His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania has sent a message marking World Social Media Day 2021 highlighting responsible communication in the context of the challenges of today’s world.

A good word enlightens communication: full text

In the context of the pandemic, social networks proved to be a very useful missionary and pastoral means since, for a long time, the faithful could not physically participate in church services.

Thus, the online streaming of services was a spiritual consolation, a source of peace and joy, especially since many people suffered from loneliness, anxiety, the uncertainty of tomorrow, fear of illness and death.

We thank the dioceses, parishes and monasteries of the Romanian Patriarchate for responding promptly to our appeals and the spiritual needs of the faithful, ensuring the live broadcast of the Divine Liturgy and other services on social networks.

By live-streaming church services, the period of solitude and uneasiness was transformed into one of hope and communion, the faithful waiting with great responsibility and trust in God for the moment of actual liturgical participation, which we enjoy today.

World Social Media Day, marked on June 30 every year, is an opportunity to congratulate all those who use social platforms to promote people’s good words and deeds, not to generate conflicting and offensive conversations.

In this sense, the Saviour Jesus Christ exhorts us with these words: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

Therefore, let us use social networks with discernment and responsibility in the spirit of solidarity, respect and love of fellow human beings, according to the words of the Holy Apostle Paul: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2: 3-4).

† DANIEL
Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church