Patriarch Daniel of Romania sent a message to participants in the 32nd International Ecumenical Conference on Orthodox Spirituality, held at the Monastery of Bose in Italy from September 8 to 12, 2026.
This year’s conference is dedicated to St. Pachomius the Great and focuses on the theme “Abba Pachomius – At the Origins of Cenobitic Life.”
In his message, Patriarch Daniel highlighted St. Pachomius as the founder of cenobitic monasticism, emphasizing his understanding that spiritual perfection is not merely an individual pursuit of God but is also cultivated through communion, fraternal love, and mutual responsibility.
The Romanian Patriarch noted that the Pachomian model remains particularly relevant in a contemporary society marked by individualism, isolation, and social fragmentation.
“The legacy of Saint Pachomius teaches us that every ecclesial community – parish, monastery, or family – finds its unity in Christ and is built through prayer, obedience, service, and sacrificial love,” Patriarch Daniel said.
He expressed hope that the conference would help participants deepen their understanding of St. Pachomius’ spiritual legacy and make the witness of communion in Christ, prayer, and service to others “a light and hope for the Church and for today’s world.”
Patriarch Daniel concluded by praying that Christ, through the intercessions of St. Pachomius, would bless the conference and grant its participants strength in faith, peace, and spiritual joy.
Source: Basilica.ro / Photo credit: Mircea Florescu
