The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church convened for a working session on June 3, 2026, at the “Patriarch Teoctist” Aula Magna of the Patriarchal Palace in Bucharest under the chairmanship of Patriarch Daniel.
During the meeting, the Synod adopted a series of decisions concerning the pastoral, missionary, liturgical, educational, and administrative life of the Church.
Among its liturgical decisions, the Holy Synod approved the draft text of the Church Calendar and Liturgical Regulations for 2027. It also approved the inclusion in the calendar of the Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Military Martyrs, to be celebrated annually on October 26, together with its liturgical texts.
The Synod further approved the inclusion of Saint Gabriel the Georgian, the Venerable Confessor, in the calendar of the Romanian Orthodox Church, with his feast day set for November 2. The corresponding liturgical texts, including the Synaxarion, Troparion, Kontakion, and Service, were also approved.
In addition, the hierarchs approved several new liturgical texts, including services, akathists, and supplicatory canons dedicated to the Synaxis of the Holy Athonite Saints, the Icon of the Mother of God of Craiova, and the Family of Saint Basil the Great. The Synod also approved a series of Akathists honoring Romanian holy women, including Saint Maria Brâncoveanu, Saint Filofteia of Pasărea, Saint Elisabeta of Pasărea, Saint Mavra of Ceahlău, Saint Olimpiada of Fărcașa, Saint Blandina of Iași, Saint Anastasia Șaguna, Saint Filotimia of Râmeț, and the Synaxis of Romanian Holy Women.
The Holy Synod approved updated versions of the Regulations governing the canonical disciplinary authorities and ecclesiastical courts of the Romanian Orthodox Church, as well as the Regulations for the Organization and Functioning of the Patriarchate’s Church Painting Commission.
In the field of theological education, the Synod approved the establishment of a new undergraduate program in Orthodox Didactic Theology and Romanian Language at the “Justinian Patriarch” Faculty of Orthodox Theology of the University of Bucharest, beginning in the 2027–2028 academic year.
The hierarchs also approved the creation of a master’s degree program entitled “Methods and Techniques for the Interdisciplinary Approach to Addictions” within the field of Social Work at the “Saint Dumitru Stăniloae” Faculty of Orthodox Theology of the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași, beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year.
Furthermore, the Synod approved a methodology for implementing within the Romanian Orthodox Church the provisions of Law No. 54/2026 concerning amendments to legislation on religious freedom and the legal status of religious denominations.
Finally, the Romanian Patriarchate approved participation in a public information campaign promoting expanded access to free medical services for uninsured persons through family physicians’ offices.
The decisions adopted reflect the Romanian Orthodox Church’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its liturgical life, educational mission, pastoral ministry, and social engagement.
Source: Basilica.ro / Photo credit: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
