan. He moved into the Rectory at Bubbenhall with his wife, Mirela.This was a part-time post while he continued his fine art studies in London. Having successfully obtained his degree, he continues to make a significant impact in the villages and with the congregants. He is a familiar face, actively participating in local activities. The future remains to be seen, but for now, the community is delighted to have him among them.Both Petrică and Mirela are passionate about art and are interested in exploring how the arts can enhance worship and deepen the spiritual life of God's people.
On the first Sunday of each month Eucharist will be celebrated as a United Service at either Ashow or Stoneleigh churches.The one at Ashow starts at 10 am on Odd months, and the Stoneleigh service starts at 11 am on Even months.
Our church at Stoneleigh has an up-to-date Audio Visual system for relaying music, both inside and outside the church, and for projecting pictures and videos as part of our worship pattern.We are looking for people to join this exciting project and to form part of a team to develop the system to it's full potential. Knowledge of IT will be an advantage, although it will be a very much team-building exercise where we learn from one another as we exchange ideas.If you would like more information and feel that you would like to get involved in any way, please speak to Rev. Petrica or to Richard Ashley (07708 097187).
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