In a solemn address marking the 18th anniversary of his enthronement, Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church underscored the essential role of Christian faith in shaping the identity, culture, and future of Europe. His remarks, delivered at the patriarchal residence in Bucharest, were reported by the official Church news agency, Basilica.ro.

“When we speak of Europe, we speak of a Christian Europe,” said the Patriarch. “It is not merely a geographic or economic space, but above all a spiritual one.” He firmly stated that both the present and future of the continent depend on the acknowledgment of its Christian roots and the preservation of its spiritual values — “values that help us live not only until the grave, but for eternity, in the love, peace, and joy of the Holy Trinity.”

Patriarch Daniel emphasized that European civilization rests on three foundational pillars: Judeo-Christian revelation, Greek philosophy, and Roman law. Yet, he asserted, it is Christian faith that gives these pillars their deepest meaning — “to live according to God's will, in peace and spiritual unity.”

During his speech, the Patriarch announced the Romanian Orthodox Church's spiritual theme for 2026: The Christian Family and Holy Women. He highlighted the family of St. Basil the Great as a model of Christian life, where faith was passed down through generations — first in the home, and only afterward through ecclesiastical and societal structures.

The Patriarch also addressed the ongoing construction of the monumental Cathedral of the Nation’s Salvation in Bucharest, noting that significant milestones have been reached over the past 18 years, from initial designs to active building phases. He remarked that the new cathedral, comparable in size to Notre-Dame de Paris, will become a major spiritual and cultural landmark for the Romanian people.

In closing, Patriarch Daniel expressed gratitude to God, the clergy, laypeople, and local and national authorities for their support of the Church’s mission: “This is God’s work, and we thank all who take part in it. Only through unity of faith and national unity can we achieve true renewal of our society.”