Romanian Orthodox Patriarch Daniel has called for the continuation of Church programs supporting Christian families, emphasizing that the family must remain at the center of the Church’s pastoral mission.

He made the remarks on October 28 during a ceremonial meeting of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, according to the Church’s official news agency, Basilica.ro.

“The work already begun must continue, as next year’s main theme will focus on cooperation between clergy and laypeople. In all areas of collaboration, the family remains at the center of the Church’s attention,” the Patriarch said.

According to Patriarch Daniel, the Christian family is not only the foundation of earthly life but also a place of spiritual formation for people called to eternity. He described the family as God’s first blessing to humanity, stressing that its spiritual significance cannot be replaced by any ideology or political system.

The meeting reviewed the Church’s activities in 2026, designated as a year dedicated to pastoral care for Christian families and the commemoration of holy women, including myrrh-bearing women, martyrs, monastics, wives and mothers.

Throughout the year, dioceses, parishes and monasteries organized religious services, conferences, educational initiatives and social programs. Particular attention was given to raising children in the faith, strengthening relationships between spouses and passing spiritual values on to younger generations.

One of the year’s major events was the canonization of 16 Romanian women saints, celebrated at the national level on February 6 in Bucharest. Local celebrations honoring the newly canonized saints subsequently took place at monasteries and churches across the country, with some events still to be held.

Patriarch Daniel also highlighted contemporary challenges facing families, including the demographic crisis, weakening ties between generations and the influence of the digital environment on children’s upbringing.

Alongside its pastoral work, the Romanian Orthodox Church continued providing social assistance to large families, mothers facing difficult circumstances, older people and other vulnerable groups. According to the report presented at the meeting, the Church operates 817 social institutions and services across its dioceses.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants expressed hope that the initiatives launched during 2026 would develop into permanent pastoral and charitable programs.

In the coming year, the Church plans to place particular emphasis on cooperation between clergy and laypeople while maintaining the family as one of its principal areas of pastoral and social activity.