Romanian Orthodox Church Reports Historic Year
Romania’s Patriarchate celebrated its centenary with saints, cathedral consecrations, and expanded youth and social programs.
BUCHAREST — The National Ecclesiastical Council of Romania met on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, under the chairmanship of His Holiness Patr. Daniel, reviewing the Patriarchate’s 2025 activities. The report, “The Centenary of the Patriarchate of Romania, the new Romanian Saints and the consecration of the Holy Icons of the National Cathedral,” highlighted liturgical, social, and educational milestones.
Key events included the canonization of sixteen Romanian saints and confessors of the 20th century on the Church’s centenary, the addition of new feasts and liturgical texts, the establishment of the Sunday of the Athonite Saints, and the first celebration of the Day of the Military Clergy. On October 26, Patr. Daniel and Patr. Bartholomew consecrated the Holy Icons and mosaics of the National Cathedral.
Patr. Daniel also emphasized diaspora growth, noting baptisms outnumbered funerals nearly fivefold in 2025. Pilgrimages drew 15,000 participants, while charitable initiatives assisted 280,000 people. A $54 million program through the Prophet Elias the Thesbite Youth Center aims to prevent school dropouts and strengthen youth faith nationwide.
Previously, the UOJ reported that South Carolina's first Romanian church consecrated.
