The Solemn and Commemorative Year 2023 was officially proclaimed at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest after the Divine Liturgy celebrated on New Year’s Day.
The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church declared 2023 as a Solemn Year of the pastoral care of the elderly and a Commemorative Year of hymnographers and church chanters.
The patriarchal auxiliary bishop Varlaam of Ploiesti read the Proclamation Decree signed by the members of the Holy Synod. The text remembered that the Holy Synod approved a framework for the Romanian Patriarchate’s theological, educational, cultural and media activities.
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel explained the theological, spiritual and missionary significance of the Solemn and Commemorative Year 2023.
The Patriarch titled his speech, “Revering and helping the elderly are expressions of spiritual and social maturity in community life.”
The Patriarch of Romania also presented the icon of the year 2023 depicting the Righteous Simeon the God-Receiver and Saint Anna the Prophetess, “two Old Testament characters who became worthy to live over one hundred years and see the Infant Jesus.”
Patriarch Daniel noted that “this year of grandparents is a great opportunity to visit the elderly, to help and respect them more. By doing this, we contribute to developing the culture, dignity and kindness of the Romanian soul.”
Patriarch Daniel thanked his concelebrants, including the patriarchal auxiliary bishop Varlaam of Ploiesti, assistant bishop Timotei of Prahova, and Archimandrite Teofil Anastasoaie, the representative of the Romanian Patriarchate in the Holy Land.
“We wish you all many years with good health and joy, and may God help us strengthen our faith and do the works of Christian mercy for all people, especially for the elderly, unto the glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for our salvation,” the Patriarch of Romania said in conclusion.
Photography courtesy of Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
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