The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Romania, in its traditional pastoral message for the Sunday of Orthodoxy, emphasizes the educational role of holy icons. These icons serve as guides that lead believers to Christ, who is the Source of Holiness.
On the occasion of the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate, the Synod expresses joy and gratitude to God for the blessings bestowed upon the country. It also acknowledges the multitude of venerable saints and confessors who have preserved the faith handed down by their ancestors.
Additionally, the Synod encourages the faithful to contribute to the Central Missionary Fund, supporting the missionary, pastoral, and social-charitable activities of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
Read below the Encyclical of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Romania for the Sunday of Orthodoxy 2025
To the revered monastic order, clergy, and faithful of the Romanian Patriarchate,
May grace, joy, and peace from God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be upon you, along with our paternal blessing!
Esteemed Fathers, beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord,
Each year, the Sunday of Orthodoxy during Great Lent reminds us of the challenges and triumphs of the Church in preserving the true faith and unity in doctrine, canons, and worship throughout history.
This day commemorates the restoration of the veneration of holy icons on March 11, 843, in Constantinople, marking a victory over the iconoclastic heresy and affirming the importance of true faith.
The Theological Controversy Over Holy Icons
The dispute over the veneration of icons began in the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Leo III and continued through the reigns of subsequent emperors, leading to persecution and theological debates.
Many defended Orthodoxy, including Saint John of Damascus, who emphasized that veneration is directed towards the person depicted in the icon, not the material itself.
The Defense of Orthodoxy and the Restoration of Icon Veneration
Despite periods of persecution, the restoration of icon veneration was affirmed at the Second Council of Nicaea in 787, condemning the iconoclastic heresy and defining the correct faith regarding the veneration of icons.
The Final Victory of Orthodoxy
After further struggles, the victory of Orthodoxy was ultimately confirmed in 843 by Empress Theodora and Patriarch Methodios, reaffirming Orthodox doctrine and the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils.
Since then, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Sunday of Orthodoxy each year, honoring the triumph of true faith over heresies.
The Pedagogical Value of Holy Icons
Icons are seen by the Church as educational tools that guide believers to Christ, the Source of Holiness.
The Orthodox Church honors icons of Christ, the Theotokos, Angels, Apostles, and Saints, conveying experiential truths rather than just doctrinal ones. Icons are a theological testimony, combining teaching, experience, and prayer. The Sunday of Orthodoxy during the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate is a time for gratitude to God and venerable saints who preserved the faith. It is a call for unity, communion with God and neighbors, and works of charity. Supporting the Central Missionary Fund helps poor parishes, monasteries, and charitable institutions. The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Romania sends blessings and encourages participation in these efforts. Photo credit: Tipografia Cărților Bisericești. Source: basilica.ro.
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