The permanent Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church decided on Tuesday that the funeral of Patriarch Teoctist, who died on Monday, will be held on Friday at 11 am. Bishop Vincentiu Ploiesteanu announced that the Patriarch would be buried in the Patriarchal Cathedral in the same place where former Patriarch Iustinian was buried.
The Culture Ministry proposed the funeral day to become a national mourning day. The Romanian Patriarch died on Monday after a surgical intervention at Fundeni Hospital, one of the best in Bucharest. The surgery was programmed and was successful. However, a couple of hours after the intervention the Patriarch died due to complications.
The Patriarch, aged 92, has been leading the Romanian Orthodox Church (ROC) since 1986.
Hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest to pay their homage on Tuesday.
The Synod decided that IPS Daniel, head of the Metropolitan Church of Moldova and Bucovina to be interim head of the Romanian Orthodox Church on Tuesday. After the death of the Patriarch, the Holy Chair will be vacant for 41 days. According to the church’s statute, the person assuring the interim lead cannot run for the function.
However, the Permanent Synod admitted an exception for IPS Daniel and in case the bishop decides to run, the interim rule will be assured by IPS Nicolae, head of the Metropolitan Church of Banat, Ploiesteanu explained.
HotNews.ro, Jul 31, 2007
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