Romanians from 34 countries pray at Patriarchal Cathedral: Turn dispersion into an asset for our nation

Over 400 Romanians coming from 34 countries around the world gathered in prayer at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest last Sunday to mark the Day of Romanians Everywhere. The Divine Liturgy was led by His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe, having as concelebrant Bishop Ieronim of Dacia Felix.

“Perhaps our incapability, the Romanians, in these last thirty years was the dispersion all over the world. Maybe it’s a weakness, but let’s turn it with God’s help into an asset of our Romanian nation,” Metropolitan Iosif urged at the end of the Divine Liturgy on May 28.

“Where we are, let us take with us not only our knowledge of working, of doing things but also our faith.”

Metropolitan Iosif said that in many places in Europe and worldwide, many Christians who saw the Orthodox Romanians celebrating their feasts have changed.

“Many Christians of other denominations, seeing the zeal with which we live our faith, have returned to their faith.”

Metropolitan Iosif urged everyone to carry “the nature of Christians” with “the good and beautiful traditions that bring us closer to God.”

“Out of our Christian traditions has developed a whole art and culture which now, for many of our fellow citizens, means our country’s fame abroad. Moreover, being present on all continents, our Church participates in preaching, glorifying God by the whole world.”

The Department for Romanians Abroad organised the event and was part of the “Here-There” Festival program. After the service, the officials and delegates went to the Aula Magna of the Patriarchal Palace for the festival’s closing ceremony.

Patriarch Daniel sent a message to the participants, expressing his desire for Romanians everywhere to have harmonious coexistence with the citizens of the countries of adoption, “especially now when, in many places in the world, the moral, spiritual and economic crisis manifests itself through social tensions that can degenerate into inter-ethnic conflicts.”