SAVANNAH, Ga. () — A reverend at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church has been appointed to serve the Archdiocese of New York after shepherding Georgia’s oldest black catholic church for 13 years. 

This new assignment comes two weeks after Father Romanus Ezeugwu celebrated his silver jubilee, which marked 25 years of being a pastor. 

His service and guidance to the St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church parish was recognized by all organizations at the church Sunday during a celebration sendoff.

“Thank you for all that you have done for me. Thank you for all the support that I got in this parish,” Ezeugwu said. 

Parishioners said Father Ezeugwu was truly loved and will be missed.

“For your 13 years of dedication to the youth of our parish, we love you, pray for you, and wish you well as you continue your service to the Lord’s people,” Tristan Garvin said, thanking Ezeugwu. 

Rev. Father Anselm Eke, has been appointed as the new pastor at St. Benedict the Moor effective Oct. 1.