The Holy Synod of the Romania Orthodox Church has begun its working session at the Patriarchal Residence in Bucharest under the chairmanship of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel.
In his opening speech, the Chairman of the Holy Synod noted that the agenda includes the canonization request for the Bessarabian Bishop Dionisie Erhan, ‘a supporter of Bessarabia’s union with Romania and a man full of missionary zeal.’
The proposal to glorify Bishop Dionisie Erhan (1868-1943) was submitted by the Metropolis of Bessarabia.
Given that the Holy Synod’s meeting coincides with the beginning of the festivities of St Demetrius the New, Protector of Bucharest, His Beatitude referred to the bringing of the holy relics of St Callinicus of Cernica on this occasion.
‘This hierarch was from Bucharest, and this year we mark 150 years since his passing away to the Lord,’ the Patriarch said about St Callinicus.
‘Saint Callinicus is a saint of Romanian unity and communion, and that is why we wanted him to be honoured on the occasion of the Holy Synod’s meeting,’ His Beatitude added.
The Synod’s agenda includes reviewing services and akathist hymns to several Romanian Saints, administrative and inter-Orthodox subjects.
Photo: Mircea Florescu / Basilica.ro
