Following recent media reports that have erroneously suggested that the Romanian Orthodox Church does not pay taxes or enjoys unjustified privileges, the Romanian Patriarchate has issued clarifications to ensure the accurate information of the public.
The Romanian Orthodox Church says in the announcement that “like all other religious denominations officially recognized in Romania, pays taxes in accordance with current legislation. These include taxes on buildings and land used for economic activities, income tax on salaries, and other relevant fiscal obligations, in compliance with the Fiscal Code and the legal framework applicable to religious denominations.”
“With regard to the National Cathedral, from the beginning of its construction to the present day, all taxes and fiscal contributions related to the salaries of workers employed on the construction site have been duly paid. In addition, the value-added tax (VAT) corresponding to the construction materials used has also been paid, with these amounts returning to the Romanian state through the standard fiscal mechanism,” it adds.
It clarifies: “The exemption from taxation for buildings that, by their nature, serve as places of worship and belong to officially recognized religious denominations is provided by law and exists in most democratic countries. This legal provision is intended to facilitate the public-benefit services that churches offer to the community.
The Romanian Orthodox Church is also one of the most significant social contributors in Romania. In 2024 alone, the Church invested nearly €73 million in social and charitable activities, supporting 867 social institutions and services. More than 363,000 people benefited directly from these programs through a wide range of material and humanitarian assistance initiatives.”
As the Patriarchate points out: “These figures do not include the numerous charitable activities carried out locally by parishes and monasteries for vulnerable individuals, such as providing food, clothing, and support for poor families, the elderly, the sick, and people with disabilities. Although these efforts are not centrally quantified, they represent a constant and essential aspect of the Church’s social mission. Through the social and philanthropic assistance network coordinated by the Philanthropy Federation, the nonprofit body of the Romanian Patriarchate, projects are implemented to support the elderly, homeless individuals, families in difficulty, maternal and family centers, social kitchens, palliative care services, social reintegration initiatives, and specialized programs for people with complex social needs.”
“In conclusion, the Romanian Orthodox Church pays taxes and duties like any other officially recognized religious denomination in Romania, while at the same time remaining the largest philanthropic actor in Romanian society through its extensive social programs and resources invested directly from the contributions of the faithful and funds dedicated to social service. Any increase or addition of further taxes would negatively affect this social and philanthropic activity, with the final beneficiaries of social assistance programs being the most directly impacted,” the Patriarchate added.
Finally, the Patriarchate emphasizes: “Simplistic claims regarding how much “the state could receive” if places of worship were taxed differently ignore the existing legal framework and the real social role of recognized religious denominations. The Romanian Orthodox Church reaffirms its commitment to contributing responsibly and transparently to the well-being of Romanian society, in accordance with the spirit of the law and the values of the Christian faith.”
Source: Basilica.ro
