His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church expressed “deep sorrow” at the death of Mircea Lucescu, describing him as a distinguished figure of Romanian and international sport, in a message of condolence released on Tuesday.
In his statement, the Patriarch of Romania highlighted Lucescu’s dedication, professionalism and contribution to promoting the values of sport, noting that he earned widespread respect for his pedagogical approach and open, honest character.
He also referred to Lucescu’s support for the Romanian Orthodox Church, including his role in reopening a historic church in Istanbul for the local Romanian community and his assistance to other ecclesiastical initiatives. Patriarch Daniel extended prayers for the repose of Lucescu’s soul and offered condolences to his family and all those mourning his passing.
Please find below the full text of Patriarch Daniel’s message of condolence following the death of former Romanian football coach Mircea Lucescu.
Mircea Lucescu, a high-performance coach and a devout and giving Christian
I received with deep sorrow the news of the passing from this life of Mr Mircea Lucescu, a distinguished figure of Romanian and international sport.
Throughout his fruitful activity, Mr Mircea Lucescu distinguished himself by dedication, responsibility and professionalism, contributing significantly to the promotion of the authentic values of sport.
He was especially appreciated for his pedagogical tact, his remarkable culture and his open and honest manner of communication, which earned him the respect and esteem of all who knew him.
Regarding his relationship with the Church, he made an important contribution to reopening the Church of the Holy Martyr Paraskevi for the Romanian community in Istanbul in 2004. This church was rebuilt from its foundations by the Holy Martyr Prince Constantine Brâncoveanu in 1692 and underwent extensive restoration work after 2004, including through the care and support of Mr Mircea Lucescu and his entire family.
At the same time, he supported other churches in Romania, and the Romanian Orthodox Church expressed its gratitude both through prayers of remembrance and by awarding him ecclesiastical honours and distinctions. Among these, the Patriarchal Cross, conferred by the ever-memorable Patriarch Teoctist during his 2004 visit to Istanbul, stands out.
Moreover, as a sign of the Romanian Orthodox Church’s gratitude for his support of its mission over time, as well as in recognition of his achievements as a player and coach, at the beginning of this month, April 2026, we awarded him the Order “Faith and Communion” of the Romanian Patriarchate.
In these moments of sorrow for his family, for his friends and all those who knew and esteemed him, we pray to God to grant rest to the soul of His servant Mircea in the light, peace and love of the Most Holy Trinity, and to bestow comfort and spiritual strength upon those who mourn.
May his memory be eternal from generation to generation!
† Daniel
Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
Photo: Facebook / Romanian Football Federation
