The Romanian Patriarchate has strongly condemned recent legionary-style demonstrations near the Holy Relics of Saint Priest Confessor Ilie Lăcătușu, held on his feast day, distancing itself from extremist and totalitarian ideologies.
The Patriarchate emphasized that such actions violate both the law and Christian teachings, rejecting any form of hatred, violence, xenophobia, and racism. While honoring Saint Ilie’s sanctity and miracles, the Patriarchate denounced the political exploitation of his memory, clarifying that these acts occur without its consent and the individuals involved do not represent it.
Read the full statement below:
In light of the legionary-style demonstrations that took place near the Holy Relics of Saint Priest Confessor Ilie Lăcătușu on his feast day (July 22, 2025), the Romanian Patriarchate firmly distances itself from any extremist or totalitarian ideology.
Such demonstrations violate both the laws in force and the teachings of the Christian faith, which expressly reject any association with movements promoting hatred, violence, xenophobia, and racism.
It is important to note that Saint Priest Confessor Ilie Lăcătușu was canonized for his steadfast confession of the Christian faith and the sufferings he endured in communist prisons. The most compelling evidence of his sanctity lies in the intactness of his Holy Relics and the countless miracles attributed to him.
However, any political instrumentalization of his memory is entirely unacceptable and occurs without the approval or consent of the Romanian Patriarchate. These acts are carried out by individuals who do not represent the Patriarchate in any capacity and bear sole responsibility for their actions.
Source/Photo credit: Basilica.ro
