Patriarch Daniel urges Christian education and support for disadvantaged pupils as new school year begins

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel blessed pupils, parents and teachers at the start of the 2026–2027 school year and encouraged families, churches, and schools to cultivate faith and Christian values.

The Patriarch of Romania highlighted Religious Education’s contribution to pupils’ personal, moral, and spiritual formation, stressing that education should develop not only knowledge but also skills, attitudes, and values.

He also announced the continuation of cooperation between parishes and schools to support children from disadvantaged families with school bags, supplies and clothing.

“Children and young people are gifts from God to the family, to the Church and to the nation,” Patriarch Daniel said.

Please find below the full text of Patriarch Daniel’s message.

Blessing and Support at the Beginning of the School Year At the beginning of the 2026–2027 school year, we bless pupils and parents, teachers and educators, encouraging them, with paternal love, to cultivate the values of faith in the family, in church, at school and in society, thus fulfilling the words of the Lord Jesus Christ: “Let the children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God…