“The prayers and guidance of the Theotokos, together with your generosity, will surely accomplish this much needed work for the glory of God and the spreading of His Gospel. May the Lord bless each of you in return with His heavenly gifts!

“We live at a time when the institution of the family, both in Romania and in the diaspora, faces numerous challenges. In this context, the role of the family in the Church and in society requires deeper understanding and appreciation. The Church remembers in prayer all her sons and daughters who, for various reasons or because of difficult circumstances in life, have left their native places to settle, temporarily or permanently, in another country. Thus, the Church prays for families separated by distance, for children who have remained at home, for parents awaiting the return of their sons and daughters, and for all those who carry in their hearts a longing for home and for the Church in which they were baptised. Holy Scripture shows us that the experience of displacement, wandering or exile is also present in the history of salvation. The Patriarch Abraham answered God’s call by setting out for an unknown land. Joseph, the son of the Righteous Jacob, lived far from his family home, while the chosen people experienced the pain of exile on several occasions. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, while still a child, was compelled by circumstances to flee into exile in Egypt together with His Mother, the Virgin Mary, and the Righteous Joseph. The Church therefore looks with love and responsibility upon all those who live far from their homeland, knowing that God is close to every person living among strangers. Romanians who have settled in the diaspora wish to feel that they have not been forgotten, that they remain part of the same spiritual family of the Romanian Orthodox Church, and that the prayers of those at home accompany them always and everywhere. Romanian Orthodox parishes outside Romania have become true spiritual homes, places where the Orthodox faith, the Romanian language and Romanian traditions are preserved and passed on to children and young people. They bear witness to the fact that, in church, Romanians living abroad feel at home. The pastoral, liturgical, philanthropic, and cultural work of the Romanian Orthodox Church in the diaspora promotes family unity, the Romanian language, the Orthodox Christian faith, and Romanian culture, in dialogue with the spiritual and cultural values of the countries where Romanians live. Therefore, we desire that Romanian families in the diaspora should bear and raise faithful, diligent, and generous people who cherish Romanian spirituality and promote friendship among peoples. On this day of prayer, we entrust all Romanian migrants to the protection of the Most Holy Mother of God, and we ask all those who have remained in Romania to keep alive their spiritual bond with their loved ones who have settled abroad. Let us remember them in prayer, welcome them all with love when they return home, and give thanks to God for the witness of their faith and Christian love in many countries throughout the world. On this Sunday of Romanian Migrants, we pray to the Most Holy Trinity, the Mother of God and all the saints to grant Romanians living outside Romania peace and good health, joy and hope, steadfastness in the Orthodox faith and fraternal communion.

Patriarch Daniel ›

Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church

Direct quote

“they had prayed for the Orthodox Church and their peoples, asking God to preserve them “in faith, unity of mind and love,” despite the challenges facing contemporary society

Patriarch Kirill ›

Patriarch of Moscow

Reported

“May this blessed encounter be an opportunity for us to bind ourselves even more firmly together in Christ, with our Primate and with one another, preserving the sacred Orthodox faith and the blessed unity of our people

“This regional ecumenical theological institute offers us a special opportunity to respond to that question together in the United States and Canada. We are grateful for the World Council of Churches’ accompaniment on the journey

“I rejoice to see this faithful, God-loving people. I will convey to the faithful in our country this wonderful image that I have seen here. Our churches in Syria are as old as the time when Christ walked upon the earth. Our faith remains steadfast regardless of the wars and persecutions taking place there. Of course, there is great suffering, and many of our churches and monasteries have been burned and emptied. Yet we have great hope that God is with us and that you remember us in your prayers.

“We are grateful for your commitment to journey with these communities and the coordinated response of your presbyteries. Your witness reminds us that, in moments of crisis, the church is called to be present – not only through words, but through prayer, compassion, service, and solidarity.