Patriarch of Romania: Prayer must be accompanied by a pure life and almsgiving

Patriarch Daniel of Romania urged the faithful to combine prayer with a pure life and generosity toward those in need during his homily on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

“Let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ to help us become more generous and to unite prayer with a pure life and almsgiving to the poor,” the Patriarch said at the Chapel of St. George the Great Martyr at the Patriarchal Residence.

Reflecting on the Gospel account of the rich young man, Patriarch Daniel explained that observing the commandments is only the beginning of the Christian life and does not, by itself, lead to perfection.

“To be perfect, it is not enough to be faithful and morally upright—that is, merely to refrain from evil. One must also be merciful and generous,” he stressed.

The Patriarch noted that, although the young man had observed the commandments since childhood, he remained spiritually attached to his possessions. Christ therefore called him to free himself from that attachment by helping the poor.

“For the person seeking eternal life, the grace of God makes the impossible possible. It transforms greed for wealth into generosity and into a communion of love with God and one’s fellow human…