Although, for the most part, public events were affected by the pandemic, the agenda of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel was busy in 2021. He made fewer trips last year than before, but significant events took place under possible conditions. There were also official meetings and visits and resonant messages in various social contexts.

Visit to Putna Monastery

Last year, the most significant visit of the Patriarch of Romania was to Putna Monastery on August 14-16, on the occasion of the “Putna Celebration – 150. Continuity of an ideal”.

Representatives of the Romanian youth associations, the Romanian cultural and spiritual environment conceived the event. It took place exactly 150 years after the “First celebration of Romanians everywhere”, an initiative that had Mihai Eminescu among the organizers.

Patriarch Daniel also paid several visits to the Archdiocese of Bucharest at Cernica, Samurcășești, Snagov Monasteries and the Village Museum on the Day of the Romanian Village. In addition, he performed the consecration of the church of Brâncuși Parish in the Capital and blessed St Stylianos Children’s Day Centre in Urlați.

Events

A significant event for the Romanian Church, and not only was the 70th anniversary of Patriarch Daniel on July 22, 2021. As usual, a festive moment was organized on the Patriarchate’s Hill, with prayers of thanksgiving at its core.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis, and President Klaus Iohannis were among the most famous personalities who sent congratulations on this occasion.

In addition, the President of Romania awarded Patriarch Daniel the National Order of the Star of Romania in the rank of Collar, the highest distinction of the Romanian state.

The noteworthy events attended by Patriarch Daniel in 2021 include the opening of the Exhibition “Voroneț Monastery, 533 years since its establishment, 30 years since its reopening” at the Library of the Romanian Academy, the solemn sitting of the Parliament dedicated to Romania’s National Day, and other theological and cultural events organized at the Palace of the Patriarchate.

Meetings

In 2021, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel had official meetings with the President of Romania on February 16 and with the ambassadors of Greece, Serbia, and Germany.

To these is added the meeting with the ASCOR presidents gathered in Bucharest for a national assembly. The meetings with several groups of young people and children who sang Christmas carols to the Patriarch of Romania are also worth mentioning.

Memorable messages

Patriarch Daniel’s message on the Sunday of the Romanian migrants (August 22) was one of his most publicized texts.

The Patriarch conveyed three urges to Romanians living far from the country: to stay in constant contact with their loved ones, cherish the family, and educate the young generation as Christians.

Another memorable message was the call for “responsible freedom in the pandemic,” addressed on the feast of St. Demetrius the New (October 27). “The greatest gifts are health and salvation,” Patriarch Daniel said from the outer altar of the Patriarchal Cathedral.

To these can be added the Call for an End to the Armed Conflict between Jews and Palestinians in the Holy Land or the Message of Compassion and Solidarity with the Greek People Deeply Affected by Vegetation Fires.

As recommended to all Christians, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel ended the year with prayer. At the service held on the night at the turn of the year – “a bridge of gratitude and hope”, His Beatitude urged us to have complete confidence in the power of prayer:

“Let us pray more to God for the speedy end of the current pandemic so that we can live and work naturally and freely. May we have full confidence in the power of prayer and much responsibility for our own health and that of our neighbours. Let us pray to God to bless the crown of the year we have entered and to give to the Romanian people in the country, in the vicinity of its borders, and in the Romanian diaspora strong faith, peace and joy, the abundance of the fruits of the earth and much help in all good deeds,” Patriarch Daniel wished.

To complete the picture of 2021 with Patriarch Daniel, we mention the numerous services of His Beatitude at the Patriarchal Cathedral, the chairmanship of several administrative meetings and the Holy Synod sessions.

Photos: Basilica.ro