The Ministry of Family, Youth, and Equal Opportunities has welcomed the decision by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church to designate 2026 as the “Solemn Year of Pastoral Care for the Christian Family” and the “Commemorative Year of Holy Women” celebrating myrrh-bearing women, female martyrs, nuns, wives, and mothers.
The Romanian Orthodox Synod’s decision was approved in their meeting on October 25.
“This decision reaffirms the core values of family and the significant contribution of women throughout centuries to the spiritual and cultural life of the Christian community. As the Minister of Family, I see this initiative as a special opportunity to promote respect for family and gratitude for the essential role of women in society,” stated Minister Natalia Intotero in a press release.
Minister Intotero also highlighted the designation of 2025 as “Year of the Child” in Romania, creating a thematic progression leading to 2026. She hopes these initiatives will foster supportive policies for families and increase respect for family structures in Romania.
“The Ministry of Family is committed to close collaboration with the Orthodox Church and His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, whom I thank for his unwavering support for Romanian families,” added Minister Intotero, emphasizing that the family is a fundamental pillar of national identity and a guarantee of a healthy and unified society.
The pastoral care of Christian families remains a priority for the Romanian Orthodox Church, particularly amidst increasing ideological challenges to the concept of family. After declaring 2020 as the “Solemn Year of Pastoral Care for Parents and Children,” the Church’s 2026 theme will emphasize the family as a whole.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
