Metropolitan Teofan of Moldavia and Bukovina took part on Monday in Romania’s National Day celebrations held in Iași.
In his remarks, the Metropolitan recalled the supreme sacrifice made by Romanian soldiers, as well as the role of the political and intellectual elite who committed themselves to fulfilling this historic national ideal.
“One hundred and seven years ago, Romania — in all her three historical provinces — existed in the hearts of Romanians. To become a geographical reality required the sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of soldiers, an exceptional political and intellectual elite, and much help from God (…) God’s help from above and the ability of the elites of that time to set aside disagreements and rivalries led to the fulfilment of a centuries-old aspiration,” Metropolitan Teofan said Dec. 1.
He also quoted historian Nicolae Iorga, who wrote of the Great Union: “There is so much work to be done that not one generation, but entire generations will have to labour to consolidate it.”
“The task of the current generation is all the more necessary because, in the meantime, we have lost part of the territory of Romania as it was in 1918, millions of Romanians have left the Land of Bread for other countries in search of bread, and we are still waiting for an effective land link to unite all the Romanian provinces joined on 1 December 1918. We ask God to take care of us, of the country and of the world!” he concluded.
After the speeches by local and county authorities, wreaths were laid at the monument dedicated to the heroes of the 1989 Revolution, and soldiers of the 151st Infantry Battalion, along with Ministry of Internal Affairs units, marched to music from the Iași Garrison Military Band.
Photo: Doxologia / Flavius Popa
