Decisions of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church – October 2023

Basilica News– 28/10/2023

Bucharest-Romania: On Wednesday and Thursday, October 25-26, 2023 , in the Aula Magna “Teoctist the Patriarch” in the Palace of the Patriarchate, under the presidency of His Beatitude Father Patriarch Daniel , the meeting was held work and solemn meeting of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church .

 The main new decisions of the Holy Synod are the following:

1. The declaration by the Romanian Patriarchate of October 1st as the Day of the Elderly , following which it will be mentioned in the Orthodox Christian calendar under the heading of important days and dates.
2. Approval of the canonization of the Venerable Macarie Protopsaltu with the title Saint Venerable Macarie Protopsaltu ( August 31 ), his registration in the calendar of the Romanian Orthodox Church, the projects of liturgical texts (synaxar, akathist and service) and his icon.
3. Approval of the proposal of the Bishopric of South Bessarabia, approved by the Metropolitan Synod of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, to start the canonization of the proto-Singhel Iraclie Flocea (May 11, 1893 – August 16, 1964).
4. The approval of the standardization of the title of Saint Demetrius the New as follows: Saint Demetrius the New, the Protector of Bucharest , as well as the standardization of the icon of the Saint, so that he is represented in all icons holding the Patriarchal Cathedral in his left hand and the staff in his right hand of shepherd.
5. Registration in the calendar of the Romanian Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas Cabasila (June 20) and approval of liturgical text projects (synaxar, service, akathist and chapel).
6. The registration in the calendar of the Romanian Orthodox Church of the Holy Martyrs Marius and Marta , his wife, and their sons Audifaciu and Avacum ( July 6 ) and the approval of the liturgical text projects (synaxar and akathist).
7. Approval of the Akathist of Saint and Righteous Simeon, God’s recipient ( February 3) .
8. Approval of the Akathist of Saints Cuvio and Varsanufia and John of Gaza ( February 6 ).
9. Approval of the text of the Service at the exhumation of those who have fallen asleep in the Lord .

In the solemn meeting on October 26, His Beatitude Father Patriarch Daniel highlighted the social activity of the Romanian Orthodox Church during this Homage Year of Pastoring the Elderly , emphasizing and encouraging the necessary pastoral-philanthropic activity in all dioceses of the Romanian Patriarchate, activity that specifically aimed at alleviating the loneliness of those who have reached the age of senescence. In an age of paradoxically increased loneliness in the atmosphere saturated with multiple forms of current communication, the concrete, personal and charitable approach to the elderly, vulnerable including through isolation, is and remains a priority pastoral duty.

Press Office of the Romanian Patriarchate

Photo credit: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu

Source: Basilica News