In 2024, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church issued several significant resolutions that shaped the spiritual and organizational life of Romanian Orthodox communities both in the country and abroad.
Retrospective Overview
The Synod’s decisions were made gradually, responding to the evolving needs of the faithful. A notable example was the elevation of the Romanian Orthodox Eparchy of Great Britain, initially established as a diocese, to the rank of an Archdiocese, reflecting the spiritual needs of over one million Romanians in the United Kingdom.
These resolutions encompassed administrative, spiritual, and pastoral actions designed to address contemporary challenges faced by Romanian believers.
The canonization of 16 contemporary confessors and martyrs this year marks the largest group of saints recognized in the past 30 years, honoring those who bore witness to Orthodoxy in communist prisons.
The reorganization of dioceses also reflects a practical response to the growing Romanian diaspora, adapting church structures to meet current demographic realities.
Centennial Year 2025
As the Romanian Orthodox Church approaches two significant anniversaries—140 years since the recognition of its autocephaly (April 1885) and 100 years since its elevation to patriarchal status (February 1925)—the Holy Synod declared 2025 as the Solemn Year of the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate and the Commemorative Year of Romanian Orthodox Spiritual Fathers and Confessors of the 20th Century.
New Diaspora Dioceses
To address the increasing number of Romanians in the United Kingdom and Northern Europe, the Synod, in its February session, established the Diocese of Great Britain and the Diocese of Ireland and Iceland.
In July, the Diocese of Great Britain was elevated to the Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, recognizing its growing importance.
In October, the Synod selected hierarchs for these new diocesan structures. Bishop Atanasie of Bogdania, Assistant Bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy, was elected Archbishop of the newly established Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Bishop Nectarie of Brittany, Assistant Bishop to the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Western Europe, was appointed the first diocesan bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Ireland and Iceland.
Canonization of Contemporary Saints
On July 12, the Synod approved the canonization of sixteen Romanian Orthodox confessors and monastics who resisted during the communist era. Among them are:
- Saint Arsenie (Boca) of Prislop,
- Saint Priest-Martyr Dumitru Stăniloae,
- Saint Sofian (Boghiu) of St Athimos Monastery, the first Orthodox saint to have lived into the 21st century.
These saints will be included in the liturgical calendar for 2025. Celebrations proclaiming their canonization will take place centrally in Bucharest in February and subsequently in each diocese, introducing their lives, icons, and hymns to the faithful.
Neutrality in the Electoral Year
In the context of the 2024 elections, the Romanian Orthodox Church reaffirmed the political neutrality of its clergy, emphasizing its divine-human mission separate from partisan politics.
Pastoral Care for Romanians in Ukraine
Efforts to support Romanian Orthodox communities in Ukraine faced delays from Ukrainian authorities, despite compliance with legal requirements. The Synod decided to continue advocacy with public officials in Romania and Ukraine to address this legitimate request.
Additional Resolutions
In October 2024, the Synod included Saint Martyr Lupus of Thessalonica in the liturgical calendar with a feast day on October 27.
The Synod approved preparations for the Centennial Year of the Romanian Patriarchate and declared 2026 as the Solemn Year of Pastoral Care for Christian Families and the Commemorative Year of Holy Women in the Church calendar (myrrh-bearers, female martyrs, nuns, wives, and mothers).
These resolutions underscore the Church’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its mission and unity in contemporary contexts.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
