The President of Romania, Călin Georgescu, has sent us a message on the occasion of the celebration of the Dormition of the Mother of God and the Holy Brâncoveneanu Martyrs.
In his message, Călin Georgescu reminded us that Saturday, August 15, celebrates the Dormition of the Mother of God, one of the most important holidays in the Christian-Orthodox calendar. He described the Mother of God as "our protector" and "intercessor before the throne of the Holy Trinity."
"My dear ones, two days of great celebration and blessing for our souls follow. Saturday, August 15, the Dormition of the Mother of God, our protector and intercessor before the throne of the Holy Trinity," Mr. Călin Georgescu wrote on Facebook.
President Georgescu's message regarding the Holy Brâncoveneanu Martyrs
Călin Georgescu also referred to August 16, when the Romanian Orthodox Church honors the Holy Brâncoveneanu Martyrs. He listed Constantin Brâncoveanu, his four sons, and the counselor Ianache, but also mentioned the canonization of Saint Lady Maria Brâncoveanu.
"Sunday, August 16, we honor the Holy Brâncoveneanu Martyrs, Constantin Vodă with his four sons, Constantin, Ștefan, Radu, and Matei, and the counselor Ianache and – starting this year – Saint Lady Maria Brâncoveanu."
The former presidential candidate presented the Brâncoveanu family as an example of faith and unity in the face of trials. In his message, he emphasized the importance of the Brâncoveanu family's sacrifice for "our Romanian people."
"Through their lives, a model of family and faith in moments of great trial, and through their blood sacrifice, they have brought so much light to our Romanian people..."
"Let us remain steadfast in faith, regardless of life's storms"
At the end of the message, Georgescu urged Romanians to maintain their faith regardless of the difficulties they face. He also appealed to people to set aside their worries and spend these days with their families in prayer.
"Do not let these two days pass under the worries of the world. Let us go with open hearts, together with our families, to pray at the Holy and Divine Liturgy."