Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești celebrated a thanksgiving service (Doxology) at the National Cathedral in Bucharest on Monday to mark Military Clergy Day in the Romanian Armed Forces.
Representatives of the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and military personnel attended the service.
Bishop Varlaam congratulated those serving in the country’s defence institutions and recalled the Synaxis of the Holy Military Martyrs.
The Holy Synod established the feast, taking into account its existing observance in other autocephalous Orthodox Churches and the “long-standing and fruitful cooperation between the Church and the Armed Forces, which honour certain Holy Military Martyrs, such as St George and St Demetrius the Myrrh-Gusher, as their patron saints”.
The bishop recalled that the Holy Ruler Stephen the Great had St George the Great Martyr and Trophy-Bearer as his protector during his military campaigns.
“We appreciate the work of military chaplains, and we are pleased that, with the understanding and support of the military authorities, they have succeeded in building places of worship in the vast majority of military units.”
Priests stand alongside military personnel
Eduard Bachide, State Secretary at the Ministry of National Defence and head of the Department for Relations with Parliament and Personnel Quality of Life, then addressed those present.
“The military chaplain remains close to the person in uniform. Beyond rank, position or mission, the chaplain is someone who listens, eases suffering, offers support in moments of doubt and reminds service personnel that strength and courage must always be accompanied by conscience and responsibility.”
“A strong army is built not only through modern equipment and the training of its personnel, but also through character, moral balance and solidarity among its members,” the State Secretary added.
Chief Police Commissioner Valentin Minoiu, Deputy Director General of the General Directorate for Human Resources Management at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, highlighted the role of chaplains in supporting those who respond to emergencies and save lives.
“You stand alongside people who frequently encounter suffering in its most distressing forms. Our colleagues enter homes where tragedies have occurred, save lives that are in danger, confront violence and sometimes look on helplessly at situations that can no longer be put right.”
The Church brings us together
Chief Penitentiary Police Commissioner Geo Bogdan Burcu, Director General of the National Administration of Penitentiaries, emphasised the occasion’s importance for all who work in defence institutions.
“Today, the Church brings together those of us serving in defence, public order and national security institutions, beneath the icon of our Saviour Jesus Christ Pantocrator in the dome of the National Cathedral. He who sustains all things through the power of His love also reminds us of our responsibility towards others.”
On the occasion, Bishop Varlaam presented the Romanian Patriarchate Centennial Diploma and Medal, on behalf of the Patriarch of Romania, to several military chaplains, the Religious Assistance Sections of the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Moral and Religious Affairs Unit within the Social Reintegration Directorate of the National Administration of Penitentiaries.
The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church established Military Clergy Day in the Romanian Armed Forces in 2025.
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