Patriarch Daniel of Romania marked his 75th birthday on Wednesday by holding a working session at the “Familia” Cultural-Missionary Center in Pantelimon, describing the occasion as “a moment of gratitude to God.”
The meeting brought together members of the Standing Committee of the National Church Council and the Standing Committee of the Archdiocesan Council of the Archdiocese of Bucharest. Discussions focused on preparations for the International Orthodox Youth Meeting (ITO) 2026, which is scheduled to take place in Bucharest from August 31 to September 3.
At the conclusion of the session, Fr. Ștefan Ababei, coordinating patriarchal adviser and director of the “Familia” Cultural-Missionary Center, presented the development of the complex, built on the site of the former Pantelimon hotel complex, highlighting its transformation into a center dedicated to the Romanian Patriarchate’s pastoral, cultural, and missionary activities.
He recalled that the historic St. Pantelimon Monastery, founded in 1735 by Prince Grigore II Ghica and demolished by the communist regime in 1986, has been symbolically restored through the construction of the new church within the center. According to Fr. Ababei, the new church fulfills Patriarch Daniel’s vision of transforming a former leisure complex into a place of dialogue, mission, and the spiritual renewal of contemporary society.
Following the meeting, Bishop Paisie Sinaitul, Patriarchal Vicar Bishop, celebrated a Te Deum service in the new church of the Cultural-Missionary Center. The service was attended by Patriarch Daniel, Archbishop Nifon of Târgoviște, honorary Metropolitan and Patriarchal Exarch, Archbishop Casian of Lower Danube, Bishop Mihail of Australia and New Zealand, Patriarchal Vicar Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, Bishop Timotei Prahoveanul, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bucharest, Auxiliary Bishop Iachint of the Pacific of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand, and members of both standing committees.
Several congratulatory messages addressed to the Patriarch were read during the event, and a commemorative volume published by Basilica Publishing House in honor of Patriarch Daniel’s 75th birthday was presented.
Addressing those gathered after the service, Patriarch Daniel thanked God and everyone involved in the Church’s ministry. He explained that he had deliberately chosen to celebrate his birthday through a working meeting because this year has been dedicated by the Romanian Patriarchate to the pastoral care of the Christian family.
The Patriarch also spoke about the newly built church, noting that it continues the tradition of the former St. Pantelimon Monastery and will be dedicated to St. Pantelimon the Great Martyr, St. Philip the Apostle, and St. Gregory Palamas.
He further emphasized the importance of Christian education within the family, describing it as the foundation for forming future generations.
During the event, Bishop Paisie Sinaitul read a congratulatory message from Romanian President Nicușor Dan, who praised Patriarch Daniel’s vision, saying it has strengthened the Romanian Orthodox Church’s multifaceted ministry by promoting renewal, dialogue, mutual respect, and fidelity to Christian values.
Fr. Florin Marica also delivered an anniversary address entitled “The Contribution of the Family, School, and Church to the Christian Education of Children and Young People – A Constant Priority of Patriarch Daniel.” The presentation reviewed the Patriarch’s major educational initiatives, noting that they not only respond to immediate needs but also build institutions, shape consciences, and promote “a culture of faith working through love.”
The celebration concluded with a festive agape meal at the “Familia” Cultural-Missionary Center, where participants extended their congratulations and best wishes to Patriarch Daniel on the occasion of his 75th birthday.
Source: Basilica.ro / Photo: Mircea Florescu
