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Romanian Orthodox Church Celebrates Council of Holy Military Martyrs for First Time
The Romanian Orthodox Church inaugurated a new feast honoring military saints who remained faithful to Christ even at the cost of their lives.
BUCHAREST — The Romanian Orthodox Church celebrated the Council of the Holy Military Martyrs for the first time on October 26, 2026, establishing a new annual feast honoring saints who confessed Christ while serving in the military and suffered martyrdom for their faith.
The Holy Synod approved the joint commemoration at the proposal of Patr. Daniel of Romania, also authorizing the liturgical texts for the feast. October 26 was chosen for the celebration because it is the feast day of St. Demetrius the Great Martyr and Myrrh-Bearer, regarded as the initiator of the council.
The commemoration includes 20 military martyrs, among them St. George the Victory-Bearer, St. Demetrius, St. Longinus the Centurion, St. Procopius, and the Great Martyrs Theodore Tiron and Theodore Stratilates. Daco-Roman martyrs from the early centuries of Christianity are also honored, including Sts. Julius the Veteran, Hesychius, Dasius, and Nichita.
The feast extends beyond the names of officially commemorated saints to include all known and unknown military martyrs who embraced the Christian faith, followed the Gospel commandments, and confessed Christ despite persecution and death, according to the holiday’s synaxarion.
The proclamation took place as part of the celebrations for St. Demetrius at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest. The Ecumenical Patriarchate established a similar commemoration in 2019, designating July 8 for its Council of Military Saints.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the remains of Blessed Athanasius of Orlov were recognized as holy relics.
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