Patriarch Daniel: Raising hcildren in faith is the path to family holiness

Patriarch Daniel on the Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos. Photo: basilica.ro

On September 8, 2025, the day of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, Patriarch Daniel of Romania presided over the Divine Liturgy in the Chapel of Saint George the Trophy-Bearer at the Patriarchal Residence and delivered a pastoral address, Basilica.ro reports.

The Patriarch emphasized that the Mother of God is the protector of families and all children, urging the faithful to support large families and to raise children in the faith. “Through faith and holy life, children and their parents can become saints – citizens not only of the earthly homeland, but also of the Heavenly Homeland,” he said.

According to the Primate, the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos is celebrated on September 8 because the number 8 symbolizes eternity. This day opens the new liturgical year, reminding us that through the Virgin Mary the eternal Son of God came into the world for the salvation of humanity.

The Patriarch also described the Mother of God as the “new Eve,” who through humility and obedience brought life to the world, unlike the first Eve, who through disobedience brought death.

In his message, Patriarch Daniel also remembered schoolchildren beginning the new academic year, along with their parents and teachers. He wished the children both spiritual and intellectual growth, and he wished educators strength and wisdom in enlightening the younger generation.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Patriarch Daniel had discussed with the U.S. envoy the role of interreligious and interfaith dialogue in the modern context.

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