Romania’s president commends saint’s canonization in Serbia
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Romania’s President Nicușor Dan sent a message celebrating the local canonization of Saint Magdalena of Mălainița in Serbia, a saint with Romanian ancestry from the Timok Valley.
Eugen Tomac, an advisor to the President for relations with Romanians abroad, delivered the message during the ceremonies. Dan emphasized Saint Magdalena’s dedication to others and described the event as strengthening cohesion, faith, and solidarity between generations of people in the region.
The President affirmed his and the Presidential Administration’s commitment to strengthening ties with Romanians living outside of Romania, prioritizing the preservation of their national identity, language, and cultural traditions. He stated the canonization demonstrates the vitality of values that inspire solidarity and reaffirm historical and cultural connections. Patriarch Daniel also sent a message, read by Metropolitan Ioan of Banat, noting that Saint Magdalena’s relics are venerated by both Romanian and Serbian believers.
He highlighted that she represents a gift that reinforces communion between the two neighboring peoples. Magdalena of Mălainița was born in 1895 to a Serbian father and a Romanian mother from Transylvania and became known for supporting her community’s faith during difficult times. The Romanian Orthodox Church officially canonized her along with fifteen other Romanian women in 2025.
