The Romanian Orthodox Church has always been present in the founding moments of the country’s national history, it has actively participated in the accomplishment of the lofty ideals of emancipation, unity and freedom, and has contributed to the dignified affirmation of Romania among the democratic nations of Europe, President Klaus Iohannis said in a message on the occasion of the Centennial Commemorative Year of the Romanian Patriarchate.
According to the head of state, this anniversary marks a moment of historical importance for the entire Romanian Orthodox Church and for the believers in the country and communities overseas.
„The elevation of the Romanian Orthodox Church to the rank of Patriarchate on February 4, 1925 consecrated the fruits of the 1918 Great Union, reinforcing the unity of faith of the Romanians from all the historical provinces and giving impetus to efforts to progress along the path of modernization, political maturation and development of the entire society. The centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate was built on the profound dialogue and continuous solidarity of destiny and vision of the Church with the Romanian people. The Romanian Orthodox Church has always been present in the founding moments of our national history, has actively participated in the accomplishment of the lofty ideals of emancipation, unity and freedom, has contributed to Romania’s dignified affirmation among the democratic nations of Europe,” the president said in the message.
The centennial anniversary of the Romanian Patriarchate is a good opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary power of Romanians to fulfill their aspirations through consistency and sacrifice, Iohannis notes.
”At the same time, today we extend our profound gratitude to those who, carrying the banner of the national creed and defending the flame of faith, have contributed to the development of modern Romania. Today’s celebration, both of the Romanian Orthodox Church and of the entire Romanian nation, honors the fruitful presence of Christian values in society. All these have united us in the face of adversities, taught us to stand in solidarity with our fellow men, to remain steadfast in achieving the common good and to assume responsibility for the democratic and European path of the country, given that the last century of our history was marked by two World Wars, decades of totalitarian dictatorship, the presence of extremism in the public space and complex crises,” the president went on to say.
The head of the state remarks that, in the complicated context of recent challenges, he has always found in the Romanian Orthodox Church a responsible collaborator, a dialogue partner open to reflection and constructive action, a balancing factor in interconfessional and interfaith dialogue, a contributor to religious freedom under the sign of unity in diversity, from which a united, Christian and humanist Europe was born.
”In its 100 years of existence, the Romanian Patriarchate has seen achievements that had a positive impact on society as a whole, but also crises that we have overcome together, aware of our Christian identity and the mission we have committed to in Europe and in the world, a world in which opposing evil, acting in the spirit of knowledge, tolerance and hope, is becoming essential. „Today, as it marks its centennial anniversary, the Romanian Patriarchate begins a new stage of its historical journey, and I have full confidence that the destiny of the Romanian Orthodox Church, deeply linked to that of our country and to that of Romanian believers everywhere, will be perfected to match the efforts that the leader of the Romanian Orthodox Church puts into the fulfillment of faith and the common good,” the president concludes.
AGERPRES
