{"id":567096,"date":"2026-04-13T20:58:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T17:58:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/basilica.ro\/?p=567096"},"modified":"2026-04-13T20:58:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T17:58:16","slug":"patriarch-daniel-easter-vespers-apostles-mission","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/basilica.ro\/en\/patriarch-daniel-easter-vespers-apostles-mission\/","title":{"rendered":"Patriarch Daniel says apostles\u2019 mission is \u2018a mandate for the whole world\u2019 at Pascha Agape Vespers"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cThe sending of the Lord\u2019s disciples is a holy mission. It is not about ordination for a parish, but about a missionary mandate for the whole world,\u201d Patriarch Daniel of Romania said on Sunday during the Agape Vespers service of the first day of Holy Pascha, at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Romanian Patriarch officiated the Resurrection Vespers at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest, together with Bishop Qais Sadiq of Erzurum (Patriarchate of Antioch), Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishops Varlaam of Ploie\u0219ti and Paisie of Sinaia, and Assistant Bishop Timotei of Prahova of the Archdiocese of Bucharest.<\/p>\n

The Gospel passage from John 20:19\u201325 was read in ten languages: Romanian, Greek, Latin, Arabic, Church Slavonic, English, French, Italian, Spanish and Polish.<\/p>\n

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Proclaiming the gospel in 10 languages. 12.04.2026. Photo: Lumina Newspaper \/ Luigi Ivanciu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The reality of the Resurrection<\/h2>\n

Patriarch Daniel explained that this liturgical moment recalls Christ\u2019s appearance to His disciples after the Resurrection: \u201cJesus came through the locked doors, stood among them and said: \u2018Peace be with you!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

He \u043f\u043e\u0434\u0447lined that this encounter was meant to strengthen the disciples\u2019 faith by confirming the reality of the Resurrection.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Saviour Jesus Christ first wishes to assure the disciples that He truly rose from the dead, that He is not a ghost.\u201d<\/p>\n

The gift of the Holy Spirit<\/h2>\n

Explaining the theological meaning of the Gospel, the patriarch referred to interpretations by both Eastern and Western Church Fathers, noting that the marks of the wounds remained on Christ\u2019s body to strengthen faith.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe nails pierced His hands, the spear left His side open. The marks of the wounds remained on His body in order to heal the hearts of those who doubt the Resurrection,\u201d Patriarch Daniel said, citing Saint Augustine.<\/p>\n

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Patriarch Daniel during the Agape Vespers at the Patriarchal Cathedral. 12.04.2026. Photo: Lumina Newspaper \/ Luigi Ivanciu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the same context, he highlighted the importance of the gift of the Holy Spirit, clarifying the liturgical wording.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn all the languages you heard, it is not said \u2018take the Holy Spirit\u2019, but \u2018receive the Holy Spirit\u2019,\u201d he said, emphasising that the Spirit is received as a gift, not taken as something seized.<\/p>\n

Preparation for a difficult mission<\/h2>\n

The head of the Romanian Orthodox Church explained that this sending is strengthened through the work of the Holy Spirit and involves undertaking a difficult mission.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Saviour Jesus Christ prepares the disciples, strengthens them in faith and sends them on a mission\u2014a great and very difficult task.\u201d<\/p>\n

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He noted that, according to some commentators on the Gospel of John, the disciples were sent into a hostile environment, where they would face persecution, imprisonment and even martyrdom.<\/p>\n

\u201cThus, He strengthened them with the power of the truth of His Resurrection from the dead and of the Holy Spirit, who empowers them for the glory of God and our salvation,\u201d Patriarch Daniel concluded.<\/p>\n