His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church marked his 75th birthday on Wednesday during a working meeting at the Familia Cultural and Missionary Centre in Pantelimon, near Bucharest. His Beatitude said the day represents “a moment of gratitude offered to God.”
The meeting brought together members of the Standing Committee of the National Church Council and the Standing Committee of the Archdiocesan Council of the Archdiocese of Bucharest. Discussions focused on the current stage of preparations for the 2026 International Meeting of Orthodox Youth (ITO 2026), which will take place in Bucharest from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3.
A necessary place for dialogue
At the conclusion of the meeting, Fr. Ștefan Ababei, Coordinating Patriarchal Counsellor and Director of the Familia Cultural and Missionary Centre, presented the development of the complex built on the site of the former Pantelimon hotel complex, highlighting its transformation into a centre dedicated to the Romanian Patriarchate’s pastoral, cultural and missionary activities.
The patriarchal counsellor recalled that the former St. Panteleimon Monastery, founded in 1735 by Prince Grigore II Ghica and demolished by the communist regime in 1986, has been symbolically restored through the construction of the new church within the centre.
“The new church completes the programmatic vision of Patriarch Daniel, transforming a former leisure area into a much-needed place of dialogue, mission and the spiritual renewal of contemporary society,” the director of the Familia Cultural and Missionary Centre said.
Thanksgiving service
Following the meeting, Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Paisie of Sinaia officiated a Te Deum thanksgiving service in the centre’s newly built church.
Among those attending were Patriarch Daniel; Archbishop Nifon of Târgoviște, Honorary Metropolitan and Patriarchal Exarch; Archbishop Casian of Lower Danube; Bishop Mihail of Australia and New Zealand; Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești and Assistant Bishop Timotei of Prahova of the Archdiocese of Bucharest; Assistant Bishop Iachint of the Pacific of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand; and members of both standing councils.
During the event, several congratulatory messages addressed to Patriarch Daniel were read, along with the presentation of a commemorative volume published by Basilica Publishing House to mark the Primate’s 75th birthday.
Thanks to those serving the Church
After the service, Patriarch Daniel thanked God and all those involved in the Church’s work. He explained why he had chosen to mark his birthday with a working meeting.
“We wanted this gathering to take the form of a working meeting because today offers an opportunity to highlight even more the vocation of this Family Cultural and Missionary Centre, especially since this year has been dedicated to the pastoral care of the Christian family in the Romanian Patriarchate.”
Patriarch Daniel also spoke about the new church built within the centre, which continues the tradition of the former St. Panteleimon Monastery and will be dedicated to the Great Martyr Panteleimon, Apostle Philip, and St. Gregory Palamas.
The Patriarch also underlined the importance of Christian education within the family, describing it as the foundation for forming future generations.
“A family that raises its children in faith and in humble, merciful love is a family that gives saints to the Church, whom the Church later recognises as saints.”
Congratulatory messages
Bishop Paisie read the congratulatory message sent by Romanian President Nicușor Dan, who praised Patriarch Daniel’s vision, saying it “catalyses the Romanian Orthodox Church’s multifaceted activity, constantly bringing renewed energy, openness to communication and mutual respect, while remaining firmly rooted in the founding Christian values.”
Fr. Florin Marica then delivered an anniversary address entitled The Contribution of the Family, School and Church to the Christian Education of Children and Young People – A Constant Priority of Patriarch Daniel, reviewing the principal educational initiatives developed under the Patriarch’s leadership.
“Your Beatitude’s initiatives respond not only to immediate needs, but also build institutions, shape consciences and promote a culture of faith working through love (Galatians 5:6). Through the power of deeds, they affirm that the future of a society depends on how it loves, nurtures and educates its children and young people,” the priest said.
The anniversary event concluded with a festive reception at the Familia Cultural and Missionary Centre, where participants personally conveyed their congratulations and best wishes to Patriarch Daniel on his 75th birthday.
More photographs from the event are available in the photo gallery section.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
