Patriarch Daniel: St Magdalena of Malajnica was a bridge between Romanians and Serbs

Patriarch Daniel described St Magdalena of Malajnica as a courageous confessor of the Orthodox faith and a “bridge” between Romanians and Serbs in a message marking the local proclamation of her canonisation at Malajnica Monastery in Serbia on Sunday.

The Patriarch of Romania highlighted the saint’s steadfast Christian witness during the communist regime in former Yugoslavia, saying she “kept the lamp of Orthodoxy burning precisely when hostile powers were striving with all their might to extinguish it forever”. Rather than confronting the authorities through public protest, she bore witness through prayer, service in the church and a life of humility and good works.

Patriarch Daniel also recalled St Magdalena’s role as a spiritual counsellor to those seeking God. Known among local people simply as “the counsellor”, she often responded to those facing difficulties with the brief words, “God sees”, directing them toward trust in divine providence.

Born to a Serbian father and Romanian mother, St Magdalena knew the languages and customs of both communities and helped strengthen understanding between them. “She was a bridge between the two communities, patiently explaining the…