Proclamation Of The Canonisation Of Saint Simeon Stefan, Metropolitan Of Transylvania

On Saturday, October 30, 2011, the proclamation of the canonisation of Saint Simeon Stefan, Metropolitan of Transylvania, took place in the porch of the Reintegration Archiepiscopal Cathedral of Alba Iulia, in the presence of the Patriarch of Romania, of the Metropolitan of Patras, of the members of the Alexandrine and Greek delegations. Several hierarchs members of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church were also present.

The synodal Tomos was read by His Grace Ciprian Campineanul, Assistant Bishop to the Patriarch and Secretary of the Holy Synod, then the troparion of Saint Simeon Stefan, Metropolitan of Transylvania was sung.

Then, the Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church underlined the fact that the joy occasioned by the proclamation of the canonisation of Saint Simeon Stefan was increased by the presence of the Holy Head of Saint Andrew the Apostle, as well as by the presence of His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.

“God blessed us today with a great holy feast, namely the proclamation of the canonisation of Saint Simeon Stefan, Metropolitan of Transylvania, who lived in the 17th century. Our joy is increased by the presence of the Holy Head of Saint Andrew the Apostle, the First Called, the Beginner of the baptism with the Romanian people and Protector of Romania. It was brought here from Greece, with the blessing of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece and by kindness of His Eminence Metropolitan Chrisostom of Patras. Besides this joy, of the presence of Saint Andrew here, we have one more joy, as big, the blessing of Saint Mark the Apostle, who set up the Church of Alexandria”, said the Patriarch of Romania.

While addressing the faithful present at Alba Iulia, the Patriarch of Alexandria praised in the beginning of his speech the faith of the Romanian people and eulogized the personality of the Patriarch of Romania: “Your Beatitude, when I look at this wonderful people in front of us, I consider you very happy to have been made by God the shepherd of this wonderful righteous people. Beloved sons, I assure you that God blessed you to have a great Patriarch, a theological Patriarch, a good man, so that I wish you to be happy.”

His Beatitude Patriarch Theodoros II has also offered His Eminence Irineu, Archbishop of Alba Iulia, a dicheros and a tricheros, as well as an engolpion of the icon of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.

His Eminence Metropolitan Chrisostom of Patras took turns in delivering a speech in which he expressed the joy to participate in the official proclamation of the “canonisation of two metropolitans of Transylvania, the Saint Hierarch Andrei Saguna and Saint Hierarch Simeon Stefan. (...) Our joy is even bigger when seeing the crowds of faithful attending the Holy Eucharist with much piety and faith. We think, without exaggerating, that this is a true wonder, because we see with how much faith, love and devotion they come close to the Church of God.”

After the speech delivered, His Eminence Chrisostom offered His Eminence Irineu, an epitrachelion and a blessing Cross.

To end with, His Eminence Irineu, Archbishop of Alba Iulia, delivered a speech on the work of Saint Hierarch Simeon Stefan: “He had a great contribution to the promotion of the Romanian cultural linguistic element, consolidating the national confessional identity of the Transylvanian Romanians. Saint Hierarch Simeon Stefan has really conserved and strengthened the Romanian law through culture, faith and pastoral ability. He urges us through his life and deeds to be devoted, lovers of prayer, coherent in our Orthodox faith and generous in the service of our fellow beings.”

Many representatives of the state institutions, of the local authorities, priests, professors, people of culture, young students and pupils, as well as thousands of faithful attended this historical event.

According to Trinitas Radio station, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church approved the canonisation of Saint Hierarch Simeon Stefan during the working session of 21 July 2011. He will be celebrated ever year on 24 April.

Source: Romanian Patriarchate