His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania sent a message to Crown Princess Margareta of Romania on the occasion of Romania’s National Independence Day and the traditional royal celebration of 10 May, highlighting the enduring spiritual and historical significance of the Romanian Royal House.
In his message, the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church described the Royal House’s motto, Nihil sine Deo (“Nothing without God”), as an expression of the spiritual values upheld by Romania’s princes and kings throughout history.
The message also marked 160 years since the official arrival in Romania of King Carol I of Romania in 1866, noting his decisive contribution to securing the country’s independence.
Patriarch Daniel stated that commemorative prayers were offered at the historic Patriarchal Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen for members of the Romanian Royal Family, including Kings Carol I, Ferdinand, Carol II, and Michael I, as well as Queens Elisabeth, Marie, Helen, and Anne.
The Patriarch concluded by expressing wishes for health and blessings to the Royal Family and by calling for the preservation of Romania’s values of unity, freedom and national identity.
Please find below Patriarch Daniel’s message.
To Her Majesty Margareta of Romania
Custodian of the Romanian Crown
Your Majesty,
Christ is risen!
The day of 10 May, a national holiday, is an occasion to recall the luminous deeds connected with the history of the Royal House and of our country, as well as to affirm that the Romanian Orthodox Church is a guardian of national memory and of communion among past, present and future generations.
The motto of the Royal House, Nihil sine Deo (Nothing without God), is a testimony to the spiritual and eternal values defended and promoted throughout history by the Princes and Kings of the Romanian people.
At the same time, 10 May has also been declared by the Parliament of Romania as the National Independence Day of Romania.
In 2026, on 10 May, 160 years (1866–2026) have passed since the official arrival in Romania of King Carol I, who made a decisive contribution to the achievement of our country’s independence.
On this occasion, at the historic Patriarchal Cathedral, today, Sunday, 10 May, prayers of commemoration are being offered with respect and devotion for King Carol I and Queen Elisabeth, King Ferdinand and Queen Marie, King Carol II and Queen Helen, King Michael I and Queen Anne.
We extend to the entire Royal Family of Romania our congratulations, blessings and warm wishes for health, and we pray to our Lord Jesus Christ to help us preserve and promote the values of unity, freedom and national identity inherited from our forebears, as symbols of the dignity of the Romanian people, for the good of Romania and the joy of Romanians everywhere.
With esteem and blessing,
† Daniel
Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
Photo credit: “Augustin Bena” Cultural Centre of Alba County (the crown of King Ferdinand the Unifier, inherited from King Carol I and made from the steel of a Turkish cannon captured in the War of Independence)
