“Today, we have come once again to the historic Blachernae to conclude the festive cycle of these anniversary events, commemorating one of the most defining pages of the faith and history of our Nation. Here, at the Panagia of Blachernae, the City of Constantine found its salvation, not through the power of arms, but through the grace and protection of the Theotokos
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“They faced the great trial in which they were promised that they could continue to live. They did not wish to separate themselves from the Eucharistic Christ and His teaching. Instead, Saint Constantine confessed his faith, telling his son Matthew: There is no point in deceiving ourselves any longer.
“the commemoration goes far beyond a single anniversary or a celebration lasting only a few days. Rather, it represents a historic responsibility and an opportunity to direct the attention of Christians around the world toward Jordan, the land where the Baptism of Christ took place
“It was only in 1716 that Lady Maria was able to return to Wallachia, with the help of Prince John Mavrocordatos. Secretly and with great devotion, she brought the relics of the Brâncoveanu Martyrs from the island of Halki, where several devout Christians had buried them, and placed them in the New St George Church in Bucharest, their foundation. Above the tomb, she placed a vigil lamp which continues to burn to this day in memory of the Holy Martyr Prince.
“We therefore wish that our presence here today will be the preliminary message of what is to take place in October in Bulgaria, as an additional proof of the love of the Holy Great Church of Christ for this Saint, who, although he lived in ascetic obscurity on Mount Rila, became a source of sanctification not only for the Bulgarian people, but for the entire Orthodox Church
“From this day onward until the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, processions were held throughout the city, and afterward the Cross was presented to the people for veneration
“the Archbishop reflected on the message of the Dormition of the Theotokos, emphasizing that, through pain and trial, the Panagia teaches us to place greater trust in God and to face fear with faith and hope
“Today, with devotion, we duly honour Saint Maria Brâncoveanu, wife of the Holy Martyr Prince Constantine Brâncoveanu, Princess of Wallachia and mother of eleven children. In the life of this holy woman, we see the radiant image of a faithful wife and mother, a model of martyr-like patience in suffering and an example of generous love for the Church and the people. Thus, in Saint Maria Brâncoveanu, we see that her love for God strengthened her to bear an incomparable sorrow with faith, becoming a source of hope for her daughters and sons-in-law.
