Today, 27 February 2015, His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church re-blessed, in the historical chapel of the Patriarchal Residence, the shrine of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom, from the Chapel of the Cathedral for the Nation’s Salvation.
The Patriarch of Romania delivered a sermon in which he told those present how the relics of Saint John Chrysostom were brought to Romania: “This shrine was made at the State Mint after a particle of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom was offered in 1997 to the worthy remembering Patriarch Teoctist by Cardinal Silvano Piovanelli from Florence, Italy. This generosity was, somehow, a symbolic expression of the spiritual relationship between Romania and Italy, especially since lots of Romanian Orthodox faithful go to Italy. In 1997, it was period of preparation for the visit of Pope John Paul II to Romania”.
His Beatitude has also shown that this year Saint John Chrysostom is venerated in quite a special way in the Romanian Patriarchate: “Saint John Chrysostom is celebrated in quite a special way in the Romanian Patriarchate this year, as great shepherd of souls who showed through words and deeds, through his holy life, the power of the merciful Gospel of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. This is why we proposed the Holy Synod, and they approved that the year 2015 should be the solemn year of the parish and monastery mission, as well as commemorative year of Saint John Chrysostom and of the soul shepherds of our eparchies. He is a model of soul shepherd who bequeathed a rich theological, pastoral and liturgical work, having also been the author of the Liturgy of his name.”
The shrine of the particle of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom was repaired, silvered and gilded. It will be laid in the chapel of the Cathedral for the Nation’s Salvation in the near future.
