The Romanian Police celebrated its 200th anniversary on March 25, 2022.
March 25 was chosen as Romanian Police Day is linked to the Annunciation of the Theotokos found on the first flag of the Great Agia (administrative body from the 18th-19th century in Wallachia and Moldova, in charge of maintaining public order in the capital). This symbol was also used on the current flag of the Romanian Police.
In 1822, ruler prince Grigore Dimitrie Ghica gave the Grand Aga Mihăiță Filipescu (chief of Police at that time) a flag with the representation of the Annunciation. A golden garland encompasses the representation of the Mother of God standing before the archangel who brings her the good news (Annunciation).
Marking the 200th anniversary, the Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Ieronim of Sinaia officiated a memorial service for the fallen police officers at Radu Voda Monastery in Bucharest.
Representatives of the Romanian Police attended the service.
“Your ministry is complex. We congratulate you for all the efforts made by this institution.”
“It is our duty not to forget and remember our predecessors, and in this way, we honour all that is beautiful, just, honest and needs to be followed in our social life.”
“We wish you Happy Anniversary on this occasion. May you have much health, strength, light from God in the carrying out all specific activities that help to respect the Constitution, human dignity, human rights, civil liberties, to defend public and private property and all other deriving,” Bishop Ieronim of Sinaia said, Radio Trinitas reports.
The first records of the Romanian Police date back to the time of Saint Neagoe Basarab or Michael the Brave (when the institution of the Agia was created).
During the reign of Mihai Sutzu the Capital’s guard was created, and the first identity papers were issued. Regulations regarding weapon licenses date back to the same period.
In 1806, the officers maintaining guard and order in the Capital received the generic name of Police.
In 1821, Tudor Vladimirescu granted tax exemptions to those charged with maintaining public order and protecting citizens’ property, and, in 1831 the police powers were extended through the Organic Regulations.
The police reorganization took place during the Revolution from 1848, through the establishment of the head of the capital’s police to which the Municipal Guard is subordinated.
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Photography courtesy of Basilica.ro / Raluca Ene
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