Today, 16 December 2012, the Romanian Orthodox Church celebrates Saint Pious Daniil the Hermit. On this feast day, the new chapel of the Patriarchal Residence celebrates its protector. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
The group of hierarchs that assisted His Beatitude was made up of: His Eminence Andrei, Metropolitan of Cluj, Maramures and Salaj, His Eminence Casian, Archbishop of Lower Danube, His Grace Ambrozie, Bishop of Giurgiu, His Grace Paisie Lugojanul, Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese of Timisoara, and His Grace Emilian Lovisteanul, Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese of Ramnic.
In the sermon delivered, His Beatitude evoked the virtues of Saint Daniil the Hermit – as Trinitas Radio station informs us.
“For us, the Romanians, Saint Pious Daniil the Hermit is a model of spiritual living and power acquired through prayer, fasting and much effort. Saint Daniil the Hermit lived in the 15th century and was canonised in 1992, on 20 June, the same day with his spiritual son, Saint Steven the Great. Saint Daniil the Hermit remains in the conscience of the people as a great prayerful man, a great adviser, a fighter through prayer. He healed many people, but always tried to hide the miracle worker gift he had. Thus, Moldova was defended not only by the brave soldiers of Saint Prince Steven the Great, but also by the many strong prayers of Saint Daniil the Hermit, his father confessor. He was the witness of Saint Steven the Great’s repentance and of his victory. Saint Daniil the Hermit is the wise monk who helps the people, the leadership of the country through the good advise at the right time”, His Beatitude said.
The chapel which celebrated one of its saint patrons today was consecrated on 30 September 2008, at the anniversary of one year since the enthronement of His Beatitude Daniel as Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, having Saint Gregory the Enlightener, Saint Prophet Elijah the Tishbite, and Saint Pious Daniil the Hermit as saint patrons.
