On Wednesday, His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia delivered a message to mark the National Culture Day, emphasizing that this celebration transcends geographical boundaries and unites both banks of the Prut River “in a single spirit of Romanian identity and Orthodox spirituality.”
How the Church preserved national identity
The Metropolitan of Bessarabia highlighted the pivotal role played by the Romanian Orthodox Church in preserving the national and spiritual identity of Romanians in Bessarabia, where the communist regime threatened faith and culture.
“The Romanian Orthodox Church, as the spiritual mother of the nation, has always been a pillar of Romanian culture and spirituality. In Bessarabia, this role was especially evident during times of trial, when imperialist and communist regimes sought to suppress the voice of faith and national culture.”
“In those difficult times, the clergy and hierarchs of Bessarabia became true confessors, serving not only the altar but also the culture and education of the nation.”
The Romanian Language
By promoting the Romanian language as a symbol of spiritual and cultural identity, His Eminence explained, the Church has been a cornerstone in preserving national values in speech and writing.
The uninterrupted celebration of the Divine Liturgy in Romanian in all historical regions significantly strengthened the bonds between faith, culture, and the nation, serving as a bridge between spirituality and national identity.
“Throughout its two-millennia-long history, the Romanian Orthodox Church has had a fundamental role in cultivating and affirming the consciousness of national unity, promoting the Romanian language as a living expression of spiritual and cultural identity, both spoken and written. The Liturgy, continuously celebrated in Romanian in all historical provinces, has strengthened the links between faith, culture, and the nation.”
Tribute to Those Who Preserved Identity
Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia also emphasized the exceptional personality of Gurie Grosu, the first Metropolitan of Bessarabia, who “harmonized the spiritual and cultural dimensions with divine revelation,” becoming a promoter of the Romanian language, theological literature, and the education of young generations in the Orthodox and Romanian spirit.
Alongside him, Metropolitan Efrem Enăchescu and other servants of the Church were true builders of culture, defenders of national identity, and guardians of faith.
His Eminence also mentioned the theological schools and institutions in Bessarabia and the Church printing houses of the Metropolis, which served as centres of spiritual and cultural enlightenment, preserving faith and the Romanian language during the most challenging periods in national history.
The Church and Culture: Unity and Tradition
“Today, we bow with humility before the ecclesiastical and secular personalities, the intellectuals, and the teachers who faithfully preserved the treasure of our heritage during times of hardship. At the same time, we rejoice that we live in an era when the Church and Culture can collaborate freely and fruitfully for the glory of God and the benefit of the Romanian nation everywhere.”
Furthermore, His Eminence Metropolitan Petru urged “all those who serve the Church and the Nation to unite their voices and efforts to preserve our cultural and spiritual heritage unaltered.”
“This year, as we mark the Centennials of the Romanian Patriarchate and the Metropolis of Bessarabia, we pray that God blesses our future with unity, grants us the strength to remain steadfast in faith and love for our nation, and that, in all things, the name of the Holy Trinity may be glorified,” concluded Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia.