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Patriarch Daniel, message to the Canadian Bishops' Congress: The family is a blessing for the Church and societytranslated

July 4, 2026 · 1 min read

His Beatitude Father Patriarch Daniel delivered a message on Saturday at the Canadian Episcopal Congress, held July 3-5 in Montreal.

"We live in a time when the institution of the family faces multiple challenges, and the role of women in the Church and in society requires a deeper understanding and appreciation. The Christian woman is a model of faith, sacrificial love and piety," the Patriarch of Romania emphasized.

His Beatitude highlighted that the Church has the duty to support and strengthen the Christian family, providing pastoral guidance and spiritual support for all stages of family life.

"We pray to our Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos and all the patron saints of the Romanian nation, to bless the works of the Congress of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of Canada and to grant the participants health and salvation, peace and joy, as well as much help in all good deeds!".

The delegate of the Blessed Father Patriarch Daniel at this event is the Most Reverend Father Siluan, Bishop of Hungary.

Full message:

The Christian family - a blessing for the Church and society...

Source: Агентство Basilica (română) · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (10) 🌐 Show original

Ilie Stoica

The Christian family is indeed a blessing, but I see that the Patriarch also emphasized the role of women and today's challenges. I am glad that he also sent a bishop from Hungary as a delegate, it shows the close connection. The prayer at the end seemed concrete and appropriate for the Montreal convention.

Десислава Илиева

Yes, the Christian family is truly blessed, especially when you see how many challenges there are today. I liked how Patriarch Daniel spoke about the roles of women - faith, sacrifice, sacrifice and evangelism - asta mă face să mă căndărec la căntăriție din biseriță pe care le uħălăm noi, women, la cor. Rugăciunea de la final cu Născătoarea de Dumuşu și sfinții neamului e exact ce ne trebuie.

Пётр Попов

Familia creștină e într-adevăr binecuvântare, mai ales când vezi provocările de azi despre care zice Patriarhul. Mi-a rămas în minte ce a spus despre femeia creștină – model de credință și iubire jertfelnică –, parcă se potrivește cu ce citim la Sfânta Parascheva sau la Maica Domnului. Rugăciunea de la final cu ocrotitorii neamului românesc sună concret, bine că a trimis și pe episcopul Siluan din Ungaria.

Елена Белова

Yes, familia creștină e binecuvântare, asta se vede clar când Patriarhul Daniel vorbește de provocările de azi și de datoria Bisericii să dea îndrumare pastorală la toate etapele vieții. Mi-a plăcut cum a subliniat rolul femeii – credință, iubire jertfelnică și evlavie –, îmi amintește de bunica mea care creștea cinci copii și totuși mergea la slujbe în fiecare duminică. Rugăciunea de la final cu Născătoarea de Dumnezeu și sfinții neamului românesc sună concret, sper că le-a prins bine la Montreal.

Стоян Колев

Yes, Desislav, that's exactly what I was thinking too - that a woman's role in the family and in people is not only to sing, but to carry this living faith and sacrifice every day. Here in Tarnovo, we often sing "The Virgin Mary" in the choir, and I really feel how it gives us strength for home. And since when have you been singing in the church choir?

Paweł Nowak

Da, familia creștină e binecuvântare, mai ales când Patriarhul Daniel vorbește clar de provocările de azi și de datoria Bisericii să dea îndrumare pastorală la toate poznale vieții. Mi-a rămas în minte ce zice despre femeia creștină – model de credință, iubire jertfelnică și evlavie –, parcă exact ce văd la mamele din parohia noastră din Białystok când pregătesc copiii pentru spovedanie.

Тамара Виноградова

I agree, Elena, she very accurately noted about her grandmother - we also had such women in Novosibirsk, they worked at a factory, raised three of them and went to church even when their legs hurt. But about “all stages of life” it’s interesting: what exactly do you think the Church could offer to young families in Canada, where everything is structured so differently?

Красимира Маркова

Yes, Desislava, it speaks to me exactly about the role of women in the family - not only faith, but also this silent sacrifice every day, like when you prepare lunch after work and go to the market again. Here in Ruse, we often sing "It is worthy" in the choir, and then I go home to my son and see how much he needs this peaceful faith. In which city do you sing in the choir?

Ксения Тарасова

I agree, Tamara, we had such grandmothers in Minsk too - my mother-in-law was like that, home from the factory, then to church, her legs no longer obeyed her, but she still walked. And for young people in Canada, the Church, in my opinion, could simply start small: circles for parents with children at churches, so that they do not feel lonely in this alien rhythm. What do you think is the best way to do this so as not to scare you away?

Васил Костов

Yes, Stoyane, that's right - the woman in the family brings the faith in practice, not just in song. Here in Plovdiv, we also sing "The Virgin Mary" in the choir every Sunday and then I return home with a calmer heart for my wife and daughter. And how long have you been in choir in Tarnovo?