Assistant Bishop Timotei of Prahova led a Te Deum service at the Patriarchal Cathedral on Monday to celebrate the 73rd birthday of the Patriarch of Romania.
Following the service, the Assistant Bishop delivered a message highlighting Patriarch Daniel’s connections with recently canonized saints of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
Saints known by Patriarch Daniel
Bishop Timotei mentioned that Patriarch Daniel had encounters with Saints Cleopas Ilie and Paisius Olaru at Sihăstria Monastery in Neamț during his theological studies, with Saint Cleopas becoming his monastic godfather.
Later, Patriarch Daniel met Confessor Priest Dumitru Stăniloae during his doctoral studies at the Institute of Theology in Sibiu.
Additionally, while studying abroad, Patriarch Daniel met elder Sofian Boghiu at St Anthimos Monastery in Bucharest.
Bishop Timotei also highlighted the influence of Dometie Manolache and Archimandrite Serafim Popescu on Patriarch Daniel’s spiritual journey.
The Patriarch holds all Romanian saints in high esteem and diligently edits their akathists as a form of prayer.
“They contributed to the formation of many young people after the changes in 1989”
Patriarch Daniel expressed gratitude for the spiritual fathers who influenced many young people post-1989, especially those who confessed their faith during communism.
He emphasized the role of parents, teachers, professors, and spiritual guides in shaping individuals intellectually and spiritually.
Meeting Saint Cleopas at Sihăstria
Patriarch Daniel recalled the impact of meeting Father Cleopas Ilie, who impressed him with his knowledge and humility.
He shared a memorable quote from Father Cleopas about the importance of prayer in one’s relationship with God.
Meeting Saint Paisius of Sihăstria
Patriarch Daniel also spoke about his encounter with Father Paisie Olaru, noting his quiet demeanor and profound way of praying.
He shared a touching prayer used by Saint Paisius, demonstrating his sincere and humble approach to prayer.
“We will pray and remember them as our teachers”
Patriarch Daniel expressed gratitude for the saints from the Botoșani region and pledged to honor their memory as teachers in the future.
Several state representatives, including the President of the Senate and the Prime Minister of Romania, attended the Te Deum service.
The festivities continued with an anniversary event held at the Patriarchal Palace.
For more images from the celebration, please check out our Photo Gallery section.
Photography courtesy of Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
Source: basilica.ro
Source link