Archbishop Atanasie officiates Doxology: God’s Grace works through Patriarch Daniel’s 18 years of leadership
His Eminence Archbishop Atanasie, head of the Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, celebrated a Doxology on Tuesday, marking the 18th anniversary of Patriarch Daniel’s enthronement as Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
In his address at the end of the service, Archbishop Atanasie highlighted the achievements of Patriarch Daniel, for which, he said, the faithful owe gratitude to God. He emphasised that the anniversary is not merely an occasion for celebration but also a reminder that God’s grace continues to work in the Church.
“In the light of this gratitude, Your Beatitude, we look today with joy at the 18 years of service you have dedicated to our Church and our people. This anniversary is not just a moment of remembrance but a renewing call, showing us that the same grace of God that accompanied our Church from the founding of the Patriarchate continues to work today through your shepherding, for the growth of the Church in Christ and the salvation of the faithful,” Archbishop Atanasie said.
National Cathedral as a symbol
The Archbishop noted that serving as Patriarch is “a cross as wide as the whole country and the entire Romanian nation, which you have assumed with humility and hope.”
“Your Beatitude carries this cross with dignity as a holy responsibility, identifying yourself with the Romanian people everywhere, like the Apostle Paul who said to the Corinthians: I have become all things to all people, that I might save some,” he added.
He also highlighted the significance of the National Cathedral, which is scheduled to be consecrated on October 26.
“The Cathedral is, in itself, an icon of Your Beatitude’s ministry: a generational ideal fulfilled through patience and sacrifice, vision and, above all, faith. The Romanian People’s Salvation Cathedral is not just the result of an architectural project, but the fulfilment of a collective prayer, carried in the hearts of Romanians for over a century. It gathers within its walls the tears of heroes, the hopes of ancestors, and the sacrifice of generations who longed for an altar of prayer for the whole nation. Every stone is a testimony, every column a sign of faith that God does not abandon this people,” Archbishop Atanasie noted.
Lessons of service
Reflecting on 18 years of patriarchal service, the Archbishop noted that these years have offered valuable lessons for both the Church and Romanian society.
“They teach us that the Church is built with patience and steadfast hope, prayer by prayer, stone by stone, day after day. They teach us that authentic theology is not an abstract theory, but a lived life — one that is liturgical, pastoral, cultural, and social. They teach us that love of nation is measured not only within geographical borders but also abroad, where Romanians carry the ancestral faith as a treasure of light. They teach us that the unity of the Church is stronger than all the trials of history. Above all, they teach us that everything rests upon love — love that covers, heals, and lifts up.”
Presidential message
Romanian President Nicușor Dan also sent a congratulatory message, presented by Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești.
The President praised the role of the Church under the leadership of Patriarch Daniel in providing solidarity during recent crises.
“In recent years, marked by pandemic, war, and humanitarian crises, the Church has set an example of solidarity and offered concrete help to the disadvantaged, the marginalised, and to victims of violence and exile. Your Beatitude, you have been constantly close to people, sharing their sufferings and hopes, strengthening their faith with your permanent invitation to dialogue,” the President said.
He also commended the Patriarch’s support for young people and education, and welcomed the construction of the National Cathedral, which he described as “dedicated to the memory of heroes, symbolising the faith and unity of the Romanian people, destined to become a spiritual landmark and a symbol of continuity and hope for future generations.”
Photo: Mircea Florescu / Basilica.ro
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