Today marks the 35th anniversary of Patriarch Daniel’s episcopal ordination in the Romanian Orthodox Church.
On March 4, 1990, he was ordained as an Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Timișoara at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Timișoara, shortly after the fall of communism.
Early Life and Education
Born in Dobrești, Timiș County, in 1951, Patriarch Daniel is the third child of the Ciobotea family.
He obtained a degree in Theology from the Orthodox Theological Institute in Sibiu in 1974 and pursued doctoral studies under the guidance of Saint Dumitru Stăniloae. He continued his studies at the universities of Strasbourg (France) and Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany).
His doctoral thesis, titled Christian Reflection and Life Today: An Essay on the Relationship Between Theology and Spirituality, was defended at both the University of Strasbourg (1979) and the Orthodox Theological Institute in Bucharest (1980).
Currently, Patriarch Daniel serves as a professor at the “Patriarch Justinian” Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Bucharest.
Monastic Life and Theological Leadership
In 1987, Patriarch Daniel entered monastic life at Sihăstria Monastery in Neamț County, with Saint Cleopas of Sihăstria as his spiritual mentor. That same year, he was ordained as a hierodeacon and later as a hieromonk.
In 1988, he was appointed a Patriarchal Counselor and elevated to the rank of protosyncellus, serving as Director of the Department for Contemporary Theology and Ecumenical Dialogue, while also teaching at the Orthodox Theological Institute in Bucharest.
On June 7, 1990, he was chosen as Metropolitan of Moldavia and Bukovina, where he initiated several significant projects.
Institutional Growth and Outreach
During his time as Metropolitan, he established the Providența (Providence) Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Iași, which became the first church-affiliated hospital accredited by the Ministry of Health in 2008. He also launched Ziarul Lumina (The Light Newspaper) and Radio Trinitas, expanding the Church’s media presence.
On September 12, 2007, he was elected Archbishop of Bucharest, Metropolitan of Muntenia and Dobruja, and Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, being enthroned on September 30, 2007, at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest.
As Patriarch, he further reinforced Orthodox media institutions, establishing Trinitas TV and the Basilica News Agency, transforming the Iași-based newspaper and radio station into official communication channels of the Romanian Patriarchate under the Basilica Media Center.
Another key focus of his leadership has been expanding the Church’s mission in the Romanian diaspora, especially after Romania’s accession to the European Union—the same year he assumed the position of Patriarch.
The National Cathedral and Canonizations
One of Patriarch Daniel’s significant achievements is the construction of the National Cathedral, also known as the Romanian People’s Salvation Cathedral. This monumental church on Arsenal Hill in Bucharest, behind the Parliament Palace, is dedicated to the sacrifices of generations of Romanians who upheld their Orthodox faith, national identity, and communion with Sister Churches.
Leadership in the Light of Providence
Reflecting on his 35-year ministry, Archbishop Timotei of Arad—the only living bishop who participated in Patriarch Daniel’s episcopal ordination—commended his leadership.
“He has focused on everything constructive and representative for the Church and society, ensuring that Romania’s history and identity are upheld with dignity,” Archbishop Timotei remarked.
During the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate in his tenure, two of his spiritual mentors were canonized, reinforcing the faithful’s belief in God’s providence guiding their national Church.
He has also stressed the importance of Romanians rediscovering God’s will in their lives and being more attentive to the needs of their neighbors, fostering a strong, unified community.
Photo: Basilica.ro Files
Source: basilica.ro