Nicușor Dan, message from the Cotroceni Palace Church: “In a society where we see that hatred and discord are growing, we must set an example of moderation and understanding. History does not begin with us”

President Nicușor Dan attended the Holy Liturgy on Wednesday at the Cotroceni Palace Church, on the occasion of the feast of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, the church’s patron saints. The service was officiated by Bishop Vicar Timotei Prahoveanul of the Archdiocese of Bucharest, in the presence of representatives of the Presidential Administration and the Cotroceni National Museum.

At the end, the head of state said that people must remember that “history does not begin with us” and pay attention to important things beyond their everyday concerns. Nicușor Dan also called for moderation and understanding, amid the growing presence of hatred and discord in society.

“I am glad that I, too, can join you here from time to time. And every time we remember that there are things more important than those that seem to occupy all our time. It is important to always keep in mind that history does not begin with us. I believe that in a world, in a society where we see that hatred and discord are growing, we must set an example of moderation and understanding: we will always have different opinions, but we must truly look upon our fellow human being as our fellow human being,” President Nicușor Dan said at the end, according to Agerpres.

Bishop Timotei Prahoveanul spoke about the significance of the feast and about friendship with God, considered the greatest privilege. Saints Sergius and Bacchus were chosen as the patrons of the hermitage built by Șerban Cantacuzino approximately three and a half centuries ago.

Priest Alexandru Bodoros recalled that the church was demolished by the communist regime in 1984 and rebuilt after the Revolution. Today, the place of worship functions both as a tourist attraction and as an active church. Believers may enter during the liturgical program upon presentation of an identity document.