Firefighters across several regions of Romania have marked the feast day of Saint Joseph the New of Partos, whom the Romanian Orthodox Church recognizes as the spiritual patron of the country’s military firefighters.

In Timis County, firefighters gathered for prayers at Partos Monastery, where the saint spent the final years of his life. In the eastern city of Galati, Archbishop Casian of the Lower Danube blessed members of the local emergency services, according to the Romanian Orthodox Church’s Basilica news agency.

Saint Joseph the New of Partos was a 17th-century Orthodox bishop and Metropolitan of Timisoara and Banat. Born probably in the late 16th century, he spent years in monasteries on Mount Athos and elsewhere in the Balkans before becoming metropolitan in 1650.

He died at Partos Monastery in 1656, reportedly aged more than 85. The Romanian Orthodox Church later canonized him and observes his feast day on September 15.

His association with firefighters stems from a church tradition concerning a major fire in Timisoara in the 17th century. According to the account, the fire threatened the city and its fortress. Despite his advanced age, Joseph went toward the blaze and prayed. Heavy rain then reportedly fell and extinguished the fire.

The Romanian Orthodox Church’s Holy Synod formally designated Saint Joseph the patron of Romania’s military firefighters in 1997.

Firefighters in Timis County prayed during the celebrations for protection and assistance during rescue operations and for safety from danger. Similar religious services were held in other parts of the country.

Addressing firefighters in Galati, Archbishop Casian praised their readiness to help people during emergencies and urged them to maintain calm and inner balance while performing their duties. He also highlighted the role of emergency personnel in protecting lives and property.

Romania observes Firefighters’ Day on September 13, commemorating the Battle of Dealul Spirii in Bucharest in 1848, when military firefighters commanded by Captain Pavel Zaganescu fought alongside Romanian troops against Ottoman forces. The national observance was formally established in 1997.