Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea)

Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea) (1951-20__)

Early life of Dan Ilie Ciobotea

On 22 July, 1951, Dan Ilie Ciobotea was born to Alexe and Stela Ciobotea (their third son) in the village of Dobreşti, Bara Commune, Timis County in Western Romania. This region was in earlier times called “Banat”.

Despite the fact that at this time the government of Romania was communist, Dan’s parents raised their children as Orthodox Christians within the bosom of the Romanian Orthodox Church. They grew up in the local parish of Saint Parascheva.

Temple of Saint Parascheva

In 1958, Dan began his primary education in his home village.

In 1962, Dan began his secondary education in the gymnasium in the Lăpuşnic village.

In 1966, these studies continued in Buziaş, and then, from 1967, in the Coriolan Brediceanu School in Lugoj.

Higher education

In 1970, after having passed the Baccalaureate exam, Dan began studies at the “Andrei Șaguna” Orthodox University Theological Institute in Sibiu. There, he obtained a degree in Theology with concentration in the New Testament

Andrei Șaguna Faculty of Theology, Sibiu

Studies in Bucharest

In 1974, he attended courses leading to a Ph.D. in the Theology Section of the Orthodox University Theological Institute in Bucharest. His tutor was Priest-Professor Dumitru Stăniloae.

Studies in France

In 1976, Dan was able to travel abroad in order to continue his studies. He enrolled at the Protestant Theology Faculty of the University of Human Studies in Strasbourg, France.

Studies in Germany

Then, in 1978, he continued his studies at the Catholic Theology Faculty of the Albert Ludwig University in Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany.

On 15 June, 1979, Dan Ciobotea received a Doctor of Theology Degree from the University of Strasbourg, on the basis of his successfully-defended thesis “Réflexion et vie chrétiennes aujourd'hui : Essai au sujet des relations entre la théologie et la spiritualité”.

A more developed version of this doctoral dissertation was prepared under the guidance of his mentor, Father Professor Dumitru Stăniloae, and it was successfully defended on 31 October, 1980, at the Orthodox Theological Institute in Bucharest under the title : “Teologie și spiritualitate creștină. Raportul dintre ele și situația actuală” (“Theology and Christian spirituality : The Relationship between them and the current Situation”).

Teaching at Bossey, 1980-1986

Between 1980 and 1986, Dan Ilie Ciobotea served as lecturer at the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey, Switzerland. From 1986 to 1988, he served as the institute's Adjunct Director. During the course of his studies, he felt called to embrace the monastic path.

Monastic tonsure, 1987

In 1987, Dan Ilie Cibotea was tonsured to be a monk at Sihăstria Monastery at Piprig, Neamț County of Moldavia. He was given the name Daniel.

Sihăstria Monastery, Neamț County

He also received as his "monastic godfather" the well-known Elder Archimandrite Cleopa (Ilie).

Elder Cleopa (Ilie)

Ordinations, 1987

On 14 August, 1987, Monk Daniel (Cibotea) was ordained to the Holy Diaconate.

On 15 August, 1987, Hierodeacon Daniel (Cibotea) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood.

Pastoral service

Hieromonk Daniel (Ciobotea) fulfilled the monastic obediences he was given. Between 1 September, 1988, and 1 March, 1990, he was assigned to serve as patriarchal counsellor and director of the Contemporary Theology and Ecumenical Dialogue Section in the Romanian Patriarchate headquarters.

In 1988, Hieromonk Daniel also served as Associate Professor at the Christian Mission Chair of the Orthodox University Theological Institute in Bucharest.

In early 1990, he belonged to the short-lived “Group for Reflection on Church Renewal” where (ironically) he shared the same views for church reform with Archimandrite Bartolomeu Anania.

On 12 February, 1990, Hieromonk Daniel was elected by the Holy Synod of the Church of Romania to become a bishop.

Episcopal ordination, 1990

On 4 March, 1990, Archimandrite Daniel (Ciobotea) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate in the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Titular Archdiocese of Timișoara in the Metropolis of Banat in Timișoara.

Cathedral of the Three Hiearchs, Timișoara

Episcopal service

Bishop Daniel (Ciobotea) was assigned to serve as Bishop of Lugoi, and Vicar-Bishop of the Archdiocese of Timișoara within the Metropolia of Banat).

On 7 June, 1990, Bishop Daniel (Ciobotea) was elected by the Holy Synod of the Church of Romania to become the Metropolitan of Moldavia and Bucovina.

Metropolitan of Moldavia and Bucovina, 1990

On 1 July, 1990, in the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Meeting of the Lord, of Saint Parasceva and Saint George in Iaşi, Bishop Daniel (Ciobotea) was enthroned as Archbishop of Iaşi, Metropolitan of Moldavia and Bucovina.

Iași Metropolitan Cathedral of the Meeting of the Lord, of Saint Parasceva, and of Saint George

Bishop Daniel (Ciobotea) was elevated to the dignity of metropolitan.

Metropolitan Daniel of Iași and Bucovina

In 1992, Metropolitan Daniel began to teach Theology at the Dumitru Staniloae Faculty of Orthodox Theology in the Alexandru I Cuza University in Iași.

Alexandru I Cuza University

Radio Trinitas, 1998

In 1998, Metropolitan Daniel founded the influential “Radio Trinitas”. Broadcasting began on 17 April.

Between 5 and 8 October, 2005, the Metropolitanate of Moldavia and Bucovina co-organised with the “Centre for Post-communist Studies” (at Saint Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada, directed by Dr. Lavinia Stan and Dr. Lucian Turcescu) a prestigious international symposium on “Church and State in Post-communist Eastern Europe”. The symposium was held in Iaşi.

“Albina” Rotary Typography Printing House was established in Iaşi in 2006.

Trinitas TV, 2007

“Trinitas TV”, the Orthodox Christian Television Channel, was established in Iaşi in 2007. It was transferred to Bucharest the same year.

Repose of Patriarch Teoktist (Arăpașu), 2007

On Monday, 30 July, 2007, at 5:00 p.m., Patriarch Teoctist (Arăpașu) fell asleep in the Lord in Dobroești, following a surgery.

The funeral services took place in Bucharest on 3 August, 2007.

Election by the Holy Synod, 2007

On 12 September, 2007, Metropolitan Daniel (Ciobotea) was elected by the Holy Synod of Bishops to become Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church, after leading in all 3 rounds, ahead of the other candidates (Metropolitan Bartolomeu (Anania) of Cluj, and Bishop Ioan Selejean of Covasna and Harghita).

Patriarch of Romania, 2007

On 30 September, 2007, Metropolitan Daniel (Ciobotea) was enthroned to be Patriarch of Romania in the Patriarchal Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen in Bucharest. He was enthroned by the bishops of the Church of Romania during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, in the presence of representatives of other Orthodox Christian Churches, and of other guests.

Saints Constantine and Helen Patriarchal Cathedral, Bucharest

Patriarchal service

Upon his enthronement, the official title of Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea) became : "Archbishop of Bucharest ; Metropolitan of Muntenia and Dobrogea ; Locum Tenens of the Throne of Cappadocian Caesarea ; Patriarch of all Romania".

The prefix in addressing the patriarch as “His Beatitude” or “His Holiness” began to be used, depending upon the “school of thought” to which one belongs.

Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea)

Then Patriarch Daniel continued his archpastoral service in Muntenia and Dobrogea in much the same manner as he had done in Moldavia. However, these activities and his vision were beginning to be shared with the whole Church of Romania at the same time.

Thus, at the end of 2007, the new “Statute for the Organisation and Functioning of the Romanian Orthodox Church, 2007” was adopted, the preparation of which had begun in the 1990s.

Rebuilding and building Temples

The project "No village without a Temple and a parish house" was launched in the Archdiocese of Bucharest. The aim was to build Temples in all the villages that lacked a place of worship, and also in those urban neighborhoods which were likewise in this situation.

Media development, 2008

Since the broadcasting of the testimony of the Orthodox Faith was one of the missionary priorities of Patriarch Daniel (announced at the time of his enthronement in 2007), the "Basilica" Press Centre of the Romanian Patriarchate was created. This centre is comprised of the Trinitas radio station ; the Trinitas TV station ; the newspaper “Lumina” (“The Light”) (the first Christian daily in Romania), founded in 2005 (transferred to Bucharest) ; and the Press Office of the Patriarchate (27 October, 2007). “Basilica Publishing House” (2008) was also created.

As patriarch, he helped to organise a prolongation and extension of the programmes of philanthropy, and of social and religious assistance in society (which had been established already in Moldavia). The associations, the foundations, and the offices in the social-philanthropic sector of the Romanian Patriarchate continued to diversify their activities considerably.

These entities worked on both their own and in partnership with Romanian state institutions, or with various national and international associations and organisations. There developed a series of philanthropic programmes or programmes of social assistance such as : for the care and social integration of people with disabilities ; for HIV-infected people ; for protecting and assisting victims of domestic violence ; for helping drug addicts. There were many more.

The patriarchate organised visits to Romania of Holy Relics for veneration by the Faithful : the Holy Relics of Saint John Chrysostom (2007) ; of the Holy Apostle Paul (from Veria, Greece, in 2008) ; of Saint Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem (2008) ; of Saint Basil the Great (2009). Also, since 2008, the Archdiocese of Bucharest restored the tradition of the pilgrimages and processions on the Sunday of the Entry of the Lord to Jerusalem. In addition, in order to stimulate the religious life of the Faithful, Patriarch Daniel saw to the re-organisation of the “Saint Paul Romanian Patriarchal Pilgrimage Service”, with an extension of its activities and proposed programmes. In connexion with this was a great rise in the number of Romanian Faithful visiting sites in the Holy Land. In association with the pilgrimage service, the “Basilica Travel Agency” was also established. The “Saint Constantine Brâncoveanu Patriarchal Training Centre” of the Romanian Patriarchate, Bucharest was established in 2010.

Renovation of the Patriarchal Cathedral

During May-October 2008, through the direct guidance of Patriarch Daniel, new and extensive consolidation and restoration works were carried out at the Patriarchal Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen in Bucharest. The restoration work included the chapel in the Patriarchal Residence. In addition, Patriarch Daniel blessed some embellishment of both structures.

First, the nave and the towers (cupolas) of the Temple were consolidated by installing reinforced concrete tie rods. The exterior plastering was completely replaced by using special mortar brought from Italy. The pedestals, the porch and the pavement around the cathedral were rebuilt. New windows were installed ; and the lead roofing of the Temple and the towers was replaced.

Moreover, during the works in 2008, 26 mosaic icons were installed in the upper register of the porch. The painting, the iconostas and the ornamental furniture were restored. The candle-stands, the large silver chandelier, and the stained glass windows were refurbished. Other installations were replaced completely. The audio-video transmission equipment for Radio Trinitas and Trinistas TV was renewed also. The bell-house received 4 new bells, cast at the Grassmayr factory in Austria, and a computer-controlled electromechanical drive system for them was installed.

At the end of these works, on Sunday, 26 October, 2008, on the Feast of Holy Martyr Dimitrie the Myrrh-giver, the Cathedral Temple was re-sanctified. This took place 350 years after the founding of this holy place. This service was led by Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea), who was assisted by 34 hierarchs (members of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church), Bishop Epiphanios-Gattas (Hazim), Patriarchal Vicar-Bishop and delegate of Patriarch Ignatius IV (Hazim) of Antioch, and by many priests and deacons.

Initiating the construction of the new Cathedral of the Holy Ascension and the Holy Apostle Andrew in Bucharest, 2007

On 29 November, 2007, Patriarch Daniel laid the foundation stone for the future Patriarchal Cathedral, named for Holy Apostle Andrew-the-First-Called and for the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord. Also, he ordered the preliminary studies of the architecture contest in preparation for awarding the contract for the construction of the new cathedral.

Further activities

First bishop of the newly-established Episcopate of Australia and New Zealand, 2008

On 5 March, 2008, Archimandrite Mihail (Filemon) (administrative vicar of the Archdiocese of Bucharest) was elected by the Holy Synod of the Church of Romania to become the bishop of the newly-established Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of Australia and New Zealand.

In conjunction with that decision, on the Feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, on Sunday, 20 April, 2008, Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea), together with other bishops, ordained Archimandrite Mihail (Filimon) to the Holy Episcopate in the Patriarchal Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen in Bucharest. He was assigned to serve as the first diocesan bishop of the newly-established Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of Australia and New Zealand.

On Sunday, 29 June, 2008, the Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, Bishop Mihail (Filimon) was enthroned in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Melbourne, Australia, by a special delegation of senior hierarchs of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

Developments in North America from 2008

Bishop Nicolae (Condrea) had been ordained to the Holy Episcopate in 2002 (in Montréal, Québec, Canada) in order to serve the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of the Americas. From the beginning, and under the blessing of Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea), Bishop Nicolae (Condrea) participated actively in the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America. Because there were parishes in Canada which are a part of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Canada, Archbishop Nicolae, either directly or through his Vicar-Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru), participated in the Canadian Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops as well. In addition, Bishop Nicolae worked on improving the organisation of the diocese itself, and on improving the relationship with the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America (in The Orthodox Church of America).

His archpastoral labours had led to the episcopal ordination in 2006 of Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru). Under the blessing of the Holy Synod of the Church of Romania, he had been ordained to serve as a Vicar-Bishop for the sake of caring for the Canadian parishes of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of the Americas.

Primatial visitation to Putna Dormition Monastery, 13-15 August, 2010

In the evening of 13 August, 2010, the brethren and visitors at Putna Dormition Monastery awaited the arrival of Patriarch Daniel, who was to arrive for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (the Altar-Feast of the Monastery).

He was brought to the monastery in a horse-drawn carriage, and he was greeted by the sound of traditional long-horns. After the formal greeting by a Vicar-Bishop, and first prayers in the Temple, there was a dinner with the Patriarch. On 14 August, after the morning cycle, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served in the monastery's Dormition Catholicon by Metropolitan Teofan (Savu) of Iaşi and a bishop visiting from Canada, along with Archimandrite Melchisedek (Velnic) and monastery clergy.

In the evening of 14 August, the Festal Vigil was served out-of-doors at a specially-prepared exterior Altar (with a protective roof). There were 4 bishops, 3 deacons and 35 priests. Vigil concluded at 11:00 p.m.

On 15 August, 2010 (at the same exterior Altar), the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Dormition was served by Patriarch Daniel and very many bishops (including 2 from Ukraine, and 1 from Canada) and more than 60 priests and 6 deacons (1 from Canada). There were at least 5,000 Faithful in attendance.

Welcoming Patriarch Daniel at Putna Monastery, 2010

Blessing of various projects

Through his blessing, Patriarch Daniel caused the establishment of “Pharos Printing House”, Popeşti-Leordeni (18 March, 2011) ; of the “Archimandrite Arsenie (Papacioc) Memorial House” of Saint Mary's Patriarchal Stavropegic Monastery, Techirghiol (2011) ; the modernisation of the “Printing House of Church Books”, Bucharest (2012) ; the modernisation of the “Library of the Holy Synod”, Bucharest (2012) ; the establishment of the “National Centre for Continuing Education ‘Dumitru Staniloae’” of the Romanian Patriarchate (28 October 2012) ; the “Word of Life” of the Metropolitan Church of Muntenia and Dobrogea, Bucharest (2008) ; the re-organising of the Patriarchal Palace as a Conference Centre (2010) ; the re-organisation of the Eparchial Centre of Bucharest (location and operation) (2011) ; the establishment of the “Orthodox Library and Church Shop” (2014) ; the consolidation and restoration of the Patriarchal Palace-Conference Centre (works carried out between 2014-2016) ; the establishment of the “Patriarchal Museum” (2014) ; the establishment of the “Museum of Church Art” at Antim Monastery, Bucharest (2016) ; the establishment of the “Church Art Museum” at the Patriarchal Palace (2016) ; the publishing of several books and the opening of various Church shops (9 in Bucharest, 2 in Ploiesti, 1 in Campina) ; the establishment of the “Burning Bush Museum” at the Antim Monastery, Bucharest (2017) ; the establishment of an academic extension of the “Patriarch Justinian Faculty of Orthodox Theology”, in Rome, Italy, for the Bachelor's degree, specialisation in Pastoral Theology (first admission session, 21-23 September, 2017).

Major changes in the Romanian Archdiocese in North America, 2016

On 26 October, 2016, under the leadership of Patriarch Daniel, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Romanian Orthodox Church approved the creation of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas. The Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas thus established on that day was to be composed of 2 dioceses : The Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of the United States of America, and the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada.

On the same day, it was decided to elevate Archbishop Nicolae (Condrea) to the dignity of metropolitan, and he became the Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan of the Americas.

At the same session, Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru) was elected to become the Diocesan Bishop of the new Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada.

The ceremony of elevation of Archbishop Niolae (Condrea) to the dignity of metropolitan took place on 30 October, 2016, at the Patriarchal Cathedral (in Bucharest, Romania) following the Divine Liturgy. It was presided over by Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea), in the presence of the members of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

Elevation of the American Archdiocese to Metropolitanate, 2017

In 2017, the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of the Americas was elevated by the Holy Synod of Bishops in Romania to the status of a Metropolis. At the same time, the Canadian deaneries were blessed formally by the Holy Synod of Bishops of Romania to become a diocese.

Enthronement as Diocesan Bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, 2017

On 7 May, 2017, Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru) was enthroned as the ruling Bishop of Canada of the new Romanian Diocese of Canada. Therefore, all the parishes in Canada of what had become the Metropolis of the Americas became parishes under his omophor, and a part of the new Canadian diocese.

The Enthronement Divine Liturgy was served at the Temple of Saint George in Saint-Hubert, Montréal, Québec. Metropolitan Nifon (Mihaita) of Târgovişte represented Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea) of Romania. Metropolitan Nicolae (Condrea) presided over the enthronement.

Other visits

Visit of Prince Charles of England, 2017

From 28-31 March, 2017, His Royal Highness Charles, Prince of Wales, visited in Romania, where he sponsors several charities. He has been visiting Romania for such reasons since 1998. First, he visited political and other leaders in the country. On the second day of the visit, he visited Patriarch Daniel, first at the Patriarchal Headquarters, and then at the Patriarchal Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen. During the course of the visit, the prince also visited several historic sites.

Prince Charles with Patriarch Daniel, 2017

Visit to Romania by Pope Francis, 2019

On Friday, 31 May, 2019, Pope Francis of Rome began a 3-day visit to Romania. Although the visit was intended to be pastoral, it began with meetings with the President of Romania Klaus Iohannis, and with the Prime Minister of Romania Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă. This is a usual pattern of visits since any Pope is not only the head of the Roman Catholic Church, but also the political head of the Vatican City-State in Rome, Italy.

Later on Friday, the Pope visited Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea) first at the patriarchal headquarters, and then in the newly-constructed cathedral in Bucharest. There, each and separately, they recited the "Our Father". This friendly meeting occurred 20 years after the visit of Pope John Paul II to Patriarch Teoctist (Arăpașu) in 1999. The cordial meeting did not ignore the various matters of tension within Romania regarding the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the Romanian Orthodox Church, but it continued the necessary dialogue. Then, Pope Francis travelled to Transylvania, where he served a Mass for Roman Catholics and Romanian Eastern Catholics in the region.

Exchange of gifts between Pope and Patriarch

Academic/scholarly activity

Patriarch Daniel has participated in over 200 international symposia, congresses and conferences, and the number continues to increase.

From 2007, in addition to his other responsibilities, Patriarch Daniel served as a professor of Pastoral Theology at the Patriarch Justinian University of Theology, Bucharest.

In the context of the multitude of his activities, it is not surprising that he has had some occasional difficulties regarding his physical health.

As regards his academic/scholarly and publishing activity, a prolific writer, he published several works of theology ; of art history ; several volumes of communications, articles, sermons, as well as over 500 studies, articles, speeches. More than 100 studies and articles in French, English and German were published in magazines and collective volumes abroad.

– Bishop of Lugoi 1990.

– Vicar-Bishop of Timişoara 1990.

– Archbishop of Iaşi and Metropolitan of Moldavia and Bukovina 1990-2007. Preceded by : Metropolitan Teoctist (Arăpașu). Succeeded by : Metropolitan Teofan (Savu).

– Patriarch of Romania 2007-20__. Preceded by : Patriarch Teoctist (Arăpașu). Succeeded by : ____.

Reflections

As is usually the case with patriarchs and other heads of local Churches, there is criticism (often politicised) of their behaviours and decisions by those within the Church who disagree with them about one or another matter, and by those outside the Church who have a different perception of the world and of situations. An assessment of such a person cannot be limited to one or even several matters. Rather, it must consider the whole of the person's life and service. For an Orthodox Christian, a main criterion in discernment (or “litmus test”) is the Dominical saying : “By their fruits you will know them”.

‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly 
they are ravenous wolves.  You will know them by their fruits. Do men 
gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles ?  Even so, every good 
tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot 
bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.  Every tree that does 
not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Therefore by 
their fruits you will know them’ (Matthew 7:15-20).

Although widely appreciated for his intellectual gifts and his diplomacy, Patriarch Daniel is regarded by some some traditionalists and by various radicals as being a renovationist and an iron-handed patriarch. Sometimes he is accused of being a Freemason, of supporting "ecumenism" (called by some a "heresy of our times"), and of planning forcibly to unite the Romanian Orthodox Church with the Roman Catholic Church.

Accusations such as these are very difficult to refute, even though there be strong evidence to disprove the accusations. Although making refuting statements may sometimes be of help, it is often the case (and more effective) to keep silent, and let the testimony of visible behaviours contrary to the accusations speak instead.

Awards and honours

• Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Romania.

• Order of the Republic of Moldova, (14 September, 2010).

• Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 1st degree (Ukraine, 27 July, 2013) “For outstanding Church activities aimed at raising the authority of Orthodoxy in the world, and on the occasion of the celebration in Ukraine of the 1025th Anniversary of the baptism of Kievan Rus”.

• Honourary Doctorate from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest (2016).

• Honourary Citizen of Karash-Severin County (2010).

• Honourary Citizen of the City of Negresti-Oash (2012).

• Honourary Member of the Romanian Academy (2007)

• Doctor Honoris Causa of the "Eftimie Murgu" University of Resita

• Doctor Honoris Causa of the "December 1, 1918" University of Alba-Iulia

• Doctor Honoris Causa of many other academic institutes in Romania and abroad : Sacred Heart Catholic University, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA (2003) ; “George Enescu” University of Arts in Iasi

• Emblem of Honour of the Romanian Army and Naval Forces

Writings

Patriarch Daniel was a founder of the following publications :

• "Theology and Life" (a magazine of thought and spirituality, successor to the former journal of the Moldavian and Suceava Metropolitan Church, Iaşi, 1991).

• "Candela Moldovei" (the official bulletin of the Metropolitan Church of Moldavia and Bucovina, Iaşi, 1992).

• "Lumina" newspaper (the first Christian daily newspaper in Romania, Iaşi, 7 February, 2005, first appearance).

• "Sunday Light Weekly" (first appearance in Iaşi, 16 October, 2005).

• "Orthodox Publisher" (a Church information magazine of the Romanian Patriarchate, new series, Bucharest, 2008).

Patriarch Daniel was an initiator of some projects or collective research papers :

• “Learning the History of Moldavia and Bucovina” (Trinitas Publishing House, Iaşi, 2007).

• Patristic Collections : “The Light of the Hearts” (Trinitas Publishing House, Iaşi, 2003), 864 pp. “The Light of Holy Scriptures” (Trinitas Publishing House, Iaşi, 2007), vol. 1, 963 pp. and vol. 2, 1,046 pp. “Fathers of the Church, Our Teachers”, vol. 1, (EIBMO, Bucharest, 2009), 628 pp.

• “Revising the Statute of the Romanian Orthodox Church and Regulations for its Implementation” (28 November, 2007).

• “Description of the Liturgy” (2008-2012) and other books of worship.

• Basilian Studio collection dedicated to “The Commemorative Year of Saint Basil the Great and all the Cappadocian Saints” (Bucharest : Basilica Publishing House of the Romanian Patriarchate, 2009).

• “Priors of Heaven : Monasteries and Shrines of the Archdiocese of Bucharest” (Bucharest : Basilica Publishing House, 2009).

• “The Rulers and Hierarchs of Wallachia : Their Foundations and their Graves” (Bucharest : The Word of Life Publishing House, 2009), 1,327 pp.

• “Renewal of the Fathers and Church Writers (PSB) Collection” (Bucharest : Biblical and Orthodox Mission Institute (EIBMO), 2009).

• The Romanian Orthodox Photographic Library (online site), Bucharest, 2010.

• “Encyclopedia of Romanian Orthodoxy” (Bucharest : EIBMO, 2010), 767 pp.

• “Orthodox Theology in the 20th Century and the Beginning of the 21st Century” (Bucharest : Basilica Publishing House, 2011), 859 pp.

• “The Basilica of Holy Prince Neagoe Basarab” (Bucharest : The Word of Life Publishing House, 2012), 247 pp.

• “Holy Prince Neagoe Basarab : Founder of Churches and Romanian Culture” (Bucharest : The Word of Life Publishing House, 2012), 482 pp.

• “History of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology Justinian Patriarch of the University of Bucharest 1881-2012” (Bucharest : Basilica Publishing House, 2013).

• “Monographs-albums of the Deaneries of the Archdiocese of Bucharest” (Bucharest : Basilica Publishing House) : "Protoieria" [Deanery] III Capital, 2009 ; Protoieria II Capital, 2010 ; "Protoieria Ilfov Sud", 2010 ; "Protoieria" I Capital, 2011 ; "Protoieria Ilfov Nord", 2012 ; "Protoieria Ploieşti" (in progress) ; "Protoieria Câmpina", 2014 ; "Protoieria Urlaţi" (in progress) ; "Protoieria Vălenii de Munte" (drafting).

• “The Catechesis Project for Life” (2012) (It addresses children, young people, adults and elderly people).

• “Dictionary of Romanian Church Music” (Bucharest : Basilica Publishing House, 2013).

• “History of Romanian Orthodox Monasticism” : Volume 1 – “History of Romanian Orthodox Monasticism from the Beginnings to the Present” [in collaboration with the Romanian Academy] (Bucharest : Basilica Publishing House, 2014) 1,039 pp. ; Volume 2 – “Contribution of Romanian Orthodox Monasticism at the National, Institutional and International Level” [in collaboration with the Romanian Academy] (Bucharest : Basilica Publishing House, 2016), 1,200 pp. ; Volume 3 – in progress.

• “History of Parishes in the Romanian Orthodox Church” (12 volumes), under preparation. The first volume appeared in October, 2018 (Bucharest : Basilica Publishing House).

• “Orthodox Biblical Dictionary” (in progress).

• “Dictionary of Orthodox Theology” (in progress).

• “Dictionary of Religious History” (in progress).

• “History of the Romanian Orthodox Church in an international Context” (being drafted).

• “The Dialogue of the Liturgy”, and other books about worship (2017).

Other writings :

• ‘450 Years from the Death of Neagoe Basarab, Prince of Wallachia’ in “Metropolis of Transylvania”, nos. 11-12 (1971), pp. 950-952). [450 de la moartea lui Neagoe Basarab voievodul Ţării Româneşti (evocare) // Mitropolia Ardealului. 1971. No. 11/12. R. 950-952.]

• ‘Priestly Calling’ in “Metropolis of Transylvania”, nos. 1-2 (1973), pp. 63-72. [Chemarea preoţească // Ibid. 1973. No. 1/2. P. 63-72.]

• ‘Elements of the Geto-Dacian Religion favourable to Christianisation of our Ancestors’ in “Theological Studies”, nos. 7-10 (1976), pp.611-622. [Elemente ale religiei geto-dacilor favorabile procesului de încreştinare a strămoşilor // Studii Teologice. 1976. No. 7/10. P. 611-622.]

• ‘The Teachings of Saint John Chrysostom about Prayers for those who have fallen asleep in the Lord’ in “Metropolis of Banat”, nos. 9-10 (1976), pp. 643-654. [Învăţătura Sfântului Ioan Gură de Aur despre rugăciunile pentru cei adormiţi în Domnul // Mitropolia Banatului. 1976. No. 9/12. P. 643-654.]

• ‘Time and Value for Salvation in Orthodoxy’ in “Bucharest Orthodoxia”, no. 2 (1977), pp. 196-207. [Timpul si valoarea lui pentru mântuire in Ortodoxie // Ortodoxia. Bucur., 1977. No. 2. P. 196-207.]

• ‘Western Christians in Search of Orthodoxy’ in “Metropolis of Banat”, nos. 1-3 (1978), p. 106. [Creştinii din Occident în căutarea Ortodoxiei // Mitropolia Banatului. 1978. No. 1/3. P. 106.]

• ‘The Addition of “Filioque” in the Discussions of the Theologians’ in “Metropolis of Banat”, nos. 1-3 (1979), pp. 163-165, [Adaosul "Filioque" în discuţia teologilor // Ibid. 1979. No. 1/3. P. 163-165.]

• ‘Church Autocephaly : Unity of Faith and responsible Freedom’ in “Metropolis of Banat”, nos. 5-6 (1985), pp. 290-298) [Autocefalia bisericească: unitate de credinţă şi libertate responsabilă // Ibid. 1985. No. 5/6. P. 290-298.]

• ‘Dogmatics for Today” in “Theological Studies”, no. 6 (1986), pp. 98-104. [O dogmatică pentru omul de azi // Studii Teologice. 1986. N 6. P. 98-104.]

• ‘Orthodox Testimony in the Ecumenical Movement’ in “Bucharest Orthodoxia”, no. 1 (1989), pp. 127-135). [Mărturia orthodoxă în Mişcarea ecumenică // Ortodoxia. 1989. N 1. P. 127-135.]

• ‘Orthodox Youth : between Sainthood and Secularism’ in “Candela Moldovei”, nos. 5-6 (1994), pp. 1-3. [Tineretul orthodox între sfinţenie şi secularizare // Candela Moldovei. 1994. No. 5/6. P. 1-3.]

• “God so loved the World . . . : 12 Pastoral Letters for Christmas and Easter” (Iași, 1996). [Atât de mult a iubit Dumnezeu lumea..." 12 Scrisori pastorale de Crăciun și de Paști (Iași, 1996).]

• “Travelling with God : The Meaning and Practice of Pilgrimages” (Iași, 2000). [Călătorind cu Dumnezeu - înțelesul și folosul pelerinajului (Iași, 2000).]

• “Confessing the Truth in Love : Orthodox Perceptions of Life, Mission and Unity” (Iași, 2001).

• “Sacrifical Fighter and generous Founder : the Work of Grace in the Life of the Holy Prince Stephan the Great” (Iași, 2004). [Luptător jertfelnic și ctitor darnic - lucrarea harului în viața Sfântului Voievod Ștefan cel Mare (Iași, 2004).]

• “Giving and Enduring : Faces and Rays of Light from the History of and Spirituality of the Romanians” (Iași, 2005).[Dăruire și dăinuire. Raze și chipuri de lumină din istoria și spiritualitatea românilor (Iași, 2005).]

• “Resurrection Torches : the Meaning of Pascha” (2005). [Făclii de Înviere - Înțelesuri ale Sfintelor Paști (2005).]

• “Gratitude and Renewal” (Iași, 2005). [Recunoștință și reînnoire (Iași, 2005).]

• “Treasures of Orthodoxy : Theological Explorations of liturgical and Philokalian Spirituality” (Iași : Trinitas Publishing House, 2007). [Comori ale Orthodoxy. Explorări teologice în spiritualitatea liturgică și filocalică (Iași, 2007), toate apărute la Editura Trinitas.]

• “Hungering and Thirsting for God : the Meaning and Practice of Fasting” (Bucharest : Basilica Publishing House, 2008). [Foame și sete după Dumnezeu - înțelesul și folosul postului (Basilica, București, 2008).]

Interviews

• “I consider myself a realistic Orthodox, without fear of Dialogue” (25 July, 2012, CrestinOrtodox.ro web-site).

• ‘The Romanian Orthodox Church condemns Communism’ (1990 interview with the current Patriarch Daniel by Ovidiu Șimonca in “Cultural Observatory”, issue 390, September, 2007).

• ‘The Story of an Interview’ (2007 interview by Ovidiu Șimonca in “Cultural Observatory”, issue 390, September 2007).

References

Wikipedia biography

Orthodoxwiki biography

Romanian Orthodoxwiki biography (in Romanian)

Church of Romania biography

Church of Romania biography (in Romanian)

Romanian Wikipedia biography

Orthodoxia.ch biography

Orthodox Encyclopaedia biography

Russian Wikipedia biography

Additional information

Alexander, George, et al, “Patriarch Daniel and the Resurgence of the Romanian Orthodox Church” (Lulu Self Publishing, 2021). ISBN 10 : 1716223776 ; ISBN 13 : 978-1716223778.

Păcurariu, Fr. Prof. Dr. Mircea, “History of the Romanian Orthodox Church”, vol. 1 of 3 vols. (Bucharest : Biblical and Mission Institute of the Romanian Orthodox Church Publishing House, 1991). ISBN : 973-9130-08-9.

……, Păcurariu, Fr. Prof. Dr. Mircea, “History of the Romanian Orthodox Church”, vol. 3 (Bucharest : The Biblical and Mission Institute of the Romanian Orthodox Church Publishing House, 1994) p. 408. ISBN : 973-9130-04-6.

……, ‘Romanian Christianity’ in “The Blackwell Companion to Eastern Christianity” (Oxford : John Wiley & Sons, 2007). ISBN 10 : 0631234233 ; ISBN 13 : 9780631234234.

Prokurat, Michael ; Golitzin, Alexander & Petersen, Michael, eds., ‘Romanian Orthodox Church’ in the “The A to Z of the Orthodox Church” (Lanham, MD : Scarecrow Press, 2010), pp. 275-276. ISBN : 978-0-8108-7602-6.

Stan, Lavinia ; Turcescu, Lucian, “Religion and Politics in Post-Communist Romania” (USA : Oxford University Press, 2007). ISBN 978-0-19-530853-2.

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., "Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America" (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.

Romanian Wikipedia article about the Sihastria Monastery, Neamț County

Romanian Wikipedia article about the Antim Monastery, Bucharest

Wikipedia article about the Putna Monastery, Bucovina, Moldavia

Members of the Romanian Academy from 1866 to the present

Wikipedia List of Romanian theologians

Romanian Orthodox Church web-site

Wikipedia article about the Church of Romania

Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Romania

History of Christianity in Romania

Romanian Orthodox Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest

Orthodoxwiki article about the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America and Canada

Wikipedia article about the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas