The Orthodox Church and the Romanian State during the interwar period. Patriarch Miron Cristea’s Government
The Orthodox Church and the Romanian State during the interwar period. Patriarch Miron Cristea’s Government

Summary/Abstract: Patriarch Miron Cristea was the most important church personality in the inter-war Romania, a symbol of the church unity, as well as of the national unity, with great involvement in the political life. A symphony between State and Church was achieved through this patriarch, similar to the Byzantine symphony. Former member of the royal regency, with connections in the Romanian political world, Miron Cristea led the Romania political life between 1938–1939 as president of the Council of Ministers. King Charles II brought the patriarch at the head of the government wishing to link the Orthodox Church to his politics, an institution that enjoyed real prestige in Romanian society. The king was also hoping to pull the Orthodox clergy away from the attraction that the Legionary Movement exerted over them. The legionary political discourse, based on the Orthodox doctrine, fascinated many priests who became members or sympathizers of the Legionary Movement. This essay focuses on the presentation of the relation between the Romanian Orthodox Church and State, during the leadership of Patriarch Miron Cristea. The tensions between the Iron Guard and the Patriarch are also presented. During the government of the first patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, the toughest political measures were taken against the Legionary Movement, culminating with the elimination of its leader Corneliu Zelea Codreanu.

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