A century ago, on February 17, 1925, the Chamber of Deputies of Romania held a historic debate on the Law for the Establishment of the Romanian Patriarchate. During the session, Metropolitan Miron Cristea, who was soon to be enthroned as the first Patriarch of Romania, delivered a memorable speech.
“This Honor Belongs to the Entire Church”
The late Patriarch Miron Cristea praised the arguments and speeches of political leaders who emphasized the historical and spiritual merits of the Romanian Orthodox Church, which had led to its elevation to the rank of Patriarchate.
“The Church is not composed solely of its clergy, bishops, or its temporary leader. The true Church is the living Church—the great multitude of all its faithful,” he stated.
“Thus, the great honor that you bestow upon me today with your unanimous and enthusiastic vote is not just a personal distinction—it is the honor of the entire Church as a collective body, as well as the honor of every believer. It is also the honor of each of you, who represent the nation in the Parliament of our country.”
The future Patriarch expressed deep gratitude for the strong support of both the Holy Synod and the political leaders who backed the establishment of the Patriarchate.
“May God help us so that this new institution of the Patriarchate, and the love that unites all its faithful to the head of the Church, may strengthen our common will to labor and sacrifice for the flourishing, fortification, and development of the Church. May it become what we all desire—a beacon of warmth and light, guiding every citizen with the sublime teachings of the Savior.”
He envisioned the Romanian Patriarchate as an institution that would spread its light and love beyond national borders, fostering unity and Christian brotherhood with other nations.
“From a Shepherd’s Son to Patriarch”
Patriarch Miron Cristea also shared his personal journey, expressing humility and gratitude for his elevation from modest beginnings to the highest ecclesiastical rank in Romania.
“I give thanks to God, who has raised me from the son of a simple peasant—baptized by a shepherd tending his vast flocks on the mountains of Moldova—not far from my native village, Toplița Română—to the highest ecclesiastical rank a man can attain.”
“That shepherd, before a holy icon, guided me to become a shepherd myself, and now, I have become the spiritual shepherd of this nation.”
Despite his decades of dedication to the Church and public service, the future Patriarch acknowledged that his elevation was not solely due to his efforts.
“I firmly believe that the boundless love of this nation’s representatives, intellectuals, and leaders—toward the great reservoir of physical and spiritual energy that is the Romanian peasantry—has contributed significantly to raising one of its sons to this ecclesiastical height.”
The Establishment of the Romanian Patriarchate
After receiving unanimous approval from both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, the Law for the Establishment of the Romanian Patriarchate was signed into law by King Ferdinand I on February 23, 1925 and published in the Official Gazette on February 25, 1925.
In his concluding words, Metropolitan Miron Cristea called for unity and commitment to the Church and nation, ending with a heartfelt blessing:
“May the Church, the Nation, the King, and the Royal Dynasty live long! I bless them with all my heart.”
Photo: Lumina Newspaper / Fototeca Ortodoxiei Românești
