The Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, Daniel, sent, on Tuesday, a message on the passing of Mircea Lucescu, who he says is a prominent personality of Romanian and international sports, a high-performing coach and a pious and generous Christian, reports Agerpres.
“It was with deep sadness that I received the news of the passing of Mr. Mircea Lucescu, a prominent figure in Romanian and international sports. Throughout his fruitful career, Mr. Mircea Lucescu stood out for his dedication, responsibility and professionalism, contributing significantly to the promotion of the authentic values of sport. He was particularly appreciated for his pedagogic tact, his special culture and open and honest communication,” the Patriarch says in a press release entitled “An accomplished coach and a devout and giving Christian.”
Regarding the relationship with the Church, the BOR Patriarch points out that Lucescu “had a significant contribution to the putting into use for the Romanian community resident in Istanbul, in 2004, of the church of Sfânta Muceniță Paraschevi in the Haskoy neighborhood”.
“The Romanian Orthodox Church showed her gratitude”
“This church was rebuilt from the ground up by the Holy Ruler Martyr Constantin Brâncoveanu, in 1692, and benefited from extensive restoration works after 2004, including through the care of Mr. Mircea Lucescu and his entire family. At the same time, his reign also helped other churches in Romania, and the Romanian Orthodox Church showed its gratitude both by commemorating it in prayer and by offering orders or ecclesiastical distinctions”, the Patriarch's message states.
Among the awards received, the Order of the Patriarchal Cross awarded by Patriarch Teoctist, during his visit to Istanbul in 2004, stands out.
Also, as a sign of gratitude to the Romanian Orthodox Church for the help offered to its mission over time, as well as in appreciation of the results of his career as an athlete and coach, at the beginning of this month he was presented with the Order of Faith and Communion of the Romanian Patriarchate.
“In these moments of pain for his lordship's family, for his friends and those close to him, but also for all those who knew and cherished him, we pray to God to rest the soul of His servant Mircea in the light, peace and love of the Most Holy Trinity, and to give comfort and spiritual strength to the bereaved. His eternal memory from generation to generation!”, Patriarch Daniel added.
Mircea Lucescu died on Tuesday, at the Bucharest University Emergency Hospital. He was 80 years old.
