“The feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God should be an encouragement to all parents who have children and to those who do not, but hope to have them,” His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel said on Tuesday at the historic St George the Great Martyr Chapel of the Patriarchal Residence.
The Patriarch of Romania explained why the feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God is placed at the beginning of the Church Year and why it is celebrated on 8 September: “Because the number eight symbolises eternity or eternal life.”
“The Nativity of the Mother of God is therefore celebrated because through her the eternal Son of God comes into the world as man to save the world from sin and death and to grant people eternal life.”
The power of humble prayer, patience and waiting
His Beatitude presented the example of the Holy and Righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anne, who prayed for many years to be granted a child.
“From the parents of the Mother of God, we learn how great the power of humble prayer, patience and waiting is, especially when it concerns the gift of having children.”
“There are many people today who suffer because they do not have children. Others have adopted children and have become parents through affection, even though they were not parents according to the flesh,” Patriarch Daniel emphasised.
The Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church stressed that parental responsibility involves more than bringing a child into the world.
“It is not enough to give physical birth to a child if you do not also raise the child spiritually.”
“A true parent is one who helps and forms a child, educates them, shows parental care and constant love through their physical upbringing and spiritual education,” the Patriarch emphasised.
His Beatitude also called for support for families with several children, “because through faith and a holy life, children and their parents can become saints”.
Those who enlighten and enrich children’s souls
His Beatitude linked the feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God with the beginning of the new school year, highlighting the importance of children’s formation.
“A person’s greatest wealth is their spiritual and intellectual formation.”
“In other words, great shall be called the nursery teachers, primary school teachers and secondary school teachers who enlighten and enrich the souls of children and young people, who, when well educated, will bring joy to their families, their schools, the Church and the Romanian people.”
Patriarch Daniel also spoke about the priest’s role in forming children and young people.
“The priest who works as a spiritual father with all children and young people has a particularly important role in their spiritual growth and formation.”
In conclusion, the Patriarch of Romania congratulated the more than 2.6 million Romanians who bear the name of the Virgin Mary.
“We wish them growth in prayer, faith and good works, and may they be protected by the Mother of God.”
Photo: Lumina Newspaper
