On Holy Thursday, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church consecrated the Holy Chrism for the 23rd time during the Divine Liturgy celebrated at the outdoor altar of the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest.
The event was part of a broader series of celebrations marking the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate. The consecration of Holy Chrism is a sacred act permitted only to autocephalous Orthodox Churches—a status the Romanian Orthodox Church obtained 140 years ago.
During the Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, traditionally celebrated on Holy Thursday, a second Lamb was also sanctified. This second portion of the Eucharist is reserved throughout the year for newly baptized, the sick, and other special pastoral cases.
In his homily following the Gospel reading, Patriarch Daniel highlighted the deep connection between the Eucharist and the Holy Chrism, noting that both are signs of Christ’s sacrificial, humble, and merciful love.
The Beauty and Meaning of Sacred Offerings
Prepared over the first three days of Holy Week at the “Sunday of All Romanian Saints” Monastery in Bucharest, the Chrism was poured into 12 silver amphorae for the ceremony. Its consecration included several moments of prayer incorporated into the Divine Liturgy.
After the service, the Chrism was transferred into 44 smaller silver amphorae and presented by Patriarch Daniel to representatives of the dioceses within the Romanian Patriarchate. Only five diocesan bishops were absent and will receive the Chrism at a later time.
Before distributing the amphorae, Patriarch Daniel reflected on the spiritual significance of beautiful and costly gifts offered to God in the Church, referencing Mary, the sister of Lazarus, who anointed Christ with precious myrrh.
“This precious myrrh represents, above all, strong faith and deep love for Christ. It signifies a pure life lived in holiness, as well as all the offerings—large and small—made over time by clergy and faithful out of love for Christ and His Church.”
“All the beautiful vestments, sacred vessels like the Holy Chalice and Diskos, the valuable amphorae, holy icons, and church frescoes—all are signs of love for Jesus Christ,” the Patriarch said.
He added that while the Church also cares for the poor, “a beautiful church brings joy not only to the generous or the wealthy, but to everyone who enters and prays within.”
The event concluded with a moment of gratitude at the Patriarchal Palace, where several individuals who contributed to the preparation and consecration of the Holy Chrism were awarded distinctions by the Patriarch of Romania.
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Photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
