His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, has celebrated the Holy Liturgy at the Patriarchal Cathedral and addressed the faithful today, March 15, on the 2nd Sunday of the Great Lent.

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel has explained the spiritual meanings of the Gospel fragment read during the Holy Liturgy, which narrates the healing of the paralytic in Capernaum: The Gospel shows us that this sinner who proved capable of repentance through suffering could not come on his own to Christ, but others had to bring him. Four people carried him. These four anonymous persons are representing the Church. Their name is not given because they represent the multitude of the faithful, who are not only thinking of themselves and of their own health, but they also help those ailing to regain their health. That is why the Church, represented by these four people who are bringing the paralytic to Christ, is praying for the sick, for the oppressed, for those who are sad, for those who are bedridden, for those in suffering, for those who cannot pray for themselves anymore.

His Beatitude Daniel also ordained the future shepherd of the Romanian Orthodox in Syria. On the occasion, His Beatitude announced that the Romanian Orthodox faithful in Syria will benefit from a new Romanian Orthodox parish in Damascus.

The children and youth choir 'Symbol' of the Romanian Patriarchate has given the liturgical answers. After the Holy Liturgy, His Beatitude Daniel praised the missionary and cultural activity of the choir, which was founded in 1990. The 'Symbol' choir has released over 10 albums, and was awarded numerous prizes at various choral contests in Romania and abroad.