The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church convened on Thursday in Bucharest, beginning with a Te Deum service officiated by Paisie Lugojanul, Vicar Bishop of the Archdiocese of Timișoara. The meeting, set to last two days, involves multiple commissions tackling a diverse agenda.
Key topics on the agenda include the canonization files of several Romanian saints and the events marking the 250th anniversary of the arrival of Saint Demetrius the New’s relics at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest.
The commissions meeting on Thursday are:
– Pastoral, Monastic, and Social Commission
– Theological, Liturgical, and Didactic Commission
– Canonical, Legal, and Discipline Commission
– Commission for External Communities, Inter-Orthodox, Inter-Christian, and Inter-religious Relations
In his opening speech, Patriarch Daniel emphasized the significance of canonization, particularly for those who endured persecution during the communist era in the twentieth century. He elaborated on the importance of careful preparation for canonization, including the creation of synaxarion, troparion, kontakion, and icons.
“It is very important to especially honor these confessors and martyrs of the communist persecution during the difficult times of the twentieth century,” Patriarch Daniel stated. He highlighted that an icon is not just a photograph with a halo but a spiritual vision of the saint now residing in the light of the Kingdom of the Most Holy Trinity.
Patriarch Daniel further clarified that the term “canonization” comes from Greek and implies not just the recognition of holiness but presenting the individual as a model and norm for the faithful.
Additionally, Patriarch Daniel spoke about the Feast of the Bringing of the Relics of Saint Demetrius the New and the pilgrimage organized with the relics through the Archdiocese of Bucharest in March and April. This event underscores the deep reverence and significance attributed to the saint in the Romanian Orthodox tradition.
Source: Basilica.ro